Your afternoon gets a Viking soundtrack.

This 3-hour cruise on the Ragnarok is built around wildlife watching off Tenerife, a short open-sea swim stop, and onboard entertainment that keeps kids and adults grinning while you chase whales, dolphins, and the occasional turtle.

I like two things most: the unlimited drinks (beer, wine, and soft drinks) that keep the vibe easy, and the fact there’s an onboard restroom so you don’t spend the whole trip thinking about logistics.

One thing to consider is that the sea can get rough, and this is also an alcohol-included cruise—so if you dislike either waves or drinking culture, plan for that ahead of time.

Key points worth clocking before you go

• Unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks throughout the cruise, not just at the start
• Whales and dolphins are the main draw, with guidance from a Viking crew
• Open-ocean swimming time with great coastline views (and Teide on clear days)
• Viking-themed entertainment like games, reenactment-style moments, and face painting
• Onboard restroom included, plus shade on part of the boat
• Max 100 travelers, so it’s lively without feeling like a stadium

Viking Ragnarok on Tenerife: what this 3-hour cruise is really like

This is the kind of trip that works even if you’re not chasing ocean animals like a hobby. The format is simple: you leave from Los Cristianos, spend a stretch looking for wildlife, then you get a swim break, all while the crew runs the Viking show in full character.

The best part is that it doesn’t feel like a rushed “tour and leave.” You get enough time offshore to have a real chance at sightings, and you also get a real payoff with the sea swimming stop—something most standard boat trips don’t include.

If you want a relaxed afternoon with a little theater, a little nature, and a lot of family energy, this fits. If you’re sensitive to motion or you want a strictly quiet experience, it’s still possible to enjoy—but you’ll want to pick your approach (more on that soon).

Where you start in Los Cristianos and how the boat experience starts fast

Your trip begins at the harbour of Los Cristianos, meeting at Best Boat Tenerife Viking Ragnarok Whales & Dolphins at Zona Excursiones A Muelle, Sta. Cruz de Tenerife – Los Cristianos. The start time is 1:00 pm, and the cruise ends back at the same meeting point.

There’s often an early photo moment where you can meet the Vikings before you set off. In practice, that means you’ll be able to grab pictures before the boat begins to move and things get wiggly.

Tip from what you’ll likely experience on board: try to get your bearings right at the start. One practical review detail that’s easy to miss—people often stumble a bit when trying to reach the front once you’re underway, since the deck can feel more like a moving platform than a sidewalk.

Wildlife watching off Tenerife: whales, dolphins, and how the crew handles it

The cruise heads out for about 30 to 40 minutes of wildlife watching. The crew helps you look, and they share facts about marine life while keeping the focus on respectful viewing.

In the wild, sightings can’t be guaranteed, but the pattern here is strong: you’re not just scanning from far away and hoping for the best. When pilot whales and pods show up, they can come close enough for real viewing time, and dolphins can be plentiful depending on conditions.

What I like about the way this is run is the attention to animal welfare. When whales are spotted, the crew may ask everyone to keep quiet and even turn off the engine to improve the chance of calm viewing. That’s exactly the kind of small operational choice that makes a big difference at sea.

If you’re the type who gets excited by “nature fact time,” you’ll probably enjoy the crew’s guidance. You’ll also likely hear information in English, and in some cases the crew includes Spanish too, which is handy in a mixed-language crowd.

The swim stop in open ocean: timing, views, and what to plan for

After the first wildlife stretch, you get time to swim in the open ocean. This is one of the standout parts of the trip, because you’re not just watching Tenerife’s coastline from the deck—you’re getting into it.

On clear days, you may spot Mount Teide in the distance, which makes the swimming stop feel like more than a quick splash. The scenery around Tenerife’s coast is a big part of why this works so well as a single afternoon activity.

Safety and comfort are handled in a few practical ways. Reviews note that there are life vests and snorkeling glasses available, so you can choose how brave you feel in the water. If the sea is choppy, you can also skip the water and still enjoy the view from the boat while other people jump in.

Bring a plan for sea conditions. A few reviews mention the ride can be very rocky, and if you’re prone to motion sickness, consider taking travel sickness tablets before you go. Sick bags are available onboard, and the crew also helps people who don’t feel well with cool water sprays and support until the swim window passes.

Unlimited drinks and onboard Viking entertainment: the fun parts that matter

The big value hook here is the drink setup. You get unlimited soft drinks plus beer and wine for the full cruise. That turns the boat into a real social setting, not a “buy one drink and watch the sea” outing.

It’s genuinely useful for families, because even if the entertainment is loud and playful, adults aren’t constantly monitoring a cash register line for drinks. It also means you can settle into the pace—wildlife spotting, games, and then the swim—without worrying about refreshing yourself.

The Viking theme is more than costumes. Expect Viking games and entertainment for all ages, and from firsthand-style details you might see moments like reenactment-style fight performances, face painting, and hands-on interactive activities. There can also be music played onboard that leans into the Viking vibe once you’re cruising.

A balanced warning: because alcohol is included, it’s not the best fit if you dislike alcohol culture. If you’re staying on the calmer side, you may still enjoy the show, but you’ll want to manage your own comfort with noise levels, movement, and the party energy.

Food, photos, and the little extras: what’s included and what costs extra

Lunch food is not included. You can still find food available onboard for payment, and some reviews mention items like burgers and fries sold through an onboard shack.

This matters for planning: since the cruise is only about 3 hours, you’re not stuck starving, but you are also not guaranteed a full meal in the package. If you’re hungry, I’d treat this as an activity with snacks or paid options available, not a meal-included lunch cruise.

Photo opportunities are part of the experience. The boat has props and a helm setup that works for picture moments during the ride. Also, a photo is taken when you board and a printed copy is offered for purchase (one review cites 10 euros if you want the keepsake).

If you’re traveling with kids, the face painting and photo moments can be worth it even if you skip the extra photo buy. It’s the kind of onboard “memory maker” that doesn’t require extra planning on your end.

Comfort on board: restroom access, shade, and rough-sea reality

Practical comfort is a clear win. The trip includes a restroom on board, which sounds basic until you realize many boat tours either don’t have one, or make it a long wait.

Shade is available on part of the boat, which is handy in Tenerife sun and wind. A review also notes that even with shade, the breeze helps cool you down, so you don’t have to roast to watch wildlife.

The main drawback people mention isn’t the vibe—it’s physical conditions. The toilets can be small, and in some cases they may feel run down, especially noticeable when the boat sways. If you’re expecting luxury, temper that. If you just want workable facilities during an active afternoon, it’s usually fine.

If the sea is choppy, the deck becomes a moving platform. That’s why it helps to wear shoes with grip and to keep your phone and valuables secured while you’re walking around.

Value for money at $45.95: is it a good deal?

At $45.95 per person for roughly 3 hours, you’re paying for three things that normally cost extra on boat trips: wildlife time, the swim opportunity, and drinks.

Here’s why that’s important. A typical whale-and-dolphin cruise often charges for drinks separately, and swimming time is usually either limited or not offered at all. This one bundles the core experience with unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks, plus the Viking entertainment that keeps people engaged.

So the value isn’t just “cheap for a boat ride.” It’s that you get multiple experiences inside one ticket: wildlife watching plus a water break plus a full-on show environment. For families, the included drinks can also reduce the usual on-board spending pressure.

Your biggest “value risk” is if conditions are rough or wildlife sightings are slower than you expect. The cruise is still a fun boat outing, but the animal highlight depends on the ocean showing up.

Who should book this (and who might want a quieter alternative)

This cruise is a strong match for:

• Families with kids who like interactive entertainment and water play
• Couples who want a scenic afternoon plus a real activity (not just sitting)
• People who enjoy beer and wine and don’t mind a lively onboard atmosphere
• Anyone who wants a structured chance to spot pilot whales and dolphins without doing their own search planning

You might think twice if:

• You get motion sick easily and don’t want to take precautions
• You prefer quiet, low-stimulation experiences
• You don’t want an alcohol-included setting around you

Even then, you may still be able to enjoy it by choosing where you sit, pacing your drinks, and staying flexible about the sea conditions.

Quick tips to make your afternoon smoother

• Bring motion sickness tablets if you’re even a little prone to seasickness. Reviews mention rocky seas, and sick bags plus staff help are available.
• Pick a seat with shade if you can, especially in warmer months. It can make watching wildlife far more comfortable.
• If you’re swimming, keep essentials simple: secure your belongings, wear water-ready footwear, and follow crew guidance.
• Get at least one picture before you’re fully underway, when reaching the front deck feels easiest.

Should you book the 3-hour Viking Ragnarok cruise?

If you want a fun, family-friendly Tenerife sea outing with whales, a swim stop, and unlimited drinks, I’d say this is worth booking. The package is built around the kind of “more than a standard boat trip” experience that makes a half day feel like a highlight.

I’d skip it only if rough seas and onboard noise are your deal-breakers, or if you strongly prefer non-alcohol experiences. Otherwise, the mix of wildlife time, Viking entertainment, and that open-ocean swim is a winning combination for an afternoon on the Atlantic.

FAQ

How long is the Viking Ragnarok cruise?

It runs for about 3 hours.

What drinks are included onboard?

Soft drinks, beer, and wine are included, and you can have them throughout the cruise.

Do we get time to swim?

Yes, there is a swim stop in open ocean after the initial wildlife watching period.

Where does the cruise start and end?

It starts and ends at the harbour area in Los Cristianos, at the meeting point near Best Boat Tenerife Viking Ragnarok Whales & Dolphins.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch food is not included, though food may be available onboard for purchase.

Is the tour offered in English?

The experience is offered in English.

How big is the group?

The maximum group size is 100 travelers.

What if the sea or weather is bad?

This cruise requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is there an onboard restroom?

Yes. A restroom on board is included.

Is the cruise wheelchair accessible?

There are two wheelchair spaces on board at the front side of the ship, according to the provided information.

You Might Also Enjoy

Tenerife:Respectful Whale Watching, Pirate Ship, & SwimSanta Cruz de Tenerife Undefeated CityRoyal Delfin 3H Dolphin & Whale Watching! Swimming & Lunch!E-MTB TOUR. Orotava valley + it’s historic villages + local traditions.