Tenerife: Viking Ship Whale Watching & Ocean Swimming

Three hours sailing past whales, then swimming in the open Atlantic off Tenerife

You board a Viking ship at Los Cristianos, sail into waters where whale and dolphin sightings are frequent, swim in the open ocean with views of Mount Teide, and return with unlimited drinks included throughout. The whole thing takes three hours, the crew is multilingual, and the boat is wheelchair accessible.

Step-by-step itinerary

• Meet Vikings at Los Cristianos harbour
• Set sail and watch whales and dolphins
• Enjoy Viking crew's marine life facts
• Swim in open ocean near Tenerife coast
• Spot Mount Teide on clear days
• Drink unlimited wine, beer, and soft drinks
• Play authentic Viking games and entertainment
• Return to Los Cristianos harbour

The Experience

The boat pulls away from Los Cristianos harbor and you're moving into water that holds some of the world's best marine life. Ragnarok—a Viking ship built wide enough that you're not packed shoulder-to-shoulder—cuts out toward the channel between Tenerife and La Gomera, where the crew knows the whales and dolphins show up most days. Within the first half hour, someone points, and there they are: real animals in real water, not a screen, not a memory. The crew talks you through what you're seeing—species, behavior, why they're here—without the narration feeling like a lecture.

After 30 to 40 minutes of watching and drifting, the boat slows and the crew invites you in. The water is cold and clear and you're floating in the open Atlantic with Tenerife's coast visible behind you and, on clear days, Mount Teide's peak rising in the distance. It's the kind of moment that feels both ordinary and impossible—you're swimming in the same water as the animals you just watched. There's no time pressure; you stay in as long as you want, then climb back aboard to dry off.

Between the wildlife watching and the swim, the crew keeps things moving with unlimited wine, beer, and soft drinks, plus Viking games and entertainment that work for kids and adults alike. The three-hour cruise from departure to return is built to fit the rhythm of the day without dragging—you're back at Los Cristianos harbor by early afternoon, still damp and still thinking about what you saw.

What’s included

Your three hours include hotel or port pickup (confirm with the operator), entry onto Ragnarok, unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks throughout the cruise, whale and dolphin watching with an experienced multilingual crew, a swim stop in the open ocean, Viking games and entertainment on board, and a restroom on board. You return to Los Cristianos harbor at the end of the cruise.

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleStroller friendlyPublic transport nearby

Operated by VIKING TENERIFE RAGNAROK

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to see whales and dolphins without arranging your own boat, and you're comfortable swimming in open water—the three-hour format and included drinks mean you're not spending a full day at sea or paying extra for food and drinks on top of the ticket price.

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Top questions

How often do you actually see whales and dolphins on this cruise?

The waters between Tenerife and La Gomera are one of the world's best spots for marine life sightings, and the crew says encounters are frequent. There's no guarantee on any given day, but the location itself makes sightings likely.

Is the ocean swim mandatory?

No. Swimming is offered, but you can stay on board if you prefer. The crew will let you know when it's happening so you can decide.

What drinks are included?

Unlimited wine, beer, and soft drinks throughout the three hours.

Can I bring children?

Yes. Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller on board. The crew runs Viking games and entertainment for all ages.

Is the boat wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the boat is wheelchair accessible.

What time does the cruise depart?

The itinerary does not specify a departure time. Check with the operator for the schedule when you book.

Can I take photos with the Viking crew before we leave?

Yes. There's an optional photo opportunity with the crew at Los Cristianos harbor before the boat sets sail.

How long is the sailing part before the swim?

Approximately 30 to 40 minutes of sailing and wildlife watching before the swim stop.