Los Cristianos: Viking Cruise Whales & Dolphins Watching

Seeing a pilot whale surface beside a Viking ship is a pretty good way to spend two hours in Tenerife. From Los Cristianos, Ragnarok heads into the waters between Tenerife and La Gomera, an area known for regular whale and dolphin sightings in their natural habitat.

I like the boat’s large open layout, which gives you more room than a cramped speedboat. I also like the crew’s warm, hands-on approach, especially with children and anyone feeling seasick. The main caution is simple: this is the Atlantic, not an aquarium. Sightings are common, but whales and dolphins are wild animals, and rough water can affect the ride.

Key points to know before you sail

• Ragnarok is a full Viking-themed ship: Expect a striking boat, Viking props, music, and a playful atmosphere rather than a quiet scientific cruise.
• Pilot whales are a strong possibility: The waters off Tenerife are known for sightings, but no tour can promise a particular animal.
• The two-hour length works well: You get time at sea without committing to a long half-day outing.
• The crew is a major part of the experience: Guides keep the mood lively and help children, families, and passengers affected by motion sickness.
• Los Cristianos Harbour is easy to find: Board at Excursion Zone A, next to the beach, and arrive at least 15 minutes early.
• Bring protection from the sun and motion: Sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen, and sensible preparation for choppy water will make the trip more comfortable.

Sailing out of Los Cristianos on Ragnarok

Your trip begins at Puerto de Los Cristianos, one of the main ports on Tenerife’s southern coast. The boarding gate is in Excursion Zone A, right beside the beach. It is an easy meeting point once you are in the harbour area, but allow extra time if you are driving or relying on a bus. Parking around the port is limited, and traffic can be heavy.

Arrive at least 15 minutes before departure. That gives you time to find the gate, board without a rush, and choose a comfortable place on the ship. The cruise ends at the same harbour, so you do not need to arrange a second pickup point.

Ragnarok is the unusual part of the outing from the start. Instead of a standard catamaran or a small rigid inflatable boat, you board a vessel dressed up as a Viking ship. The design gives the cruise a strong sense of occasion, especially for children. You can enjoy the theme without needing to know anything about Viking history, and the crew uses costumes, props, music, and playful interaction to keep the mood light.

This is not a silent wildlife survey. The atmosphere is theatrical and social, with a sound system and a crew that likes to entertain. If you want a calm boat with long stretches of quiet and highly technical commentary, this may not be your ideal choice. If you want marine life mixed with a bit of showmanship, Ragnarok offers something different from the usual Tenerife boat trip.

Two hours between Tenerife and La Gomera

Once the ship leaves the harbour, you get a changing view of Tenerife’s south coast from the water. The coastline looks different offshore, with the port, beaches, resort buildings, and volcanic slopes seen as one broad sweep rather than from street level.

The main purpose of the cruise is to search for whales and dolphins. The waters between Tenerife and La Gomera are home to pilot whales and several kinds of dolphins, so the crew scans the surface while the ship moves through the area. Sightings may happen soon after leaving the harbour, or only after reaching deeper water.

Pilot whales are among the animals you might see. They often travel in groups, which can make a sighting especially memorable when several dark backs appear and disappear in the water. Dolphins may swim near the boat, leap, or travel alongside it for a short time. You might also see other marine life, including sea turtles, although the focus remains on whales and dolphins.

The crew will give a safety briefing and guide the wildlife search. The tour is offered in English and Spanish, and the onboard setup includes a powerful sound system. The guide’s style is energetic and funny, with plenty of attention given to children. Some outings feel more like a family show than a formal nature lesson, so expect entertainment alongside the animal information.

One useful point is that the boat provides plenty of space. You are not confined to a tiny seating area, and that makes it easier to move around when one side of the ship has the better view. It also helps families keep children comfortable. The ship has toilets onboard, and unlimited drinking water is included.

What the Viking theme adds

The Viking setting is not just a name on the ticket. The ship has character, and the crew encourages passengers to join in with the idea. Viking props and face painting may be available during the trip, and photos with the Viking can be purchased if you want a souvenir.

The entertainment is especially useful when wildlife takes time to appear. A whale and dolphin trip can involve stretches of watching, waiting, and scanning the sea. A lively guide, music, and the ship’s design help prevent those quiet periods from feeling like wasted time.

You should understand the limits of the theme before booking. The two-hour cruise is primarily a whale and dolphin outing with Viking elements. One passenger who booked the shorter trip found that a larger Viking show was linked to a three-hour option, so check the exact departure and duration if the performance is your main reason for going. The supplied tour details do not promise a full theatrical show on every two-hour sailing.

The tone suits families, couples, and solo passengers who enjoy a little silliness. Children can dress up and take part, while adults can simply enjoy the scenery and the novelty of the ship. The crew has also shown patience with children who need extra care or a different style of explanation.

Wildlife sightings are exciting, but never guaranteed

The strongest reason to choose this cruise is the chance to see animals where they actually live. Tenerife’s southern waters are known for whale and dolphin watching, and many departures encounter pilot whales, dolphins, or both.

Still, you need to keep your expectations sensible. Some trips see several pods up close. Others find dolphins but no whales. On some departures, passengers see only a brief glimpse of a whale, while a few may not get a clear sighting at all. That is not a fault unique to this cruise. Wild animals set the schedule.

Weather and sea conditions also matter. A calm day makes it easier to scan the water and enjoy the ride. Wind and swell can make the ship rock, and several passengers have felt seasick even while having a positive overall experience. If you know you are prone to motion sickness, this is the most important issue to consider.

Take medication only if it is suitable for you, and follow medical advice. Eat lightly before sailing, drink water, and avoid treating the bar as your first stop if the sea is rough. The crew carries bags and helps people who become ill, but their care cannot remove the movement of the ocean.

The ship’s size and extra room are helpful, yet no boat can make a choppy sea feel completely still. If you are very sensitive to motion, a land-based coastal activity may be a better match.

Food, water, toilets, and comfort onboard

Unlimited drinking water is included, which is useful in Tenerife’s strong southern sun. There is also an onboard bar where you can buy drinks, snacks, and food. These purchases are not part of the $20 ticket, so bring a little extra money if you want refreshments during the sailing.

Toilets are available onboard throughout the cruise. That small detail matters on a two-hour trip, particularly for families and anyone who prefers not to cut a boat outing short.

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, and sunscreen. You are exposed to bright light reflecting from the water, and even a warm day in port can feel cooler once the ship is moving. Wear secure footwear and keep your feet covered, since bare feet are not allowed.

The boat is wheelchair accessible, but the operator asks passengers to use a manual wheelchair rather than an electric one for safety reasons. If this affects your booking, confirm the arrangement in advance. Strollers can be stored nearby, which is helpful for families with babies or young children.

Is the $20 price good value?

At $20 per person, this is one of the easier Tenerife excursions to fit into a holiday budget. You get two hours at sea, a wildlife search, coastal views, a themed ship, professional crew, water, toilets, and live guiding in English or Spanish.

The value is strongest when you see both dolphins and pilot whales, but the price can still make sense when sightings are limited. The Viking setting gives the trip another purpose, and the crew works to keep the outing enjoyable even when wildlife is hard to find.

You should budget for optional drinks, snacks, and photos. Photos with the Viking are sold separately, and one passenger noted a charge of 10 euros for a photo. Treat these as extras rather than part of the basic deal.

The two-hour duration is another value point. It is long enough to reach the wildlife area and enjoy time offshore, but short enough to combine with an afternoon at the beach, a meal in Los Cristianos, or another south coast activity. A sunset departure can add attractive sea views, though the key benefit remains the wildlife search.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

I would recommend Ragnarok to families who want more than a plain sightseeing boat. Children get costumes, music, and an active guide, while adults get the chance to see marine life and Tenerife’s coast from offshore.

It also works well for couples and groups looking for a fun change from resort time. The ship has more personality than a standard boat, and the Viking theme gives you something to talk about even during a quiet stretch at sea.

Solo passengers can enjoy it too, since the crew creates an open, social atmosphere. The tour is less suited to anyone seeking a quiet, low-key wildlife study or anyone who struggles badly with motion sickness.

The cruise may also suit passengers who value attentive service. The crew helps people who feel unwell and takes time with children who need extra reassurance. That personal care can make a real difference on a boat trip, where a small problem can otherwise spoil the whole outing.

Practical booking advice for Los Cristianos

Check the available starting times before booking, since departure schedules can vary. Allow more time than usual for the journey to the harbour, especially if you are coming from another resort on Tenerife.

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and the reserve now, pay later option keeps your plans flexible. These terms are useful if weather or your wider holiday schedule may change, but you should still check the conditions attached to your booking.

The boat is intended for people who can manage an active sea outing. Pets are not allowed, and bare feet are not permitted. Bring your own sun protection, and consider motion sickness preparation before you arrive rather than waiting until the ship begins to move.

A wildlife cruise works best when you treat the animals as a bonus rather than a guaranteed show. Watch the water, listen to the crew, and enjoy the ride even if the sightings are brief. That attitude will help you get more from the trip.

Should you book the Ragnarok cruise?

Book it if you want a low-cost, family-friendly boat trip with a strong theme, plenty of room, and a genuine chance to see pilot whales and dolphins. The crew’s energy and care are central to the experience, and the two-hour format is easy to fit into a Tenerife holiday.

Think twice if motion sickness is a serious problem for you, or if you want a quiet, highly detailed wildlife lecture. The sea can be rough, sightings cannot be guaranteed, and the two-hour trip may not include every Viking performance offered on longer departures.

For most visitors staying in Tenerife’s south, Ragnarok is a good-value choice because it combines wildlife watching, coastal views, and a memorable ship at a modest price. Go prepared for movement, bring your hat and sunscreen, and let the whales and dolphins decide how spectacular the day becomes.

FAQ

Where does the Viking whale and dolphin cruise depart from?

It departs from Puerto de Los Cristianos at Excursion Zone A, next to the beach in Los Cristianos Harbour.

How long does the cruise last?

The cruise lasts two hours. Starting times depend on availability when you book.

What animals might I see?

The cruise searches for whales and dolphins, with pilot whales being a possible sighting. Sea turtles and other marine life may also be seen, but sightings are not guaranteed.

Is drinking water included?

Yes. Unlimited drinking water is included in the activity price.

Can I buy food and drinks onboard?

Yes. An onboard bar sells drinks, snacks, and food for an additional cost.

Is the boat wheelchair accessible?

Yes. The boat is wheelchair accessible, but the operator asks passengers to use a manual wheelchair rather than an electric one for safety reasons.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, and sunscreen. You should also prepare for possible motion sickness if you are sensitive to movement at sea.