A Viking ship helps you spot wildlife. This 2-hour cruise from Los Cristianos turns Atlantic searching into a themed, easy-going adventure, with the chance to see whales and dolphins in the waters between Tenerife and nearby La Gomera. You also get a roomy boat with a multilingual crew and an onboard vibe that feels more like a show than a chore.

I especially like the mix of real nature with the character of the ship. The crew also feels proactive about comfort, including support if you or your group starts feeling sea-sick.

One thing to consider: whale and dolphin sightings are never guaranteed, and if you’re very sensitive to motion, this trip may be a rougher ride (even though staff do help).

Quick hits before you go

• Viking-themed boat, not a stiff tour: You’ll feel the pirate-Viking energy on deck while you wait for wildlife.
• Two hours, built for momentum: Long enough to search, short enough that you can still enjoy Tenerife after.
• Atlantic waters with frequent marine life: The route between Tenerife and La Gomera is where sightings are common.
• Included water and real onboard basics: Unlimited drinking water plus toilets make it easier than many quick boat trips.
• Crew that manages the crowd well: The vibe in the boat stays friendly, with lots of attention during choppy moments.
• Optional Viking photos and onboard bar: Snacks and drinks are available for purchase, while Viking photos cost extra.

Getting on board in Los Cristianos: where the adventure starts

Your cruise begins in Puerto de Los Cristianos. You’ll board at Zone Excursion A, right next to the beach, and you’re asked to arrive at least 15 minutes early so boarding stays smooth.

This matters more than you think. The port area can get crowded, and Tenerife’s south can have heavy traffic with limited nearby parking. If you’re driving, give yourself extra buffer time and you’ll avoid that last-minute scramble.

Once you step onto Ragnarok, the boat’s character hits right away. It’s built for comfort and adventure, with plenty of room for guests and a powerful sound system that keeps energy up without turning the trip into chaos. It’s a nice balance: you’re out for wildlife, but you’re also entertained while you’re waiting for animals to show up.

Where you’ll search: Tenerife and La Gomera’s marine highway

The key to this trip is where you’re cruising. The waters between Tenerife and La Gomera are home to a wide range of marine life, and that’s why sightings are often possible on this route.

In plain terms, this is not random cruising in open water forever. The crew is out there looking for whales and dolphins in an area known for life. When you’re on the water, that translates to more time scanning for movement, surfacing blows, and pods near the surface where you can actually see what’s happening.

Also, different trips can bring different species. Some departures come up with dolphins only. Others deliver pilot whales and dolphins together. On one outing, sea turtles were spotted too. That’s the nature of wildlife watching: the ocean doesn’t promise, but it gives you chances.

The 2-hour cruise rhythm: safety, sightseeing, then whale-time

Here’s the flow you can expect once you leave the harbor.

Start: safety briefing and the hunt begins

Early on, you’ll get a safety briefing. It’s not long and it’s the part that keeps everything running smoothly if conditions get choppy. Right after that, the focus turns to marine life viewing and scenic views from the water.

You’ll spend time out on the open water searching with the guided crew, looking for the first signs that pods are nearby.

Dolphins tend to show first

Dolphins are often the easiest to spot because they move actively and can pop up close to the boat. Many people come back with stories of dolphins swimming and even jumping near the vessel.

Whales: when conditions line up

Whale sightings can take longer, or they may happen later when you’re deeper out or when a pod moves into the area you’re cruising. When whales do show up, the experience can feel bigger, because you’re seeing animals that spend less time performing and more time cruising.

A useful heads-up: there can be weather-related changes. On one departure, the first whale hunt was canceled due to weather, then the operator made it right with extra support and the chance to reschedule to another time. That’s not a guarantee, but it shows what the company tries to do when the ocean doesn’t cooperate.

End: back to Los Cristianos

After the search window (this option runs about 2 hours total), you return to Puerto de Los Cristianos, finishing back at the same meeting point.

Views of Tenerife from the water: the part you’ll remember later

Even if wildlife were just average, the scenery from a south-coast departure is a big win. You’re sailing along and out with Tenerife’s South Coast in view, which makes the time feel like a proper mini-escape rather than a quick transport ride.

The best part is how the coastline looks from sea level: angles change fast, light shifts quickly, and the island feels much closer than it does from the road. If you enjoy sunsets, timing can help. Some departures end with an evening light show, which people clearly love.

And because you’re on a Viking-themed vessel with sound and entertainment onboard, the trip doesn’t turn quiet and awkward during long scan periods. You can enjoy the views while the crew keeps everyone focused on watching for movement.

Ragnarok onboard: space, water, toilets, and the Viking energy

This is where the trip earns its repeat fans.

Included basics that matter

You get unlimited drinking water and toilets on board. That sounds like small stuff, but on a 2-hour sea outing it makes a noticeable difference. You can stay hydrated without having to buy water, and nobody has to “wait until we get back.”

There’s also a professional crew and a multilingual guide (English and Spanish). The guide role is practical: explain what you’re seeing, keep the group organized, and help with the flow of scanning.

The bar and snacks

Snacks and drinks are not included, but there is an onboard bar where you can purchase drinks and food. One review even described a bar and kitchen being helpful on a longer outing, which can be a good comfort when you want something warm or familiar.

Viking extras you can opt into

Photos with the Viking are optional and cost extra. One review gave a specific price point: a 10-euro charge per photo. If you want the themed souvenir, plan on paying for it.

Comfort if the sea gets rough

Ragnarok can move, and some people do feel sea-sick. What I like is that the crew shows real attention in those moments, including offering bags for anyone who needs them. If you’re prone to motion sickness, take it seriously. One group reportedly took motion sickness medicine about half an hour before the trip, and the staff were prepared.

Also note: the activity is listed as not suitable for people with motion sickness. That doesn’t mean nobody will survive it, but it does mean you should treat it as a serious consideration, not a casual boat ride.

Price and value: is $20 worth it

At about $20 per person for a 2-hour whale and dolphin cruise, the value can be strong if you’re flexible and want a lively outing.

Here’s why the math often works:

• You’re not paying extra for the key baseline needs: water and toilets are included.
• You’re paying for guided wildlife searching plus entertainment on a character boat, which keeps the time fun even if animals take a minute to appear.
• The route is aimed at an area with marine life, so you’re not just buying a generic “go sit on a boat” experience.

It won’t be perfect value for everyone. If you’re the type who needs guaranteed whales or you’re very sensitive to motion, you might feel the gamble more strongly. Wildlife watching always has that element.

But for most people who want a short, energetic ocean adventure from Tenerife’s south, this is priced like a good deal.

Who should book (and who should reconsider)

This tour is a strong fit if you want:

• Family-friendly fun: Reviews mention the crew being great with kids, including extra care for children who need more time to process what’s happening.
• A themed boat: Ragnarok isn’t a gray, quiet catamaran vibe. It’s pirate-Viking energy, with dressing up and interactive moments.
• Short wildlife time: Two hours keeps it easy to fit into a Tenerife day without committing to a full half-day at sea.

You should think twice if:

• You get motion sick easily. The boat ride can be rocky, and while staff help, the listing says it’s not suitable for motion sickness.
• You’re only interested in whales and not dolphins. Some departures are dolphins-first, or whales may not show up that day.

If you’re traveling with strollers, there’s also a practical plus: one review specifically noted that a stroller can be brought and stored conveniently near you.

Tips that actually help during your 2 hours

You don’t need a science degree to have a good trip. But you do need to prepare for sun, wind, and the reality of scanning open water.

Bring:

• Sunglasses
• Sun hat
• Sunscreen

Also:

• Expect wind and sun to swing the temperature. Dressing in layers helps if you get chilly on the way out or warm in direct sun.
• Arrive early and plan for traffic near the port. Parking can be limited.

Crew and rules to know:

• Pets aren’t allowed.
• Bare feet aren’t allowed.
• The boat is wheelchair accessible, but for safety reasons you’re asked to use a manual wheelchair rather than an electric one.

If you’re worried about seasickness, do what one group did and take prevention seriously ahead of time. Then go in with a flexible mindset: the crew’s job is to help everyone have a safe, comfortable outing.

Should you book this Los Cristianos Viking whales and dolphins cruise?

I’d book it if you want a fun, short ocean outing with a real chance at dolphins and sometimes whales, plus an onboard experience that keeps the mood up. For the price, the combination of wildlife searching, included water and toilets, and a ship like Ragnarok makes it feel like more than a basic tour.

Skip it or choose a different format if you:

• Get strong motion sickness
• Need guaranteed whales
• Prefer a quiet, purely educational style over a themed, interactive atmosphere

If you’re on Tenerife’s south coast and you’re open to the ocean’s surprises, Ragnarok is a smart bet. You’re paying for the hunt, not a promise—and on many departures, that hunt turns into a story you’ll still be telling weeks later.

FAQ

How long is the cruise?

This experience runs for about 2 hours.

Where do I meet the tour?

You board at Zone Excursion A right next to the beach in Los Cristianos, in Puerto de Los Cristianos.

What’s included in the price?

It includes 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 for purchase at the onboard bar.

Is the boat wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the boat is wheelchair accessible. For safety reasons, the operator asks guests to use a manual wheelchair instead of an electric one.

Who runs the tour and what languages are offered?

The live tour guide provides English and Spanish.

What should I bring for the trip?

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, and sunscreen.

Is the tour suitable if I get motion sickness?

It is listed as not suitable for people with motion sickness, though staff may still help if someone feels unwell during the trip.