3h Viking Cruise with Drinks, Whales watching & Swimming Time

The best part of this Tenerife boat trip is the mix: pilot whales and dolphins in the wild, followed by a swim in the Atlantic, with a costumed Viking crew keeping the mood lively. This is not a quiet nature cruise. It is part wildlife outing, part floating family show, and part afternoon party.

I like the included beer, wine, and soft drinks, which make the $45.95 price feel fair, and I like the crew’s clear effort to help children and passengers who feel nervous at sea. The main thing to consider is the water. Several outings have had rough waves, so take seasickness seriously and do not expect a calm ride every day.

Key things to know before you sail

• Pilot whales are the main wildlife sighting: Dolphins, turtles, and flying fish are also possible, but nothing in the open sea is guaranteed.
• The swim stop is a real part of the trip: You can jump into the Atlantic when conditions allow, with life vests and snorkeling glasses available.
• The entertainment never stays far away: Expect Viking music, face painting, stories, staged fights, games, dancing, and plenty of jokes.
• Drinks are included: Beer, wine, and soft drinks are served during the cruise, while food, ice cream, and premium drinks cost extra.
• You sail from Los Cristianos at 1:00 pm: The boat returns to the same harbor after about three hours.
• The mood suits families and social groups: It may not suit you if you want a quiet, low-key wildlife trip or prefer to avoid alcohol-centered entertainment.

Sailing out of Los Cristianos on the Viking Ragnarok

Your afternoon starts at the harbor of Los Cristianos, in the Playa de las Americas area. You can meet the Viking crew and take photos before boarding, an easy way to get into the theme before the boat leaves.

The ship is called Ragnarok, and the crew stays in character with Viking clothing, props, music, face paint, and staged action. That gives the trip more personality than a standard boat ride. You are not simply sitting on a deck waiting for wildlife to appear. The crew uses music, humor, storytelling, and short performances to keep the three hours moving.

This helps when the sea is quiet. Wildlife watching always includes some waiting, and a playful crew gives children something to do between sightings. It also makes the outing a good fit for mixed groups, where some people want whales and others mainly want drinks, photos, and a swim.

The boat can carry up to 100 people, so this is a shared group outing rather than a private sailing. That size allows for a lively atmosphere, but it also means the front deck, best photo spots, and shaded areas may be popular. One useful tip is to take your main photo before the boat gets moving. Walking around becomes less comfortable once the ship reaches open water.

The first 30 to 40 minutes: whales, dolphins, and Tenerife views

After leaving the harbor, the crew heads out for wildlife watching. The first section usually lasts around 30 to 40 minutes before the swim stop, although the exact timing depends on sea conditions and animal activity.

Pilot whales are a frequent highlight in the waters around Tenerife. You may also see dolphins, turtles, or flying fish. Some outings have produced several pods of pilot whales, including close views of a pod with a newborn. Other trips have produced fewer sightings, and one outing saw no dolphins. That is the honest trade-off with watching animals in the wild: the crew can search, but it cannot promise a performance.

The crew gives information in English, and Spanish explanations are also available. When whales are spotted, the boat may slow down or turn off its engine so you can watch with less noise. Keeping a respectful distance matters, both for the animals and for the quality of the encounter. A whale surfacing beside a moving boat is exciting, but a quiet boat allows you to watch its natural behavior for longer.

Keep your eyes open beyond the obvious. Flying fish have surprised people on this route, and sea turtles have occasionally appeared. These sightings are less certain than the pilot whales, so treat them as a bonus rather than a promised part of the trip.

The views are another reason to look away from the water. On a clear day, Mount Teide may be visible above Tenerife’s coastline. From the sea, the island gives you a different angle than you get from roads or resort streets. The broad view is especially pleasant when the boat is moving between wildlife spots.

The open-ocean swim stop

After the wildlife search, the boat stops for swimming when the conditions are suitable. You can enter the sea from the boat and cool off with Tenerife’s coastline around you. For many people, this is the most memorable part of the afternoon because it changes the pace from watching to taking part.

Life vests and snorkeling glasses are available. You do not have to swim, of course. You can stay aboard, watch the activity, take photos, or simply enjoy the breeze and a drink. The water may feel cold, particularly if the sea has been choppy or the sun is less strong, so do not assume everyone in your group will want to jump in.

The crew helps make the stop feel manageable, especially for children and hesitant swimmers. Still, this is an open-sea swim, not a sheltered hotel pool. If you are uncomfortable in deep water, use the life vest or remain on the boat.

Swimming also offers a useful break if you begin feeling warm or seasick. One passenger who felt unwell in the heat found the cooler water helpful. That said, swimming is not a cure for motion sickness, and you should prepare before departure if you know you are sensitive to waves.

Viking games, music, face paint, and food

The crew’s entertainment is a major part of the price. Expect Viking-themed music, humorous battles, storytelling about Tenerife, face painting, photo props, games, and dancing. There may also be playful drinking competitions and other audience participation.

The style is cheerful and theatrical rather than historically serious. If you enjoy joining in, the crew will give you plenty to watch and laugh at. Children tend to have an easy time with the costumes, fighting performances, and face paint, while adults can settle into the social atmosphere with a beer or glass of wine.

The regular music does not always have the same Viking feel as the boarding music, and the soundtrack may lean toward family entertainment. If you want a quiet deck with only the sound of the sea, this trip will probably feel too busy.

Food is available to buy onboard, but it is not part of the $45.95 ticket. The menu has included items such as burgers and fries, with vegetarian choices available. Portions can be large for children, so sharing one meal may make more sense than ordering a full portion for each child. Ice cream and premium drinks are also extra.

The free drinks are a real value point. Unlimited included beer, wine, and soft drinks can add up quickly on a three-hour boat outing. It also shapes the atmosphere, though. You should be comfortable being around alcohol and a party-style crowd, even if you choose soft drinks yourself.

Comfort, shade, and the practical side of the boat

An onboard restroom is useful, especially with children, but do not expect a spacious modern facility. The toilet has been described as small and somewhat worn, and movement becomes more noticeable when the sea is rough.

Shade is important during Tenerife’s warmer months. Much of the boat has cover, but not every seat does. Try to find a place under the canopy if you are sensitive to heat, while remembering that the open deck can offer better views and photos. A light cover-up and sun protection are sensible additions.

The sea can change the character of the outing. Several people have enjoyed the trip despite large waves, while others felt unwell. The crew keeps sick bags available and helps passengers who need assistance, but I would still take travel-sickness tablets before boarding if you know you are prone to motion sickness.

The boat is described as suitable for most people, and there are two wheelchair spaces at the front according to the provider. However, accessibility support has not worked well for every passenger. If someone in your group needs help boarding or has mobility needs, contact the operator in advance and explain exactly what assistance is required. Also report any allergies ahead of time.

Is $45.95 good value for three hours?

At $45.95 per person, this is a reasonable price if you want several activities in one outing. You get roughly three hours at sea, wildlife watching, the swim stop, Viking entertainment, and unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks. A similar boat trip with drinks and a separate swim activity could easily cost more, though comparisons depend on the operator.

The value is strongest for adults, families, and groups who will use the drinks and enjoy the show. You are paying for atmosphere as much as for transport across the water. The crew’s humor and attention to children are important parts of what you receive.

The value is weaker if your only goal is a quiet, serious wildlife survey. Sightings are never guaranteed, the boat can carry up to 100 people, and the entertainment may feel too loud or theatrical for some. You also need to budget extra for lunch, snacks, ice cream, premium drinks, and your own transport to Los Cristianos.

The cruise starts at 1:00 pm and ends back at the same harbor after approximately three hours. There is no private pickup included, so plan your own route to Los Cristianos. The meeting point is near public transportation, which keeps the outing fairly simple if you are staying around Playa de las Americas or nearby resorts.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

I would choose this trip for a family with children or teenagers, a group of friends, or a couple who wants a lively afternoon rather than a formal wildlife cruise. The crew is particularly good at keeping young passengers involved, and the combination of face paint, music, stories, drinks, and swimming gives children several things to enjoy.

It also suits people who like meeting others. The shared boat, games, and group performances encourage conversation. A 20-month-old child has been accommodated successfully, but very young children may still find the noise, sun, and movement tiring.

You should think twice if you dislike alcohol-focused fun, loud music, staged fighting, or rough water. You may also prefer another type of boat trip if you need guaranteed wildlife sightings, a private setting, or a calm and quiet deck.

The environmental side is worth noting. The crew shares information about the marine life and may reduce engine noise while observing whales. That respectful approach improves the experience, but you should still remember that wildlife appears on its own schedule.

Should you book the Ragnarok?

The strong overall rating of 4.8 from 590 reviews, with 95 percent recommending it, fits the experience described here: the crew receives the most praise, followed by the whale sightings, family atmosphere, included drinks, and swim stop.

Book it if you want a social, funny, all-in-one sea outing and can accept that the Atlantic may be rough. Take seasickness precautions, aim for a shaded seat, photograph the boat before departure, and bring a flexible attitude about wildlife.

Skip it if you want silence, guaranteed animals, or a polished luxury cruise. For everyone else, especially families and groups looking for good value, this three-hour Viking outing offers a lot for the price.

FAQ

Where does the Viking cruise depart?

It departs from the harbor of Los Cristianos, in the Playa de las Americas area of Tenerife. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

What time does the cruise start?

The scheduled start time is 1:00 pm.

How long does the experience last?

The cruise lasts approximately three hours.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Beer, wine, and soft drinks are included during the cruise. Premium drinks are not included.

Is food included in the ticket?

No. Lunch and other food are not included, though food can be purchased onboard. Ice cream is also extra.

Will I definitely see whales or dolphins?

No. The crew looks for whales and dolphins in their natural habitat, but sightings cannot be guaranteed. Pilot whales are commonly seen, while dolphins, turtles, and flying fish are possible.

Can I swim during the cruise?

Yes, the itinerary includes time for swimming in the open sea when conditions allow. Life vests and snorkeling glasses are available.