Vikings meet whales on Tenerife. This 3-hour Viking Ragnarok cruise mixes wildlife spotting with a themed crew, plus the one-two punch of a swim in open water. You get a restroom on board, and on clear days the distant peak of Mount Teide can be part of the view while you’re heading out.

What I like most is the value: unlimited drinks are included for the whole cruise, including beer, wine, and soft drinks. I also like that it is built around action at sea, not just sitting and hoping for animals to show up. One drawback to plan for: the ride can get choppy, so motion-sickness help can be smart.

Key Points to Know Before You Go

• Wildlife spotting first, swim second: you head out for 30–40 minutes of whale and dolphin watching, then jump in.
• Unlimited drinks included: beer, wine, and soft drinks for the full 3 hours.
• Viking crew in character: games, entertainment, and themed energy throughout the trip.
• Open-ocean swim time: you can swim where the coastline and views surround you.
• Onboard restroom: a real comfort upgrade when you’re out on the water.
• Small-ish group size: up to 100 people, so it feels more like an outing than a mega-boat tour.

Why This 3-Hour Viking Cruise Feels Like a Perfect Tenerife Block of Time

Tenerife can be a lot of walking, a lot of heat, and a lot of “what do we do next?” This cruise gives you a clean chunk of time that mixes three things people usually chase on the island: sea views, marine life, and a fun show.

The themed angle matters. When the crew keeps the Viking atmosphere going with music, games, and in-character storytelling, you stop thinking of it as a standard boat ride. You are also getting structure: you do not just drift around waiting. The day is paced so you’re watching wildlife, then you’re swimming, then you’re back before evening plans get complicated.

And yes, the drink deal is part of the appeal. At $45.95 per person, you are not paying extra just to stay comfortable. Unlimited beer/wine/soft drinks for three hours means you can focus on the experience instead of constantly scanning for the bar. The fact that there is also an onboard restroom is a small detail that can make a big difference on choppy water.

Getting On Board at Los Cristianos and the Viking Photo Moment

Your adventure starts in Los Cristianos, at the Best Boat Tenerife Viking Ragnarok Whales & Dolphins area near Zona Excursiones, in Santa Cruz de Tenerife province. The cruise is scheduled to start at 1:00 pm, and it runs for about 3 hours total.

Before sailing, you get a fun option to meet the Vikings at the harbour for photos before you head out. If you like quick photo opportunities that do not eat your whole day, this is a good use of time.

Once you’re on the boat, plan to find your spot quickly. Some parts of the ship have shade (as a nice bonus on hot days), but you will also want to be able to shift your view toward the water during whale and dolphin checks. The layout isn’t described as huge, and with a maximum of 100 passengers, it generally feels manageable.

If you want the best photos, one smart move is to grab a front-of-ship shot early, before the boat gets going and the deck starts moving more. You’ll also have photo-friendly moments with Viking-style props near the helm area. If you’re offered a separate on-boarding photo package, it is typically paid on the spot.

Wildlife Watching: How the Crew Puts You in the Right Place for Whales and Dolphins

This is the heart of the trip: after leaving Los Cristianos, you get around 30–40 minutes of whale and dolphin watching in the open sea. The crew guides you through what you’re seeing, and they do it with respect for wildlife, using environmental awareness as part of the experience.

What you can hope to see depends on the day (wild animals do their own schedule), but the cruise is well known for spotting pilot whales and dolphins, with turtles and other sea surprises sometimes appearing. On clear days, the view back toward Tenerife can add to the experience even when you’re not counting animal sightings every second.

Here’s one thing I think makes the difference: when whales are around, the crew can work to keep the moment calm. In some cases, that includes lowering noise by switching off the engine so you can watch without adding stress or vibration. That also helps you hear the crew’s explanations and keep the focus on the animals.

Practical advice for wildlife watching:

• Bring patience. If animals show, they can stay visible for a while, then move on.
• Stay flexible with your position on deck. When the crew signals where to look, it is worth moving early.
• If you are sensitive to noise or crowds, aim for a seat slightly away from the loudest speaker areas so the show-style audio does not overwhelm you.

The Open-Ocean Swim Stop: What It Actually Means on This Cruise

After the wildlife segment, the trip shifts to the part people talk about most: a swim in the open ocean. This is not a tiny pool stop. It is real sea water, with open views around you and coastline scenery from the boat.

The timing is built into the 3-hour structure, so you are not waiting ages for the water break. On many days, this swim window becomes the highlight because it turns the cruise into a hands-on marine experience instead of a passive one.

You also get help for the swim itself. Snorkelling glasses and life vests are described as available, which makes it easier to participate even if you are not a hardcore swimmer. If you want to feel safer in the water, the presence of vests can give you peace of mind.

What to watch for: sea conditions. One theme that comes up often is that the ride can be rough, and the water can be cold. If you are prone to motion sickness, bring your preferred prevention strategy. The crew can also help if someone feels unwell, including cool water sprays and support during the worst parts of the ride, but you’ll have the best time if you prepare first.

Packing that usually helps:

• A swimsuit you’re comfortable in
• Something to change into after the swim
• Sun protection if the day is clear, since time on open water can still be intense

Unlimited Drinks, Restroom Comfort, and the On-Board Entertainment Machine

Let’s talk about the “included” part, because it is not just a marketing line here. Across the full cruise window, you get unlimited soft drinks plus beer and wine. That changes the vibe. People settle in, enjoy the show, and stay focused on the sea without constantly breaking away to buy drinks.

You also get a restroom on board. For a boat cruise where you might be out during choppy water, having that option matters more than you expect. It helps keep the mood relaxed, especially for families and anyone who just wants to avoid discomfort.

Entertainment is part of the package, and it’s not only for kids. The crew works in Viking games and show moments, with things like face painting, mock battles, and lively competitions showing up depending on the energy of the day. Music is played too, and many people enjoy the Viking-themed vibe on the way out.

Food is different. Lunch food is not included in the main price, and premium drinks are not listed as part of the included set. That said, a snack or food option can be available on board for purchase. If you want a full meal, plan on paying extra for it.

If you’re drinking beer/wine included, it is worth being thoughtful. On choppy water, alcohol plus motion can feel rough for some people. If you are bringing kids or someone who does not drink, you can still enjoy the cruise because soft drinks are included and the entertainment is not alcohol-dependent.

Who This Cruise Fits Best (And Who Should Think Twice)

This cruise is a strong match if you want:

• A short Tenerife activity that mixes sea wildlife and fun
• A themed, family-friendly onboard show
• Included drinks so you can relax
• The option to swim, not just watch from the boat

It is also a great “main character” experience for groups with different interests: some people focus on whales and dolphins, others focus on the swim, and others enjoy the Viking entertainment.

Who should think twice:

• If you cannot handle rough water, you may want to skip the open-ocean swim part. The tour runs only when conditions are suitable, but sea movement can still happen.
• If you dislike being around alcohol, note that beer and wine are included. There are still plenty of non-alcohol options, but the overall social mood can lean boisterous.

Planning Tips That Keep the Day Smooth

This trip runs from Los Cristianos, and it is near public transportation. For your schedule, remember it starts at 1:00 pm and wraps back at the same meeting point.

It also has weather sensitivity. It requires good weather, and if it is canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. So if you can, keep a little flexibility in your Tenerife plan.

One more practical tip: this cruise is commonly booked ahead (often around a few weeks). If you are traveling in peak season or on a fixed schedule, you’ll likely have an easier time if you lock your spot early.

Finally, bring the right mindset for marine life. Whales and dolphins are wild. Some days are spectacular, others are still fun but might mean fewer sightings. The cruise’s structure still makes it worth it even if the animal timing is not perfect.

Should You Book the Viking Ragnarok Whales and Dolphins Cruise?

Book it if you want a fun, short Tenerife sea outing with included drinks, a real swim, and a Viking-themed onboard show. It’s especially good for families who want something more entertaining than a plain whale-watching boat.

Skip it if sea movement is a deal-breaker for you, or if you hate the idea of an open-ocean swim in cold, choppy conditions. With the right prep, though, this is one of the more memorable ways to spend an afternoon on Tenerife.

FAQ

What is the duration of the Viking Ragnarok cruise?

It runs for approximately 3 hours, starting at 1:00 pm and ending back at the meeting point in Los Cristianos.

Is the swim included, and when does it happen?

Yes, there is a time to swim in open ocean after a wildlife-watching period of about 30–40 minutes.

What drinks are included on board?

Unlimited soft drinks, beer, and wine are included during the cruise.

Are meals included in the ticket price?

No. Lunch food is not included. Food may be available on board for payment, but it is not part of the included price.

Where does the cruise start and end?

It starts at the Best Boat Tenerife Viking Ragnarok Whales & Dolphins area in Los Cristianos (Zona Excursiones A Muelle) and ends back at the same meeting point.

Does the boat have a restroom?

Yes. There is a restroom on board.

What happens if weather is poor?

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