3h Viking Cruise with Drinks, Whales watching & Swimming Time

REVIEW · TENERIFE

3h Viking Cruise with Drinks, Whales watching & Swimming Time

  • 5.0590 reviews
  • 3 hours (approx.)
  • From $45.95
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Operated by VIKING TENERIFE RAGNAROK · Bookable on Viator

Viking boats, whales, and a swim in Tenerife. This 3-hour Ragnarok cruise blends wildlife watching with a full Viking crew show, plus unlimited drinks while you cruise out from Los Cristianos. I especially like how the crew keeps things fun without forgetting the marine-life rules and the spotting help.

One thing to plan for: the ride and the open-water swim can be rough if the sea is choppy, so bring a motion-sickness strategy if you’re sensitive. The toilets are also on the small side, which you’ll notice more when the boat sways.

Key Things I’d Watch For on This Viking Ragnarok Cruise

3h Viking Cruise with Drinks, Whales watching & Swimming Time - Key Things I’d Watch For on This Viking Ragnarok Cruise

  • Whale-and-dolphin spotting with crew help as you scan for pilot whales, dolphins, and sometimes sea turtles
  • Included beer, wine, and soft drinks all cruise long, making it easy to relax for 3 hours
  • Onboard restroom so you’re not scrambling during wildlife-watching time
  • A real open-ocean swim stop with life vests and snorkel glasses available if you want them
  • A lively deck show with Viking games, music, face painting, and kid-friendly entertainment
  • Short, focused outing (about 3 hours) that fits well into a Tenerife afternoon

Buying a Short Viking Cruise in Tenerife: What You’re Actually Getting

3h Viking Cruise with Drinks, Whales watching & Swimming Time - Buying a Short Viking Cruise in Tenerife: What You’re Actually Getting
This is a compact outing with a clear promise: you’re on the water for about 3 hours, and you get three main ingredients—wildlife watching, Viking entertainment, and a swim opportunity in the open ocean. It’s not a long, quiet nature trip. It’s an afternoon event with a boat ride that turns into a show, then ends back at the harbor.

At $45.95 per person, the value comes from the fact that your ticket covers more than “just sitting on a boat.” You get onboard drinks (beer, wine, and soft drinks), a restroom, and a crew that stays in character and runs games. You also get that photo-moment vibe at departure, with a Viking-themed photo stop before you head out—nice if you want something more memorable than a standard sightseeing cruise.

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

Where You Meet the Boat (and Why It Helps to Arrive Ready)

3h Viking Cruise with Drinks, Whales watching & Swimming Time - Where You Meet the Boat (and Why It Helps to Arrive Ready)
You meet at the Best Boat Tenerife Viking Ragnarok Whales & Dolphins area in Los Cristianos. The listed spot is:

Best Boat Tenerife Viking Ragnarok Whales&Dolphins, Zona Excursiones A Muelle, Sta. Cruz de Tenerife – Los Cristianos, 38650 Los Cristianos, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain.

Start time is 1:00 pm, and you finish back at the same meeting area. The tour notes it’s near public transportation, so you can usually build it into a day without needing a car.

Two practical tips make this easier:

  • Plan to arrive a little early and find a place to stand or sit before they start boarding and heading out.
  • If you want the best chance for photos, get your bearings quickly. Once you’re out on choppy water, walking around the boat can feel like an obstacle course.

Cruising Out: The Whale and Dolphin Spotting Phase

This part is the heart of the trip. You cruise out for roughly 30–40 minutes with an active search for whales and dolphins. The crew shares marine-life facts and helps you scan the water. In many cruises, you’ll see pilot whales and dolphin pods, and on good days you might even spot turtles or other sea life.

A big value point here is how the crew tries to improve viewing odds. In the feedback I saw, some groups described the crew turning off the engine at times to give wildlife a better chance of coming closer, while still keeping a respectful distance. That matters because whale watching is about the animals’ comfort as much as your viewing moment.

What you should expect realistically:

  • Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed. On some sailings you’ll get loads of action close to the boat; on others, you’ll see less or nothing.
  • If the sea is rough, spotting can be harder, but you’ll still have the crew guiding where to look.

If you’re coming specifically for whales, I’d consider this a good pick because it’s a guided cruise designed around spotting, not just sightseeing.

The Viking Crew Show: Music, Games, and Face Painting

3h Viking Cruise with Drinks, Whales watching & Swimming Time - The Viking Crew Show: Music, Games, and Face Painting
If you like your afternoons to have energy, this is where the cruise delivers. The Viking crew runs the vibe. You’re not just a passenger—you’re part of the performance. People describe Viking music, staged fights and reenactments, and a constant flow of entertainment on deck.

You can expect a mix of:

  • Viking-themed activities and games for adults and kids
  • Humor in both English and Spanish
  • Face painting and playful photo opportunities

One reason I think this works well: the show fills the time while you’re waiting for wildlife. Instead of downtime, you get a moving event. For families, that helps kids burn energy without needing a separate activity.

The Swim Stop in Open Ocean: The Fun Part With a Safety Brain

3h Viking Cruise with Drinks, Whales watching & Swimming Time - The Swim Stop in Open Ocean: The Fun Part With a Safety Brain
After the wildlife-watching segment, the boat stops and gives you time for a refreshing swim in open water. On clear days, people also mention views with Mount Teide in the distance, which makes the whole moment feel like more than a quick splash.

This is a highlight for many people, but it’s also the part where you should think ahead:

  • The water can feel cold and conditions can be choppy, especially in seasons with rougher seas.
  • You’ll want a swimsuit ready and consider a warm layer for after you get back on the boat.

In some feedback, I saw mentions of life vests and snorkelling glasses being available for people who want to do more than just float and jump. If you think you’ll swim, it’s smart to bring goggles if you have them, but you can also plan to use what they offer.

Also, the swim stop depends on conditions. The cruise runs as a weather-driven ocean experience, so if the sea doesn’t cooperate, the day’s shape can change.

Drinks Included: Beer, Wine, and Soft Drinks Without the Guesswork

3h Viking Cruise with Drinks, Whales watching & Swimming Time - Drinks Included: Beer, Wine, and Soft Drinks Without the Guesswork
One of the easiest perks here is that your ticket includes drinks for the full 3 hours:

  • Soda/soft drinks
  • Beer
  • Wine

That transforms the economics of the day. You’re not watching prices or dealing with “what’s included” menus while you’re trying to enjoy the ride. It’s also why so many people call this a great value for an afternoon at sea.

That said, it’s worth being honest about the trade-off: this is an alcohol-inclusive experience. If you’re the type who doesn’t want alcohol around you, or you prefer a strictly non-alcohol day, you might not enjoy the onboard vibe as much.

If you do drink, pace yourself. The boat can sway, and it’s safer to enjoy the beers/wine with water and snacks available.

Food on Board: Not Included, But Options Exist

3h Viking Cruise with Drinks, Whales watching & Swimming Time - Food on Board: Not Included, But Options Exist
Your ticket includes drinks, but lunch food is not included. That doesn’t mean you’ll be stuck hungry. People reported a small onboard food setup where you can buy food during the trip.

The practical takeaway:

  • If you want a full meal, plan to pay extra or eat before you go.
  • If you’re only needing a snack, bring a light appetite strategy.

Also, if you’re traveling with kids, this matters. Some people mentioned portion sizes being large, so ordering light and sharing can work better than expecting kids to finish a full plate.

Weather, Sea State, and Motion: The Main Real-World Consideration

3h Viking Cruise with Drinks, Whales watching & Swimming Time - Weather, Sea State, and Motion: The Main Real-World Consideration
Even the best whale cruise can get uncomfortable if the sea is rough. I noticed several notes about choppy conditions and some passengers needing sick bags. The cruise operates with a weather requirement, and cancellation due to poor weather is possible.

So here’s my straight advice:

  • If you get motion sickness easily, bring travel sickness tablets ahead of time.
  • Dress in layers. Wind on open water can cool you quickly.
  • Choose seating based on comfort: people suggested aiming for shade during hot months, especially if you’re prone to heat discomfort.

If you hate boats or you’re extremely sensitive to rocking, this might be harder. On the other hand, the cruise is short (about 3 hours), which helps many people tolerate it.

Boat Comfort Details: Restroom, Seats, and Practical Limits

You do get an onboard restroom, which I appreciate on a short outing. You’re not forced to “hold it” while waiting for wildlife.

But comfort is not the main selling point of the ship. Some feedback described the toilets as small and somewhat worn. That’s not a deal-breaker for most people, but it is good to know so you don’t build unrealistic expectations.

You’ll also notice the boat’s layout changes how you feel. Seats under canopy/shade can make a bigger difference than you think when the sun hits or when you’re waiting for whales.

Who This Viking Ragnarok Cruise Best Fits

This is a strong match if you want an active, fun day with wildlife. It’s also a good family choice because the entertainment is built for multiple ages and the vibe is playful.

I’d particularly recommend it for:

  • Families with kids who need a cruise that doesn’t feel boring
  • Couples who want something more playful than a standard boat tour
  • Whale and dolphin lovers who like guided spotting help
  • People who enjoy onboard social energy, including included drinks

It may be less ideal for:

  • Anyone who strongly prefers quiet, low-stimulation travel
  • People who don’t want to be around alcohol
  • Travelers who can’t handle choppy water or open-water swimming

Should You Book This Tenerife Whale Cruise?

If your goal is a 3-hour afternoon on the water that mixes pilot whale/dolphin spotting, a Viking-themed show, and unlimited drinks, I think it’s an easy yes. The value is built into the ticket: drinks are included, the restroom is onboard, and the crew works to keep the experience lively while you scan for marine life.

I’d only hesitate if you’re highly sensitive to motion sickness or you dislike alcohol-inclusive environments. If you can handle some sea movement and you’re game for the idea of a swim stop, book it—then spend the day with a go-with-the-flow attitude. This is the kind of tour where the best moments come when you look up at the water at the exact time the crew tells you to.

FAQ

How long is the Viking Ragnarok cruise?

It runs for about 3 hours.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 1:00 pm.

Where does the cruise depart from?

You meet at Best Boat Tenerife Viking Ragnarok Whales&Dolphins in the Los Cristianos area (Zona Excursiones A Muelle).

What does my ticket include?

Your ticket includes an onboard restroom, a Viking crew, and soft drinks, beer, and wine.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch/food is listed as not included. Food may be available to purchase onboard.

Do I get to swim?

There is a scheduled swim time in open ocean during the cruise.

What wildlife might we see?

The cruise is set up for whales and dolphins, and some sightings can include other marine life like turtles depending on conditions.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, the experience is offered in English.

How big is the group?

The tour has a maximum of 100 travelers.

What if the weather is bad and the trip gets canceled?

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

Can I cancel for free?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

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