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

Pilot whales may appear just half an hour after leaving Los Cristianos, but this is no quiet wildlife boat. The Ragnarok pairs open-water watching with Viking costumes, music, face painting, and comic battles, then pauses for a swim off Tenerife’s coast. On a clear day, Mount Teide may rise above the island behind you.

I like the wildlife watching with care for the animals and the crew’s mix of entertainment and practical help, from sharing marine facts to looking after passengers who feel unwell. I also like that beer, wine, and soft drinks are included, so the price covers more than the boat ride.

The trade-off is the sea itself. Conditions can be rough, sightings are never guaranteed, and the lively, alcohol-friendly atmosphere will not suit everyone. If you prefer a quiet cruise, this Viking ship may be too much of a good thing.

What to know before you go

• A three-hour trip from Los Cristianos: The 1pm cruise leaves from and returns to the harbour.
• Wildlife is wild: Pilot whales and dolphins are often spotted, but sightings cannot be promised.
• A swim is part of the outing: The boat stops for a chance to get into the open sea, weather and conditions permitting.
• Drinks are included: Beer, wine, and soft drinks are served onboard. Premium drinks and lunch are not included.
• Expect a show, not silence: Viking costumes, music, games, face painting, and comic performances shape the mood.
• Sea sickness is worth planning for: The boat can encounter choppy water, and some passengers have felt unwell.

A Viking ship with a view of Tenerife

The Ragnarok offers a very different way to spend an afternoon at sea. You set out from Los Cristianos on a Viking-themed boat, with a crew that performs in character and keeps the mood playful. There is wildlife to look for, but also music, stories, games, and a swim stop. The result is part boat trip, part family show, and part open-water outing.

That mix is the main reason to book. You do not need to be a wildlife expert to enjoy the cruise, and the crew shares facts about the marine life as you watch. Nor does the boat rely on sightings alone to fill three hours. If whales stay out of view, there is still entertainment onboard, coastline to admire, and time in the water.

The experience is popular, with a 4.8 rating from 590 reviews and a recommendation rate of 95 percent. Those figures are useful context, not a guarantee that every sailing will feel the same. Weather, sea conditions, wildlife, and your appetite for loud, theatrical fun all affect the day.

Boarding at Los Cristianos harbour

The meeting point is the excursion area at Muelle in Los Cristianos. The sailing starts at 1pm, lasts about three hours, and returns to the same harbour. Arriving ready to board gives you a chance to meet the costumed crew and take photos before departure. Boarding photos may also be available to buy onboard; one reported price was 10 euros, so check the current price if you want one.

The ship’s Viking theme begins before it leaves the harbour. Costumes and props set the scene, and some trips include face painting and chances to pose for photos. If you want a picture at the front of the boat, take it before sailing. Once the boat is moving, walking around can be difficult, especially if the sea is rough.

There can be up to 100 people onboard, so this is not a small-group outing. That size helps explain the lively, social feel, but it also means you may be sharing the deck, viewing spots, and swim stop with a crowd. If shade matters, try to find a seat under the canopy early, especially in hot weather. The crew has helped some passengers find seating away from speakers, so ask if you need a quieter spot.

Watching whales and dolphins off Tenerife

After leaving the harbour, the boat spends roughly 30 to 40 minutes sailing and looking for marine life. Pilot whales and dolphins are the main wildlife to watch for. Some trips have also encountered turtles and flying fish, but those sightings are occasional, not something to count on.

The crew shares information about the animals and has been praised for giving explanations in both English and Spanish. When whales are nearby, the crew may ask passengers to keep quiet and turn off the engine to reduce disturbance. That care matters: you are there to see wildlife in its natural home, not to chase it for a closer photograph.

The boat keeps a respectful distance from the animals. That can mean the view is not always as close as you might hope, but it is the right approach. Bring patience, watch the water around the boat, and keep your camera ready. A pod of pilot whales may surface near the ship, or wildlife may not appear at all. No responsible operator can promise a sighting.

If seeing whales is the entire point of your outing, keep that uncertainty in mind. The wildlife portion is one of the cruise’s strongest draws, but it is only part of the three-hour experience. Families and groups who enjoy the show, scenery, and swim as well are less likely to feel that the day hinges on one chance encounter.

A swim stop with open-water views

After the wildlife-watching stretch, the boat stops for a swim in the open sea. You can take the plunge or stay onboard and enjoy the views. On a clear day, Mount Teide may be visible in the distance, giving the swim stop a striking view back toward Tenerife.

This is not a sheltered pool or a beach break. The water can feel cold, and the boat may be rocking, so think about your comfort in open water before you go. Life vests and snorkelling masks have been available on some trips, but check with the crew about what is provided on your sailing. You do not have to swim to take part in the cruise.

The stop can also be a welcome cool-down after time in the sun. Some passengers have felt queasy or overheated during the ride, and getting into the water helped them feel better. Still, do not treat swimming as a cure for sea sickness. If you are prone to motion sickness, plan ahead and consider taking a travel-sickness tablet before boarding.

Viking games, music, and a lively crew

The crew is a major part of the experience. In character, they tell stories about Tenerife, play music, stage comic fight scenes, and involve passengers in Viking-themed games. Face painting and photo props add to the fun, especially for children. Expect a light-hearted performance rather than a formal history lesson.

The humour and energy have made this cruise a hit with families, couples, and groups of friends. Children and teenagers can enjoy the show even if the wildlife is elusive, while adults can join in or simply watch with a drink. The crew has also been praised for helping children and passengers who feel overwhelmed or unwell.

The entertainment is not subtle. Music can be loud, and some passengers prefer the Viking-style tunes to other music played onboard. If you or someone in your party is sensitive to sound, ask about a seat away from the speakers when you arrive. The crew has made that adjustment for a family with an autistic child, but it is sensible to explain your needs before the boat fills.

What the $45.95 price includes

At $45.95 per person, the fare includes the three-hour cruise, the Viking crew, an onboard restroom, and unlimited soft drinks, beer, and wine. For adults who plan to have a drink, those inclusions add real value. You are paying for the boat trip and entertainment, not just the chance of seeing whales.

Lunch, premium drinks, and ice cream are not included. Food has been sold onboard on some trips, including burgers and fries, but it is not part of the stated fare. If you want a meal, check what is available and what it costs when you board. Do not assume that food mentioned by passengers is included in your ticket.

The included drinks are also part of the atmosphere, which is worth weighing honestly. If you do not enjoy being around alcohol, or want a quiet wildlife cruise, this may not be the best match. For families, the presence of beer and wine does not mean the outing is only for adults: the crew’s performances and games are designed for a broad age range.

Comfort, sea conditions, and access

An onboard restroom is a practical plus on a three-hour trip. It has been described as small and somewhat worn, so expect basic facilities rather than a polished bathroom. The boat has shade over part of the seating area, but not all of it. In warm weather, a spot under the canopy can make the ride more comfortable.

Sea conditions can change the character of the outing. Some trips have had heavy waves and a very rocky ride, while others have been calmer. The boat may be cancelled in bad weather, and a rough crossing can bring on nausea even when the trip goes ahead. Bring motion-sickness supplies if you need them, and take care moving around once underway.

Access needs deserve a direct conversation with the operator before booking. The company has described two wheelchair spaces onboard, and some passengers have found access helpful. But a separate account describes a family member who could not get the assistance they needed. If you use a wheelchair or have limited mobility, contact the operator in advance to discuss boarding, seating, restroom access, and the specific support you require. Do not rely on a general accessibility description alone.

Who will enjoy the Ragnarok most

This cruise is a strong fit if you want a half-day outing that keeps the whole group occupied. Families with children and teenagers get entertainment as well as wildlife watching, and couples or friends can enjoy the drinks, scenery, and swim. The crew’s efforts to help younger passengers and people who feel uneasy onboard are a point in its favour.

It is also a good choice if you want a social, theatrical alternative to a standard sightseeing boat. You can take part in the games and photos or stay back and watch. A quiet seat and a view of the coast are possible, but the ship’s overall mood remains playful and energetic.

You may prefer another option if you want a small, hushed wildlife excursion, dislike alcohol-centred settings, or are uncomfortable on choppy water. This is a shared trip for up to 100 people, not a private boat. Wildlife cannot be guaranteed, and swimming is optional.

Should you book this Tenerife cruise?

Book the Ragnarok if a lively crew, Viking-themed entertainment, included drinks, a chance to see whales, and an open-water swim sound like a good afternoon to you. At $45.95, the combination offers solid value, particularly if you plan to use the included drinks and enjoy the show.

Think twice if you need a calm ride, have significant mobility needs that have not been confirmed directly, or would be disappointed without a whale sighting. The best approach is to come prepared for a rocking boat, treat wildlife as a bonus rather than a promise, and enjoy the outing for its mix of sea, scenery, and Viking theatre.

FAQ

Where does the cruise start and finish?

It starts at the excursion area at Muelle in Los Cristianos and returns to the same meeting point.

What time does the cruise start?

The stated start time is 1pm.

How long is the trip?

The cruise lasts approximately three hours.

What drinks are included?

Unlimited soft drinks, beer, and wine are included. Premium drinks are not.

Is lunch included in the ticket?

No. Lunch is not included. Food has been available for purchase onboard on some trips, but check availability and prices when you board.

Will I definitely see whales or dolphins?

No. The crew looks for whales and dolphins, but sightings are not guaranteed because the animals are wild.

Is there a chance to swim?

Yes. The cruise includes a stop for a swim in the open sea. Swimming is optional.

Is there a restroom onboard?

Yes, there is a restroom onboard.

Is the cruise suitable for children?

The crew’s entertainment is aimed at all ages, and children have taken part. The sea can be rough, so consider your child’s comfort on a moving boat.

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

If poor weather causes a cancellation, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.