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

The best part of the Ragnarok cruise is the mix of wildlife watching and playful Viking theater. You sail from Los Cristianos toward the waters between Tenerife and La Gomera, where dolphins and pilot whales are often seen, then stop near the coast for a swim with Mount Teide in view. It is part boat trip, part family show, and part floating beach break.

I like the included drinks, which make the $44 price easier to justify, and I like that the crew keeps its distance from the whales and dolphins. The hosts, including Gunner and Mathias, are known for involving children and adults alike. The main caution is the sea: conditions can be choppy, and this trip is a poor match for anyone prone to seasickness.

Key points to know before boarding

• Whales and dolphins: Search the waters between Tenerife and La Gomera for pilot whales and dolphins in their natural habitat.
• Ragnarok setting: A Viking-themed ship, costumed hosts, music, face painting, and photo props give the cruise a deliberately theatrical feel.
• Swim stop: Anchor near Tenerife’s cliffs and beaches for time in the Atlantic, with snorkeling and swimming possible.
• Drinks included: Beer, wine, water, soft drinks, and other drinks are available during the cruise.
• Three-hour outing: The cruise leaves from Puerto de Los Cristianos and returns to the same harbor.
• Prepare for motion: Bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, swimwear, and a towel. Consider seasickness medicine if you need it.

Sailing out of Los Cristianos on Ragnarok

Your trip begins at Puerto de Los Cristianos, with boarding at Excursion Zone A, right beside the beach. Arrive at least 15 minutes early. The port can be slow to reach, especially when traffic is heavy and parking is limited, so give yourself more time than the short distance on a map may suggest.

The Ragnarok is not a quiet little wildlife boat. It is built around a Viking theme, and that shapes the whole mood from the moment you board. The crew uses music, jokes, costumes, face painting, and playful interaction to keep the energy high. You can pose with props and get into character for photos, while children may be invited into the action.

That approach works best if you enjoy a bit of silliness. The entertainment is a major part of the value, but it also means this is not the right choice for someone seeking a hushed, strictly naturalist cruise. You are signing up for a show as well as a wildlife trip.

The ship has comfortable restrooms, a bar, and seating areas. One useful point from the experience is that seating may feel tight when the boat is full, so boarding early is sensible if you want to choose your spot. Staying near the middle of the vessel can also help if you are sensitive to movement.

The search for whales and dolphins

After leaving the harbor, the ship heads into the waters between Tenerife and La Gomera. This area is known for regular sightings of dolphins and whales, and the crew watches for movement at the surface while guiding you toward good viewing positions.

The animals are wild, so no sighting is guaranteed. Some trips see dolphins and pilot whales close to the boat, while another departure may produce no wildlife at all. That is the honest trade-off with any ocean safari. You should book for the full outing, not only for a promised animal encounter.

When sightings do happen, the results can be excellent. Pilot whales have been seen near the boat, along with pods of dolphins swimming alongside the ship. The crew also appears to take a sensible approach to viewing. They do not rush in or create needless noise, and passengers may be asked to stay calm and quiet while the animals are nearby.

That matters. The best moments often come when the boat slows and you watch the animals choose their own path. Keep your camera ready, but do not spend the entire time looking at a screen. A wide view of the water gives you a better chance of spotting movement before the crew points it out.

The guides speak English and Spanish. They combine information about the wildlife with plenty of jokes and audience interaction. Some passengers have found the animator to be the strongest part of the trip, especially for children, while still keeping the whale and dolphin viewing respectful.

Along Playa de Las Américas and Adeje

Once the wildlife search is finished, the cruise follows Tenerife’s south coast. You pass the resort areas of Playa de Las Américas and Adeje from a different angle, with the shoreline, beaches, and cliffs opening up around you.

A boat gives you a useful sense of the coast. From land, you see individual beaches and roads. From the water, you can watch the resorts stretch along the shore and see the scale of the cliffs more clearly. The views toward Mount Teide add a striking inland reference point, especially when the volcano is visible above the coast.

This section is less about a formal sightseeing talk and more about enjoying the changing views from the deck. Bring your sunglasses and hat, since there is little reason to stay inside when the weather is good. Sunscreen is essential, even on a breezy day when the air does not feel especially hot.

The ship is wheelchair accessible, but there is an important safety limit: guests using wheelchairs are asked to use a manual wheelchair rather than an electric one. If you need specific assistance, confirm the arrangement before booking.

The Atlantic swim stop near Tenerife’s cliffs

The cruise anchors near beaches and cliffs for the swimming portion. This is one of the strongest reasons to choose this particular outing instead of a simple whale-watching boat ride. You get time to leave the viewing position behind and enjoy the Atlantic itself.

You can swim or snorkel in the clear water, and there is a chance of seeing a sea turtle. A sighting is never certain, but the stop gives you the freedom to explore at water level rather than only looking down from the deck.

The swim is also a good reset after the wildlife search. Some people jump straight in, while others prefer to watch from the boat and enjoy a drink. Life jackets are provided for younger children, according to the experience details, so families can make the stop work at different comfort levels.

Pack a towel and swimwear, and do not forget a dry place for your phone. The information provided does not specify a dedicated changing room, so it is wise to wear your swimsuit under your clothes. If you plan to snorkel, bring your own gear unless the crew confirms equipment is available.

The water stop can be especially enjoyable for children, but it is not only for families. Adults who want a straightforward ocean swim will find it a worthwhile part of the three-hour schedule. Just remember that the boat may move beneath you, and getting back aboard can be less comfortable for anyone with limited mobility.

Viking entertainment, face painting, and food

The entertainment gives this excursion its particular personality. Two Viking hosts, with Gunner and Mathias praised by name for their warm hosting, help keep the mood light. The crew aims to involve everyone, from young children to older adults, rather than performing only at the front of the ship.

You might see face painting, music, Viking poses, photo opportunities, and comic audience participation. The show is intentionally broad and a little cheesy. That is not a flaw if you understand the product. Families and groups looking for an easygoing afternoon usually get more from the character acting than couples hoping for a quiet, refined sail.

Drinks are included throughout the cruise. The selection includes beer, wine, water, soft drinks, and other beverages. This is one of the clearest value points at $44 per person, particularly if you expect to have several drinks during three hours on the water.

Food is not included, but you can buy it from the onboard bar. The available menu includes simple items such as burgers, chips, and chicken nuggets, with portions and prices described in the experience feedback as reasonable. Think casual fast food, not a meal-focused sailing.

I would eat before boarding if food is important to you, then treat the bar as a convenience rather than the main attraction. It is useful for a snack, especially with children, but the wildlife, views, swim, and show are what make the trip worthwhile.

Is $44 good value for three hours?

At $44, the price covers more than transport across the water. You receive the boat tour, captain and professional crew, the swim stop, onboard restrooms, and drinks. You also get the Viking performance, which would be a separate attraction on some family excursions.

The value is strongest for people who will use several parts of the package. If you want whale and dolphin watching, will have a drink or two, enjoy live entertainment, and plan to swim, the price is fair. The included beverages are a practical benefit rather than a small extra.

The value is weaker if you dislike theatrical entertainment, do not drink, have no interest in swimming, or want a specialist wildlife lecture. In that case, a quieter sailing or dedicated marine-life trip may suit you better, though no alternative can promise better sightings from the information available here.

Food and photos cost extra. Build those into your budget if you want lunch onboard or a professional souvenir. You can also take your own pictures, but wildlife photography from a moving boat is unpredictable.

The 4.7 rating from 767 reviews fits the pattern of the experience: the crew, show, drinks, and swim are praised again and again, while the main complaints are practical ones such as rough water, limited seating, a late-running departure, or a day when no whales or dolphins appeared.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

I would recommend it first to families with children, groups of friends, and adults who enjoy a relaxed party atmosphere. Children can take part in face painting and Viking activities, while adults have the choice of drinks, coastal views, wildlife watching, and swimming.

It also suits couples who want an activity with more energy than a standard boat ride. One couple enjoyed it enough to return a few days later, which says something about the appeal of the show and the setting. Still, if your ideal date is quiet and romantic, the music and audience interaction may feel too busy.

Older family members can take part too. The boat is wheelchair accessible under the manual-wheelchair restriction, and one family included an 84-year-old relative. The practical question is not age alone, but comfort with boarding, boat movement, and the swim-stop setup.

I would avoid it if you are prone to seasickness. Several people found the sea choppy, and some passengers became unwell. Sit toward the middle of the boat, avoid arriving on an empty stomach, and bring any medication you normally use. If motion at sea is a serious problem for you, choose a land-based activity instead.

Pets are not allowed.

What to bring and how to plan your day

Pack lightly, but bring the items that make a boat trip comfortable:

• Sunglasses and a sun hat
• Swimwear and a towel
• Sunscreen
• A phone or camera with a secure grip
• Seasickness medication if needed

Allow extra time to reach Los Cristianos Harbour. Parking near the port is limited, and traffic can be heavy. The meeting point is at Excursion Zone A, beside the beach, and the cruise returns there after three hours.

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option keeps your plans flexible. Check the available departure times before choosing your day, since the exact starting time is not fixed in the information provided.

The tour is offered in English and Spanish. Restrooms are onboard, which is useful during a three-hour outing, especially with children. Drinks are available during the sailing, while food can be purchased if you need it.

Should you book the Ragnarok cruise?

Book this excursion if you want wildlife, swimming, drinks, and entertainment in one package. The crew puts real effort into including different ages, and the Viking theme gives the trip a memorable edge that a plain sightseeing boat lacks. The chance to see pilot whales or dolphins, followed by a swim beneath the Tenerife cliffs, is a strong combination.

Do not book it expecting guaranteed wildlife, silence, or calm water. The sea can be rough, the boat may feel busy, and the show is proudly playful. For most people who accept those conditions, $44 is a solid price for three hours on Tenerife’s south coast.

FAQ

Where does the Viking whale-watching cruise depart?

It departs from Puerto de Los Cristianos, at Los Cristianos Harbour. Boarding is at Excursion Zone A, right beside the beach.

How long does the cruise last?

The cruise lasts three hours and returns to Puerto de Los Cristianos. Starting times vary, so check availability when selecting your date.

Are drinks included in the price?

Yes. Drinks are included during the cruise, including beer, wine, water, soft drinks, and other beverages.

Is food included?

No. Food and snacks are available to buy at the onboard bar for an additional cost. Options include simple items such as burgers, chips, and chicken nuggets.

Will I definitely see whales or dolphins?

No sighting can be guaranteed because the animals are wild. The cruise travels in waters known for frequent whale and dolphin sightings, and some trips see pilot whales and dolphins close to the ship.

Can I swim during the cruise?

Yes. The ship stops near Tenerife’s cliffs and beaches so you can swim or snorkel in the Atlantic. A sea turtle sighting is possible but not guaranteed.

Is the boat wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the boat is wheelchair accessible. For safety reasons, a manual wheelchair is requested instead of an electric wheelchair.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. If you are prone to seasickness, bring the medication you normally use.

Can I cancel my booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. A reserve-now, pay-later option is also available.