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

The best part of this cruise is the mix of wildlife watching and Viking theater. You leave Los Cristianos aboard the Ragnarok, search for whales and dolphins between Tenerife and La Gomera, then stop for a swim with El Teide and Tenerife’s southern cliffs in view. I like the included beer, wine, and soft drinks, and I like that the crew keeps the mood lively without rushing the ocean wildlife.

I also like the practical extras: restrooms, a bar, optional food, and a wheelchair-accessible boat. The main caution is the sea itself. This trip can get choppy, and several people felt seasick, so sit near the middle of the ship and consider motion sickness tablets if you are prone to it. Whale and dolphin sightings are never guaranteed.

Key points at a glance

• Ragnarok is the attraction as much as the wildlife: You cruise on a Viking-themed vessel with costumed hosts, music, face painting, props, and playful entertainment.
• The whale and dolphin waters are between Tenerife and La Gomera: This stretch is known for frequent sightings, and pilot whales and dolphins may swim near the boat.
• The Atlantic swim stop adds real value: You can swim or snorkel from the ship, with life jackets available for children.
• Drinks are included: Beer, wine, water, and soft drinks are available during the cruise, while food costs extra.
• The three-hour format works well: You get wildlife watching, coastal views, entertainment, and a swim without giving up a whole day.
• Sea conditions matter: The ship is comfortable, but rough water can spoil the trip for anyone prone to seasickness.

What the Ragnarok cruise is really like

This is not a quiet naturalist boat trip. It is a themed cruise built around three things: Tenerife’s southern coast, marine wildlife, and a cheerful Viking show.

That distinction matters when you choose. You will not spend three silent hours scanning the horizon with a marine biologist. Instead, the crew keeps you involved with jokes, music, Viking antics, face painting, and photo opportunities. At the same time, the wildlife is treated with care. The boat does not chase animals or crowd them, and the crew asks people to stay calm and quiet when whales or dolphins come close.

The ship leaves from Puerto de Los Cristianos, right beside the beach. Your boarding point is Excursion A, a useful detail because the harbor has several activity operators and it is easy to wander toward the wrong gate. Arrive at least 15 minutes before departure. Parking around the port can be limited, and traffic in southern Tenerife can be slow, so I would not cut arrival time close.

Once aboard, you can find a seat, get a drink, and settle into the ship’s Viking world. The boat has comfortable restrooms, a bar, and professional crew members. The hosts, including Gunner and Mathias on some departures, help turn the cruise into a shared show rather than a simple transfer across the water.

Watching whales and dolphins between Tenerife and La Gomera

The boat heads into the waters between Tenerife and La Gomera, one of the strongest reasons to choose a marine trip from Los Cristianos. Pilot whales and dolphins are commonly seen in this area, though nature sets the schedule. On one outing you may see a pod close to the ship, while on another you may see no cetaceans at all.

The wildlife sightings described for this cruise include pilot whales and dolphins. Some people have seen several pilot whales near the boat, along with small groups of dolphins. That can produce wonderful photographs, but your best approach is to enjoy the sight itself first. Animals move quickly, and the boat may be turning or slowing while everyone tries to find the right side.

I appreciate the reported restraint around the animals. The crew gives wildlife room instead of pushing in for a closer look. When the whales come near, keeping quiet helps you watch their natural behavior and avoids turning the moment into a noisy spectacle.

Bring a phone or camera, but do not spend the whole sighting looking at a screen. Whales can surface on either side, and dolphins may appear for only a few seconds. Sunglasses are useful for glare, and a hat helps during the open-water part of the cruise.

The honest warning is simple: sightings are possible, not promised. One outing did not produce whales or dolphins, and that is part of any wildlife cruise. You should choose this trip because the sea journey, swim, views, and entertainment all have value on their own. That way, a quiet wildlife day does not ruin the experience.

Coastal views from Los Cristianos to Adeje

The cruise also gives you a different look at Tenerife’s south coast. From the water, you pass the coastline around Playa de Las Américas and Adeje, with beaches, cliffs, and resort areas opening out behind the ship.

The view is especially useful if you have spent most of your holiday inland or around hotel pools. You see the coast as one long sweep rather than as separate beach stops. On a clear day, El Teide provides a dramatic backdrop from the sea, though visibility depends on weather and cloud.

This is not a sightseeing cruise with a long list of formal stops. The scenery is part of the passage between wildlife watching and the swim stop. I would bring a light layer even on a warm day, since the breeze on open water can feel much cooler than the harbor.

The boat’s Viking design gives the coastal view a playful frame. You may be taking photos with props or face paint one minute, then looking across the Atlantic toward La Gomera the next. That mixture is why this outing works especially well for families and mixed-age groups.

The swim and snorkel stop

After the wildlife portion, the Ragnarok anchors near cliffs and beaches for the water stop. You can swim or snorkel in the Atlantic, and this is often the most memorable part for people who want more than a boat ride.

You do not need to be an expert swimmer to enjoy the stop, but you do need to be comfortable entering open seawater. Life jackets are available for children, and you should follow the crew’s instructions about getting into and out of the water.

The water may be clear enough for a pleasant look below the surface, and you might spot a sea turtle. That possibility is not a promise, so think of snorkeling as an added bonus rather than a wildlife guarantee.

Bring your own swimwear and towel. Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat are also listed as essentials. I would apply sunscreen before boarding and reapply after swimming, since the combination of sun, wind, and reflected water catches people off guard.

The stop has a good balance for a three-hour outing. It gives swimmers enough time to enjoy the sea without turning the cruise into a full beach day. If you do not want to swim, you can remain aboard and enjoy the views, drinks, and atmosphere. The information provided does not specify a separate activity program for non-swimmers, so anyone who dislikes water should treat the swim stop as a pause rather than the main reason to book.

Viking entertainment, music, and face painting

The entertainment is a major part of the value. Two Viking performers help keep the trip moving with jokes, interaction, music, and photo moments. The hosts bring children into the show, but adults are not left out.

Face painting is optional. It is a small touch, yet it helps families and groups commit to the theme. Props and Viking costumes also create easy holiday photographs without needing to arrange a separate photo session.

The tone is intentionally silly. If you prefer a calm boat with low commentary, this may feel too loud or theatrical. If you enjoy joining in, the performance gives the cruise energy during stretches when wildlife is not visible.

The crew also makes an effort to include people across the ship. That matters because themed excursions can sometimes focus on the front rows or on children. Here, the entertainment is designed to involve different ages and sections of the boat. The crew’s warmth and effort receive some of the strongest praise, with Gunner and Mathias singled out on particular trips.

Food and drink add to the relaxed feel. Beer, wine, water, and other drinks are included, while snacks and hot food are available from the onboard bar for an extra charge. The optional menu includes simple items such as burgers, chips, and chicken nuggets. This is useful if you want lunch without leaving the harbor, though you should budget separately for food.

Is $44 a fair price?

At $44 per person, I see this as good value if you plan to use the full package. You receive a three-hour boat tour, a swim stop, onboard entertainment, whale and dolphin watching, coastal views, restrooms, and included drinks.

The drinks are a meaningful part of the price. A beer, wine, or soft drink after swimming can quickly add cost on another excursion, while here you can order during the cruise. The food is not included, but the optional bar menu lets you decide whether you want a meal or simply bring your appetite back to shore.

The value is strongest for families and couples who want several activities in one booking. You are not paying only for a chance at wildlife. You are also paying for the ship, the show, the swim, and the time on the water.

The value is weaker if you want a specialist wildlife tour above all else. A quiet boat with expert animal interpretation may suit you better, but that is not what this experience is selling. Here, the Viking theme is central, and the wildlife is one part of a broader day out.

Photos are not included. If you want professional pictures, expect to pay extra. You can take your own photos, but keep your phone protected around the swim area and avoid missing the animals while framing shots.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would recommend the Ragnarok to families with children, couples who enjoy playful entertainment, and anyone looking for a social half-day activity from southern Tenerife. Children can take part in the Viking show, try face painting, and swim with life jackets provided for younger participants.

It also suits adults who are happy to be a little childish for three hours. The Viking theme is not subtle, and that is precisely the point. People who enjoy costumes, music, jokes, and group interaction will get much more from the trip than people seeking silence.

The outing can work for older visitors too. The boat is wheelchair accessible, and an 84-year-old participant was able to enjoy a trip with family. For safety, the operator asks wheelchair users to use a manual wheelchair rather than an electric one.

I would think twice if you suffer from seasickness. Some departures can be choppy, and people who became ill found the ride difficult. The middle of the boat is the best place to sit for a steadier ride, but anyone highly sensitive to motion may prefer to skip it or take motion sickness tablets in advance.

Pets are not allowed. You should also be comfortable with the basic demands of boarding a boat, moving around the vessel, and entering the sea if you plan to swim.

Practical advice before you board

Give yourself extra time to reach Los Cristianos Harbour. Traffic can be heavy, parking is limited near the port, and the boarding area can take a few minutes to locate.

Pack a small beach-style kit:

• Swimwear and a towel
• Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat
• A phone or camera for coastal and Viking photos
• Motion sickness tablets if needed

You can speak with the crew in English or Spanish. The captain and professional crew manage the boat, safety briefing, drinks, and swim stop.

The activity starts and ends at Puerto de Los Cristianos. It lasts three hours, but exact departure times vary, so check the available starting time when you book. You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option gives you some flexibility while your Tenerife plans take shape.

How this cruise compares with a quiet boat trip

The Ragnarok is best understood as a show on the sea. The ship, Viking hosts, music, face painting, and group activities are not side details. They shape the whole outing.

That can be a strength when your group has different interests. One person can watch the horizon, another can enjoy the drinks, children can join the entertainment, and swimmers can take advantage of the Atlantic stop. Few people need to love exactly the same part of the experience.

It can also be a drawback. If you want natural silence, a small boat, or a detailed lecture about marine biology, the Viking format may not match your expectations. The wildlife is handled respectfully, but the mood around it remains light and social.

I like that the cruise does not rely only on a whale sighting to justify the cost. The coast, swim, drinks, crew, and ship give you several ways to have a good time. Still, you should keep expectations realistic. The sea is unpredictable, and no operator can guarantee whales, dolphins, calm water, or a perfect view from every seat.

Should you book the Ragnarok?

Book this cruise if you want a fun, all-in-one Tenerife outing with whales and dolphins as a possible highlight rather than the only goal. The included drinks, three-hour duration, swim stop, accessible boat, and strong entertainment make $44 a sensible price for many visitors.

I would choose it for a family day, a relaxed couple’s activity, or a group that enjoys music and a little theatrical silliness. I would skip it if you are highly prone to seasickness or want a quiet specialist wildlife tour.

Arrive early, sit near the middle if the sea is rough, pack your swim gear, and treat the animal sightings as a gift rather than a guarantee. With that mindset, the Ragnarok offers a lively way to see Tenerife from the water and finish the trip with an Atlantic swim.

FAQ

Where does the Viking cruise depart from?

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

How early should I arrive?

You should arrive at least 15 minutes before departure. Allow extra time for traffic and parking near the port.

How long does the cruise last?

The cruise lasts three hours. Available departure times depend on the date you choose.

Are whales and dolphins guaranteed?

No. The waters between Tenerife and La Gomera are known for frequent sightings, but wildlife is unpredictable and sightings cannot be guaranteed.

What animals might I see?

You may see dolphins and whales, including pilot whales. You might also spot a sea turtle during the swim or snorkeling stop.

Is swimming included?

Yes. A swimming stop is included, and you may also snorkel during the stop.

Are drinks included in the price?

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

Is food included?

No. Food and snacks cost extra, but the onboard bar offers optional food and snacks for purchase.

Is the boat wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the boat is wheelchair accessible. For safety reasons, the operator asks wheelchair users to use a manual wheelchair rather than an electric one.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat. If you are prone to seasickness, consider taking suitable motion sickness tablets before the trip.

Are restrooms available onboard?

Yes. Comfortable restrooms are available on the boat.

Can I bring a pet?

No. Pets are not allowed on this activity.