2h Viking Cruise Whales & Dolphins Watching

Seeing pilot whales and dolphins close to a boat is the main draw here, and the two-hour trip gives you a good wildlife outing without taking up a whole day. The cruise follows Tenerife’s southern coast, so you get open-sea views as well as time spent watching for marine life.

I like the family-friendly Viking theme, with crew members staying in character and offering face painting for children. I also like the price, $24.19 per person, which makes this one of the easier wildlife trips to fit into a holiday budget. The main caution is rough water: several passengers have found the boat uncomfortable, especially children prone to seasickness.

Key points to know before you book

• Pilot whales are the main wildlife sighting: Dolphins are also regularly seen, and some trips include turtles.
• A short, manageable outing: The cruise lasts about two hours, a useful length for families and anyone with limited time.
• Viking entertainment is part of the package: Expect themed crew members, optional photos, face painting, and music.
• Large boat with room to move: The vessel can carry up to 113 people and includes toilets.
• Food and drinks cost extra: Snacks, water, soft drinks, and other drinks are available to buy onboard.
• Sea conditions matter: Bring motion-sickness tablets or bands if you are sensitive to rocking, and confirm the meeting point carefully.

Setting sail from Los Cristianos Harbour

The trip begins at Los Cristianos Harbour, in the excursion area at the Muelle in Los Cristianos. This is not a long land excursion with several stops. You arrive at the harbour, board the Viking Ragnarok, and spend the next two hours at sea before returning to the same point.

The meeting-point wording is worth checking carefully before you leave your hotel. One person missed the departure after finding only a general Los Cristianos address on the confirmation and spending too long searching for an office. The full meeting point is listed as Best Boat Tenerife Viking Ragnarok Whales & Dolphins, Zona Excursiones A Muelle, Los Cristianos, 38650. Save the location link and allow enough time to find the boat.

There may be an optional photo before departure, giving you a quick souvenir in Viking costume or beside the boat. It is not part of the ticket price, so treat it as an extra rather than an expected part of the outing.

The boat is large enough for a maximum of 113 people, with almost 100 passengers commonly possible. That size gives you more room than a small rigid inflatable boat, plus an onboard toilet, but it also means this is a shared group cruise rather than a quiet private wildlife safari.

What the Viking theme adds

The Ragnarok is not presented as a plain transport boat. The crew uses Viking costumes, character, music, and interaction to make the trip feel like a family show as well as a wildlife search.

That approach works especially well if you are traveling with children. The optional face painting is a small feature, but it gives younger passengers something to enjoy even when wildlife takes time to appear. Children can also meet crew members in character, and the staff make an effort to speak with people around the boat rather than leaving the entertainment to one corner.

The tone is playful rather than formal. You might hear music toward the end of the cruise, and the crew keeps the atmosphere lively. If you want a silent, naturalist-led boat ride, this may feel too theatrical. If you want an easy family activity with a bit of showmanship, the Viking style adds useful energy.

Commentary and activities are presented in English and Spanish. The booking information lists English as the available language, but the onboard program is described as bilingual, so you should be able to follow the main information in both languages.

Searching for pilot whales and dolphins

After leaving the harbour, the boat heads out along Tenerife’s southern coast. The crew searches the water for dolphins and whales, which are often seen swimming near the vessel.

Pilot whales are the most consistent highlight in the information supplied for this trip. Sightings include small groups close to the boat, and some passengers have seen them more than once during the two-hour cruise. Dolphins are also a strong possibility, with reports of them jumping and, on some outings, appearing in the distance.

You should keep your expectations realistic. Wildlife is never guaranteed, and the animals decide where to swim. One trip may bring close pilot whale sightings, while another may offer dolphins farther away. That is normal for a sea-watching outing, not a flaw in the program.

The boat’s size can work in your favor when you want to change position and look for animals from another angle. On the other hand, a larger group means you may need to share the best viewing spots. Keep watching the water instead of relying only on announcements, since an animal can surface on either side of the boat.

Some passengers have also seen turtles. That is a welcome extra, but whales and dolphins remain the central reason to book.

Views along Tenerife’s southern coast

The cruise is not only about wildlife. Once the boat clears Los Cristianos, you get a different view of Tenerife’s southern shore, with the coastline opening out behind you as the boat moves into deeper water.

This makes the trip a good choice if you want a sea outing without committing to a full-day cruise. Two hours gives you time to leave the harbour, search for wildlife, enjoy the coast, and return without losing an entire afternoon.

It is also a practical option for families who need a clear end time. The schedule is short enough to fit around a meal or another activity in Los Cristianos, although you should allow extra time around boarding and disembarkation.

Bring a phone or camera, but protect it from spray and keep it ready. Wildlife sightings can last only a few seconds. An optional photo is available onboard, while your own coastal views are included in the ticket.

How much value do you get for $24.19?

At $24.19 per person, this is priced as an accessible short excursion rather than a premium wildlife charter. You are paying for a two-hour boat ride, the chance to see whales and dolphins, coastal views, crew entertainment, bilingual commentary, and basic facilities.

The value is strongest if you want a short family activity or a first taste of whale watching. You do not need to spend most of a day at sea, and the Viking theme gives children something to enjoy between sightings. The price also leaves room in your budget for other Tenerife activities.

Food, drinks, and alcohol are not included. Snacks, water, soft drinks, and other beverages can be bought on board, with card payment available according to one account. Bring your own budget for these extras, especially if you are traveling with children.

Private transport is also not included. You make your own way to Los Cristianos Harbour, which is near public transport. The activity ends where it begins, so there is no separate drop-off.

For this price, you should not expect a private guide beside your group or a guarantee of close wildlife encounters. You are buying a reasonably priced shared boat outing, with entertainment built around the wildlife search.

The biggest practical issue: seasickness

The ocean can be calm, but it can also be choppy. A few passengers have found the motion difficult, and one account describes nearly half the people onboard feeling seasick on a rough day, with children affected in particular.

If you or your child is prone to motion sickness, plan ahead. One passenger recommends sickness tablets and bands, and another mentions that the crew has sick bags available and checks on people who feel unwell. A small bandage over the belly button was also suggested as a personal trick, but that is not a medical guarantee. Use the precautions that normally work for you.

Sit or stand where you feel most comfortable, keep your eyes on the horizon when possible, and avoid treating the onboard snack bar as a full meal before the boat leaves. The supplied information does not specify which part of the boat is least affected, so do not assume a particular seat will prevent seasickness.

The possibility of rough water does not cancel out the value of the trip, but it should influence your decision. If a child is very sensitive to boat movement, a land-based activity may be a better choice. If you are prepared and the sea is calm, the rocking may be mild and the outing can be very enjoyable.

Crew interaction and onboard extras

The crew is one of the strongest parts of the experience. They stay in character, speak with people directly, and combine basic sea-life information with a light show. Luna is specifically praised for being approachable and helpful, and the captain is described as having a memorable personality.

That personal contact matters on a large boat. With up to 113 people onboard, the experience could easily feel anonymous, but the crew works to keep passengers involved. Face painting, photo opportunities, and music help fill the quieter moments when the boat is scanning the water.

The onboard toilet is useful, particularly for families. Snacks and drinks are available to buy, and the boat can accept card payments. Alcoholic drinks are not included in the ticket, and neither lunch nor soft drinks are included, so plan to pay extra if you want refreshments.

The entertainment is likely to appeal most to families and groups looking for a cheerful outing. Couples seeking a calm, quiet cruise may find the music and character work less appealing, though the coastal views and wildlife search remain the same.

Who should choose this cruise?

I would put this near the top of the list for families with children who want whales and dolphins without spending a full day on a boat. The short duration is manageable, the face painting gives children a second activity, and the crew keeps the mood light.

It also suits budget-conscious visitors. At $24.19, you can try a marine wildlife trip without paying for a longer package with meals or private transport. It works well as a half-day plan around Los Cristianos.

Wildlife fans should consider it too, especially if you are happy with a shared boat and understand that sightings cannot be promised. The possibility of pilot whales close to the boat is appealing, and dolphins, turtles, and southern-coast views add variety.

I would think twice if you strongly dislike crowded boats, prefer quiet wildlife watching, or are very sensitive to motion. The group can be large, and rough water has caused problems for some passengers. You should also be careful with the meeting-point details, since arriving at a general harbour address may not be enough.

The cancellation terms are fair: cancel at least 24 hours before departure for a full refund. Changes made inside that window are not accepted, and late cancellations are not refunded. If poor weather forces a cancellation, you can receive a different date or a full refund. The same choice applies if the minimum number of participants is not met.

Should you book the Viking Ragnarok?

Book it if you want an affordable, upbeat two-hour cruise with a real chance of seeing pilot whales and dolphins. The best reasons are the short format, friendly crew, family activities, coastal views, and strong price.

Go in prepared for a shared boat, extra charges for food and drinks, and the possibility of seasickness. Save the exact harbour location before you set out, and give yourself time to find the Viking Ragnarok.

For families, first-time whale watchers, and anyone with only a few free hours in Los Cristianos, this is a sensible choice. For a quieter or more private wildlife experience, you should compare other boat options before booking.

FAQ

How long does the Viking whale and dolphin cruise last?

The cruise lasts approximately two hours, including the journey from Los Cristianos Harbour and the return to the same meeting point.

Where does the cruise depart from?

It departs from the excursion area at the Muelle in Los Cristianos, 38650, Santa Cruz de Tenerife. The listed meeting point is Best Boat Tenerife Viking Ragnarok Whales & Dolphins.

What wildlife might I see?

The cruise searches for pilot whales and dolphins. Turtles have also been seen on some outings, but wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed.

Is the tour suitable for children?

Yes. The cruise is designed as a family-friendly outing, with Viking performers, optional face painting, music, and crew interaction. You should consider the possibility of seasickness, particularly for children.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Lunch, alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, and other refreshments are not included. Snacks and drinks can be purchased on board.

Can I cancel for a refund?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not refunded or accepted. Weather or minimum-participant cancellations offer a different date or a full refund.