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

The best part of this cruise is the unusual mix of wildlife watching and Viking-themed entertainment. From Los Cristianos, you sail toward the waters between Tenerife and La Gomera, then look for pilot whales and dolphins before anchoring for an Atlantic swim. The ocean setting does the serious work, while the crew adds plenty of silliness.

I like the included drinks, which make the $44 price easier to justify, and I like the way the crew keeps both children and adults involved. Hosts such as Gunner and Mathias have been singled out for their warmth, while the Viking actors bring music, jokes, face painting, and photo opportunities. The main drawback is the sea itself: conditions can be choppy, and people prone to seasickness may struggle.

Key points at a glance

• Pilot whales and dolphins: The boat operates in a part of the Atlantic known for frequent sightings, though no wildlife encounter is guaranteed.
• Ragnarok Viking ship: This is more theatrical than a standard sightseeing boat, with Viking characters, music, props, and face painting.
• Atlantic swimming stop: The crew anchors near cliffs and beaches, with time to swim or snorkel and life jackets available for children.
• Drinks included: Beer, wine, water, and soft drinks are available during the cruise, while food costs extra.
• Three hours from Los Cristianos: The cruise leaves and returns to Puerto de Los Cristianos, with views toward Playa de Las Américas, Adeje, and El Teide.
• Prepare for motion: Keep to the middle of the boat if you are sensitive to movement, or consider skipping this outing if seasickness is a serious concern.

Setting out from Los Cristianos on the Ragnarok

You meet at Boarding Gate Zone Excursion A, right beside the beach in Los Cristianos Harbour. Arrive at least 15 minutes early. The port area has limited parking and heavy traffic, so leaving extra time is sensible, especially if you are driving from another part of Tenerife.

The boat is called Ragnarok, and the name gives you a fair warning about the mood. This is not a quiet yacht trip built around whispered nature commentary. It is a staged Viking adventure with crew members who stay in character, involve people of different ages, and use the ship as a backdrop for photographs.

That theatrical style will suit families and anyone who enjoys a little harmless cheese. If you prefer a small, quiet boat with long stretches of silence, this is probably not your ideal choice. The entertainment is part of the product, not a side detail.

The ship has toilets and a bar, which matters on a three-hour outing. You can move around, find a viewing spot, order food if you wish, and return to your seat without needing to cut the trip short.

Cruising toward Tenerife’s whale and dolphin waters

After the safety briefing, Ragnarok heads out from Los Cristianos toward the waters between Tenerife and La Gomera. This area is known for regular sightings of dolphins and whales, particularly pilot whales. The crew watches the water and helps direct your attention when animals appear.

The possibility of seeing wildlife is the main reason to book, but it is important to keep expectations sensible. Dolphins and whales are wild animals, not scheduled performers. Some trips find several animals close to the boat, while another departure may see none. The experience remains worthwhile for the sea views and swimming stop, but you should not treat a sighting as guaranteed.

When dolphins or pilot whales appear, the crew is expected to keep a respectful distance. That is good for the animals and gives you a better chance of seeing natural behavior rather than a frantic chase. You may see dolphins moving alongside the boat or pilot whales surfacing nearby. Bring a phone or camera, but keep your eyes on the water instead of watching the whole encounter through a screen.

The boat can move and rock while searching. One practical tip is to stay near the middle of the ship if you are prone to motion sickness. The sides and upper viewing areas can offer better views, but they may also feel more exposed to movement. Take seasickness medication before departure only if that is something you normally use and can take safely.

Coast views from Playa de Las Américas to Adeje

The cruise also gives you a different view of Tenerife’s southern coast. From the water, you pass the shoreline around Playa de Las Américas and Adeje, with cliffs, beaches, resort areas, and the volcanic profile of El Teide inland.

These views are a useful counterpoint to the wildlife search. If the sea stays quiet, you are not left with nothing to do. The coast keeps unfolding, and the ship provides a broad angle that you cannot get from the promenade.

El Teide may appear behind the southern coast, depending on visibility. The volcano is one of Tenerife’s defining sights, and seeing it from the Atlantic gives your photographs more depth than a simple beach view. Sunlight can be strong on the water, so sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen are practical rather than optional extras.

The ship’s Viking theme also makes the coastal passage more active. The hosts may organize jokes, music, face painting, or photographs with props. The style is playful and family-friendly, but adults who enjoy a relaxed drink and a bit of crowd participation can have a good time too.

The swimming stop near cliffs and beaches

After the wildlife portion, Ragnarok anchors near cliffs and beaches for the swimming stop. This is one of the strongest parts of the trip because it breaks up the cruise and lets you experience the Atlantic rather than simply look at it.

You can swim or snorkel in the clear water. The information provided does not promise a specific snorkeling site or regular turtle sightings, so think of a turtle as a lucky extra, not a planned feature. The main reward is the chance to cool off in the sea with Tenerife’s cliffs around you.

Swimming from a boat is different from entering the water from a beach. You need to be comfortable using a ladder or following the crew’s instructions, and you should take care near the ship. Children can use life jackets, and the crew manages the stop, but adults remain responsible for judging their own comfort in open water.

Not everyone needs to swim. You can stay aboard, enjoy a drink, watch the action, and take photographs. That makes the stop workable for mixed groups, such as parents with children who want different things or anyone who does not feel confident in the Atlantic.

Bring swimwear and a towel. Wet clothing, a sunny deck, and sea spray make a towel especially useful on the return journey. Snorkeling equipment is not listed as included, so check what is available before you rely on the activity for gear.

Viking hosts, face painting, and the tone on board

The crew is a major part of the value here. The two Viking performers and the animator keep the mood moving, with jokes, music, props, and activities that draw in children. Face painting is optional, and you can use it for photographs or skip it without missing the main cruise.

The entertainment works best if you are willing to play along. The experience has a deliberately exaggerated Viking theme, so you may find the acting charming, funny, or a little over the top. That is not a flaw if you book it with the right expectations. It simply means this is a show as well as a boat ride.

Gunner and Mathias are names associated with especially warm hosting on board. The wider crew also handles the practical side of the trip, including drinks, food service, safety, and the swimming stop. The strongest praise has focused on how included people feel, with activities suited to children, couples, and older family members.

One point to watch is seating. A full departure may feel crowded, and one account noted that there was not quite enough seating for everyone. Arriving early may help you settle in, though the boat’s exact seating situation can vary.

Drinks included, food extra

Beer, wine, water, and soft drinks are included during the cruise. For many people, this makes the price more attractive than a basic whale-watching trip where every drink costs extra. You can enjoy a cold drink while watching the coast, waiting for wildlife, or sitting through the swimming stop.

The bar also sells snacks and food at an additional charge. The menu includes simple fast food such as burgers, chips, and chicken nuggets. Food prices have been described as modest, with chips costing around a few euros, but prices can change, so check on board before ordering.

I would eat lightly before departure if you are prone to seasickness. A heavy meal, alcohol, and choppy water are not a helpful combination. If you feel fine at sea, the onboard menu is convenient, particularly for families who want lunch without leaving the ship.

The drinks are best viewed as part of the overall package, not a reason to drink heavily. You still need to swim safely, keep your balance on a moving boat, and stay aware of the sun.

Is $44 good value for three hours?

At $44 per person, this cruise sits in a useful middle ground. You are paying for a three-hour boat trip, a swimming stop, wildlife watching, onboard entertainment, crew service, and included drinks. Food and souvenir photos cost extra, but you can take your own pictures at no added charge.

The value is strongest if you want several activities in one outing. A standard whale-watching trip may focus more narrowly on wildlife. Ragnarok adds a swim, drinks, music, and Viking performances, so you receive more than a simple ride out and back.

The value is weaker if you dislike theatrical entertainment or rarely drink. In that case, you may be paying for features you will not use. Wildlife sightings are also not guaranteed, so the price should be judged on the full experience rather than on the hope of seeing a whale.

The three-hour length feels practical for a holiday schedule. It is long enough to reach the wildlife area and make the swim stop, but short enough to fit around other plans in Los Cristianos, Playa de Las Américas, or Adeje.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and the reserve-now, pay-later option give you some flexibility. Starting times vary, so check availability when booking.

Access, comfort, and what to pack

The boat is wheelchair accessible, though the operator asks people to use a manual wheelchair rather than an electric one for safety reasons. If you need specific boarding help, confirm the arrangements before you go, since the provided information does not detail the boarding surface or transfer procedure.

Pack sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. The Atlantic reflects strong light, and the boat offers limited shade compared with being on land. A dry layer can also be useful after the swim, though it is not specifically required.

Pets are not allowed. English and Spanish are available for the live tour, so you should be able to follow the safety briefing and main information in one of those languages.

The ship has restrooms, a useful feature for families and anyone who does not want to worry about the length of the outing. Still, use the facilities before departure if you can, since moving around a rocking boat is less comfortable than using them in port.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

I would recommend Ragnarok to families looking for an outing with plenty of activity. Children can watch for dolphins, swim from the boat, enjoy Viking characters, try face painting, and take photos with props. The entertainment gives them something to focus on during stretches when wildlife is not visible.

It also suits couples and groups of friends who want a social afternoon rather than a quiet nature tour. The included beer and wine, music, coastline views, and swimming stop create a relaxed holiday feel.

Older family members can join too. The cruise has onboard toilets, professional crew, drinks, and a place to remain aboard during the swim. An 84-year-old participant was able to enjoy the trip with family, though each person should consider mobility and comfort on a moving ship.

I would hesitate to recommend it to anyone who gets severe seasickness. Several people have felt unwell in choppy conditions, and the open Atlantic can make movement more noticeable. If you are unsure, the middle of the boat is the best place to start, but this is still a sea trip, not a calm harbor ride.

Should you book the Ragnarok?

Book this cruise if you want wildlife, swimming, drinks, and lively entertainment in one three-hour outing. The included beverages and broad mix of activities make $44 a reasonable price, particularly for families and groups.

Skip it if you want a quiet, specialist wildlife excursion, or if you know that boat motion causes serious illness. Also remember that whales and dolphins are never guaranteed.

For the right audience, Ragnarok offers a memorable way to see Tenerife from the water. The best day combines close wildlife sightings, a refreshing Atlantic swim, a clear view toward El Teide, and a crew willing to make everyone part of the Viking story.

FAQ

Where does the whale-watching cruise depart?

It departs from Puerto de Los Cristianos at Los Cristianos Harbour. The boarding point is Zone Excursion A, right next to the beach.

How long does the cruise last?

The experience lasts three hours and returns to Puerto de Los Cristianos. Starting times vary, so check availability when booking.

Are whales and dolphins guaranteed?

No. The waters between Tenerife and La Gomera are known for frequent sightings, but whales and dolphins are wild animals and may not appear on every departure.

Is swimming included?

Yes. The cruise includes a swimming stop near cliffs and beaches. You can also snorkel, and life jackets are provided for children who need them.

What drinks are included?

Beer, wine, water, and soft drinks are available during the cruise. Food and snacks are not included.

Can I buy food on board?

Yes. The onboard bar sells snacks and simple food, including options such as burgers, chips, and chicken nuggets, at an additional cost.

Is the boat wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the boat is wheelchair accessible. For safety reasons, the operator asks people to use a manual wheelchair rather than an electric one.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. Pets are not allowed on the boat.