Los Cristianos: Viking Cruise Whales & Dolphins Watching

Ragnarok turns a standard whale-watching trip into a Viking-themed outing, sailing from Los Cristianos into the waters between Tenerife and La Gomera. You get two hours at sea, with a crew-led search for dolphins and whales and views back toward Tenerife’s south coast.

I like two things in particular: the distinctive ship and playful Viking atmosphere make the outing feel different from a routine boat ride, and the crew’s care for children and people feeling seasick comes through in the way the trip is run. You also get toilets and unlimited drinking water on board.

The main caveat is the sea itself. Sightings vary, and the boat can rock enough to make some people feel ill. If you are prone to motion sickness, this may not be the right trip for you.

• A Viking ship, not a standard catamaran: Ragnarok’s theme, music and costumed touches give this cruise a character of its own.
• Two hours on the water: The trip is long enough to search for marine life without taking up most of your day.
• Pilot whales and dolphins are possible, not promised: Some trips spot both; others see only one or may have limited sightings.
• A crew that helps families: The team is described as attentive with children and supportive when people feel seasick.
• Practical basics are included: Drinking water, toilets and wheelchair access are available on board.
• Plan for the harbour: Arrive 15 minutes early, and allow extra time for traffic and scarce port parking.

Setting sail from Los Cristianos on Ragnarok

The meeting point is Puerto de Los Cristianos, at Boarding Gate Zone Excursion A, right next to the beach. The boat returns to the same spot, so there is no separate drop-off to plan for. Aim to arrive at least 15 minutes before departure; the harbour can be busy, and parking near the port is limited.

Once aboard, the first surprise is the ship itself. Ragnarok is built around a Viking theme, a welcome change if you have already seen the usual rows of catamarans and speedboats along Tenerife’s coast. The character is part of the outing, not simply a name painted on the side: the crew brings the theme to life with lively presentation and, on some trips, dressing-up touches and music.

The ship has plenty of room for people to sit and move around, though that does not mean the sea will feel calm. Several people have found the boat lively in choppy conditions. If you are sensitive to motion, think carefully before booking, and ask a health professional about suitable precautions if you are unsure.

A safety briefing is part of the trip. After that, the crew heads out from the harbour and begins looking for marine life. The exact route and the time spent in any one area can vary with conditions and sightings, so it is best to think of this as a search at sea, not a scripted wildlife show.

Searching for whales and dolphins off Tenerife

Tenerife’s southern waters are a draw for whale and dolphin watching. The stretch between Tenerife and nearby La Gomera is home to marine life, including pilot whales and dolphins. On a lucky trip, you may see more than one pod, sometimes with dolphins swimming or leaping close to the boat. Pilot whales have also been spotted on many outings.

But wildlife has its own timetable. Some trips see both whales and dolphins, others spot dolphins but no whales, and some have only a brief glimpse of whales or fewer sightings than hoped. That uncertainty is part of any wildlife trip, and it is worth keeping your expectations flexible. The boat is going out to search, not to guarantee a particular animal.

The crew helps make the time worthwhile even when sightings are limited. You can listen to explanations about the animals, take in the coastline from offshore and enjoy the Viking atmosphere. The crew’s style is often described as funny and engaging, which suits families who want more than a quiet, strictly educational outing. If detailed species information is your main priority, the experience may feel more entertainment-led than lecture-led.

When wildlife appears, the captain may slow or stop the boat, giving you a chance to watch from the water. Keep your camera ready, but also make time to look up from the screen. Animals can surface unexpectedly, and no photo is worth missing the moment.

Viking character, music and onboard atmosphere

The theme is a real part of the appeal. The Viking setting, lively crew and soundtrack help turn a wildlife search into an outing with its own personality. Some trips include props or face paint for photos, and the crew may make the experience interactive. The exact presentation can vary: one two-hour outing did not include the fuller Viking show that was available on a three-hour trip.

That distinction matters if the performance is a major reason you are booking. The two-hour cruise is best approached as a themed wildlife excursion, rather than a guaranteed full-length show. If you are choosing between tour durations, check what the specific departure includes before paying.

The setting works particularly well for families. Children can have fun with the Viking theme while still watching for animals, and the crew is often praised for taking time to explain things in a way children can follow. The atmosphere can also suit couples or solo visitors who want an easygoing, social trip instead of a silent wildlife-watch.

Do not expect every passenger to be in costume or every departure to feel like a staged performance. The balance between storytelling, music and animal watching can shift. That is part of the charm for some people, but it may disappoint you if you want a formal presentation or a quiet boat.

What the two-hour itinerary feels like

The trip starts and finishes at Puerto de Los Cristianos. Once the safety briefing is done, the boat leaves the harbour for a scenic cruise and a search for whales, dolphins and other marine life. The coast looks different from the water, and the ride itself gives you a fresh view of Tenerife’s south shore.

Two hours is a sensible length for a short wildlife outing. It leaves room to get out to sea and search without turning the cruise into a half-day commitment. It also means you should not expect unlimited time to wait for animals if sightings are slow. The boat returns to the same harbour after the search.

Conditions can affect the ride. Reports include windy trips and seasickness, even when the outing was otherwise enjoyed. The crew has been described as caring and prepared to help people who feel unwell, but attentive staff cannot make rough water comfortable for everyone.

The trip is wheelchair accessible, with an important safety condition: use a manual wheelchair rather than an electric one. There are toilets on board, a useful detail for a two-hour excursion, and drinking water is included. Check directly with the operator if you need to clarify how your particular mobility needs can be accommodated.

What is included, and what costs extra

At around $20 per person, the cruise offers good value if you want a short boat outing with the chance to see marine life. The price includes whale and dolphin watching, unlimited drinking water, use of the onboard toilets and a professional crew. The Viking-themed ship and entertainment add another layer that a basic transport-style boat trip may not provide.

Snacks and drinks are not included, but there is a bar on board with food and drink for purchase. Photos with the Viking are optional and cost extra. One passenger described a price of 10 euros per photo, but check the current price on the day, as charges can change.

Value depends partly on what you want from the trip. If you see dolphins and pilot whales, the combination of wildlife, sea views and themed entertainment can feel like a lot for two hours. If sightings are sparse, the crew and ship still shape the experience, but you should not treat animal encounters as a certainty.

The booking terms allow free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure, and the reserve-now, pay-later option can help if your plans are still shifting. Starting times vary, so check availability for the date you want.

Preparing for the Atlantic, not just the photos

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat and sunscreen. You will be out on the water with limited shade likely to matter, so plan for sun even if the day looks mild at the harbour. Bare feet are not allowed, and pets are not permitted.

Wear something comfortable and think about how you usually handle boats. The sea can be choppy, and motion sickness is a stated concern for this activity. Some people who became seasick still valued the trip, but that is not a reason to dismiss the risk if you know boat motion affects you.

Keep a little room in your plans around departure. Traffic can be heavy, and parking near the port is limited, especially at busy times. Arriving late is a poor way to start a boat trip, so allow extra travel time and be at the boarding gate 15 minutes ahead.

Who will enjoy Ragnarok most

This is a strong fit if you want a family-friendly boat trip with a playful theme, and you are happy to mix wildlife watching with music and lively hosting. Children have something to engage with even while the boat is searching, and the crew’s supportive approach can be reassuring for families.

It also suits couples, friends and solo visitors who want sea views and a chance to see marine life without giving up most of the day. The two-hour length is manageable, and the ship provides a more memorable setting than a plain sightseeing boat.

You may prefer a different outing if you want a quiet, highly technical wildlife tour, or if even moderate boat motion is likely to make you miserable. Also consider another option if you would be disappointed without a close whale sighting. Dolphins and pilot whales are possible, but the animals decide whether to appear.

Should you book this Los Cristianos cruise?

Book Ragnarok if the Viking theme, friendly crew and chance to spot dolphins or pilot whales all appeal to you. At about $20 for two hours, with water and toilets included, it is a good-value way to spend part of an afternoon on the Atlantic.

Skip it if you are prone to seasickness or need a guaranteed wildlife encounter. If you do book, arrive early, bring sun protection and treat any animal sighting as a 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, next to the beach. The cruise returns to the same meeting point.

How long is the cruise?

The cruise lasts two hours. Starting times vary, so check availability for your chosen date.

What animals might I see?

The trip searches for whales and dolphins in their natural habitat. Pilot whales and dolphins have been seen, but sightings are not guaranteed.

What languages does the crew speak?

The live tour guide is available in English and Spanish.

Is the boat wheelchair accessible?

Yes. The boat is wheelchair accessible, but for safety reasons a manual wheelchair is requested instead of an electric wheelchair.

Are there toilets on board?

Yes, toilets are available on the boat.

Is drinking water included?

Yes. Unlimited drinking water is included in the cruise.

Can I buy snacks and other drinks on board?

Yes. There is an onboard bar with snacks and drinks available for purchase. They are not included in the ticket price.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat and sunscreen. Bare feet are not allowed.

Can I cancel my booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.