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

This is one of those Tenerife tours that gives you two different kinds of excitement in one 3 hour cruise. You get whale watching in the wild waters between Tenerife and La Gomera, then you cool off with an ocean swim, all while the crew plays up the Viking theme aboard the Ragnarok.

I like the combo of unlimited drinks and an organized, lively vibe. I also really enjoy how the guides keep the focus on respectful wildlife viewing, and named hosts like Gunner and Mathias are part of that energy. One thing to consider, though, is that it is not a great match if you are prone to seasickness, since conditions can get choppy.

Key highlights to look for

• Viking ship Ragnarok sailing from Los Cristianos, built for a fun, party at sea feel
• Whales and dolphins in frequent sighting waters between Tenerife and La Gomera
• Drinks on tap including beer and wine, plus other drinks throughout the cruise
• Swim and snorkel stop with crystal-clear water potential near cliffs and beaches
• Viking entertainment, including face painting (optional) and constant crew engagement

A Viking Ship Day at Sea from Los Cristianos

Think of this as your chance to do whale watching without a stuffy, quiet boat. The Ragnarok is themed like a Viking ship, and the crew leans into it from the moment you board. You start at Puerto de Los Cristianos, then head out along the southern coast in search of marine life.

The “Viking” part is not just costumes for show. It becomes an organizing force for the afternoon. You will get laughs, goofy games, and frequent interaction, and it works especially well if you like tours where everyone is invited to participate, not just watch.

If you come for wildlife, you still get the real reason this cruise exists. The route runs in waters known for dolphins and whales, so you are not just hoping. You are in the right area, with a crew that knows how to handle the moment when animals appear.

Getting on board: the Ragnarok boarding gate and timing

Meeting is at Zone Excursion A, the boarding gate right next to the beach in Los Cristianos. Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes early. That buffer matters here because port traffic and parking can be a pain, and you do not want to start the cruise stressed.

Once you are on board, you settle in quickly. The ship has comfortable restrooms onboard, which is a small detail until you really need it. You also get a safety briefing before you head out, since the day includes a swim stop.

If you are bringing a manual wheelchair, you are welcome on the boat because it is wheelchair accessible. For safety, the tour asks guests to use a manual wheelchair rather than an electric one.

Cruising the South Coast: Tenerife views from the water

As the boat sails, you get a moving viewpoint on Tenerife’s south coast. The cruise passes Playa de Las Américas and Adeje, so you can watch the coastline unfold from a completely different angle than you get from land.

This cruising time is not just filler. It is your warm-up. You get the sun on your face, cooler sea air, and chances for photos that feel less like snapshots and more like “we are actually here” memories.

One nice touch is that the day includes guided-style context during the Los Cristianos portion. It helps you pay attention to what you are seeing instead of just scanning for animals the whole time. And since the ship keeps going in search of sightings, those views are a reminder that even when wildlife is shy, the trip is still doing something for you.

Whales and dolphins: when the wild show starts

This is the heart of the afternoon. The cruise runs in waters where whales and dolphins are frequently spotted, and the sightings can be close enough for great photos without feeling intrusive.

The crew’s behavior matters. In particular, the guides are careful about not disturbing animals. When dolphins and pilot whales show up, you can feel the shift on board. People go quieter, and the crew keeps everyone calm so the animals can do what they came to do.

If you are wondering how likely you are to see something, the only honest answer is that wildlife is wildlife. Still, this tour has the advantage of being routed in a known high-sighting zone, and that is why it scores so well with repeat bookings.

The swim stop and snorkel time: what to expect

After the wildlife time, the ship drops anchor near cliffs and beaches with big scenery energy, including views of El Teide when conditions line up. Then you get the part many people remember most, the ocean swim stop.

You will have time to swim or snorkel in the Atlantic. Life jackets are provided for kids during the swim portion, which is helpful if you are traveling with families. Even if you are not a swimmer, it is still a great way to cool off and feel like you actually took part in the ocean, not just watched it.

The water can be very inviting on a Tenerife day. Bring a towel because you will want one after you climb back on board. Sunscreen is also a must since you will likely be in direct sun for much of the cruise.

One more thing that matters: this trip is not designed for comfort if you are prone to seasickness. If you know you get queasy in boats, consider sitting toward the middle area of the ship if that is an option for your group. If you cannot handle any boat movement, you may be better off skipping this one.

Viking-style fun: entertainment, face painting, and crew energy

A lot of whale cruises focus on the animals and move on. This one adds a consistent entertainment layer. Expect a Viking-themed show and a crew that stays involved the entire time, not just at the start.

The entertainment is not only for kids. Adults often end up joining in because the crew keeps it playful, not forced. Named hosts like Gunner and Mathias come through in the way they run the vibe, and the overall tone is friendly, upbeat, and very “everyone is welcome on this ship.”

You can also try Viking face painting as an optional add-on. Even if you do not want to paint your face, it is worth watching because it makes for fun photo moments and adds to the character of the day.

In short: if you want a calm, silent nature cruise, this might feel too theatrical. If you want a high-energy afternoon that still respects wildlife, it is a strong fit.

Drinks and food: value for the price you pay

Let’s talk about why this feels like good value. The tour includes drinks throughout the cruise, with beer and wine among the options, plus other drinks. For many people, unlimited drinks are the difference between a whale trip that feels like a splurge and one that feels like a fair deal.

Food is not included, but it is available onboard for purchase. If you get hungry, you can grab something from the onboard bar menu. Based on what people describe, the food choices are simple but tasty, and the prices are not presented as outrageous, especially given the setting.

Also, photos are not included. You will likely see plenty of photo opportunities, and you can take your own, but do not count on buying an official set later unless you are prepared to use your own camera and phone.

Price and what you really get for it

The listed price is around $44 per person (availability can affect exact pricing). At that level, you are not just paying for a boat ride. You are paying for a themed experience with:

• wildlife time in a high-sighting route
• a scheduled swim stop
• drinks included across the cruise
• a crew that keeps the whole afternoon moving

That mix is why people often call this “money well spent.” If you would otherwise pay separately for a dolphin and whale boat tour plus drinks plus a swim, the bundled nature makes the price easier to stomach.

If you hate crowds or prefer quiet activities, this may not be your best deal because part of the value is the energetic, group-friendly atmosphere. But for a lot of visitors, that is the point.

Who this cruise suits best (and who should skip it)

This works best if you want:

• a 3 hour adventure that does wildlife and ocean time
• a lively crew with Viking-themed entertainment
• included drinks so you can relax once you are out at sea
• a swim stop where the kids and adults can all participate

It is less ideal if:

• you are prone to seasickness (this is specifically flagged as not suitable for people with that issue)
• you want a low-key nature cruise with minimal interaction
• you are expecting a guided, lecture-style wildlife program, since the entertainment component is a big part of the format

It can be a solid choice for families too, especially because kids get involved in the Viking fun and the swim portion includes life jacket support.

Practical tips so you enjoy every minute

Here are the small things that can make your day smoother.

Bring:

• sunglasses
• a sun hat
• swimwear
• a towel
• sunscreen

Wear:

• easy slip-on footwear for boarding and getting back to your things
• layers you can adjust if the wind picks up

Know before you go:

• Pets are not allowed.
• Photos are not included, so rely on your own device.
• Restrooms are on board, which you will appreciate once you are out at sea.

Most importantly, give yourself enough time to reach the port. Parking can be limited in the area, so extra buffer equals a calmer start.

Should you book the Los Cristianos Viking whale cruise?

I would book this if you want a Tenerife whale and dolphin watching cruise that feels like a party at sea, not a quiet tour. The biggest reasons to say yes are the included drinks, the Viking entertainment, and the chance to swim in the Atlantic after wildlife sightings.

Skip it if seasickness is an issue for you, or if you prefer a silent, observation-only style of wildlife viewing. And if you are the type who gets irritated by group energy, you might find the Ragnarok’s lively approach distracting.

If you fall somewhere in the middle, this is a strong value play. It is built to keep you engaged, puts you in a good waters zone for sightings, and gives you a memorable swim stop on top of it.

FAQ

How long is the Los Cristianos whale watching cruise?

The cruise lasts about 3 hours.

Where do we meet for the tour?

You meet at Puerto de Los Cristianos at the boarding gate called Zone Excursion A, right next to the beach.

What drinks are included onboard?

Beer, wine, and other drinks are included throughout the cruise.

Is there a swim or snorkel stop?

Yes. The itinerary includes a swimming stop, and you can swim or snorkel when the boat anchors.

Is food included in the price?

Food and snacks are not included, but you can buy food onboard as an additional cost.

Are restrooms available on the boat?

Yes, there are comfortable restrooms onboard.

Are photos provided as part of the tour?

Photos are not included.

Is the tour suitable if I get seasick?

The tour is not suitable for people prone to seasickness.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

The boat is wheelchair accessible. For safety, the tour asks guests to use a manual wheelchair rather than an electric one.