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

This is a fun, slightly theatrical way to see Tenerife from the water, with whale and dolphin watching plus time to swim in the open ocean. The Ragnarok carries a Viking crew that keeps things moving, and the vibe feels more like a party on a boat than a quiet sightseeing cruise.

I love that the trip includes unlimited drinks (soft drinks, beer, and wine) for the full 3 hours, so you can focus on the sea instead of budgeting every round. I also like that there is a restroom on board, because with any ocean outing, small comforts matter.

The main thing to consider is that this can get choppy. If you are sensitive to motion or heat, plan ahead, because the ocean ride and the swim point are part of the experience.

Key things I’d keep on your radar

• Viking Ragnarok theme with crew-led entertainment and games, so the boat feels like the destination
• Whale and dolphin spotting time focused on getting you good wildlife viewing opportunities
• Unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks included for a set price
• Time to swim in the open ocean with safety gear available (like life vests and snorkel glasses, when provided)
• Small-ish group flow with a cap of 100 people, plus onboard conveniences like a restroom
• Weather-dependent cruise that can be adjusted or refunded if conditions do not cooperate

Viking Ragnarok on Tenerife: where it fits and what it feels like

If you’re staying around the south coast, this kind of outing is a great “use the afternoon” option. You get a short ride, wildlife watching, a swim window, and a whole boat-load of entertainment, all without committing to a full day.

The boat itself is the star of the show. You board into a Viking-style atmosphere with music, games, and crew in character. That sounds like marketing, but on this trip it actually helps. When you’re out on the water, it’s easy for time to drag. Here, the crew keeps you busy and engaged.

It also works well if you want more than just “look and hope.” The crew shares facts about marine life while you scan the water. They also pay attention to how the boat is positioned, because whales and dolphins are wild animals and you do not want to stress them.

Price and value in the real world (about $45.95 for 3 hours)

At $45.95 per person for about 3 hours, the big value is what you do not have to add on later. Drinks are included for the full sailing, and that changes how you experience the cruise.

Instead of thinking about a bar tab, you can treat this as a true activity. You can enjoy a beer or a glass of wine, sip soft drinks, and still join the games, take photos, and relax without rushing back to land to eat.

What is not included is important too. Lunch food is not part of the package. There may be a food shack on board for payment, and people do mention snacks and meals available. But you should still assume you will need to handle your main hunger on your own plan for the day.

Also note the cruise has a maximum of 100 people. That size is big enough for energy, but small enough that you are not lost in a crowd for the entire ride.

Boarding at Los Cristianos: the Viking meet-up and photo moment

The departure is from Los Cristianos, and you meet at the Best Boat Tenerife Viking Ragnarok Whales and Dolphins area at the harbor. You start at 1:00 pm, and the tour ends back at the same meeting point.

Before you go, you have a chance to meet the Vikings at the harbor for photos. If you care about getting those early pictures while the boat is still calm and everyone is in good spirits, this is your moment.

Bring your camera habits with you. One smart tip from real passengers: if you want a photo near the front of the ship, try to grab it before you’re out on the water. Once the boat is moving, the decks can be slick and it is easier to trip or miss the shot.

You also get the usual kind of “photo option” that some tours sell during boarding. If you want it kept as a souvenir, plan for that extra cost.

Whale and dolphin watching: how the time on the water works

You do not spend the whole cruise just staring into the sea, but there is a clear wildlife-focused window. After sailing out, you get about 30–40 minutes of whale and dolphin watching with the crew guiding you.

You are looking for marine life in their natural environment. Sightings can include dolphins, pilot whales, and even occasional turtles. On the days it all clicks, the pods can come close enough for you to feel like you’re seeing wildlife, not just wildlife in theory.

Two practical points matter here:

1) You should expect the sea to vary. Some trips are smooth enough to enjoy drinks and conversations. Others get rough enough to make you hold on during deck time.

2) The crew’s job is to help you see animals without turning it into harassment. One passenger specifically praised the crew for getting quiet and switching off the engine to improve your chance of viewing and to reduce disturbance.

If whale watching is your top priority, this cruise has a good rhythm. You have time to look, you have guidance while you look, and you are not stuck on the water so long that fatigue ruins it.

The ocean swim in Tenerife: what to expect and how to prepare

The swim stop is one of the most memorable parts of the tour. After the wildlife watching segment, you head toward a swimming point with scenic views of Tenerife’s coastline.

If the weather is clear, you may even spot Mount Teide in the distance. That’s not the point of the swim, but it adds a “wow, I’m really here” feeling when you look up between bites of cold ocean water.

Here’s what you should plan for:

• The water can feel cold, especially if the day includes wind or choppy conditions.
• The seas can be rough, and that can make the swim feel more intense than you expect.
• Motion sickness is real on boats, even on short trips.

One of the best practical tips from passengers is to take travel sickness tablets ahead of time if you’re prone to it. Also, keep an eye out for any provided sick bags, because the boat ride can be bouncy.

Gear-wise, some passengers mention that snorkel glasses and life vests are available during the swim time. If swimming is a must-do for you, bring a swimsuit you can layer under a cover-up, and consider quick-dry sandals with grip if you have them.

And yes, you can choose not to swim. The trip is designed so you can watch and enjoy the scenery if you prefer to stay on board.

Drinks, games, and the Viking vibe that keeps energy up

This is not a “silent nature cruise.” The Ragnarok crew keeps the entertainment running. Expect Viking-style games, music, and staged moments in character. For families, it can be a hit because it gives kids something to do besides watch the horizon.

For adults, the best part is that the entertainment helps you enjoy the ride without clock-watching. When you are on the water for a short afternoon tour, that matters. The crew also uses humor and music to keep the energy steady even when the sea is doing its thing.

One more detail that surprised people: the atmosphere is not only for show. Passengers talk about the crew looking after people, helping those who feel unwell, and finding ways to cool you down if heat is a factor.

That kind of “we’re paying attention” service is exactly what makes a themed cruise feel like a real experience instead of just a loud boat.

Food on board: what is included, what you’ll pay for

Drinks are included. Food is not included as part of the ticket.

That said, there is food available on board for payment, and some passengers specifically mention items like veggie burgers and fries being served and tasting good. Another review talks about a small food and drink shack on board.

So your real plan for food is simple:

• Eat before you arrive, if you want a predictable meal.
• Or if you want something light during the cruise, you can look for the on-board options and pay as needed.

This approach usually works best because it gives you control. Some people get seasick and cannot eat much, while others snack happily while they watch whales.

Comfort and practicalities: shade, restroom, and dealing with choppy water

The boat experience has a few comfort details worth calling out. There is an onboard restroom, which helps a lot on any water tour.

One passenger note: toilets can be small and can feel run-down, which matters more when the boat is swaying. That is not ideal, but it’s the reality of older cruise equipment. If you really care about restroom comfort, go easy on drinks right before you need a lot of toilet time.

Shade can be helpful too. Some passengers mention that part of the boat has shade while the breeze helps with cooling. During hot months, try to choose seating under the canopy.

And if you are a little prone to motion sickness, do yourself a favor and pick your seat with stability in mind. One passenger also shared a smart idea for someone with neurodiversity and sensory overload: ask to be seated away from speakers if noise is a problem. Staff can accommodate this kind of request, and it can make the trip a lot more comfortable.

Who this Viking cruise is best for (and who should think twice)

This cruise is a strong match if you want a short, high-energy afternoon activity in Tenerife that mixes wildlife watching, a swim, and entertainment.

It’s especially good for:

• Families with kids and teens who will actually engage with games and characters
• Couples who want something more playful than a basic boat trip
• People who want drinks included without planning a separate budget
• Anyone hoping to see pilot whales and dolphins, with a crew that helps you spot wildlife

It may not be ideal if:

• You do not like being around alcohol. Beer and wine are included, so the vibe naturally includes drinking.
• You are very sensitive to rough seas. While not every departure is rocky, enough passengers mention choppiness that you should take motion seriously.

If you’re unsure, focus on this: it’s a 3-hour outing. Even if the sea is uncomfortable, it does not usually drag on for an entire day.

Weather, wildlife, and what you can realistically hope for

This cruise depends on weather. If conditions are not good enough, the operator offers a different date or a full refund.

Wildlife is the other variable. Dolphins and whales are not guaranteed because they are wild. The good news is that on this route, sightings can be frequent when conditions line up. People mention pilot whales coming close, dolphins appearing in pods, and occasional turtles surfacing.

Your best strategy is the simple one: show up with the right expectations. Think of it as wildlife watching with a strong chance of a great encounter, not a guaranteed whale show.

Also, the crew’s behavior matters. More than once, passengers highlight that the crew respects whales and tries to minimize disturbance, including getting quieter and turning off the engine when appropriate. That approach is good for wildlife and good for your viewing.

Practical booking tips before you go

A few decisions can make this cruise smoother:

• Dress for sea conditions. Light layers plus something warm enough for wind helps.
• If you get motion sick, take precautions early. Do not wait until you feel bad.
• Bring a swimsuit and towel you can live with getting salty.
• Pick seating wisely if you want shade or fewer loud speaker zones.
• If you want Mount Teide in the distance, clear-weather days give you a better shot.

And because this is a themed cruise with games and music, it helps to go in with an open mind. If you want quiet and minimal interaction, you might prefer a different boat option.

Should you book the Viking Ragnarok whales cruise from Los Cristianos?

Book it if you want a fun, value-heavy afternoon in Tenerife with wildlife watching, a real ocean swim stop, and drinks included for the whole 3 hours. The Viking-themed crew adds energy, and the overall structure makes it feel like a full experience, not a quick ride to nowhere.

Skip it or be cautious if you cannot handle choppy water, or if alcohol in an inclusive setting is a deal-breaker for you. The swim and the sea conditions are part of the deal, so you will feel the weather.

If you are on the fence, I’d make the call like this: you’re paying for more than sightseeing. You are paying for entertainment, drinks, and the chance to see marine life, plus a swim. For many people, that combination is exactly what makes this a standout Tenerife afternoon.

FAQ

How long is the Viking cruise?

It’s about 3 hours.

What time does it start?

The start time is 1:00 pm.

Where is the meeting point, and where does it end?

You meet at Best Boat Tenerife Viking Ragnarok Whales and Dolphins at the harbor area in Los Cristianos, and the tour ends back at the same meeting point.

What’s included in the price?

The price includes an onboard restroom, the Viking crew, soda or pop, beer, and wine.

Are drinks unlimited?

Yes. Soft drinks, beer, and wine are included during the cruise.

Is there time to swim?

Yes. After a period of sailing and wildlife watching, there is time to swim in the open ocean.

Is food or lunch included?

Lunch food is not included. Food may be available on board for payment, but it’s not part of the ticket.

What language is the tour in?

The tour is offered in English. Some information is also shared in Spanish.

What should I know about weather and cancellation?

The cruise requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Can I cancel and get a refund?

Yes. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. If you cancel less than 24 hours before, the amount paid is not refunded.