Los Cristianos: Viking Cruise Whales & Dolphins Watching

REVIEW · CRUISES & BOAT TOURS

Los Cristianos: Viking Cruise Whales & Dolphins Watching

  • 4.61,767 reviews
  • From $20
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Operated by VIKING TENERIFE RAGNAROK SL · Bookable on GetYourGuide

A Viking ship hunt on Tenerife sounds touristy. It’s also a practical, sea-breeze way to chase whales and dolphins in their home waters, with nonstop guiding and a comfortable themed boat. I like the space and comfort on Ragnarok, and I love how the crew keeps things moving and welcoming even if kids or first-timers get nervous. One real consideration: it can be a bumpy ride, and the trip isn’t a fit if you’re prone to motion sickness.

You’ll start at the Puerto de Los Cristianos harbor and head out for a focused two-hour marine-life window. The route centers on waters around Tenerife and the nearby island of La Gomera, a zone known for frequent sightings when conditions line up. And if the sea is doing its thing, expect the boat to rock and plan accordingly.

Key Things You’ll Want to Know First

Los Cristianos: Viking Cruise Whales & Dolphins Watching - Key Things You’ll Want to Know First

  • Viking theme, but with real whale/dolphin watching: you’re not just taking photos, you’re out on the water looking.
  • Comfort matters: Ragnarok is described as having plenty of room plus a sound system and crew support.
  • The tour runs on a tight timeline: it’s a solid 2-hour outing, so you’ll want to be on time for boarding.
  • Sightings are likely, not guaranteed: you may see pilot whales, dolphins, and occasionally other wildlife, depending on what’s nearby.
  • Onboard extras are optional: bar snacks and drinks cost extra; the Viking photo is also an add-on.
  • Sea-sickness support is part of the vibe: the crew has handled guests who feel unwell during the ride.

Ragnarok in Los Cristianos: What Makes This Boat Different

Los Cristianos: Viking Cruise Whales & Dolphins Watching - Ragnarok in Los Cristianos: What Makes This Boat Different
The first thing you notice is the ship itself. Ragnarok is built like a Viking-style craft, not a generic speedboat. You’re still on a real outing with safety briefings and a marine-life goal, but the look and feel add momentum to the whole experience.

I like that it doesn’t feel cramped. The tour info emphasizes plenty of space for every guest, and that shows up in the way the boat works for groups. There’s also a powerful sound system, which means the guide can keep directions and commentary clear even when the wind is loud.

Then there’s the human factor. The crew is described as attentive and caring, with multilingual support in English and Spanish. That matters more than it sounds. When you’re chasing wildlife, you want a guide who helps you look the right way, not just a performer yelling over the waves.

You can also read our reviews of more boat tours in Tenerife

The 2-Hour Rhythm on the Water (and Why Timing Matters)

Los Cristianos: Viking Cruise Whales & Dolphins Watching - The 2-Hour Rhythm on the Water (and Why Timing Matters)
This tour is built around a simple schedule. You board at Puerto de Los Cristianos, right by the harbor in the Zone Excursion A area near the beach. The guidance is to arrive at least 15 minutes early, and for good reason: parking around the port can be tight, and you don’t want to miss the boarding flow.

Once you’re on board, the trip settles into a pattern:

  • a quick safety briefing
  • guided scouting for wildlife
  • time for whale and dolphin watching
  • then back to Los Cristianos harbor to wrap up

You’ll be out for about 2 hours. That’s the sweet spot for many people: long enough to get beyond “we saw one splash,” but not so long that you melt into the sea fog and snack fumes.

Why Tenerife Near La Gomera Has Real Whale Odds

Los Cristianos: Viking Cruise Whales & Dolphins Watching - Why Tenerife Near La Gomera Has Real Whale Odds
The real reason this area works is geography. The tour info points to the waters between Tenerife and La Gomera as a productive marine-life zone, with sightings described as frequent. In plain terms: you’re not just touring the coastline. You’re heading toward waters where marine life is more likely to be moving through.

From the reported experience set, you’ll often hear about pilot whales and dolphins. One big theme in the reviews you provided is that sightings can happen quickly, even soon after leaving the harbor. I’d still call it “hunting,” not “guaranteed delivery.” Wildlife has its own schedule, and the crew can’t force animals to show up on your watch.

Still, the structure helps. When you have a guide actively watching and calling out what to look for, your time on the water turns into a real search. That’s what makes this trip feel worth doing even if the first sighting takes a minute.

What You Might See: Pilot Whales, Dolphins, and Occasional Extras

Los Cristianos: Viking Cruise Whales & Dolphins Watching - What You Might See: Pilot Whales, Dolphins, and Occasional Extras
Most people come for whales and dolphins, and that is exactly the focus. The experience data includes repeated mentions of pilot whales and dolphins showing up near the boat, including dolphins swimming and jumping close enough to see clearly.

A few additional points from the information you shared:

  • The chance of seeing animals improves when conditions allow the crew to keep searching.
  • On at least one run, the group reported seeing sea turtles alongside whales and dolphins not showing.
  • There’s at least one situation where the first whale hunt was canceled due to weather, and the operator handled it by adjusting plans and offering some photo resolution (details vary by case).

So here’s the honest takeaway: you’re very likely to see something, and pilot whales are a standout possibility. But if you’re the type who only feels satisfied with whales, plan with flexibility. Dolphins alone can still be a great payoff, and the crew’s approach helps you make the most of whatever shows up.

South Coast Views You Can Enjoy Even Between Sightings

Even when the animals don’t pop up instantly, you’re not stuck watching empty water. The tour is also built around the views from the South Coast of Tenerife. Being out on the water changes how the coast looks. It’s wider, more dramatic, and you get a different sense of scale than you do from the promenade.

This matters for two reasons:

  1. It keeps the ride enjoyable if sightings are slower.
  2. It helps you stay present instead of constantly scanning the horizon like it’s a life-or-death treasure map.

That said, if it’s windy or choppy, the views are still there, but the comfort level drops. Reviews you shared include comments about the boat being pretty rocking in some conditions. If you’re sensitive, dress smart (more on that below).

Comfort on Board: Space, Toilets, Water, and the Bar Reality

Los Cristianos: Viking Cruise Whales & Dolphins Watching - Comfort on Board: Space, Toilets, Water, and the Bar Reality
Let’s talk practical stuff that actually affects your trip.

What’s included:

  • Whale and dolphin watching
  • Unlimited drinking water
  • Toilets on board
  • Professional crew

What’s not included:

  • Snacks and drinks sold onboard via the bar
  • Viking-themed photos with the ship (optional and extra)

I like that unlimited water is included. On a two-hour sea outing, you’ll drink more than you expect once you’re in sun and wind. Having toilets onboard also makes the trip feel less stressful, especially for families.

The onboard bar is a bonus. You can buy drinks and snacks without needing a plan onshore. One review you shared even notes the drinks/food were reasonably priced and there’s a kitchen/bar setup, which is exactly what you want if someone gets a little hungry while scanning for spouts.

One more note: there’s mention of Viking photo options being charged separately (for a specific photo price in one case). If this matters to you, factor it into your budget so you aren’t surprised mid-trip.

The Crew Energy: Funny, Organized, and Surprisingly Patient

Los Cristianos: Viking Cruise Whales & Dolphins Watching - The Crew Energy: Funny, Organized, and Surprisingly Patient
This experience wins a lot of loyalty because of the crew behavior. The reviews you provided include themes like:

  • crew members being attentive and caring
  • guides being funny and engaging
  • the team being organized and communicative
  • extra patience with guests who need more support (including kids who get overwhelmed or feel motion sick)

That’s not just feel-good fluff. On a wildlife boat, the guide’s job is partly entertainment and partly execution. You need them to keep the group together, share what they’re seeing, and reposition when something changes.

You’ll also see that the themed Viking experience isn’t just decoration. Several reviews mention interactive Viking moments like dressing up and Viking-themed on-board elements, which can turn “watching animals” into a full-on adventure for kids and adults who like that kind of fun.

Families, Strollers, and Who Will Enjoy the Theme

This tour seems especially friendly for families. You’ll see multiple references to kids enjoying the Viking ship vibe, and one review even says the crew went out of their way to support a child with additional needs by taking extra time to explain the experience in a way that worked.

If you’re traveling with a stroller, the info you shared suggests you can bring one and store it conveniently nearby. That’s a big deal on boats, where space is usually the first thing that gets annoying.

Still, keep expectations realistic. It’s a water outing. If your child is very sensitive to movement, have a plan for comfort and stay ready to step back from the edge to watch when needed.

Sea Conditions and Motion Sickness: Your Main Decision Point

Los Cristianos: Viking Cruise Whales & Dolphins Watching - Sea Conditions and Motion Sickness: Your Main Decision Point
Here’s the only part I’d call a true dealbreaker for some people: not suitable for people with motion sickness.

You’re on open water for 2 hours, and reviews you shared describe the boat rocking. Even people who aren’t “sick-prone” can feel it in wind. One review includes a group taking motion sickness medicine beforehand, with mixed results, and notes the crew was prepared with bags and support.

My advice: if you’re even borderline, don’t guess. Make it an informed choice. Use your usual anti-nausea strategy, bring layers, and sit where motion feels least (you can often ask the crew what side feels steadier).

Also, dress for sun and wind. The water spray and wind chill can be sneaky. Sunglasses and sunscreen are not optional vibes here.

Value for $20: Why This Feels Like a Smart Buy

At about $20 per person for a 2-hour wildlife hunt, this is one of those trips that can pencil out fast—if it matches what you want.

Why it’s good value:

  • You’re getting a guided marine-life outing, not a self-guided cruise.
  • Unlimited water and onboard toilets are included.
  • The themed ship adds experience value without adding hours.
  • Reviews you shared frequently mention strong outcomes like seeing pilot whales and lots of dolphins, plus a lively guide.

Where value depends on you:

  • If you only want whales and nothing else will satisfy you, understand sightings can still vary.
  • Optional add-ons (snacks/drinks and Viking photos) can change the total cost.
  • If you get motion sick easily, the “value” part won’t matter much once you’re uncomfortable.

But if you want a fun, guided, short-format Tenerife sea adventure with a strong chance of dolphins and a real shot at whales, this price looks fair.

Simple Tips to Have a Better Trip in Los Cristianos

Small actions help a lot on this specific tour.

Bring:

  • Sunglasses
  • Sun hat
  • Sunscreen

Don’t bring:

  • Pets
  • Bare feet (closed shoes or footwear are the safe move)

Boarding tip that saves time: arrive early and expect some hassle near the port because parking is limited. This is one of those “leave yourself margin” situations.

And if you’re in a wheelchair: the boat is wheelchair accessible, but the info you shared says for safety reasons they ask guests to use a manual wheelchair rather than an electric one.

Should You Book This Viking Whales and Dolphins Cruise?

Book it if you want:

  • a short, guided Los Cristianos whale watching trip that doesn’t eat your whole day
  • a fun Viking-themed ship experience with a crew that stays attentive
  • a realistic chance to see dolphins and possibly pilot whales around Tenerife and La Gomera waters

Skip or rethink if:

  • you get motion sick and can’t handle small-to-medium rocking
  • you want a very calm, low-energy boat ride (this one has guide energy and theme)

My bottom line: this is a strong pick for people who want wildlife with a sense of adventure. The two-hour length keeps it focused. The crew approach keeps it pleasant. And when dolphins show up close to the boat, it’s the kind of moment you’ll remember long after you’ve stopped scanning the horizon.

FAQ

Where does the cruise depart from?

It departs from Puerto de Los Cristianos. You’ll board at the Boarding Gate, Zone Excursion A, right next to the beach.

How long is the tour?

The tour lasts about 2 hours. Starting times vary, so you’ll need to check availability for the specific departure you want.

What wildlife are they looking for?

The cruise is specifically for whale and dolphin watching in the waters around Tenerife.

What’s included in the price?

Included are whale and dolphin watching, unlimited drinking water, toilets on board, and a professional crew.

Are snacks and drinks included?

No. Snacks and drinks are available to purchase onboard at the bar.

Is there a place for photos with the Viking ship?

Optional Viking photos are available for purchase.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, and sunscreen.

Are pets allowed on board?

No, pets are not allowed.

Is it suitable if I get motion sickness?

The activity is not suitable for people with motion sickness.

Is the boat wheelchair accessible?

Yes, it is wheelchair accessible. For safety reasons, they ask guests to use a manual wheelchair rather than an electric one.

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