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

A Viking ship in Tenerife waters is not what I expected. Still, this Los Cristianos whale watching cruise turns a simple boat trip into a full-on sea adventure with Viking-themed fun, drinks, and a swim stop.

I particularly like the chance to view whales and dolphins in the wild, plus the onboard energy that keeps the vibe light even when wildlife is unpredictable.

Two things I like a lot are the included beer and wine-style drink service during the cruise, and the real-world thrill of getting up close with marine life from the water. Another plus is how the crew keeps the pace fun without turning the wildlife viewing into a circus.

One drawback to plan for: if you’re prone to seasickness, this is listed as not suitable. The itinerary includes open-water cruising and a stop for swimming, so you’ll want a plan before you board.

Key Highlights You’ll Actually Care About

• Viking ship Ragnarok theme with Viking entertainment and face painting for photos
• Whale and dolphin spotting in waters between Tenerife and La Gomera
• Swim or snorkel stop in the Atlantic near cliffs and beaches
• Drinks included on the cruise, with beer and wine available
• Guided safety briefing plus professional captain and crew
• Good photo moments with coastline views and potential wildlife sightings

Viking Ship Ragnarok, and Why Los Cristianos Starts Strong

The setting matters, and Los Cristianos is a practical launch point. You board at Puerto de Los Cristianos, and from there the cruise quickly aims you toward a stretch of water known for dolphin and whale sightings.

The star of the show is the boat itself, the Viking ship Ragnarok. It is built for a different kind of sightseeing: less sit-and-stare, more action and story. You’ll see the coastline from the water as you move along Tenerife’s south side, including views past major resort areas like Playa de Las Américas and Adeje.

If you like small breaks from normal travel routines, this format works. It is a 3-hour trip, so you are not signing up for an entire day of logistics. You get the thrill of open-water wildlife viewing plus a proper swim stop, which is where many cruises run out of steam.

Onboard Vibes: Viking Entertainment, Drinks, and a Real Crew Dynamic

This cruise treats the time on the water like part of the attraction. Viking-themed entertainment shows up during the sailing, and face painting is optional if you want the full costume-party photos. Even if you do not go for the face paint, the staff interaction tends to keep things moving.

One practical win: drinks are included. You do not have to worry about finding a bar, ordering, and paying mid-cruise. Beer and wine are specifically mentioned, along with other drinks available during the journey. That matters because wildlife watching can turn into a long waiting game, and included drinks help keep the mood up.

I also like that the crew is described as both professional and interactive, with a captain and professional crew on board. You get a safety briefing, and that is a big deal on any boat, especially one that invites you to swim.

Heads up for comfort: restrooms are on board, which makes the 3-hour timing easier to manage. This is not a luxury cruise, but it is not an uncomfortable one either.

The Wildlife Route Between Tenerife and La Gomera

The core of the experience is the time in the water where whales and dolphins are commonly spotted. The cruise runs between Tenerife and La Gomera, an area described as having frequent sightings.

What to expect in real terms is a mix of:

• searching by sight and by location
• stopping the boat to watch when animals are close
• sailing along Tenerife’s south coast for scenic breaks

In the best moments, the ship gets close enough for exciting views, including the kind of encounters you can photograph from the deck. The “wow factor” here is that you are not in a distant viewing lane. You are actually out on the water, watching animals use their own rhythm rather than putting on a performance for boats.

A subtle detail I’d pay attention to is how the trip balances wildlife viewing with entertainment. Viking stories and onboard fun can keep energy high, but the information style matters too. The guide and crew are described as sharing facts about dolphins and pilot whales, and they also focus on respectful viewing habits so the animals do not get treated like a theme park attraction.

The Swim and Snorkel Stop in the Atlantic (And How to Get It Right)

The anchor stop is where this cruise gets more memorable than most. After the whale and dolphin watching portion, the boat anchors near cliffs and beaches, and you get a chance to swim or snorkel in the crystal-clear Atlantic.

Even if you just want to cool off and float, it is a big part of the appeal. You are coming to Tenerife for sun, yes, but this is a sea experience, not just a pool moment. And the stop is timed so you can go in during the same half of the day as wildlife spotting.

You might also spot sea life beyond dolphins and whales, such as the chance to see a sea turtle. That kind of “extra” is never guaranteed, but this cruise does at least give you an environment where it is possible.

Practical advice so you enjoy the water stop:

• Bring your own towel and keep sunscreen handy.
• Wear swimwear under your clothes so you change fast.
• Keep your snorkel expectations flexible. The priority is fun in the water and safe access from the boat.
• If you have little ones, the crew provides life jackets for children in at least some cases, so you’ll want to follow their safety guidance closely.

Also, if you are a strong swimmer, you may feel more confident. If you are not, stay with the staff instructions and start slow in the calmer entry zone.

Coastal Photo Stops, Guided Stories, and the El Teide View

This is not only about wildlife. You also spend time sightseeing from the water along Tenerife’s southern coast. The itinerary includes a photo stop and guided-style narration, which helps turn “we sailed for a while” into “I know what I am looking at.”

You’ll pass key resort zones such as Playa de Las Américas and Adeje, then anchor near scenic cliffs and beaches with views that can include El Teide volcano. If you are traveling to Tenerife for the volcano views on land, this gives you another angle, with the sea in the foreground.

The guided portion also includes safety briefing, which sounds basic, but in practice it keeps the whole group coordinated. When people know the plan, the boat runs smoother, and you get more time watching animals rather than waiting for confusion.

If you care about photos, you’ll also find multiple moments to take them: ship sightings, coastline views, and the chance for wildlife shots when animals surface. Just remember that the tour does not include professional photos.

Food, Snacks, and What the Bar Means for a 3-Hour Day

Food is not included in the base cost, but there is a bar on board. You can buy snacks and food if you want it. The bar is also where you’ll find more choices if you want something beyond drinks.

For a 3-hour cruise, this matters because your meal plan can stay simple:

• If you do not want to eat, you can snack later.
• If you get hungry, you are not stuck onshore waiting for food.
• You can keep the day moving without a long sit-down meal.

That’s also why the drinks being included feels smart. A lot of whale cruises have a similar structure, but the onboard spending adds up fast. Here, the included drinks help you control your budget while still making the trip feel like a full outing.

One small note: photos are not included. If you want formal shots, budget for that expectation yourself and plan to take your own using your phone or camera.

Price and Value: What $91 Buys You on This Tenerife Cruise

At about $91 per person for a 3-hour outing, you are paying for a bundle: boat time, crew, wildlife viewing effort, and a swim stop, plus drinks. That package is the real value story here.

If you break it down, the value comes from three things you cannot always get together on similar trips:

• wildlife viewing time in open water
• a structured chance to swim or snorkel from the boat
• drinks included during the cruise

You are also getting a themed experience, with Viking entertainment and optional face painting. That sounds silly until you realize it changes the tone. A cruise like this is more engaging when it does not rely on you to entertain yourself for hours.

Just keep one expectation realistic: wildlife is never guaranteed. The trip is timed for frequent sightings, and people do report strong sightings, including pilot whales. But you should still treat the whales and dolphins as the highlight you hope for, not a paid guarantee.

Practical Tips: Boarding Gate, Seasickness, and Better Chances to Enjoy It

This trip runs on the sea and around a working port, so small prep choices matter.

Boarding and timing

You board at Zone Excursion A next to the beach in Los Cristianos Harbour. Arrive at least 15 minutes early so you can find the gate, check in, and get settled before departure. Parking can be tricky near the port, so build extra time into your drive.

If you get seasick

This cruise is listed as not suitable for people prone to seasickness. If you are on the edge, protect yourself anyway. I’d plan to take motion-sickness help before you board and sit where you feel most stable, often toward the middle of the boat. The ride can be choppy, especially on open water.

What to bring

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. Those are not “nice to have” items here. They directly impact whether the swim stop feels refreshing instead of stressful.

What is not allowed

Pets are not allowed on board. Also, bring your own patience. This is a wildlife day, and you may need to wait for animals to show.

Should You Book the Los Cristianos Viking Whale Cruise?

I think you should book this if you want a short Tenerife outing that feels like an event, not just transportation. The mix of whale and dolphin watching, Viking entertainment, and a swim stop makes it one of the more complete “do it once, remember it” cruises out of Los Cristianos.

Skip it if you know you are miserable on boats. Also, if you hate activities that involve getting into the water, you might feel like part of the value is missing.

If you go, go prepared. Arrive early, bring swim gear and sunscreen, and treat the wildlife as the main prize. Done right, this is exactly the kind of day that makes a Tenerife trip feel personal and fun.

FAQ

How long is the whale watching cruise from Los Cristianos?

The experience is 3 hours for the Los Cristianos route.

What is included in the price?

The tour includes the boat tour, a swimming stop, drinks, comfortable restrooms onboard, and the captain and professional crew.

Is food included?

No. Food and snacks are available for purchase on board.

Are photos included?

No. Photos are not included.

Where is the meeting point?

Board at Boarding Gate, Zone Excursion A, right next to the beach in Puerto de Los Cristianos (Los Cristianos Harbour).

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen.

Can I bring pets?

No, pets are not allowed.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the boat is wheelchair accessible, but for safety reasons guests are asked to use a manual wheelchair rather than an electric one.

What languages are the tour guides?

The live tour guide is available in English and Spanish.

Is this tour suitable for people who get seasick?

No. It is not suitable for people prone to seasickness.