If you’re heading to Tenerife and considering a sea adventure, the Whale Watching Cruise from Los Cristianos is one of those experiences that promises a mix of wildlife, scenic views, and a bit of fun.
Offered by VIKING TENERIFE RAGNAROK SL, it’s especially popular for its friendly crew, the chance to see whales and dolphins in their natural habitat, and the opportunity to take a refreshing dip in the Atlantic.
We’ve looked into the reviews, details, and what makes this tour tick — and here’s the scoop. What we love? The guaranteed sights of incredible marine creatures and the lively, immersive Viking theme that adds a playful touch. The only thing to keep in mind is that spotting whales isn’t always guaranteed — which is common with wildlife tours, so managing expectations is key.
I joined a Viking ship in Los Cristianos for a three-hour cruise—yes, that three-hour cruise, but thankfully without any shipwrecks. Our Viking “crew” looked surprisingly friendly for people known to raid villages, and the guide served up fascinating facts about dolphins and pilot whales like a true ocean nerd (in the best possible way). The drinks were included, which made me feel even braver—nothing like spotting dolphins with a cold drink in hand while pretending you’re on a Norse expedition. Great trip, great wildlife, zero pillaging. Highly recommended!
Super fun! The boat is one of a kind, a lot of love for detail. also the crew is amazing, very helpful and fun to be around. We saw a lot of dolphins and whales. 100% would recommend!
The crew were fun and we enjoyed the viking stories and photos. Best of all was veing up close to the pilot whales just a few metres from the boat
If you enjoy boat trips, wildlife, a bit of adventure, and don’t mind a social atmosphere with drinks and entertainment, this cruise could be right up your alley. Families, groups of friends, or solo travelers looking for a relaxed yet engaging experience will find plenty to enjoy here.
- Key Points
- What Makes This Whale Watching Cruise Unique?
- The Itinerary Breakdown
- Departure from Los Cristianos Harbor
- Whale and Dolphin Watching
- Scenic Coastal Views
- Swim and Snorkel Stop
- Return to Los Cristianos
- The Onboard Experience
- The Value for Money
- Who Will Enjoy This Tour?
- The Bottom Line
- FAQ
- More Whale Watching Tours in Tenerife
- More Boat Tours & Cruises in Tenerife
- More Tour Reviews in Tenerife
Key Points
- Wildlife encounters are often a highlight, with frequent sightings of whales and dolphins.
- The scenic coastline of southern Tenerife offers great views of El Teide and the coastlines.
- The viking-themed entertainment adds a fun, memorable element.
- Swimming and snorkeling opportunities provide a refreshing break in the open ocean.
- Drinks are included, making it a laid-back social outing.
- The 3-hour duration is manageable and great for a half-day adventure.
What Makes This Whale Watching Cruise Unique?
This tour strikes a balance between adventure, relaxation, and entertainment. Starting from Los Cristianos harbor, you’ll hop aboard the Viking ship Ragnarok, transforming what could be a straightforward wildlife tour into an experience with a playful, thematic twist. Imagine a Viking-themed crew, face painting, and a lively atmosphere all set against the backdrop of Tenerife’s coast.
The core appeal? The chance to observe whales and dolphins swim close enough to the boat for great photos. Many reviews, like Lisa’s, call this trip “absolutely brilliant,” praising the crew’s professionalism and friendliness. Several reviewers mention the “great time” they had, with kids jumping into the sea and adults soaking up the sun and scenery.
You can also read our reviews of more boat tours in Tenerife
The Itinerary Breakdown
Departure from Los Cristianos Harbor
The adventure kicks off at the Puerto de Los Cristianos, close to the beach and easy to reach. You’re advised to arrive at least 15 minutes early to get settled and avoid any last-minute stress. Boarding is straightforward, with clear instructions and a friendly crew ready to welcome you aboard.
as usual a fantastic time. loved it. thanks all of U especially Gunner. cheers and c U in 2026
this was the 4th time I've done this activity. it's absolutely brilliant. awesome value for money and the crew are fantastic. thanks again for a great afternoon and see U next Thursday. q
The crew are friendly and knowledgeable. Our 3rd time on it and we'll be back again next year. Absolutely loved it.
Whale and Dolphin Watching
Once at sea, the primary focus is wildlife spotting. The waters between Tenerife and La Gomera are known for their many resident dolphins and whales, and the experience is often magical. The boat might get close enough to observe these creatures in their natural environment, providing excellent photo ops.
Several reviews, like Amanda’s, highlight the crew’s attentiveness, especially when dealing with sea sickness. Even if you don’t manage to see whales, the possibility of dolphins swimming alongside the boat or surfacing nearby keeps the excitement high.
More Great Tours NearbyScenic Coastal Views
As the boat cruises along the coast, you’ll enjoy picturesque views of places like Playa de Las Américas, Adeje, and the iconic El Teide volcano. The ship’s vantage points make it easy to take in the landscape, which adds to the overall enjoyment.
You can also read our reviews of more whale watching tours in Tenerife
Swim and Snorkel Stop
After the wildlife viewing, the ship anchors near striking cliffs and beaches for a chance to swim or snorkel. The water is crystal clear, and many reviews mention the joy of jumping into the Atlantic Ocean — sometimes even spotting a sea turtle! Life jackets are provided, making it safer and more accessible.
The combination of seeing beautiful waters, views and creatures combined with the fun factor of a viking tour. Great hosts, lots of fun and very special to swim in the ocean.
This is a really fun and different whale/dolphin observing tour. If you're a drinker you'll most likely come off very drunk but that's alright as it's part of the fun. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable about the local animals and there's facepainting fun too. There's sadly no Mead, that would have been the icing on the cake for us but we couldn't really complain. Would be nice to see even if this was a drink that you had to pay extra for. All in all a great few hours for not a lot of money.
it was a great experience overall and great value for money.
This part of the trip is often the favorite for those who want a break from sitting and prefer a bit of active fun. It’s also a good opportunity for families or less experienced swimmers to enjoy the sea in a controlled environment.
Return to Los Cristianos
After about an hour of swimming, the boat heads back to port. The trip lasts around 3 hours, which is just enough time to feel you’ve had a full experience without it becoming overly long or tiring.
The Onboard Experience
Expect a relaxed, friendly atmosphere with drinks flowing throughout the cruise. The tour includes beer, wine, and other beverages at no extra cost, which makes the trip feel more like a social outing. Food is available for purchase, with options like burgers and snacks, so you won’t go hungry if you choose to indulge.
A fun addition? The Viking face painting and themed entertainment. Several reviews mention how engaging the crew is, with plenty of jokes, antics, and opportunities to dress up or take photos. The vibe is lively but not chaotic, and everyone seems to agree that the crew’s professionalism adds a lot to the enjoyment.
I had a great time on the Viking ship! Was such great entertainment for a fantastic price. I really enjoyed the swimming in the sea and looking for the whales. My 5 year old little boy had a great time as well and loved the Viking experience. I would really recommend for all ages!
Everything perfect! The crew were there when you need it. We will come again!
nothing. the crew were awesome. Gunner as usual. thank you
The Value for Money
At around 35 euros per person, this cruise offers quite a bit of value. You get wildlife sightings, scenic views, swimming, drinks, and entertainment all in a comfortable 3-hour package. Many reviewers, like Cristian, point out that they feel they received “more than enough” for the price, especially with the included drinks and swimming opportunity.
While food isn’t included, the on-board bar offers snacks and meals at extra cost, which is typical for such tours. The overall price seems reasonable considering the range of activities and the quality of the crew.
Who Will Enjoy This Tour?
This experience suits a wide range of travelers, especially those who enjoy being on the water, spotting wildlife, or simply want a fun, social outing. Families with older children will appreciate the swimming and the playful Viking theme, while adults looking for a relaxed day out will find plenty of entertainment and scenic beauty.
Keep in mind, it’s not ideal for those prone to seasickness, as some reviews mention choppier waters. The boat is wheelchair accessible, but electric wheelchairs might not be suitable for safety reasons.
great and memorable experience… dolphins on video too top the cake! the staff are amazing! kind and courageous to eat! get your eyes peeled for your next sea meal… I recommend highly to try this experience
The guys on board were really helpful and knowledgable and interacted with all of the guests , especially the children . Was a great experience and would defo do it again . Thanks to the vikings they were fab
More of a selection of drinks maybe but apart from that, was a great trip!
If you’re after a memorable and lively experience, with a good chance of seeing whales and dolphins, this cruise hits many of the right notes.
The Bottom Line
For anyone seeking a combination of wildlife viewing, scenic cruising, and lively entertainment, this whale watching tour from Los Cristianos offers solid value. The friendly crew’s professionalism, the chance to see whales and dolphins in their natural habitat, and the opportunity to cool off in the Atlantic make it a well-rounded choice.
It’s particularly appealing if you’re traveling with family or friends and want an activity that balances adventure with fun. The Viking theme adds an extra layer of enjoyment, making it more than just a typical boat trip.
That said, don’t expect guaranteed whale sightings — wildlife can be unpredictable. But with the number of positive reviews praising the crew’s efforts and the overall experience, it’s clear this tour is a safe bet for a memorable day on the water.
Los Cristianos: Whale Watching Cruise w/Swim Stop & Drinks
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FAQ
Is this tour suitable for children?
While it’s generally family-friendly, it’s best for children who are comfortable on boats and able to enjoy swimming or snorkeling. The Viking theme makes it fun for kids, especially with face painting and activities.
How long does the cruise last?
The trip lasts about 3 hours, making it a manageable option for a half-day outing.
Are drinks included?
Yes, beer, wine, and other beverages are included throughout the cruise at no extra cost.
Can I buy food on board?
Food is available for purchase, with options like burgers and snacks.
What should I bring?
Bring sunglasses, sun hat, swimwear, towel, and sunscreen for comfort and safety.
Is the boat wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the boat is wheelchair accessible, but electric wheelchairs might not be suitable for safety reasons.
What if I don’t see whales or dolphins?
Wildlife sightings depend on nature, so while sightings are common, they’re not guaranteed. Many reviews mention seeing dolphins or whales, but some note it’s a matter of luck.
What’s the best way to prepare for seasickness?
If you’re prone to seasickness, consider taking medication beforehand. The boat can be choppy, so staying in the middle might help.
Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, free cancellation is possible up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Is there a dress code?
Casual, comfortable clothing is fine; just remember to bring sun protection and swim gear.
In essence, this whale watching cruise from Los Cristianos offers a good mix of wildlife, scenery, and fun. It’s a solid choice if you’re after a relaxed, social day on the water with a touch of Viking flair, and plenty of chances to create memorable moments.
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