Los Cristianos: Viking Cruise Whales & Dolphins Watching

The most unusual part of this Los Cristianos cruise is the boat itself. Ragnarok is built as a Viking ship, complete with character, music, and a crew that keeps the mood lively while you search the Atlantic for pilot whales and dolphins. It is not a quiet research boat, but it is far more memorable than a standard harbor cruise.

I like the two-hour length, which gives you a real trip at sea without taking up an entire holiday afternoon. I also like the crew’s attention to families and anyone feeling unwell. The main drawback is simple: wild animals set the schedule, and rough water can cause seasickness. Whale sightings are never guaranteed.

Key points

• Ragnarok gives the trip a Viking theme: Expect a striking ship, music, props, and a playful crew rather than a plain sightseeing boat.
• Pilot whales and dolphins are the main prize: The waters between Tenerife and La Gomera are known for regular marine-life sightings.
• The cruise leaves from an easy-to-find spot: Board at Excursion Zone A, beside the beach in Los Cristianos Harbour.
• The crew works hard to make the trip comfortable: There is unlimited drinking water, a toilet, a bar, and help for people who become seasick.
• Two hours is a useful middle ground: You get time for open-water wildlife watching without committing to a full-day outing.
• Bring sun protection and arrive early: Parking near the port is limited, so allow extra time and reach the gate at least 15 minutes before departure.

Setting Sail on Ragnarok from Los Cristianos

You meet the boat at Puerto de Los Cristianos, with the boarding gate in Excursion Zone A, right beside the beach. This is a handy location if you are already staying in Los Cristianos, though driving can take longer than expected because traffic and parking around the port are often difficult.

Arrive at least 15 minutes before departure. That gives you time to find the correct gate, board without a rush, and choose where you want to sit. The activity returns to this same point, so you do not need to arrange a separate return transfer.

Ragnarok is the star before the wildlife even appears. Its Viking design gives the outing a clear sense of occasion. You are not simply climbing aboard a generic sightseeing vessel, taking a few photos, and waiting for the return trip. The ship creates a theatrical setting, with Viking props and a crew willing to play along.

That atmosphere works especially well for families. Children have something to look at and take part in while the boat moves away from the harbor. Adults who prefer a calm, naturalist-style trip should know that this is a fun, entertaining cruise rather than a silent observation expedition.

Two Hours Along Tenerife’s South Coast

Once the boat leaves the harbor, you get a different view of Tenerife. The southern coast looks more open from the water, and the cruise gives you time to take in the shoreline while the crew explains the trip and the safety rules.

The exact wildlife route can vary, since the crew needs to look for animals rather than follow a fixed sightseeing circuit. The main search area lies in the waters between Tenerife and La Gomera. These offshore waters support several kinds of marine life, with pilot whales and dolphins the most likely highlights.

The two-hour format is well judged for most people. It is long enough to reach the open-water viewing area and wait for animals to surface, but short enough to fit around a beach morning, dinner reservation, or another activity. I would choose this length if you want to add a whale-watching trip to a wider Tenerife itinerary.

You should also understand what two hours means. If animals are slow to appear, the crew cannot simply extend the cruise indefinitely. You may spend part of the trip traveling, watching the sea, and waiting. That is normal for wildlife watching, not a sign that the outing has gone wrong.

Watching Pilot Whales and Dolphins in the Wild

The strongest reason to book is the chance to see marine life where it actually lives. You may see pods of pilot whales, dolphins swimming near the boat, or both. Some outings have had dolphins close enough to watch them jump beside the ship, while others have seen pilot whales approach after the engine was turned off.

Those moments are exciting because they are not staged. There is no aquarium window and no feeding show. The animals choose the distance and timing. Sightings can be frequent, but they remain dependent on weather, sea conditions, and luck.

Several details from the trip reports are useful when setting expectations. Some outings saw both whales and dolphins repeatedly. Others saw dolphins but no whales, a brief glimpse of whales, or no clear wildlife at all. One trip produced a view of whales and sea turtles but no dolphins. You should book for the chance to see wildlife, not as a guarantee of a particular species.

The crew can help you get more from each sighting by pointing out where to look. The attraction is strongest when you stay alert and patient. Keep your sunglasses on, watch the water in the direction indicated by the crew, and have your camera ready without spending the entire trip looking at a screen.

A Fun Viking Show, Not a Quiet Science Cruise

The Viking theme is more than a name on the ticket. The ship has character, the crew may use Viking props for photos, and the onboard presentation can include dressing up, music, and playful interaction. Some outings have included face painting and a Viking-style performance.

The entertainment is one of the most praised parts of the experience, particularly for children. The crew has been described as energetic, funny, and good at keeping young people involved. This can make a big difference during the stretches when the boat is searching rather than watching animals.

There is one point to check before booking. The full Viking show may be linked to a longer three-hour sailing, while the two-hour departure may offer the themed ship and crew without the complete performance. One person who took the two-hour option expected more of the show and found that the longer trip included it instead.

If the Viking performance is your main reason for going, confirm exactly what is included in your chosen departure. If your priority is whales and dolphins with a bit of entertainment, the two-hour cruise should still suit you well.

Crew Care and Comfort at Sea

The crew receives strong praise for being attentive, organized, and helpful. This matters on a boat because a good sighting can be spoiled quickly if nobody explains what is happening or if someone becomes ill and is left to cope alone.

The staff has helped children, supported a passenger with autism by explaining things in an easy-to-understand way, and looked after people with seasickness. Bags are available for anyone who needs one. That does not make rough water pleasant, but it does mean the crew is prepared for a common problem.

The boat has plenty of seating and space, which helps when several people want to move from one side to the other for a better view. There is an onboard toilet, and unlimited drinking water is included. A bar sells additional drinks and snacks, so you do not need to bring refreshments for a two-hour outing, though you may want your own water bottle as a backup.

The ship is wheelchair accessible, but the operator asks people to use a manual wheelchair rather than an electric one for safety reasons. Strollers can be brought and stored nearby. Bare feet are not allowed, so wear shoes with you even if you plan to spend most of the trip in the sun.

The Real Issue: Wind, Motion, and Seasickness

This is an ocean cruise, and the boat can rock. Several people enjoyed the trip despite feeling sick, while others took motion-sickness medicine before boarding and still had difficulty. If you already know that boats make you ill, take the warning seriously.

You can reduce the risk by eating lightly, drinking water, and following medical advice about motion-sickness medicine before departure. Sit where you can focus on the horizon, avoid reading, and tell the crew early if you feel unwell. The staff is used to helping, but no boat can remove the movement of the sea.

Wind also affects the comfort of the trip and the chances of seeing animals. A weather-related cancellation or change can happen. The flexible cancellation policy allows you to cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund, and some passengers have been able to reschedule when plans changed. Still, check the conditions and departure details before setting out.

Is $20 Good Value?

At $20 per person, this is an inexpensive way to spend two hours on the water. The price includes the cruise, whale and dolphin watching, crew assistance, unlimited drinking water, and use of the onboard toilet. You pay extra for food, drinks from the bar, and optional Viking photos.

The value comes from the combination of wildlife watching and entertainment. A plain boat ride at the same price might give you sea views but little else. Ragnarok adds a memorable setting, music, costumes, and crew interaction. You are paying for a lighthearted experience as much as for the chance to see animals.

The limit is that no operator can promise whales or dolphins. If your only aim is a guaranteed wildlife encounter, this may feel less certain than you want. If you see animals, the price looks excellent. If you do not, the Viking ship, coast views, and crew still provide the main backup attractions.

Who Should Book This Cruise?

I would recommend it most strongly to families, couples who want an easy holiday activity, and anyone who enjoys a bit of theater with their sightseeing. Children have plenty to occupy them, and adults can enjoy the scenery, music, and wildlife search without needing specialist knowledge.

It also suits solo visitors who want a social outing from Los Cristianos. The crew keeps people involved, and the compact length makes it easy to fit into a day.

I would be more cautious if you dislike loud music, themed entertainment, or boat movement. This is not the right choice for a silent, highly technical marine survey. It is also not ideal for anyone with serious motion sickness unless they have a reliable plan for managing it.

Practical Tips Before You Go

Wear comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a sun hat, and sunscreen. The southern Tenerife sun can be strong, and you will spend much of the trip exposed to the sky.

Arrive early and allow extra time if you are driving. Parking near Los Cristianos Harbour is limited, and traffic can delay you. The boarding point is next to the beach, at Excursion Zone A, but do not assume the harbor will be quick to navigate.

Bring a camera, but keep watching the water. Wildlife can surface without warning. If you want Viking photos, budget for the optional purchase rather than assuming they are included.

Check the departure time when booking, since starting times vary with availability. English and Spanish are offered, and the crew uses a multilingual approach to keep instructions and commentary accessible.

Should You Book Ragnarok?

Book this cruise if you want a reasonably priced, family-friendly sea trip with a strong theme and a good chance of seeing pilot whales or dolphins. The crew care, the ship has personality, and two hours is long enough to feel like a real outing without swallowing your day.

Skip it if you need guaranteed sightings, cannot tolerate boat movement, or want a quiet scientific presentation. For everyone else, Ragnarok offers a cheerful and distinctive way to see Tenerife from the water. The animals are never promised, but the experience gives you plenty to enjoy while you wait for them.

FAQ

Where does the Viking whale-watching cruise leave from?

It leaves from Puerto de Los Cristianos, at Excursion Zone A beside the beach in Los Cristianos Harbour.

How long does the cruise last?

The cruise lasts two hours. Starting times vary, so check availability when booking.

What animals might I see?

You might see pilot whales, dolphins, and other marine life. Sightings are not guaranteed because the animals are wild.

Is water included?

Yes. Unlimited drinking water is included in the activity.

Can I buy food and drinks on board?

Yes. An onboard bar sells drinks and snacks for an additional charge.

Is there a toilet on the boat?

Yes. Toilets are available on board during the cruise.

Is the boat wheelchair accessible?

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

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, and sunscreen. You should also wear shoes because bare feet are not allowed.

Can I cancel the booking?

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