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

The best part of this cruise is the mix of wildlife watching and Viking entertainment. From Los Cristianos, you sail toward the waters between Tenerife and La Gomera, where pilot whales and dolphins often pass close to the boat. Later, the crew anchors for a swim in the Atlantic, with the southern coast and Mount Teide as your backdrop.

I like the included drinks and the crew’s lively approach. Gunner, Mathias, and the Viking hosts keep the atmosphere playful, while the crew still gives whales and dolphins space. I also like that this is not just a short wildlife lookout trip: you get three hours, a coastline cruise, and time in the water.

The main caution is the sea. The boat can feel choppy, and several people may find the motion hard on their stomachs. If you are prone to seasickness, sit near the middle of the boat, bring appropriate medication, or consider a calmer activity.

Key points to know before boarding

• Pilot whales and dolphins are the main wildlife draw: Sightings are common in these waters, but nature sets the schedule.
• Ragnarok is a full Viking-themed experience: Expect characters, music, face painting, props, jokes, and plenty of audience involvement.
• The swim stop adds real value: You can jump into the Atlantic, snorkel, and possibly spot marine life such as a sea turtle.
• Drinks are included: Beer, wine, water, and soft drinks are available during the cruise.
• Food costs extra: Burgers, chips, chicken nuggets, and other snack-style choices are sold at the onboard bar.
• Allow extra time to reach Los Cristianos Harbour: Parking and traffic around the port can be difficult, so arrive at least 15 minutes early.

Sailing from Los Cristianos on the Ragnarok

The cruise begins at Puerto de Los Cristianos, at Boarding Gate Zone Excursion A beside the beach. You need to arrive at least 15 minutes before departure. That buffer matters, since traffic and limited parking near the port can turn a simple arrival into a rushed one.

The boat is called Ragnarok, and the Viking theme begins before you get far from shore. This is not a quiet, small-group sailing trip. The crew uses Viking characters, jokes, music, props, and light audience participation to keep the mood moving.

If you enjoy a bit of silliness on holiday, the theme works well. Children tend to get pulled into the action quickly, and adults who are willing to play along can enjoy it too. Optional Viking face painting adds another photo opportunity, and you may be invited to pose with props or take part in simple Viking-style activities.

The entertainment is one of the strongest parts of the outing. Gunner and Mathias are among the hosts associated with the cruise, and the crew makes an effort to involve different ages. You do not need to dress up or perform, but you should expect a social atmosphere rather than a quiet ride.

Seating can feel limited when the boat is full. One practical approach is to settle in early, then move around during the cruise when you want better views or a place in the sun. Comfortable onboard restrooms are available, which is useful on a three-hour trip.

Looking for whales and dolphins between Tenerife and La Gomera

Once Ragnarok leaves the harbor, the focus shifts to the open water south of Tenerife. The boat heads toward the channel between Tenerife and La Gomera, an area known for regular dolphin and whale sightings.

Pilot whales are a particular possibility here. They may appear in small groups, and dolphins can sometimes swim alongside the boat. When animals are spotted, the crew points them out and gives you time to watch and take photographs.

Keep your camera ready, but do not expect a guaranteed performance. Some cruises see several dolphins and pilot whales close to the boat. Other departures may see fewer animals, or none at all. That is the nature of wildlife watching, and the cruise cannot control the sea conditions or the animals’ movements.

I appreciate that the crew does not simply charge after the animals for a better photograph. The boat keeps a respectful distance, and the crew encourages people to stay calm when whales or dolphins come near. That makes the sighting better for everyone and avoids turning the animals into a staged show.

The open Atlantic can be rough. The boat’s movement is most noticeable away from the center, so sit near the middle if you are sensitive to motion. Avoid arriving hungry, use seasickness tablets if they are suitable for you, and keep your eyes on the horizon when the boat is moving.

This section of the cruise is also a good reason to bring sunglasses and a hat. There is little shelter from the sun in some viewing areas, and the glare off the water can be strong. Sunscreen is essential, even on a cloudy day.

Coastline views from Playa de Las Américas to Adeje

After the wildlife search, Ragnarok cruises along Tenerife’s southern coast. You will pass views around Playa de Las Américas and Adeje, with cliffs, beaches, and the island’s dry coastal terrain visible from the water.

Seeing this stretch from a boat gives you a different view of the resort coast. From land, buildings and roads can dominate the scene. From the Atlantic, the cliffs and beaches form the main picture, and you get a clear sense of how the developed coast meets the sea.

On a clear day, the view toward Mount Teide adds a dramatic inland landmark. Teide is not part of the boat route, but its volcanic profile helps orient you as you look back toward Tenerife. Bring a phone or camera, though sea spray and bright sun can make photography tricky.

This portion is less structured than the wildlife stop. You may be listening to music, getting a drink, taking photographs, or joining the crew’s entertainment. It is a good chance to slow down after the excitement of spotting animals.

The Atlantic swim and snorkel stop

The boat eventually anchors near attractive cliffs and beaches for the swimming stop. This is the point where the cruise changes from sightseeing to an active afternoon on the water.

You can swim or snorkel in the clear Atlantic. Life jackets are available, including for children, and the crew manages the stop from the boat. You should bring your own swimwear and towel, and remember that the water may feel cool even in warm Tenerife weather.

The stop is long enough to feel like a real part of the excursion rather than a quick photo opportunity. You can jump in, swim near the boat, or remain onboard and enjoy the view. If you are not a confident swimmer, staying on deck is perfectly reasonable.

Snorkeling equipment is not specifically listed among the included items, so check what is available before relying on the activity. The description allows for snorkeling and mentions the possibility of seeing a sea turtle, but wildlife in the swimming area is never promised.

The swim is especially worthwhile for people who want more than a standard whale-watching trip. You get a clean break in the middle of the cruise, and the sight of Tenerife’s cliffs from the water makes the stop feel connected to the rest of the journey.

Bring a towel, dry clothes, sunscreen, and a bag for wet items. It is easy to forget that you will still be on the boat afterward, with wind and sun exposure continuing for the trip back.

Drinks, food, and the onboard atmosphere

Drinks are included in the ticket. Beer, wine, water, and nonalcoholic options are available during the cruise, making the $44 price easier to justify than a wildlife trip where every drink costs extra.

The bar also sells food and snacks, but these are not included. Choices are in the casual fast-food range, including burgers, chips, chicken nuggets, and similar items. The food is useful if you need something during the three-hour outing, but budget separately for it.

I would eat lightly before departure if you are prone to seasickness. A heavy meal, alcohol, and choppy water are not a helpful combination. If you tolerate the motion well, buying lunch onboard can make the cruise feel more like a relaxed half-day outing.

The atmosphere is active for most of the trip. Music, jokes, Viking acting, face painting, and audience participation are part of the package. This is a good match for families and groups who want a fun show as well as a boat ride.

It may not suit you if you want silence, close-up nature photography, or a small and private sailing experience. The Viking theme is intentionally broad and playful. You need to be comfortable with a little staged silliness to get the most from it.

What the $44 price includes

At $44 per person, the cruise offers a strong package for three hours. You receive the boat tour, the swim stop, the wildlife search, the crew’s entertainment, onboard restrooms, professional staff, and included drinks.

The price is especially fair if you make use of both main parts of the trip: wildlife watching and swimming. A short boat ride with one drink would be less convincing value, but Ragnarok gives you a full coastal route and a proper stop in the Atlantic.

You should add the cost of food if you plan to eat onboard. Photos are also extra, so take your own camera if you want to keep the cost down. Face painting is optional, and you do not need to pay for it to enjoy the cruise.

The value also depends on your expectations. If you need a guaranteed whale encounter, no boat trip can promise that. If you view the animals as one part of a wider experience that includes scenery, music, swimming, and drinks, the price makes more sense.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

This is a strong choice for families. Children can watch for dolphins, take part in the Viking theme, try face painting, and swim with life jackets. The crew makes a clear effort to include younger passengers rather than treating them as an afterthought.

It also suits couples and adult groups who enjoy lively entertainment. Several adults return for another outing because the crew keeps the three-hour trip moving. You do not have to be a Viking enthusiast, but you should enjoy humor, music, and interaction.

Older visitors can join too. The boat is wheelchair accessible, although the operator asks passengers to use a manual wheelchair rather than an electric one for safety reasons. An 84-year-old passenger was able to enjoy the cruise, showing that the trip can work across a wide age range when the sea conditions are manageable.

This is a weaker choice for anyone with serious seasickness. The boat can be choppy, and some people may feel ill even when the weather looks pleasant from shore. It is also not suitable for pets.

Practical advice for a smoother three hours

Wear swimwear under comfortable clothes, and pack a towel, sunglasses, sun hat, and sunscreen. Keep your phone protected from splashes, especially during the swim stop and when the boat is moving at speed.

Arrive early at Zone Excursion A, right beside the beach in Los Cristianos Harbour. Do not assume that finding the port means finding the boarding gate. Allow extra time for traffic and parking, especially during busy periods.

If you are sensitive to movement, choose a seat near the center of the boat. Take seasickness medication before departure if you normally use it, and avoid too much alcohol until you know how the sea feels that day.

The cruise lasts three hours and returns to the same meeting point. Live guiding is offered in English and Spanish, so you can follow the wildlife information and the Viking entertainment in either language.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Check the available starting times when booking, since the exact departure schedule is not fixed in the information provided.

Should you book the Ragnarok cruise?

Book it if you want a social, family-friendly boat day that combines possible whale and dolphin sightings with a swim, coastal views, music, and included drinks. The strongest reasons are the crew’s energy, the respectful approach to wildlife, and the fact that the swim stop gives the outing more substance than a simple harbor cruise.

Think twice if you need calm water, quiet sailing, or guaranteed wildlife. For everyone else, the $44 price is sensible, particularly if you enjoy the Viking show and make time for the Atlantic swim. Plan for choppy water, arrive early, and treat the animals as a welcome bonus rather than a promise.

FAQ

Where does the Viking cruise depart from?

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

How long does the cruise last?

The activity lasts three hours and returns to the same meeting point at Puerto de Los Cristianos.

Are whales and dolphins guaranteed?

No. The cruise operates in waters known for frequent dolphin and whale sightings, but wildlife encounters cannot be guaranteed.

Can I swim during the cruise?

Yes. The boat anchors near cliffs and beaches for a swimming stop. Snorkeling is also possible, and life jackets are available.

Are drinks included in the ticket?

Yes. Drinks are included during the cruise, with beer, wine, water, and other nonalcoholic choices available.

Is food included?

No. Food and snacks cost extra, but the onboard bar sells options such as burgers, chips, and chicken nuggets.

Is the boat wheelchair accessible?

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

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. You may also want seasickness medication if you are sensitive to boat motion.