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

A Viking ship cruising Tenerife’s whale and dolphin waters is not an everyday sight. On this three-hour trip aboard Ragnarok, you leave Los Cristianos for the waters between Tenerife and La Gomera, then follow the south coast past Playa de Las Américas and Adeje. Whales and dolphins are wild, so sightings are never certain, but the cruise offers more than wildlife watching.

I like two things in particular: the crew’s playful Viking show gives the ride a sense of occasion, and the planned swim stop lets you trade the deck for a dip in the Atlantic. Included drinks add value, too. The main caution is the sea itself: it can be choppy, and this trip is not a good fit if you are prone to seasickness.

At a glance

• Ragnarok is part of the show: The Viking ship and costumed entertainment make this more theatrical than a standard wildlife cruise.
• Wildlife sightings are possible, not promised: The route is known for dolphins and whales, including pilot whales, but animals follow their own plans.
• You get time in the water: The boat anchors near the coast for swimming or snorkeling, with life jackets available for children.
• Drinks are included: Beer, wine, and non-alcoholic options are served on board; food and snacks cost extra.
• Expect a lively crew: The hosts involve people of different ages, and Gunner and Mathias have been singled out by name.
• Plan for motion and parking: Seas can be rough, and parking near the harbor is limited, so arrive early and allow extra travel time.

Setting Sail on Ragnarok from Los Cristianos

The cruise begins at Puerto de Los Cristianos, with boarding at Excursion Zone A beside the beach. Arrive at least 15 minutes before departure. The harbor area can be busy, with limited parking, so build in extra time rather than racing the clock in holiday traffic.

Ragnarok is designed to look like a Viking ship, and that look sets the tone before you reach open water. The crew keeps up the theme with music, jokes, costumes, face painting, and playful activities. You can join in, pose for photos, or simply watch from your seat. The entertainment is a central part of the outing, not a brief flourish saved for the end.

That theatrical style may suit children especially well, but it is not only for them. Adults who are happy to be a little silly can have just as much fun. If you want a quiet, lecture-led wildlife trip, this probably is not your boat. The crew’s aim is to keep the mood sociable and light while still giving you a chance to look for marine life.

The ship has restrooms on board, a useful comfort on a three-hour trip. It is wheelchair accessible, but the operator asks that wheelchair users bring a manual chair rather than an electric one for safety reasons.

Searching for Whales and Dolphins Between Tenerife and La Gomera

After the safety briefing, the boat heads toward waters between Tenerife and La Gomera, where dolphins and whales are often seen. This is the part of the cruise that makes the outing more than a themed boat ride. You are watching for animals in their natural habitat, not visiting an aquarium or a staged encounter.

Sightings can be close enough for memorable photos. Pilot whales and dolphins have been spotted on these trips, and some have swum near the boat. Still, no captain can promise wildlife on a particular departure. One trip may bring a lively pod; another may pass without a sighting. It is best to treat wildlife as a welcome possibility rather than the only reason to book.

The crew’s approach matters here. The ship is reported to keep a respectful distance and to ask people to stay calm and quiet around the animals. That is good practice for the wildlife and makes for a better viewing moment. Keep your camera ready, but do not spend the whole cruise peering through a screen. A whale surfacing beside a boat is better seen with your own eyes.

If the animals do not appear, the outing still has other pleasures: sea air, coastline views, the Viking act, drinks, and the later swim stop. That does not erase the disappointment if whales were your main goal, but it does make the trip less dependent on luck than a wildlife-only excursion.

Following the Coast Past Playa de Las Américas and Adeje

After the wildlife search, Ragnarok cruises along Tenerife’s southern shoreline, passing Playa de Las Américas and Adeje. From the water, the coast gives you a different view of the resorts and beaches than you get from the road. The changing angle, open sea, and broad view toward the island’s interior are part of the appeal.

The route also brings the boat near cliffs and beaches, with views toward El Teide. The volcano provides a striking landmark from the coast when conditions allow a clear view. You do not need to know the island’s geography to enjoy the panorama, though the crew’s running commentary and entertainment can help you connect the views with the places you are passing.

This is a sightseeing cruise, not a shore excursion. You remain aboard as the ship passes the coast, so do not book expecting time to explore Playa de Las Américas or Adeje on foot. The payoff is the perspective from the water and a relaxed stretch between wildlife watching and swimming.

Taking the Swim and Snorkel Stop

The boat anchors near cliffs and beaches for the swim stop. You can swim in the Atlantic or snorkel, and some people may spot a sea turtle, though that is not guaranteed. For many, the chance to get into open water is the trip’s most memorable change of pace. It gives the cruise a proper holiday feel rather than making it a three-hour sit-and-watch outing.

Bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen, along with a hat and sunglasses for time on deck. The stop is a good reason to pack a small dry bag for anything you do not want splashed, though one is not listed as required. Children can use life jackets, and the crew’s activities help keep younger family members involved before and after the swim.

You do not have to get in the water to enjoy the stop. You can stay on board and take in the cliffs and sea views instead. But if swimming is part of your plan, keep in mind that conditions can feel cooler or rougher than a sheltered hotel pool. Follow the crew’s safety instructions and use the time in the water at your own comfort level.

Drinks, Food, and What the $44 Fare Buys

At $44 per person, this is a fair-value outing if you want several things bundled together: a three-hour boat trip, wildlife watching, the swim stop, onboard restrooms, crew entertainment, and included drinks. Beer, wine, and other drinks are available through the cruise. The inclusion is especially useful if you expect to spend the afternoon on board, though you should not assume every drink or food item is part of the fare.

Food and snacks are sold separately at the onboard bar. Options described include fast-food-style items such as burgers, chips, and chicken nuggets. That is handy if you want something more substantial without arranging lunch beforehand, but it is an extra cost. Photos are also not included, so bring your own camera or phone if you want pictures.

The value depends on what you want from the boat trip. If you are looking only for a quiet wildlife cruise, the Viking entertainment may feel like more than you need. If you want a social outing with drinks, music, a themed crew, and the chance to swim, the fare covers a good range of activities in one half-day.

The Crew’s Viking Act and the Best Fit for Your Group

The crew’s performance is one of the most praised parts of the experience. The Viking hosts involve people across age groups, and the humor, music, face painting, and photo props give children plenty to engage with. Adults who enjoy an informal, slightly goofy atmosphere will likely be at ease too.

Gunner and Mathias have been praised by name for their hosting, but staff can vary from one sailing to the next. What matters more than any one personality is the format: the crew stays involved throughout rather than leaving you to entertain yourself between sightings. The ship can feel busy, and one small criticism has been that seating may be tight when it is overbooked. If having a particular seat matters to you, arrive on time and follow the boarding instructions.

Families are a strong match, especially if children like costumes, music, or being part of a show. The cruise has also suited older passengers, including an 84-year-old visitor, though everyone should consider their mobility and comfort on a moving boat. Couples and groups of friends can enjoy it as a relaxed, playful afternoon. People looking for a subdued, highly focused wildlife tour may prefer a different style of cruise.

Sea Conditions, Access, and Practical Planning

Seasickness is the chief practical concern. Some departures can be choppy, and people who are prone to motion sickness may struggle. If you know you are sensitive, consider taking your usual travel-sickness precautions before boarding or choosing another activity. Staying toward the middle of the boat may help, based on advice from people who have taken the trip, but it cannot guarantee a comfortable ride.

The tour lasts three hours and returns to the same harbor where it starts. The exact departure time depends on availability, so check before planning the rest of your day. The live guide speaks English and Spanish. Pets are not allowed.

Parking near the port can be limited, especially when traffic is heavy. Plan your route and leave extra time to reach the boarding point. The short walk to Excursion Zone A is beside the beach at Los Cristianos Harbour, but do not rely on finding a parking spot at the last minute.

Should You Book the Ragnarok Cruise?

Book this cruise if you want a lively, family-friendly boat trip that combines Tenerife coast views, a chance to see whales and dolphins, included drinks, and a swim stop. The Viking act gives it a distinctive personality, and the crew’s energy is a major part of the value.

Think twice if you are prone to seasickness, want a quiet wildlife excursion, or would be disappointed by a trip without animal sightings. The most sensible approach is to book for the full mix of entertainment, sea views, drinks, and swimming, with whales and dolphins as a wonderful bonus rather than a guarantee.

FAQ

Where does the cruise depart from?

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

How long is the cruise?

The cruise lasts three hours and returns to the original meeting point.

What languages does the guide speak?

The live guide speaks English and Spanish.

Are drinks included in the price?

Yes. Drinks are included, with beer, wine, and non-alcoholic options available on board.

Can I buy food on the boat?

Yes. Snacks and food are available from the onboard bar for an additional cost.

Is a swimming stop included?

Yes. The cruise includes a stop for swimming, and snorkeling is also listed as an activity.

Are whales and dolphins guaranteed?

No. The cruise travels in waters known for sightings, but whales and dolphins are wild animals and sightings are not guaranteed.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen.

Is the boat wheelchair accessible?

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

Are pets allowed?

No. Pets are not allowed on the cruise.