That Viking boat is a fun shortcut to sea magic.

I love the Viking crew running the show, staying in character while still being practical about safety and wildlife. I also love the unlimited drinks that make the time feel like a real treat, not a budget boat trip. One thing to plan for, though: the ride can get choppy, so if you are sensitive to motion, you will want a strategy before you go.

Key highlights at a glance

• Viking crew in character, with games, stories, and lots of audience participation for kids and adults
• Whale and dolphin watching with an emphasis on keeping a respectful distance
• Open ocean swim time when conditions allow, with life vests and snorkel glasses available
• Unlimited drinks onboard, including beer, wine, and soft drinks
• Small-ish group size for a boat tour, with a max of 100 travelers
• Onboard restroom, so you can enjoy the full 3 hours without rushing back to shore

A Viking Boat Ride Off Los Cristianos

Tenerife is best when you mix views with an activity that feels different from a museum or a bus tour. This 3 hour cruise does that with a Viking-themed boat and crew that turns a standard sea trip into something you remember, even if you are not a huge boat person.

You start in the harbor area of Los Cristianos, and there is a real “getting the holiday rolling” vibe right away. If you want the photos, there is an optional moment to meet the Vikings and snap a few pictures before the ship heads out. Once you are underway, the boat feels like a mini stage: music on board, props for photos, and constant small moments that keep kids entertained and adults laughing.

The best part for me is that it never forgets why you came, sea time. The crew talks about what you might see, and the whole experience builds toward wildlife spotting and that open ocean swim.

Price and Value: Drinks Included, No Surprise Costs for the Fun Parts

At $45.95 per person for about 3 hours, the value comes from what you actually get during those hours. You are not just paying for transportation and a chance at wildlife. You also get unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks during the cruise, plus an onboard restroom, so comfort is built in.

Food is the one gap. Lunch is not included, and there are no promises about a free meal. If you get hungry, you will have to plan for buying food onboard, or eating before you arrive. That said, the inclusion of drinks and entertainment means you can control your spending. You can go budget and just stick to what is included, or you can add snacks if you want.

One more value point: the group size ceiling helps. With a maximum of 100 travelers, it is large enough to run smoothly, but small enough that the crew can keep the energy up without feeling like a factory tour.

Before You Sail: Meeting the Vikings and Picking a Good Spot

Your tour starts at 1:00 pm at Best Boat Tenerife Viking Ragnarok, in the Los Cristianos harbor area. The meeting point is described as near public transportation, which matters because Los Cristianos is easy to reach, but you still want a stress-free start.

Once you arrive, you can help set yourself up for a smoother trip in two ways. First, try to arrive early enough to settle without rushing. The optional meet and photos with the Vikings can be fun, and you will not want to miss it if you care about pictures. Second, think about shade and comfort. Some of the boat is under cover, and the breeze can help, but hot days can still feel intense if you are baking in the sun.

Also, if you are traveling with someone who gets overwhelmed by noise or crowds, ask staff where seating feels calmer. I saw examples of the crew working to help families find a quieter spot away from speakers, and that small detail can make the whole cruise work.

Wildlife Watching at Sea: Whales, Dolphins, and Respectful Distance

This is the core reason you do the cruise, and the sea wildlife can genuinely steal the show. The sailing out from Los Cristianos is paired with whale and dolphin watching, and the crew gives guidance so you know what to look for and when to look.

In the real world, sightings vary. You might catch a lot of wildlife, or you might get fewer moments. But when the animals are around, the experience feels special because the crew seems focused on doing it the right way. Multiple accounts mention the ship keeping a respectful distance and even turning off the engine at times to give the animals a better chance, while still letting you watch.

The species mentioned most often include pilot whales and dolphins. Some people also reported sea turtles and even interesting sightings like flying fish. On clear days, the coastline view is also part of the show, and you can sometimes spot Mount Teide in the distance from the water.

If wildlife is your priority, the best tip is simple: bring your eyes, not your expectations. Wildlife is wild, and your best odds come from staying patient during the sailing and listening when the crew calls something out.

The Swim Stop: Open Ocean Fun, With Real Safety Gear

After about 30 to 40 minutes cruising and watching, the plan includes time to swim in the open ocean. This is one of those rare activities where the setting does the work for you. You are not swimming in a pool with a view screen. You are in the real water with Tenerife’s coast around you.

The staff are generally described as friendly and helpful, and that matters because people will have different comfort levels. If you want to swim, the crew makes it easier by providing life vests and snorkelling glasses. If you do not want to swim, you can still enjoy the coastline and watch other people go in.

Two practical notes from the vibe of the trip:

• The water can feel cold, especially if the day is breezy.
• Conditions can be rough, which can make the boat ride and jump-in feel like a bigger deal than it sounds on paper.

If you are prone to feeling sick on boats, this is the moment to be extra careful. Some people reported upset stomachs and recommended taking travel sickness tablets before going. Onboard, there are also sick bags available, and staff were described as ready with help like cool water sprays if you feel unwell.

Viking Entertainment Onboard: Games, Face Paint, and a Real Show

A Viking theme can be fake in some places, but here it functions like the glue that holds the whole experience together. The crew performs in character and keeps the ship lively with games and entertainment. Expect a mix of comedy and participation, including things like staged fights, story telling, and silly competitions.

For families, this is a major plus. Kids often get face paint, and there are activities that make the trip feel like an event, not just a ride. Even if you are an adult who planned to relax, the energy is usually contagious once the music and games start.

I also like that the entertainment does not completely block the wildlife. The crew still tries to manage the ship in a way that supports whale watching, including keeping quieter moments when animals are near. That balance is what turns this from a party boat into an actual nature experience with fun layered on top.

One small drawback worth knowing: toilets are described as small, and when the boat sways, you feel it more. If you are tall or you need extra space, mentally plan for a tight cabin. Still, the fact that there is an onboard restroom at all is a real convenience for a 3 hour trip.

Drinks Included: What You Get and How to Think About It

This is one of the easiest trips to evaluate because the drink picture is clear. Included drinks are beer, wine, and soft drinks. That means you can settle in and treat the sea time like a relaxed afternoon, not a dry slog.

If you enjoy beer and wine, you will likely feel like you got your money’s worth quickly. Multiple accounts highlight constant drink availability, and the vibe is often more social because everyone is sharing the same onboard rhythm.

The one consideration: if you do not want to be around alcohol, this is not a quiet, sober cruise. The included drinks create an atmosphere where people are chatting and celebrating. So make the call based on your comfort level, not just your interest in whales.

Tip for heat and seasickness: even if drinks are included, pace yourself. Choppy water plus sun plus alcohol is a combination that can hit some people harder than expected.

Food and Extras: Snack Options Without Turning It Into a Full Meal Budget

Lunch is not included. That is important to plan because 3 hours on the water can make you hungry, especially for kids. The good news is that there is a food and drink shack onboard for purchase, so you are not stranded with nothing to eat.

From what people described, there can be items like burgers and fries available for payment, but the exact menu can change day to day. The key is you control it. If you pack something simple, you reduce stress. If you want to buy food and just enjoy the ride, you can do that too.

Also, there is often a photo taken when you board for a fee. Some people say it costs 10 euros if you want the keepsake. If you like mementos, plan for that small extra expense. If you do not care about formal photos, skip it and spend your attention on the sea.

Who This Cruise Fits Best (And Who Might Want a Backup Plan)

I think this cruise is a great match if you want all three: wildlife watching, a real activity, and an easy afternoon. It works well for:

• Families with kids who need entertainment to last 3 hours
• Couples who want romance and laughs without a long travel day
• Anyone who likes an on-water experience that still feels structured and fun

It is less ideal if:

• You hate being on boats when conditions turn rough
• You want a calm, quiet nature cruise with minimal noise
• You need a strict no-alcohol environment

One more point that can matter for some travelers: there are reports of wheelchair spaces on board (two at the front side of the ship) and staff doing everything possible to help make the space comfortable. If accessibility is a priority for you, it is smart to contact the provider in advance so you can confirm the best setup for your needs.

Practical Tips for a Smoother 3 Hours

Here are the details that helped people enjoy the day, and they are worth copying.

1) Bring motion-sickness prevention if you are unsure.

Even if you think you are fine, it can turn rough. Sick bags are available, but prevention is easier than recovery.

2) Use the shade plan.

During hot months, grab seats under canopy if you can. The breeze helps, but sun can still wear you down fast.

3) Aim to get your bearings early.

If you want a photo at the front of the ship, try before you are fully out at sea. When the boat starts moving, it can be harder to walk around safely.

4) Plan for cold water if you swim.

Life vests and snorkel glasses are available, but your body will still feel the temperature. If cold water is a concern, consider just watching instead.

5) Respect the wildlife moment.

If whales or dolphins show up, follow staff guidance and give the crew a chance to manage quiet moments. It also improves your viewing chances.

6) Bring a swim mindset, not a gym mindset.

This is a fun stop, but conditions can change. Wear appropriate swim gear, expect waves, and keep your expectations friendly and flexible.

Should You Book the 3h Viking Cruise with Drinks, Whales Watching, and Swimming?

Book it if you want a short Tenerife outing that feels like a real experience, not a basic sightseeing loop. The Viking crew energy, the strong odds of seeing pilot whales and dolphins, and the inclusion of unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks are the big drivers of value. Add the open ocean swim, and you have an activity you will talk about later.

Skip or rethink if you are highly seasick or you want a quiet nature cruise. Also, consider that included drinks set the mood, so choose based on your comfort around alcohol and a lively onboard scene.

If you are on Tenerife for a few days and you want one afternoon that covers fun, views, and the chance of wildlife, this is the kind of tour that often ends up being the highlight.

FAQ

How long is the Viking cruise?

The cruise is about 3 hours.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 1:00 pm.

What is included in the ticket price?

Included items are an onboard restroom, the Viking crew, soft drinks, beer, and wine.

Are drinks included during the cruise?

Yes. Beer, wine, and soft drinks are included, and they are available throughout the cruise.

Is there time to swim?

Yes. There is a swim stop in the open ocean after wildlife watching.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, the tour is offered in English.

What should I do about food?

Lunch food is not included. There is food sold onboard for purchase if you want something to eat during the cruise.