Los Cristianos: Whale Watching Cruise w/Swim Stop & Drinks

The best part of this cruise is the combination of pilot whale and dolphin watching with a proper sea outing. You are not simply sitting on a boat for an hour hoping to spot a fin. The Ragnarok carries you from Los Cristianos toward the waters between Tenerife and La Gomera, then continues along the south coast for swimming, views, drinks, and Viking-themed entertainment.

I like the friendly crew, especially the lively hosting associated with Gunner and Matthias, and I like the easygoing mix of wildlife and fun. Drinks are included, restrooms are on board, and food is available if you want more than a snack. The main caution is the sea itself: several people found the ride choppy, so this is a poor match for anyone prone to seasickness.

Key points to know before boarding

• Pilot whales often come close to the ship: Sightings can be only a few metres away, though wildlife is never guaranteed.
• The swim stop adds real value: You can swim or snorkel in the Atlantic after the wildlife search, with views of cliffs, beaches, and El Teide.
• Ragnarok is part of the entertainment: Viking stories, costumes, music, face painting, and playful crew interaction make this more than a standard boat trip.
• Beer, wine, and other drinks are included: Food and snacks cost extra at the onboard bar.
• Allow extra time for Los Cristianos: Parking and port traffic can be difficult, so arrive at least 15 minutes before departure.
• Skip it if you get seasick easily: The open water can be rough, especially away from the harbour.

Setting out from Los Cristianos on the Ragnarok

Your three-hour outing begins at Puerto de Los Cristianos, at Boarding Gate Zone Excursion A, right beside the beach. The ship is called Ragnarok, and the Viking theme begins before you reach open water. This is a theatrical boat, not a quiet sailing yacht, so expect a social mood, music, jokes, and crew members who make a point of including children and adults.

Arrive at least 15 minutes early. Los Cristianos has limited parking, and traffic around the port can slow you down. I would not treat the stated departure time as a suggestion, especially if you are coming from another resort in southern Tenerife.

The boat has comfortable restrooms, a bar, and a professional captain and crew. Wheelchair access is available, although an electric wheelchair is not suitable for safety reasons. If you use a wheelchair, confirm that a manual chair will work for your needs before booking.

The Viking theme is deliberately playful. You may see face painting, props, costumes, and photo opportunities, while the crew stays in character during parts of the cruise. You do not need to be a Viking enthusiast, but you should enjoy a bit of silly fun. This is not a hushed wildlife research trip.

Searching for dolphins and pilot whales between Tenerife and La Gomera

The boat heads into the waters between Tenerife and La Gomera, an area known for regular dolphin and whale sightings. Pilot whales are the main prize, and dolphins are also commonly seen. Several outings have had whales swimming only a few metres from the boat, which can make for excellent photographs.

The crew combines wildlife information with entertainment. Gunner is often singled out as a warm and energetic host, and Matthias has also been praised for helping create the friendly atmosphere. The strongest part of the presentation is that the guides do not treat the animals as props. When whales or dolphins appear, the crew asks people to remain calm and quiet so the animals are not unnecessarily disturbed.

That approach matters. A wildlife cruise should give you a chance to watch animals in their own environment, not chase them for a closer photograph. Sightings remain unpredictable, even in these productive waters. One outing may produce dolphins and several pilot whales, while another may not find either. The cruise is still built to offer scenery, music, drinks, and a swim stop, so the day does not rest on wildlife alone.

Keep your camera ready, but do not spend the whole trip staring at your phone. A whale surfacing beside the ship can be brief, and the best view is often the one you watch rather than record.

Coastal views past Playa de Las Américas and Adeje

After the wildlife search, the Ragnarok follows Tenerife’s southern coast. You pass the developed shoreline around Playa de Las Américas and Adeje, seeing beaches, cliffs, resort areas, and the volcanic profile of El Teide inland.

From the water, the coast looks different from the view you get on a road or hotel balcony. You can see how the resort towns fit against the cliffs and how quickly the built-up shoreline gives way to open sea. On a clear day, El Teide provides a memorable backdrop, especially when viewed from the boat with the coast below it.

This section also gives you time to settle into the rhythm of the cruise. The wildlife search can make everyone scan the horizon. The coastal run is slower and more relaxed, with music, drinks, photos, and the Viking show filling the gaps.

The main limitation is seating. One outing was described as slightly overbooked, with not quite enough seats for everyone. That was considered a minor issue, but it is worth keeping in mind if you need a particular place to sit or prefer a quiet amount of personal space.

The Atlantic swim and snorkel stop

The ship anchors near cliffs and beaches for the swimming portion of the trip. You can jump into the Atlantic, swim, or snorkel, depending on your comfort level and the conditions that day. For many people, this is the highlight after the wildlife viewing.

Swimming from a boat feels different from swimming at a resort beach. You are surrounded by open water, with the ship, cliffs, and Tenerife’s coast forming the view. Some outings allow a generous amount of time in the water, and children often enjoy the simple thrill of jumping from the boat.

Bring a towel, swimwear, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat. A warm, sunny day can make the swim feel easy, but the Atlantic is still open water. Pay attention to the safety briefing and follow the crew’s instructions. The tour may mention the possibility of spotting a sea turtle, but you should regard that as a pleasant bonus rather than a planned sighting.

Snorkeling is listed as part of the activity, yet this is not presented as a specialist snorkeling excursion. Choose it for the chance to look below the surface during the stop, not for a detailed reef experience.

If you do not want to swim, you can stay aboard and enjoy the views. You should still bring sun protection, since the boat offers little escape from glare and wind.

Viking stories, music, face painting, and food on board

The entertainment gives this cruise its identity. The crew uses Viking stories, jokes, music, photos, and playful interaction to keep the three hours moving. Children can take part in face painting and themed activities, while adults can enjoy the show without needing to take it too seriously.

The crew has been particularly effective at involving different age groups. Families with young children have found the Viking role play a major part of the appeal, and older visitors have also enjoyed the hospitality. The experience can be as active or relaxed as you choose: join the fun, take photographs, watch for marine life, or sit with a drink and enjoy the coast.

Included drinks are one of the better value points. Beer, wine, water, soft drinks, and other options are available during the cruise. The selection is not enormous, and one person wished for more variety, but you do not have to pay separately every time you want a drink.

Food is not included. The onboard bar sells snacks and simple meals, with burgers, chips, chicken nuggets, and similar items available according to the information provided. Prices have been described as reasonable, but you should budget extra if you want lunch. If you have dietary needs, check the available choices before relying on the onboard menu.

The combination of included drinks and optional food means the advertised fare covers the main experience without forcing you into a meal purchase. That makes the cruise easier to budget than an outing where every drink becomes an extra charge.

Is $91 good value for a three-hour cruise?

At $91 per person, this is not the cheapest whale watching option in Tenerife. You are paying for more than wildlife viewing, though. The price includes a three-hour boat trip, the Viking-themed entertainment, drinks, the swim stop, crew service, restrooms, and the coastal views.

I see the value most clearly if you would otherwise book separate activities. A short dolphin trip can give you wildlife, but not necessarily a swim, a show, or drinks. A sightseeing cruise may offer coastline views, but not the same focus on pilot whales and dolphins. Ragnarok combines all of these into one half-day outing.

The value is weaker if you want a quiet, serious nature excursion. The Viking acting, music, face painting, and social atmosphere are central to the experience. You are paying for a boat party with wildlife watching, not a minimalist marine study trip.

The listed price can also be compared with older promotional fares that appeared in past outings, but do not assume those prices are still available. Use the current price at booking. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and the option to reserve now and pay later make the commitment easier, particularly if your Tenerife plans may change.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

I would recommend it first to families, couples, and groups who want several activities in one outing. Children can enjoy the Viking characters, face painting, music, and swimming, while adults get the coast, drinks, and chance of seeing whales and dolphins.

It also suits repeat visitors to Tenerife. Several people have returned for a second, third, or even fourth trip, drawn by the crew and the different wildlife sightings. You may not see exactly the same animals each time, and the swim stop gives the outing a second focus beyond the search for whales.

The cruise is a good pick for anyone who values a warm, involved crew. Staff members make an effort to include people, help with practical needs, and keep the mood moving. This was especially appreciated by families and by a pregnant passenger who needed extra care.

I would be more cautious if you dislike group entertainment, need guaranteed seating, or suffer from motion sickness. The water can become choppy, and several people have felt ill. Staying near the middle of the boat may help, but the safest advice for someone highly prone to seasickness is to choose a different activity.

Practical preparation for the day

Wear clothes that can handle spray, wind, and a little mess from swimming. Bring:

• Swimwear and a towel
• Sunscreen and sunglasses
• A sun hat
• A phone or camera with a secure grip
• Any motion sickness medication you normally use

Do not bring pets. Food is optional and costs extra, while drinks are included. The boat has restrooms, so you do not need to worry about being away from shore for three hours.

Plan your route to the port in advance. Los Cristianos can be difficult for parking, and limited spaces near the harbour may turn a simple arrival into a stressful one. Get there early enough to find the boarding gate without rushing.

The tour is offered in English and Spanish. A live guide is present, and the boat is wheelchair accessible with the manual wheelchair limitation noted above.

Should you book the Ragnarok cruise?

Book this tour if you want wildlife, swimming, drinks, and entertainment in one package. The strongest reasons are the frequent chance of seeing pilot whales and dolphins, the crew’s energy, and the unusual Viking setting. The swim stop and included drinks make the $91 fare easier to justify than a basic sightseeing boat.

Skip it if you want a silent nature trip or if rough water quickly makes you ill. Wildlife sightings cannot be promised, and the ship can feel busy. For families and anyone who enjoys a little theatre with their sea time, though, Ragnarok offers a memorable and good-value way to spend an afternoon off Tenerife’s south coast.

FAQ

Where does the Viking whale watching cruise leave from?

It leaves from Puerto de Los Cristianos at Los Cristianos Harbour. The boarding point is Zone Excursion A, right beside the beach.

How long does the cruise last?

The advertised duration is three hours. The trip includes sailing, whale and dolphin watching, coastal sightseeing, a swimming stop, and onboard entertainment.

Are drinks included in the price?

Yes. Beer, wine, and other drinks are included during the cruise. The available selection may be limited, and food and snacks cost extra.

Can I swim or snorkel during the trip?

Yes. The ship stops near cliffs and beaches where you can swim or snorkel in the Atlantic, subject to conditions and the crew’s instructions.

Are whales and dolphins guaranteed?

No. The waters between Tenerife and La Gomera are known for frequent sightings, but marine animals move freely and sightings cannot be guaranteed.

Is the boat suitable for wheelchair users?

The boat is wheelchair accessible. For safety reasons, a manual wheelchair should be used rather than an electric wheelchair.

Is the cruise suitable for children?

Yes. Children can enjoy the Viking entertainment, face painting, music, photos, and swimming stop. The crew also provides activities and interaction for younger children.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. You should also arrive at least 15 minutes before departure and allow extra time for traffic and parking near the harbour.