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

The best part of this Tenerife boat trip is the mix: wild pilot whales and dolphins, a swim in the open sea, and a rowdy Viking show on the way. You sail aboard the Viking Ragnarok from Los Cristianos, with a costumed crew, music, games, face painting, and plenty of character.

I like the unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks, which make the $45.95 price good value for a three-hour outing. I also like the crew’s practical touch: they help nervous children, passengers feeling seasick, and families who need a quieter place to sit. The main drawback is the sea itself. Rough water can make the ride uncomfortable, and whale sightings are never guaranteed.

Key points to know before you book

• Pilot whales are the main wildlife sighting: The boat often reaches whale-watching areas within the first 30 to 40 minutes, but animals remain wild and sightings cannot be promised.
• The Viking theme is a real part of the trip: Expect music, face painting, staged fighting, storytelling, props, games, and crew members staying in character.
• Swimming time is built into the outing: The boat stops in a sheltered spot when conditions allow, with life vests and snorkel masks available.
• Drinks are included, food is not: Beer, wine, and soft drinks are unlimited, while lunch, ice cream, and premium drinks cost extra.
• Prepare for sun and motion: Much of the boat has shade, but the ride can be rocky. Seasickness tablets are worth considering.
• The tour suits families, couples, and social groups: It is less suitable if you want a quiet, small-group wildlife cruise.

Sailing from Los Cristianos at 1 pm

Your afternoon begins at the excursion area in the harbor of Los Cristianos, in the Playa de las Americas area of southern Tenerife. Look for the Viking Tenerife Ragnarok meeting point at Muelle, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Los Cristianos. The trip starts at 1 pm and returns to the same place after roughly three hours.

Before departure, you can meet the Viking crew and take photos beside the ship. This is optional, but it is worth arriving with enough time to enjoy the set-up rather than rushing aboard at the last moment. The ship’s Viking styling gives the trip its tone immediately, with costumes, props, music, and a crew ready to perform.

The atmosphere is social rather than hushed. You are not boarding a plain sightseeing boat for a quiet hour at sea. The crew may stage mock Viking fights, tell stories about Tenerife, lead games, and encourage dancing or friendly competitions. Children often get face paint, while adults tend to enjoy the humor, music, and open bar.

That energy is a major part of the value. If you want a calm wildlife trip with a naturalist speaking softly over an engine-free boat, choose a specialist whale-watching excursion instead. If you want marine life mixed with a generous dose of theater, Ragnarok offers something more unusual.

The first 30 to 40 minutes: watching whales and dolphins

Once the boat leaves the harbor, the crew heads out along Tenerife’s southern coast. The first wildlife search usually takes about 30 to 40 minutes, though the timing depends on sea conditions and where the animals are that day.

Pilot whales are the main attraction. Dolphins are also possible, and some outings have included turtles and flying fish. Sightings can be surprisingly close, but the crew keeps a respectful distance and may shut off the engine when whales are nearby. That helps reduce disturbance and gives you a better chance to watch the animals quietly.

You may see a pod surface, breathe, and disappear again. This is not a guaranteed parade of animals beside the rail, so set your expectations sensibly. One outing can produce several pods, while another may bring only a few sightings or none at all. The crew does not control the wildlife.

The boat’s size and open deck help with viewing, but everyone may not get the same angle at once. Move carefully when the crew allows it, and do not linger in one position if others are trying to see. The sea can be rough, so hold the rail and avoid walking quickly while the ship is moving.

The guides provide information in English and Spanish, with humor mixed into the commentary. The educational side is fairly light, but you still receive useful facts about the species and the island. This balance works well for families. Children get entertainment, while adults are not left with nothing but music and drinks.

Mount Teide and Tenerife from the water

The view changes once you are offshore. From the boat, Tenerife’s southern coast looks different from the resort streets and hotel terraces. On a clear day, Mount Teide may appear inland, rising above the island behind the coast.

Do not count on a perfect Teide view. Clouds and haze can hide the summit, and the main focus remains the sea. Still, the combination of open water, volcanic coastline, and the mountain in the distance gives the afternoon a strong sense of place.

I recommend taking a few photos early, before the boat begins pitching more heavily. The front of the ship is a popular spot for pictures, but it can become awkward to reach once the sea gets choppy. A boarding photo is also taken, and you can buy it afterward for 10 euros if you want a formal souvenir.

Swimming in the open sea

After the wildlife search, the crew takes the boat to a place suitable for swimming. The exact stop depends on the weather and sea conditions. On a calm day, this is a relaxed break from the boat’s music and activity. On a rougher day, the swim may feel more adventurous.

You can jump into the water if you are comfortable, or simply stay aboard and enjoy the view. Life vests and snorkel masks are available, and the crew helps people who need assistance getting in or out. The water can be cold, even in warm weather, so do not feel pressured to swim.

This is one of the trip’s better design choices. A three-hour boat ride can feel long if you remain seated the whole time. The swimming stop breaks up the wildlife viewing and gives children a clear activity to look forward to. It also provides welcome relief if you are hot or beginning to feel queasy.

The stop is not a full snorkeling excursion. The supplied information does not promise coral, large schools of fish, or a guided underwater tour. Think of it as time for a refreshing dip, not a specialist marine safari.

Viking entertainment, games, and face painting

The entertainment continues throughout the trip. Costumed crew members stay in character, use Viking props, and put on short performances. Staged fights and playful boxing are part of the show, along with music, storytelling, games, and occasional drinking contests.

Face painting is available and is especially popular with children. The ship also gives you good photo opportunities at the helm and around the Viking-themed areas. The setting feels deliberately theatrical, but the crew’s friendliness keeps it from becoming a stiff performance.

The tone can be loud and lively. Music plays during the cruise, and the crew encourages participation. Some families will love the easy fun. Others may find the volume and constant activity tiring, particularly if they prefer a peaceful afternoon on the water.

If you are traveling with a child who is sensitive to noise, tell the crew before departure. One family was allowed to board early and sit away from the speakers because their autistic child was anxious about boats. That kind of practical help is valuable, though it is still wise to explain your needs in advance rather than assume every request can be met.

What is included, and what you pay extra for

At $45.95 per person, the trip offers solid value if you will use the included drinks and entertainment. The three-hour duration gives you wildlife viewing, swimming, performances, and coastal scenery in one afternoon.

Included are:

• Unlimited soft drinks
• Beer
• Wine
• Viking crew and entertainment
• Restroom access
• Swimming time when conditions permit
• Life vests and snorkel glasses for the swimming stop

Lunch is not included. Food is available aboard the ship for an additional charge, and reports describe items such as burgers and fries. Portions can be large for children, so sharing may make sense. Ice cream and premium drinks also cost extra.

The drink arrangement is worth considering honestly. Beer and wine are central to the social atmosphere, and many people enjoy having an easy drink while watching the coast. If you do not drink alcohol, you can use the soft drinks, but you may still be surrounded by a fairly festive drinking culture.

The restroom is useful, especially with children, but it is small. A swaying boat makes any compact marine toilet feel less comfortable. Use it before departure when possible, and do not expect land-based facilities.

Rough seas, shade, and seasickness

The biggest practical issue is motion. Southern Tenerife can have calm water, but conditions change. Some departures have been described as very rocky, with several people feeling sick even though the wildlife sightings were worthwhile.

If you are prone to seasickness, take your usual motion-sickness medicine before boarding. The crew keeps sick bags aboard and has helped people with cool water sprays and practical care. Still, prevention is better than relying on assistance after the boat is already moving.

The boat has shaded seating covering roughly two-thirds of the deck according to one detailed account, while the rest is more exposed. Try to claim a place under the canopy during hot months, especially if you are traveling with young children or anyone who struggles with heat.

Sun, wind, alcohol, and a moving deck can combine quickly. Drink water as well as beer or wine, use sun protection, and stand only when the crew says it is safe. The open sea is not the place for a casual sprint to the bow.

Families, mobility, and who should choose this trip

This is a strong family option when your group enjoys noise, performance, and hands-on activities. Children can watch for whales, get face paint, join the Viking mood, swim, and take part in games. The crew has also been notably patient with toddlers and older children.

Couples can enjoy it too, especially if they want something more playful than a standard cruise. The boat works well for birthdays, group outings, and anyone who prefers a social afternoon to a silent wildlife watch.

Mobility requires advance planning. Some information describes good access and two wheelchair spaces toward the front of the ship, while another passenger reported difficulty obtaining assistance on the day. Since the sea, boarding conditions, and individual needs vary, contact the operator before booking if someone in your party uses a wheelchair or needs help boarding. Also report allergies in advance.

The maximum capacity is 100 people. This is not an intimate small-boat trip, and the entertainment works partly because there is a crowd to join in. If you prefer personal attention and a quiet deck, the size and show may not suit you.

Booking timing and weather rules

The trip is often booked about 19 days ahead, which suggests that popular dates can fill before a holiday begins. If your schedule is fixed, booking ahead makes sense, especially for families or groups.

You receive confirmation at booking and can use a mobile ticket. The activity is offered in English, with information also given in Spanish during the cruise.

The cruise needs suitable weather. If poor conditions force a cancellation, you can accept another date or receive a full refund. A minimum number of participants is also required, and a cancellation for that reason brings the same choice of another date or a refund.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations made inside that window are not accepted for a refund.

Is the Viking Ragnarok worth $45.95?

For three hours, the price is attractive. You receive a wildlife search, swimming stop, live entertainment, face painting, a restroom, and unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks. A paid meal may be available aboard, but you should budget separately for food, ice cream, premium drinks, and the optional 10 euro boarding photo.

The value depends on what you want from a boat trip. The whale watching alone is never guaranteed, so do not buy this solely on the promise of seeing dolphins. You are paying for a full afternoon package in which wildlife is one part of the experience.

I would choose it for a family that wants lots of activity, a couple looking for a cheerful outing, or anyone who finds ordinary sightseeing cruises dull. I would hesitate if you dislike alcohol-centered entertainment, loud music, rough water, or crowded boats.

Should you book the Viking cruise?

Book it if you want Tenerife’s sea life with a generous helping of fun. The most praised elements are the crew, the family-friendly humor, the whale sightings, the included drinks, and the swimming stop. The crew also appears willing to help passengers who feel anxious, seasick, or overwhelmed.

Go in prepared for motion, heat, and the chance that wildlife stays out of sight. Take seasickness precautions, seek shade early, tell the crew about allergies or access needs, and arrive ready for a loud Viking show rather than a quiet nature cruise.

For the right person, this is one of the more memorable ways to spend an afternoon in southern Tenerife. It gives you real time at sea, a chance to see pilot whales in their natural setting, and enough silliness to keep the boat ride from feeling like a simple transfer.

FAQ

Where does the Viking cruise start?

The cruise starts at the excursion area in the harbor of Los Cristianos, at Muelle, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Los Cristianos, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain.

What time does the cruise leave?

The scheduled start time is 1 pm.

How long does the experience last?

The cruise lasts approximately three hours and returns to the same harbor where it begins.

Are whale and dolphin sightings guaranteed?

No. Whales and dolphins are wild animals, so sightings cannot be guaranteed. Pilot whales and dolphins are commonly sought during the wildlife-watching part of the trip, and turtles or flying fish may also be seen.

Is swimming included?

Yes. The itinerary includes time to swim in the open sea when conditions allow. Life vests and snorkel glasses are available.

What drinks are included?

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

Is food included in the ticket price?

No. Lunch is not included. Food may be available aboard for an additional charge, and ice cream is also excluded.

Is there a restroom on the boat?

Yes. A restroom is available onboard, though it is small.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience starts. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not refunded. If the operator cancels because of poor weather or insufficient numbers, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.