Los Cristianos: Whale Watching Cruise w/Swim Stop & Drinks

The Los Cristianos: Whale Watching Cruise with Swim Stop & Drinks offers a lively and scenic three-hour adventure along Tenerife’s southern coast. Departing from Puerto de Los Cristianos, this tour takes you aboard the Viking ship Ragnarok, where you have the chance to see whales and dolphins in their natural habitat. The tour combines wildlife spotting, a refreshing swim or snorkel stop, and fun Viking-themed entertainment, making it a well-rounded activity for families, friends, and anyone eager for a maritime adventure.

At a cost of roughly €35 per person, the trip includes unlimited drinks and access to comfortable onboard restrooms. While food is available for purchase, most guests enjoy the free-flowing beverages and the chance to relax on deck. The tour’s 4.7-star rating from 776 reviews highlights its popularity, especially among those looking to combine wildlife encounters with a lively atmosphere.

Key Points

• Departure from Puerto de Los Cristianos: Convenient meeting point with easy access and well-organized boarding.
• Wildlife sightings: Expect frequent encounters with whales and dolphins, often swimming close to the boat.
• Swim stop in the Atlantic: A highlight where guests can swim or snorkel in crystal-clear waters, with potential sightings of sea turtles.
• Viking-themed entertainment: Enjoy a Viking show and face painting for added fun, with crew members actively engaging guests.
• Inclusive drinks: Unlimited beer, wine, and other drinks are included, making the trip more relaxed and enjoyable.
• Family-friendly: Suitable for most, though not ideal for those prone to seasickness or with mobility issues (wheelchair accessible but recommend manual wheelchairs).

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The Viking Ship Ragnarok: A Unique Departure Point

The adventure starts at Puerto de Los Cristianos, where guests board the Viking ship Ragnarok. This ship is designed to evoke the spirit of Viking explorers with its themed entertainment, adding a fun twist to the wildlife cruise. The boarding process is straightforward, and guests are advised to arrive at least 15 minutes early to ensure smooth boarding.

The ship’s layout is comfortable, with restrooms onboard for convenience. The friendly and professional crew, including the captain and guides, lead the tour with a focus on safety and fun. The viking-themed atmosphere, combined with lively crew members, helps create a festive mood from the start.

Spotting Whales and Dolphins in Tenerife’s Waters

The waters between Tenerife and La Gomera are known for frequent sightings of whales and dolphins. As the ship cruises along the coast, these majestic animals often swim near the vessel, providing great photo opportunities. The guides are experienced at spotting wildlife, ensuring guests have the best chances to see these creatures in their natural environment.

Most sightings happen close to the boat, making the experience particularly exciting. The calm waters and the attentiveness of the crew contribute to an environment where whale and dolphin watching feels natural and unobtrusive. Despite the unpredictability of wildlife, reviews mention regular sightings of dolphins and pilot whales, with some guests lucky enough to see whales.

Scenic Coastline Views of Tenerife

While wildlife is the main focus, the scenic coastline of Tenerife offers stunning views throughout the cruise. As the boat travels past Playa de Las Américas and Adeje, guests can enjoy panoramic vistas of the cliffs, beaches, and the El Teide volcano in the distance.

The coastal scenery provides gorgeous photo opportunities, especially as the ship anchors near dramatic cliffs and beaches. The sunshine, combined with the breathtaking landscapes, makes this cruise visually rewarding, whether you’re relaxing on deck or snapping photos.

The Swim and Snorkel Stop in the Atlantic

One of the tour’s main highlights is the swim stop in the Atlantic Ocean. The ship drops anchor near a location with crystal-clear waters, perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Guests are encouraged to jump in with provided life jackets, and many enjoy the chance to spot sea turtles or explore marine life beneath the surface.

The crystal-clear conditions and calm waters make this stop suitable for swimmers of different levels. The crew often checks in to ensure everyone is comfortable, and the sea life sightings add to the excitement of this part of the trip. The opportunity to cool off in the Atlantic completes the adventure with a relaxing, memorable experience.

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Drinks, Food, and Viking-Themed Fun Onboard

Throughout the cruise, guests can enjoy unlimited beer, wine, and other drinks, making the experience more laid-back. The bar onboard offers a selection of beverages, while food is available as an optional extra for those who want a meal during the journey.

Along With wildlife and scenery, the Viking-themed entertainment adds a playful dimension. Guests can try face painting, which is perfect for photos or getting into the Viking spirit. The crew’s lively and engaging personalities, combined with the themed show, create a fun, interactive atmosphere that keeps everyone entertained.

Practicalities: Meeting Point and Accessibility

The boarding gate is located next to the beach in Los Cristianos, making it easy for visitors to find. Guests should arrive at least 15 minutes before departure to allow for smooth boarding. Due to the island’s traffic and limited parking, it’s advisable to plan ahead and leave plenty of travel time.

The boat is wheelchair accessible; however, guests are asked to use manual wheelchairs for safety reasons. Onboard amenities include restrooms for comfort, and the crew is attentive to guest needs, including those with mobility considerations.

Timing, Pacing, and Duration

The tour lasts approximately 3 hours, with departure times varying based on availability. The cruise is designed to balance wildlife viewing, scenic cruising, and the swim stop, with a typical pace that allows ample time for each activity. The duration makes it suitable for most schedules, whether as a half-day activity or a quick outing.

Guests are advised to bring sunscreen, hats, swimwear, and towels to stay comfortable during the day. The choppiness of the sea can vary, so travelers prone to seasickness should consider taking precautions, especially if they plan to stay seated at the boat’s edges.

The Experience for Families and Solo Travelers

The Viking-themed entertainment and face painting make this tour appealing to families with children. The lively crew and interactive atmosphere help keep younger guests engaged. However, those sensitive to motion or prone to seasickness might want to prepare accordingly since the boat can be choppy at times.

Solo travelers and groups find the inclusive drinks and friendly crew create a sociable environment. The opportunity to see whales and dolphins in a relaxed setting adds to the tour’s appeal for all ages.

Comparing This Tour to Similar Experiences

This cruise stands out for its themed Viking atmosphere combined with wildlife watching and a swim stop. Many other tours focus solely on whale watching, but the inclusion of entertainment, face painting, and a lively crew makes this experience more interactive and fun.

The value for money is highlighted by the unlimited drinks and the overall quality of the crew and boat. While food can be purchased onboard, most guests find the drinks and wildlife encounters to be the main attractions.

Final Thoughts on the Los Cristianos Whale Watching Cruise

This 3-hour Viking-themed cruise from Los Cristianos offers a blend of wildlife, scenic views, and entertainment. The regular sightings of dolphins and pilot whales add excitement, while the swim stop provides relaxation and adventure. The inclusive drinks and friendly crew make it a comfortable and enjoyable outing.

The themed entertainment and face painting make it especially suitable for families and those looking for a lively atmosphere. It’s a good choice for travelers seeking a balanced mix of wildlife, scenery, and fun without overly long durations or complex logistics.

While not ideal for those with seasickness or mobility issues, the overall high rating of 4.7 from 776 reviews confirms this tour’s popularity and quality. Most visitors leave with lasting memories of whales, dolphins, and ocean swims, making it a worthwhile addition to any Tenerife itinerary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a specific age limit for this tour?
The information does not specify age restrictions, but the tour is family-friendly with Viking-themed fun for children.

Can I book this tour last-minute?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and allows for flexible booking.

What should I bring on the cruise?
Guests should bring sunscreen, sunglasses, sun hat, swimwear, towel, and any personal items needed for comfort.

Is the boat accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes, the boat is wheelchair accessible, but guests are recommended to use manual wheelchairs for safety.

Are food options included?
No, food is available for purchase onboard. Drinks are included as part of the package.

What is the typical duration of the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 3 hours, with specific start times depending on availability.

Will I definitely see whales and dolphins?
Wildlife sightings are frequent but not guaranteed; the waters are known for regular dolphin and pilot whale sightings.

Is there entertainment onboard?
Yes, the crew provides Viking-themed shows, face painting, and engaging interaction, making the cruise lively.

What if I get seasick?
The boat can be choppy, so if prone to seasickness, consider taking medication or sitting in the middle of the vessel.

How do I find the meeting point?
The meeting point is next to the beach in Los Cristianos, at Boarding Gate: Zone Excursion A, and arriving 15 minutes early is recommended.

This whale watching cruise from Los Cristianos blends wildlife encounters, scenic coastline views, and Viking-themed entertainment into an experience that appeals to a broad audience. With its high ratings and positive reviews, it remains a popular choice for those seeking a lively, memorable day on the Atlantic.

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