Reviewed · WHALE WATCHING
3h Viking Cruise with Drinks, Whales watching & Swimming Time
A Viking boat trip in Tenerife feels like a holiday shortcut. You cruise out from Los Cristianos with a Viking themed crew and spend the afternoon hunting for whales and dolphins at sea. I also like that the ship keeps things practical, with an onboard restroom and staff who stay in character without forgetting you are there to have a good time.
My favorite part is the combo deal: you get unlimited drinks plus a real chance to swim in the open ocean, not just a quick photo stop. The main drawback to know up front is the sea can get rough, and even though there are ways to help, you should still be ready for motion.
In This Review
- Key things to know before you go
- Viking Ragnarok on Tenerife, what this 3 hour outing really delivers
- Where you meet and how the 1:00 pm start feels in real life
- Playa de Las Americas sailing out: spotting whales, dolphins, and turtles at sea
- The swimming time: how it works and what to bring mentally
- On board entertainment: Viking crew games, face paint, and the energy level
- Unlimited drinks: why the included beer and wine feel like more value than you expect
- Food on board and meal expectations: what to plan so you do not get surprised
- Weather, rough seas, and the small practical tips that save your afternoon
- Accessibility and mobility: what the operator indicates is on board
- Is the $45.95 price fair for what you get?
- Who should book the Viking Ragnarok cruise
- Should you book this 3 hour Viking whale watching and swim?
- FAQ
- How long is the cruise?
- What time does it start?
- What drinks are included on board?
- Is there an onboard restroom?
- Do you get time to swim?
- Where does the tour begin?
Key things to know before you go

- Viking Ragnarok vibe with a crew that stays in character, plus games and on deck entertainment.
- Wildlife focus without the circus feel, with guidance to help you spot marine life while respecting the animals.
- A real swim stop in the open ocean, with life vests and snorkel glasses available.
- Unlimited onboard drinks including beer, wine, and soft drinks, with restroom access on board.
- Limited size with a maximum of 100 travelers, so it does not feel like a cattle boat.
Viking Ragnarok on Tenerife, what this 3 hour outing really delivers

This is the kind of tour that works because it does not pretend to be something it is not. In three hours, you do three things well: you sail out for marine life viewing, you get a window to swim, and you spend the ride in a playful Viking setting with drinks and entertainment.
You are on a Viking themed boat (the Ragnarok), heading out from the Los Cristianos harbor. The crew guides you while you watch for whales and dolphins, then you switch gears for the swim time with Tenerife’s coastline in view. If the weather is clear, you may even catch a distant look at Mount Teide from the water.
The best value part is that the drink plan is included for the whole trip. You are not stuck calculating costs every time you want a cold beer or a glass of wine to go with the sea breeze.
More time on the water
- Costa Adeje: Whale & Dolphin Eco-Cruise with Snacks & Drinks
★ 4.6 · 5,096 reviews - Los Gigantes: Dolphin & Whale Watching Cruise with Swim Stop
★ 4.7 · 4,539 reviews - Tenerife: Whale & Dolphin Watching Cruise with Swim Stop
★ 4.7 · 3,227 reviews - Los Cristianos: Viking Cruise Whales & Dolphins Watching
★ 4.6 · 3,132 reviews - No chase Whale & Dolphin tour putting Marine Life first – we care
★ 4.5 · 2,168 reviews
Where you meet and how the 1:00 pm start feels in real life
You start from Best Boat Tenerife Viking Ragnarok Whales&Dolphins at Zona Excursiones A, Muelle, Sta. Cruz de Tenerife – Los Cristianos, 38650 Los Cristianos. The start time is 1:00 pm, and the activity ends back at the same place.
You will use a mobile ticket, and the meeting spot is near public transportation, which matters if you are staying somewhere walkable or you do not want to fight parking. The tour is offered in English, so you should have no trouble following the announcements and crew guidance.
One timing note: before you even sail, you may have a chance to meet the Vikings and take photos at the harbor. If you want those pictures, try to arrive with enough time to get them before boarding gets busy.
Playa de Las Americas sailing out: spotting whales, dolphins, and turtles at sea

Once you leave the harbor, you get that classic moment where you switch from sightseeing on land to scanning open water. There is usually about 30 to 40 minutes of sailing while you look for whales and dolphins in their natural habitat.
Here is what makes this part more than a generic boat ride. The crew actually narrates while you watch, sharing facts about the marine life. And they also work to keep things animal friendly. In practical terms, you are more likely to enjoy the viewing when the crew encourages you to be quiet at the right moments, rather than having constant noise competing with what you came to see.
What you might spot can be excellent. People report seeing pilot whales and pods close enough to feel truly exciting, plus dolphins, and sometimes even turtles. You cannot control the animals, but you can control one thing: your attention. Keep your eyes up and scan the surface often, not just when someone points.
On a clear day, the scenery from the water adds a bonus. Tenerife’s coastline looks different from offshore, and Mount Teide can sometimes show up in the distance. When the visibility is good, it makes the whole ride feel like a proper afternoon out, not just a quick hunt for wildlife.
The swimming time: how it works and what to bring mentally

After the initial sailing and wildlife watching, the tour shifts into its most memorable feature for many people: swimming in the open ocean.
This is not a pool stop. You are jumping into the sea with Tenerife’s coastline behind you, and you will feel the temperature and the motion right away. Some days will be calmer than others. Some days will be chilly. Either way, it is part of the charm, because it feels like you are actually in the water with the island, not just watching it.
Good to know what you can use. Snorkel glasses and life vests are available, which makes it easier to participate even if you are not an experienced snorkeler. You also get an onboard restroom, which helps a lot before and after the swim.
My practical advice: treat the swim as something you can choose to do, not something you must do. Even if you skip jumping in, you can still enjoy the views from the boat during the stop.
Also consider motion sickness. If the sea gets rough, you may feel it more than you expect. There are sick bags available on board, and the safer move is to plan ahead if you know you get queasy on boats.
Half a morning, fully spent well
On board entertainment: Viking crew games, face paint, and the energy level

This tour is built to feel like a themed afternoon, not a silent nature excursion. The Viking crew adds a lot of the personality through music, in character performances, and games. You may see reenactments like a Viking fight, plus interactive stuff like horn drinking and beer competitions.
If you are traveling with kids or teens, this is where the tour tends to win hearts. The activity is upbeat and keeps people engaged, with staff that seem to handle different ages and energy levels well. Families also mention it as a highlight day, which makes sense because you are combining wildlife and water time with clear, kid friendly entertainment.
One thoughtful detail you can use: if you or someone in your group needs things calmer, ask staff about seating. I have seen situations where guests were supported to find a seat away from louder areas, including being allowed to board first to get comfortable. It is not something you should assume every time, but it is a smart question to ask.
Face paint is another part of the fun. If that sounds like your kind of silly, go for it. It helps make the themed setting feel real, and it gives you photo material that looks better than standard boat shots.
Unlimited drinks: why the included beer and wine feel like more value than you expect

The drinks are included for the whole cruise: soft drinks, beer, and wine. For a three hour outing, this matters more than it sounds. Instead of deciding how much you can afford to drink, you can just relax and enjoy the ride.
A lot of people really like this because it turns the atmosphere into a social hangout, especially during the wildlife watching and the swim stop. You do not have to race back to the bar or track what you consumed. You can also use the drinks as a way to warm up a bit after swimming if the sea air is cold.
Two practical cautions though. First, do not let the included alcohol plan make you forget safety. Take your time stepping around on a moving deck, and drink water too if you are out in sun and sea breeze. Second, if you really do not want alcohol around you, know that beer and wine are part of the included package.
If you do want a bit more variety, food and extra drinks can be available for payment on board. One common pattern is that there is a small food and drink shack onboard, so you can top up with snacks if you get hungry, but it is not included in the tour price.
Food on board and meal expectations: what to plan so you do not get surprised

Your ticket covers the cruise experience plus drinks. It does not include lunch food.
That said, people do report that food is served on board for payment, including options like veggie burgers and fries. Portions can be big, so if you have kids, you may prefer ordering one meal and sharing. If you are counting on a full meal, you should still plan for the possibility that you will need to buy food or eat before you meet.
If you do not want to think about it at all, treat this as an afternoon excursion. Eat a proper lunch either before you arrive or soon after you return to Los Cristianos.
Weather, rough seas, and the small practical tips that save your afternoon

This tour needs good weather. If the operator cancels due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund. Even with good planning, sea conditions can still vary day to day once you are at sea.
Rough water is the most common thing that changes how the cruise feels. Some people describe it as very rocky, enough that motion sickness can hit. If you have a history of getting sick on boats, bring travel sickness tablets and use them early. Sick bags are available, but prevention is better than cleanup.
Seat choice helps too. If it is hot, aim for seating under the canopy where you get shade and some airflow. One practical tip: grab photos at the front before the boat is fully moving. Once you are out at sea, navigating to the front deck can be harder on a swaying ship.
Toilets are another reality check. The onboard restroom is there, which you will appreciate, but it can be small and feel run down. It is not usually a problem until the boat starts moving a lot, then you notice it. Just knowing that makes it easier to accept.
Accessibility and mobility: what the operator indicates is on board
If you need mobility support, check in early. The operator has noted there are two wheelchair spaces at the front side of the ship and an accessible toilet. That is a meaningful detail, because it suggests the vessel is set up to support at least some mobility needs.
If you have a specific requirement, it is wise to message the provider ahead of time. I have found that doing that before you arrive saves stress on the day.
Is the $45.95 price fair for what you get?
At $45.95 per person for a three hour cruise, the math is mostly about value per hour plus what is included.
Here is the breakdown that matters to most people:
- Time on the water: a full 3 hours, not a short hop.
- Included drinks: beer, wine, and soft drinks for the whole time.
- Entertainment and crew: Viking music, games, and in character performances.
- Wildlife watching: guided whale and dolphin spotting.
- A chance to swim: open ocean water time.
- Onboard restroom.
What is not included:
- Lunch food.
- Premium extras, and anything additional you choose to buy on board.
For many travelers, the included drinks plus the swim time is what makes the price feel reasonable. You are essentially buying a lively afternoon with wildlife viewing and water access, and you do not have to add up drink costs as you go.
If you are looking for a quiet, no-nonsense wildlife expedition, this might not match your style. But if you want a fun afternoon that includes actual ocean time and the chance to spot whales, it feels like strong value.
Who should book the Viking Ragnarok cruise
I think this tour is a great fit if you want:
- A family friendly sea outing with entertainment and energy.
- A wildlife experience with a social vibe, where the crew helps you spot what is out there.
- Value on drinks, because unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks are included.
- A swim stop, especially if you have not swum in the open ocean in Tenerife before.
It is also a solid choice for couples who want something more lively than a basic sightseeing cruise. Even if you are not the type to do extreme activities, the swim is optional and the boat viewing is still the main event.
Should you book this 3 hour Viking whale watching and swim?
If your goal is an afternoon that mixes marine life with real fun, I would book it. The combination of whale and dolphin watching, a proper swim window, and unlimited drinks is a strong package for the time on offer.
Do book it with a couple smart expectations:
- Sea conditions can make the ride feel rough, so plan for motion sickness if you need to.
- Toilets are available, but they are not the highlight of the day.
- Animals do not guarantee themselves, but the spotting can be excellent, and the crew works to maximize your chances while keeping a respectful approach.
If you want a calm, quiet, purely nature-focused cruise, you might feel happier with a different style of boat tour. But if you want whales, dolphins, and a Viking themed party atmosphere in the same 3 hours, this is an easy yes.
FAQ
How long is the cruise?
The trip runs for about 3 hours, and it ends back at the same harbor meeting point.
What time does it start?
It starts at 1:00 pm.
What drinks are included on board?
Soft drinks, beer, and wine are included.
Is there an onboard restroom?
Yes. There is a restroom on board.
Do you get time to swim?
Yes. After wildlife watching, there is swimming time in the open ocean. Life vests and snorkel glasses are available.
Where does the tour begin?
It starts at Best Boat Tenerife Viking Ragnarok Whales&Dolphins at Zona Excursiones A, Muelle, in Los Cristianos (the exact address is provided in the meeting point details). The tour ends back at the meeting point.
More Whale Watching in Tenerife
- Tenerife: Eco-Yacht Whale and Dolphin Watching and Swimming★ 4.7 · 15,619 reviews
- Los Cristianos Respectful No-Chase Whale and Dolphin Safari★ 4.6 · 12,782 reviews
- Costa Adeje: Whale Watching Catamaran Tour with Drinks★ 4.7 · 3,653 reviews
- Tenerife: Whale & Dolphin Watching with Drinks and Snacks★ 4.4 · 2,929 reviews
- Los Gigantes: Whale or Dolphin Watching Tour and Swim in Masca★ 4.7 · 2,229 reviews
Just Added to the Tenerife Lineup
Whale Watching, compared.

Eco-Yacht Whale and Dolphin Watching and Swimming
Read our review →
Los Cristianos Respectful No-Chase Whale and Dolphin Safari
Read our review →
Whale & Dolphin Eco-Cruise with Snacks & Drinks
Read our review →
Dolphin & Whale Watching Cruise with Swim Stop
Read our review →
Whale & Dolphin Watching Cruise with Swim Stop
Read our review →
Whale & Dolphin Watching with Drinks and Snacks
Read our review →Browse the lists this tour appears in







