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

The best part of this Tenerife cruise is the mix: you get wild pilot whales and dolphins, then a swim in the open sea, then three hours of Viking-themed music, games, storytelling, and comedy. It is not a quiet nature trip. It is a lively afternoon built around wildlife, drinks, and playful entertainment.

I like the crew’s care with the animals, including shutting off the engine when whales appear, and I like the way they look after families, children, and passengers who feel nervous. The included beer, wine, and soft drinks also make the $45.95 price feel fair. The catch is rough water. Several people felt seasick, and this boat can rock hard in windy conditions.

I also like that the experience has a real sense of occasion. You can meet the crew in Viking costume, have your face painted, pose with props, and watch mock fights before taking a swim. Just remember that alcohol is part of the atmosphere, so this may not suit anyone seeking a peaceful, alcohol-free boat ride.

Key points to know before boarding

• Pilot whales often appear early: Wildlife sightings have included several pods of pilot whales, dolphins, turtles, and flying fish, though no sighting is guaranteed.
• Swimming comes after the wildlife watch: The boat stops at a safer swimming spot, with life vests and snorkel glasses available.
• Drinks are included: Beer, wine, and soft drinks are available throughout the cruise, while food, ice cream, and premium drinks cost extra.
• The Viking show is central to the trip: Expect music, face painting, storytelling, mock fights, games, dancing, and plenty of crew interaction.
• Sea conditions matter: Take seasickness tablets before departure if you are prone to motion sickness, especially in spring or on windy days.
• Shade is valuable: Much of the boat has cover, but reserving a spot under the canopy helps during hot weather.

Setting sail from Los Cristianos at 1 p.m.

The cruise starts at the excursion area in the harbor of Los Cristianos, on Tenerife’s south coast. You return to the same meeting point after about three hours, so this is easy to fit into a day around Playa de las Americas or Los Cristianos.

Before departure, you can meet the Viking crew and take photos. This is optional, but it helps set the tone. The crew stays in character, and the boat quickly feels more like a small show than a basic sightseeing vessel.

The ship is called Ragnarok, and the Viking theme runs through the afternoon. Expect themed music as you board and set off, props for photographs, face painting, and comic performances. The tone is friendly and broad enough for children, teenagers, couples, and adults who are happy to join in.

This is not an intimate sailing trip. The maximum group size is 100 people, so the boat can feel social and busy. That suits you if you enjoy meeting other holidaymakers and joining group entertainment. If you want silence and plenty of personal space, you may find the production-heavy style tiring.

The first 30 to 40 minutes: whales and dolphins

The first major part of the cruise is wildlife watching. After leaving the harbor, the crew searches the waters around Tenerife for whales and dolphins and explains what you are seeing in both English and Spanish.

Pilot whales are the main highlight reported on this route. Sightings have included multiple pods, sometimes within the first 30 minutes. Dolphins, sea turtles, and flying fish have also appeared. On one trip, a pod included a newborn, which shows how special these encounters can be when the conditions line up.

You should keep your expectations realistic. These are wild animals, not performers, and one trip had no dolphins. Another had rough seas but still found whales. The crew cannot promise a sighting, distance, or length of time with the animals.

The approach to wildlife is one of the strongest parts of the experience. The crew has been seen stopping the engine and asking people to stay quiet so the animals are not disturbed. The boat keeps a respectful distance, which means you may not get a close-up photograph, but it gives you a better chance of seeing natural behavior.

I would bring patience rather than a telephoto-camera mindset. A whale surfacing, a dorsal fin passing, or flying fish skimming across the water can happen quickly. Keep watching the sea, listen for the crew’s instructions, and avoid spending the entire wildlife section looking through your phone.

The coast also looks good from the water. On a clear afternoon, Mount Teide may be visible inland, rising above Tenerife. The view depends on cloud, haze, and the sea conditions, but the boat gives you a different angle on the island than you get from the roads and beaches.

Swimming in the open sea

After about 30 to 40 minutes of sailing and wildlife watching, the boat stops for swimming. This is one of the trip’s most memorable changes of pace. You move from scanning the horizon to jumping into the Atlantic, with Tenerife’s coast around you.

The stop is described as a safer swimming area, and the crew provides life vests and snorkel glasses. You do not have to swim. You can remain on board, watch the activity, or simply enjoy the breeze and the view.

The sea may feel cold, even in warm weather. One account describes the water as very cold, while another notes that the swim helped cool someone who felt unwell in the heat. If you are unsure about swimming in open water, use a life vest and follow the crew’s instructions.

This part is not a beach stop. There is no sand, changing room, or chance to wander ashore. You are swimming directly from the boat, so wear a swimsuit under your clothes and bring whatever dry clothing you need for the ride back.

The swim also gives you a break from the entertainment. The crew remains attentive, but this is one of the calmer moments of the afternoon. For families, it is a useful chance for children to burn off energy. For adults, it adds a little adventure to what could otherwise be a standard sightseeing boat trip.

Viking music, mock fights, and face paint

The Viking theme is not just a costume at the dock. The crew uses music, stories, mock fights, games, and comic performances to keep the boat active from beginning to end.

The entertainment has been praised for working with both children and adults. Face painting is available, and the crew uses props around the ship for photographs. There may also be dancing and drinking games, including horn-style drinking as part of the Viking act.

You should know what kind of fun this is. It is energetic, theatrical, and sometimes noisy. The sound system and regular music are a major part of the show. Some people prefer the Viking-style music to the more ordinary music played later, while others may find the volume too much.

Families with children tend to get a lot from the crew’s attention. The staff has helped young children, entertained nine-year-olds, and assisted a 20-month-old passenger. The crew has also made thoughtful seating adjustments for a child with autism, allowing the family to board early and sit away from the speakers.

That does not mean the boat is quiet or sensory-light. If you or someone in your group is easily overwhelmed, speak to the crew before boarding and explain what you need. Arriving early may help you find a more suitable seat, but the experience remains a busy group activity.

What you can eat and drink on board

Beer, wine, and soft drinks are included in the ticket price. The supply of included drinks is a major reason the excursion feels good value, especially for adults planning to spend the full three hours on board.

Premium drinks are not included. Food is also not included, although food is available to buy on board. The menu has included items such as a veggie burger and fries, and portions may be large enough for children to share.

I would treat the food as an optional extra, not part of the $45.95 calculation. If you want a guaranteed meal, eat before departure or budget separately. The included drinks are useful, but remember that alcohol and hot sun can make seasickness worse. Alternate alcoholic drinks with water or soft drinks, especially during the swimming stop.

The onboard restroom is a practical benefit. It is small, and it has been described as somewhat worn, but it is helpful on a three-hour trip. The boat’s movement can make any confined space harder to use, so plan ahead when the sea is calm.

How rough can the ride be?

This is the main point I would not minimize. Several accounts describe a rocky ride, upset stomachs, or heavy seas. One cruise had such rough conditions that the boat was subject to cancellation concerns, although the group still saw whales.

The sea is not fully predictable, and the crew cannot control the swell. The tour requires good weather, and poor conditions can lead to a different date or a full refund. Even when the cruise runs, you may still encounter noticeable movement.

If you are prone to motion sickness, take travel sickness tablets before departure rather than waiting until you feel ill. The crew carries sick bags and has helped passengers with cool water sprays. A seat beneath the canopy can also make a hot afternoon easier.

Try to choose a stable place on board and avoid walking around unnecessarily once the boat is moving. One useful practical tip is to take your front-of-boat photograph before sailing. Reaching the bow becomes less comfortable once the water gets choppy.

People with serious mobility concerns should contact the operator before booking. The boat has two wheelchair spaces at the front side, and there is a disabled toilet, but assistance and access should be confirmed in advance. The information says most people can participate, not that every mobility need can be handled without planning.

Is $45.95 good value for three hours?

At $45.95 per person, the price is reasonable for a three-hour boat trip that combines wildlife watching, swimming, entertainment, and included beer, wine, and soft drinks.

You are not paying only for transport across the water. The crew provides a hosted show, explains the marine life, supplies safety equipment for the swim, and keeps the group occupied between sightings. For a family, the face painting, Viking games, mock fights, and swimming stop add value beyond a standard whale-watching trip.

The value is strongest if you will use the included drinks and enjoy the entertainment. It is weaker if you do not drink alcohol, dislike loud music, or mainly want a quiet wildlife trip. You can still have a good time with soft drinks, but alcohol is clearly part of the social mood.

Food, premium drinks, and ice cream cost extra. The optional boarding photograph is also available for purchase, with one account putting the price at 10 euros. Factor these extras in if you like to buy souvenirs or eat on board.

The 95 percent recommendation rate and 4.8 rating from 590 reviews point to a consistently popular experience, but the small number of negative accounts matter. The most serious complaint involved a passenger who could not board because the required assistance was not available. Ask direct questions before booking if accessibility is important to your group.

Who will enjoy the Ragnarok most?

I would choose this cruise for families, couples, groups of friends, and anyone who wants a full afternoon rather than a simple wildlife outing. Children have plenty to watch and do, while adults can enjoy the drinks, sea views, jokes, and occasional quiet moment during the wildlife search.

It also works well for people who want a social activity. The seating and shared entertainment make it easy to chat with other holidaymakers. Repeat visitors have found it worth doing again, which suggests that the show and the wildlife make each trip feel different.

I would hesitate to recommend it to anyone who gets badly seasick, dislikes alcohol-centered entertainment, or wants a small, quiet boat with careful photography time. You may also prefer another activity if swimming from a boat sounds uncomfortable.

For families with neurodivergent children, contact the operator before arrival and explain any sensory needs. The crew has shown flexibility, but the boat still includes music, movement, crowds, and character performances.

Practical tips for a smoother afternoon

• Arrive with enough time to find the harbor meeting point and speak with the crew about seating or access.
• Take your boarding photograph and front-of-boat pictures before the ship leaves.
• Choose a shaded seat in hot months. Around two-thirds of the boat has cover, according to one detailed account.
• Take motion sickness medication before departure if you need it.
• Wear swimwear beneath your clothes and bring a dry layer for the ride home.
• Use the life vests and snorkel glasses if you want extra confidence in the water.
• Keep watching the sea during the wildlife section. Sightings can happen suddenly.
• Tell the operator about allergies in advance.
• Budget for food, ice cream, premium drinks, and the optional photograph.
• Keep your expectations flexible. Whales and dolphins are wild, and no sighting is guaranteed.

Should you book this Tenerife Viking cruise?

Book it if you want wildlife, swimming, drinks, and comedy in one outing. The crew’s energy is the main reason this works so well, and the combination gives families and couples plenty to remember even if the animals stay distant.

Do not book it expecting a quiet marine research trip or a smooth ride every time. The boat can be rough, the music can be loud, and the Viking show is a major part of the experience. For the best chance of enjoying it, prepare for motion, choose shade, and tell the crew about any special needs before boarding.

At $45.95, I consider it a good-value choice for an active afternoon from Los Cristianos, especially if you enjoy the included drinks and plan to swim. If seeing whales is your only goal, choose your expectations carefully. If you want a cheerful, slightly silly day at sea with a real chance of seeing pilot whales, this is a strong pick.

FAQ

Where does the Viking cruise start?

The cruise starts at the Best Boat Tenerife Viking Ragnarok whale and dolphin excursion area in the harbor of Los Cristianos, Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

What time does the cruise start?

The scheduled start time is 1:00 p.m.

How long does the cruise last?

The experience lasts approximately three hours and returns to the same meeting point in Los Cristianos.

Are drinks included in the price?

Yes. Beer, wine, and soft drinks are included. Premium drinks are not included.

Is food included?

No. Lunch food is not included, although food is available to buy on board.

Can I swim during the cruise?

Yes. The boat stops for swimming in the open sea. Life vests and snorkel glasses are available.

Are whales and dolphins guaranteed?

No. The animals are wild, so sightings cannot be guaranteed. The cruise has seen pilot whales, dolphins, turtles, and flying fish on some trips.

What happens if bad weather cancels the cruise?

If poor weather causes a cancellation, you will be offered a different date or a full refund. Free cancellation is also available when you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.