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

Pilot whales and dolphins are the stars of this three-hour Viking cruise from Los Cristianos, but the ship’s lively crew gives the outing its real character. You watch for marine life, swim in open water, hear Viking tales, pose with props, and enjoy music, games, and face painting along the way.

I like the included beer, wine, and soft drinks, which make the $45.95 price good value for a long afternoon on the water. I also like the crew’s warm approach to families and passengers who need extra care. The main caution is the sea: several people found the ride very rocky, and swimming conditions can be cold or choppy.

Key points to know before you book

• Pilot whale sightings are common but never promised: You may also see dolphins, turtles, or flying fish, but these animals remain wild.
• Drinks are included for three hours: Beer, wine, and soft drinks are covered, while food, ice cream, and premium drinks cost extra.
• The Viking theme is a major part of the outing: Expect music, face painting, props, storytelling, staged fights, games, and plenty of joking.
• Swimming is built into the trip: The boat stops in a suitable area, with life vests and snorkeling glasses available.
• Sea conditions matter: Take motion sickness seriously, especially in spring or on windy days.
• It suits families, couples, and groups: The atmosphere is social and noisy rather than quiet or intimate.

Setting sail from Los Cristianos at 1 pm

You meet the Viking Ragnarok at the excursion area in Los Cristianos harbour. The listed start time is 1 pm, and the cruise returns to the same place after about three hours, so you do not need to arrange a second pickup point.

Before departure, you can meet the costumed crew and take photos. This is optional, but it is worth arriving ready for the theme. Props, Viking clothing, and the front of the ship make better pictures before the boat is moving and the deck becomes less steady.

The boat carries up to 100 people. That gives the trip a social holiday feel, not the quiet mood of a small private charter. Families, couples, and mixed groups share the deck, music, entertainment, and wildlife watching.

The crew begins the Viking performance early, with themed music and jokes as the boat leaves the harbour. You are not simply sitting on a boat waiting for something to happen. The actors stay in character, tell stories about Tenerife, stage mock battles, and involve children and adults in games.

That entertainment matters because wildlife does not follow a timetable. If the whales take time to appear, the Viking show fills the gaps. If you prefer silence and serious nature guiding, this may feel too loud. If you want a cheerful afternoon with a bit of theater, it works well.

Whale watching after 30 to 40 minutes

The first main part of the cruise lasts roughly 30 to 40 minutes, as the boat heads out to look for whales and dolphins. Pilot whales are the animals most often seen on this route, and several outings have spotted multiple pods not long after leaving shore.

You may also see dolphins, turtles, or flying fish. One particularly memorable sight can be a pod with a newborn, but you should treat that as luck rather than part of the promise. Some departures see no dolphins at all, and that does not mean the cruise has failed. These are wild animals, not a scheduled show.

The crew shares information about the marine life in English, and reports also describe information given in Spanish and English. When animals appear, the crew may ask everyone to quiet down and reduce or stop the engine. That approach gives you a better chance to watch the pod and reduces disturbance.

I appreciate that the wildlife part is not presented as a chase. The boat keeps a respectful distance, and the crew’s role is to help you spot animals without turning the encounter into a noisy pursuit. Bring patience and keep your camera ready, but do not expect every sighting to produce a perfect photograph.

Mount Teide may be visible in the distance on clear days. The view gives the whale watching a strong Tenerife setting, with the island rising behind you as the boat moves along the coast.

Swimming in open water near Tenerife

After the wildlife watching, the boat stops for swimming. You can jump into the sea or stay aboard and watch the action. The swimming area is described as a suitable cove or sheltered spot, but the ocean can still feel cold, and the sea may be rough.

Life vests and snorkeling glasses are available. That is useful for confident swimmers and for anyone who wants a little extra support in open water. You should still judge the conditions for yourself. Swimming is optional, and nobody should feel pressured to take the plunge.

The stop adds a welcome change of pace. After sitting in the sun and watching the sea, getting into cooler water can help you feel refreshed. It is also one of the most popular moments for children and teenagers, while adults can enjoy a drink and watch from the deck.

The practical drawback is the boat’s movement. One person described the ride as very rocky and recommended motion sickness tablets before departure. Another found the sea heavy but still managed to see whales. If you are prone to seasickness, choose a shaded seat, look toward the horizon, drink water, and use the sick bags available on board.

Hot weather can create a second problem. One passenger felt unwell from the heat and felt better after the swimming stop. Around two-thirds of the boat reportedly has shade, and the breeze helps, but you should not assume the whole deck is covered.

Viking shows, music, and face painting

The entertainment is not a small extra. It is the heart of the cruise for many people. The crew uses Viking music, costumes, props, face painting, mock fighting, storytelling, dancing, and drinking games to keep the afternoon moving.

The tone is playful rather than historically exact. You will get a holiday version of Viking culture, with plenty of theatrical shouting and comic action. Children often enjoy the silliness, while adults can join in or simply watch from the side.

Music is part of the mood. The Viking-style songs receive the strongest praise, while some passengers found the ordinary music less appealing. That is a small point, but it helps set expectations. This is not an elegant sunset sailing with soft background music. It is a lively party boat with a Viking costume.

The social setup is also important. You will be sharing the experience with other people, and the crew encourages participation. It is easy to chat with other groups, cheer during games, and become part of the show. If you want a private conversation or a calm reading afternoon, pick another boat trip.

The crew’s care for children is one of the strongest reasons to consider this outing for a family. They have been praised for being patient with young children, including a 20-month-old and a nine-year-old who named the cruise the favorite part of a Spain trip. The crew also helped a neurodivergent child who was anxious about boats by allowing the family to board early and sit away from the speakers.

That does not guarantee a quiet or sensory-friendly trip. The music and crowd can be intense. If someone in your group is sensitive to noise, explain the situation to the crew before boarding and ask about a seat away from the speakers.

Drinks included, food charged separately

The $45.95 price includes beer, wine, and soft drinks throughout the cruise. For a three-hour outing, that makes the fare competitive, especially if you plan to enjoy the social side of the trip.

The drinks are not the same as a full meal. Lunch food is not included, and premium drinks and ice cream cost extra. Food is available to buy on board, with reports of burgers and fries, including a vegetarian burger. Portions can be large for children, so sharing may make sense.

Think of the included drinks as part of the entertainment rather than a reason to drink heavily. You can choose soft drinks, and the crew also pays attention to people who feel unwell. Since alcohol is part of the atmosphere, the boat may not suit anyone who dislikes being around beer and wine.

Bring water needs and allergies to the crew’s attention in advance. The operator asks passengers to report allergies ahead of time. You should also remember that the combination of sun, movement, and alcohol can make seasickness worse.

Comfort, seating, and access on board

A restroom is available on the ship, but it is small and has been described as somewhat worn. That may not matter much in calm water, but a moving boat makes any small toilet harder to use. Treat it as a useful facility, not a spacious bathroom.

Try to find a seat under the canopy during hot months. The shaded area can make a big difference during three hours outside, especially for children and anyone sensitive to heat. You can still move around for photos and wildlife watching.

The boat has wheelchair spaces at the front, and some passengers found access good, including a disabled toilet. At the same time, one passenger arrived expecting assistance and was unable to take the trip. The safest advice is to contact the operator before booking if someone in your group uses a wheelchair or needs help boarding. Do not rely only on a general statement that most people can participate.

The crew has shown flexibility with seating, children, and passengers who feel sick. Still, a boat has limits. Ask clearly about mobility, boarding, seating, and restroom needs before you pay.

Is the $45.95 fare good value?

For $45.95, you receive about three hours at sea, wildlife watching, a swimming stop, entertainment, a restroom, Viking crew, and unlimited included beer, wine, and soft drinks. That is a strong package if you want both an attraction and a boat trip.

The value is less clear if you do not drink, dislike loud entertainment, or mainly want a quiet wildlife excursion. You are paying partly for the show, not only for time spent looking for whales.

The cruise is also a good hedge against a slow wildlife day. If no dolphins appear, you still have the swimming stop, music, comedy, face painting, and Viking performances. That mix gives the trip more resilience than a wildlife-only boat ride.

Food costs extra, as do premium drinks and ice cream. Plan for that if your group expects to eat on board. The excursion is booked an average of 19 days ahead, so popular dates may require some planning.

Weather, cancellations, and timing

The cruise depends on good weather. If poor conditions force a cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. The same applies if the minimum number of people is not reached.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the 1 pm start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not refunded or accepted, so keep the local cut-off time in mind.

Weather affects more than the cancellation decision. Wind and swell can make the ride uncomfortable even when the boat still sails. A clear day improves the chance of seeing Mount Teide, while calm water makes the swimming stop more pleasant.

I would not book this as your only fixed activity on a day when you have an important evening plan. The scheduled length is three hours, but sea conditions and the pace of the outing can affect how relaxed you feel afterward.

Who should book the Ragnarok cruise?

I would choose this trip for families, couples who enjoy silly entertainment, groups of friends, and anyone who wants a social afternoon rather than a formal nature cruise. Children and teenagers have plenty to watch and do, while adults can enjoy the wildlife, drinks, views, and comedy.

It is especially useful for a mixed-age group. One person can swim, another can watch whales, and someone else can stay in the shade with a soft drink. The crew’s attention to children and passengers who feel sick is a real advantage.

I would think twice if you suffer badly from motion sickness, need a quiet environment, dislike alcohol-centered entertainment, or require guaranteed wheelchair assistance without advance confirmation. The boat can be rocky, the toilet is basic, and the music can be loud.

Should you book this Tenerife boat trip?

Book it if you want whales plus a full afternoon of entertainment, not just a wildlife search. The best parts are the friendly crew, the chance to see pilot whales in the wild, the open-water swim, and the generous drink package.

Before booking, check the sea forecast, tell the operator about allergies or mobility needs, and plan to take motion sickness precautions. Choose a shaded seat, bring sun protection, and remember that wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed.

For most families and fun-loving couples, the combination of nature, swimming, Viking theater, and included drinks makes this a good-value Tenerife outing. For a quiet or highly specialized wildlife trip, choose something smaller and calmer.

FAQ

Where does the Viking cruise start and finish?

It starts at the Best Boat Tenerife Viking Ragnarok excursion area in Los Cristianos harbour and returns to the same meeting point after about three hours.

What time does the cruise start?

The scheduled start time is 1 pm.

How long is the cruise?

The activity lasts approximately three hours.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Beer, wine, and soft drinks are included during the cruise.

Is food included?

No. Lunch food is not included, though food can be purchased on board. Ice cream and premium drinks also cost extra.

Will I definitely see whales or dolphins?

No. The animals are wild, so sightings are not guaranteed. The cruise may also encounter turtles or flying fish.

Can I swim during the cruise?

Yes. The boat stops for swimming in the open sea. Life vests and snorkeling glasses are available, and swimming is optional.

Is there a restroom on board?

Yes, the boat has a restroom. It is described as small.

What happens if the weather is bad?

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