Los Cristianos: Viking Cruise Whales & Dolphins Watching

The ship is half the adventure. From Los Cristianos, Ragnarok takes you along Tenerife’s sunny south coast in search of pilot whales and dolphins, with Viking costumes, music, and a lively crew adding plenty of fun. I especially like the boat’s unusual character and the crew’s warm care for people who feel unwell. I also like that water, toilets, and plenty of open seating are included.

The main drawback is simple: wild animals do not follow a timetable. Many outings see pilot whales and dolphins, but some see only a brief glimpse or no animals at all. The boat can also rock hard in windy conditions, so this is a poor choice if you often suffer from motion sickness.

The best parts of the Ragnarok cruise

• A real Viking-style ship: Ragnarok looks and feels different from the usual catamaran or speedboat.
• Pilot whales and dolphins: The waters between Tenerife and La Gomera are a strong place to look for marine life.
• A two-hour format: Long enough for a proper sea outing without taking up your whole day.
• A playful crew: Guides use music, Viking props, face paint, and humor to keep children and adults involved.
• Comfort on board: There is plenty of room, unlimited drinking water, toilets, and a bar selling snacks and drinks.
• Useful flexibility: You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure, and reserve now while paying later.

Boarding Ragnarok at Los Cristianos Harbour

Your outing begins at Puerto de Los Cristianos, at Boarding Gate Zone Excursion A, right beside the beach. The meeting point is in Los Cristianos Harbour, so it is easy to reach once you are in the port area. Arrive at least 15 minutes before departure for boarding and the safety briefing.

Give yourself more time if you are driving. Traffic around Tenerife’s southern resorts can be heavy, and parking near the port is limited. A late arrival could turn a relaxed boat trip into a sprint along the waterfront.

The ship is called Ragnarok, and its Viking styling immediately changes the mood. This is not a plain transport boat with a few seats bolted onto the deck. The theme gives families something to enjoy before the wildlife appears, and it makes the cruise feel like an occasion rather than a routine harbor excursion.

You will find a professional crew on board, with live guidance in English and Spanish. The sound system is used for music and entertainment, so expect an upbeat atmosphere rather than a quiet naturalist cruise.

Two hours along Tenerife’s south coast

Once Ragnarok leaves the harbor, the first reward is the view back toward Tenerife. From the water, the south coast takes on a different shape. You get broad sea views, a clear look at the shoreline, and a pleasant sense of distance from the roads and resort streets.

The two-hour schedule is well judged for many people. You have enough time to reach the usual whale and dolphin viewing area, pause for sightings, and enjoy the return journey. You are not committing to a full day at sea, which is useful if you have dinner plans, young children, or only a short stay in Tenerife.

The exact starting time depends on availability. A later trip may offer warm evening light and, according to one outing, a beautiful sunset alongside the wildlife. Earlier departures can work better for anyone who wants to keep the rest of the day free.

A safety briefing takes place as part of the cruise. Pay attention even if you have taken boat trips before, since the sea conditions and deck layout can vary from one vessel to another.

Looking for pilot whales and dolphins

The main purpose of the cruise is to watch whales and dolphins in the Atlantic, not in an enclosure. The waters between Tenerife and nearby La Gomera are known for regular marine life sightings, and pilot whales are a frequent target on this route.

When conditions cooperate, you may see pods of pilot whales and dolphins on more than one occasion. Dolphins can appear close to the boat, sometimes swimming beside it or jumping clear of the water. Pilot whales may remain farther out, surface in groups, or approach when the engines are quiet.

That said, no responsible whale-watching trip can promise a sighting. Some outings see both species, some see dolphins only, and others catch just a quick glimpse of a whale. One cruise had no clear whale or dolphin sighting, yet the crew and Viking presentation still made the trip worthwhile for the people on board.

This uncertainty is part of the deal. You are watching wild animals in open water, not attending a scheduled performance. Book this for the full sea experience, with wildlife as the hoped-for reward.

The guidance appears to balance entertainment and information. The crew explains what you are seeing and helps point out marine life, though one person wanted more detail about the exact dolphin species. If you want a highly technical marine biology lesson, this may feel light. If you prefer facts mixed with music and jokes, the tone should suit you better.

A Viking show with plenty of personality

Ragnarok’s biggest difference is its theme. The Viking styling, props, face paint, and crew performance give the trip a playful edge. You can dress up for photos, and children have something to do while the boat is moving between viewing areas.

The guide is repeatedly praised for being funny, energetic, and good with children. The crew also made a strong impression by helping people who became seasick, supplying bags, checking on people, and offering calm support. That practical kindness matters more than a clever speech when the sea turns rough.

The entertainment is not only for children. Adults can join in with the Viking character, music, and photographs. One outing was described as a fun alternative to a standard wildlife cruise, especially for people who wanted a social and theatrical boat ride instead of a quiet educational trip.

Check the exact product option when booking. One two-hour customer noted that a fuller Viking show was connected with a three-hour trip rather than the shorter sailing. The two-hour cruise still includes the Viking setting and an entertaining crew, but the length and performance schedule may differ between departures.

Space, seating, and facilities on board

The boat is designed with room to move around, and the available seating was considered sufficient on several outings. That extra space helps when everyone wants to look in the same direction after a dolphin is spotted.

Unlimited drinking water is included. This is a small but useful touch in Tenerife’s sun, especially on a boat where you can become dehydrated without noticing. Bring your own sunglasses, sun hat, and sunscreen, since shade and wind can make the sunshine feel less intense than it is.

There are toilets on board, so you do not need to wait until returning to the harbor. A bar also sells drinks, snacks, and other refreshments at an additional cost. The bar and kitchen were described as reasonably priced, but food and paid drinks are not part of the $20 ticket.

The ship is wheelchair accessible, with one important condition. For safety reasons, a manual wheelchair is requested instead of an electric wheelchair. If you use a wheelchair, confirm that the boat setup meets your needs before departure.

Bare feet are not allowed, so wear normal footwear. Pets are also not permitted.

How good is the $20 price?

At $20 per person, this is strong value if you want a short whale and dolphin cruise with entertainment included. You are paying for a two-hour boat trip, wildlife searching, crew guidance, Viking theming, water, toilets, and the chance to see animals in the open Atlantic.

The value becomes even better when you see both dolphins and pilot whales. Several outings had repeated sightings, including dolphins swimming very close to the vessel. At that point, the fare compares well with many standard sea excursions, especially because Ragnarok offers something more distinctive than a basic catamaran.

The price is less easy to judge if wildlife does not appear. No operator can control that result, so I would not choose this solely on the promise of photographs or guaranteed whales. The Viking entertainment gives the cruise a second purpose, and that helps protect the value on a quiet wildlife day.

Budget separately for snacks, drinks, and optional photos with the Viking. You do not need to buy these extras, but children may be tempted by the props, face paint, and photo opportunity.

Motion sickness and sea conditions

Take the motion sickness warning seriously. The boat can rock, particularly when the wind picks up, and several people became ill during rougher outings. The crew was prepared and helpful, but good staff cannot remove the movement of the sea.

If you are prone to seasickness, consider speaking with a medical professional about suitable medicine before the trip. Some people in a larger family group took motion sickness medicine around half an hour before departure, though you should follow proper medical advice for your own situation.

Choose a seat or viewing spot that helps you feel steady, keep your eyes on the horizon when needed, and avoid arriving dehydrated or hungry. These are practical precautions, not guarantees.

The cruise is not suitable for people with motion sickness. If the idea of two hours on open water already worries you, a land-based coastal viewpoint may be a better choice.

Families, children, and special care

This is a particularly good fit for families who want wildlife without asking children to sit quietly through a long lecture. The Viking theme, props, music, and lively guide keep the trip moving even during the wait between sightings.

The crew also received praise for working patiently with children, including a child with autism. That does not mean every child will react the same way, but it suggests a caring and adaptable approach. Parents can also bring a stroller, with storage available nearby according to one family outing.

Couples and solo visitors can enjoy the cruise too. You do not need to arrive with a large group to take part in the atmosphere. The ship’s character gives solo visitors an easy way to join the fun without having to create their own entertainment.

For anyone seeking a quiet, serious wildlife survey, the music and Viking performance may feel too lively. For most families and anyone who likes a bit of theater with their sea time, that is the point.

Booking, cancellation, and timing tips

The experience lasts two hours, with departure times shown according to current availability. The cruise returns to Puerto de Los Cristianos, so you finish at the same place where you board.

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. A reserve-now, pay-later option also helps if your Tenerife plans are not fixed.

Arrive 15 minutes early, and add extra time for traffic and parking. The harbor is beside the beach, but finding a space close to the boarding gate may take longer than expected.

Bring:

• Sunglasses
• A sun hat
• Sunscreen
• Secure footwear

You may also want a light layer if the wind rises, though the listed requirements focus on sun protection. Keep cameras and phones ready, but do not let the search for a perfect photograph distract you from the animals themselves.

Should you book the Ragnarok Viking cruise?

I would book this cruise if you want a fun, affordable, family-friendly sea trip with a real chance of seeing pilot whales and dolphins. The strongest reasons are the unusual ship, the caring crew, the two-hour length, and the lively Viking theme. At $20, it offers good value even before you count the included water and on-board facilities.

I would think twice if you dislike theatrical entertainment, need a very quiet nature trip, or are prone to seasickness. Wildlife sightings are never certain, and the Atlantic can be rough.

For the best chance of enjoying it, treat the animals as a bonus rather than a guarantee. Go for the ship, the sea views, the crew, and the possibility that a pod of pilot whales or dolphins will make the day unforgettable.

FAQ

Where does the Viking whale and dolphin cruise depart?

It departs from Puerto de Los Cristianos, at Boarding Gate Zone Excursion A beside the beach in Los Cristianos Harbour.

How long does the cruise last?

The cruise lasts two hours. Available departure times vary, so check the schedule when booking.

What animals might I see?

The cruise searches for whales and dolphins in their natural habitat. Pilot whales and dolphins are commonly sought on the route, but sightings are not guaranteed.

Is drinking water included?

Yes. Unlimited drinking water is included in the activity.

Can I buy food and drinks on board?

Yes. There is an on-board bar selling snacks and drinks for an additional cost.

Are toilets available on the ship?

Yes. Toilets are available on board throughout the journey.

Is the boat wheelchair accessible?

Yes. The boat is wheelchair accessible, but for safety reasons a manual wheelchair is requested instead of an electric wheelchair.

What languages are spoken on the cruise?

Live tour guidance is available in English and Spanish.

Can I cancel the booking?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later.