Tenerife: Viking Ship Whale Watching & Drinks Cruise

Summary

Viking ship cruise Tenerife whales dolphins swim drinks

You’ll board a real Viking ship in Los Cristianos for three hours of whale watching, swimming in open Atlantic waters, unlimited drinks (wine, beer, soft drinks), and playful crew-led games—all with Tenerife’s coastline as your backdrop. Expect laughter, local stories from your guides, and maybe even a glimpse of Mount Teide if you’re lucky.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the clang of metal—someone in a helmet (yes, really) thumping the side of the Ragnarok as we stepped on at Los Cristianos harbor. The sun was already sharp, and you could smell salt and sunscreen mixing in the air. Our Viking crew greeted us with these big, theatrical grins—one even handed my friend a wooden shield for a photo, which she nearly dropped because it was heavier than it looked. I didn’t expect to laugh that early in the morning.

Once we got moving, Tenerife’s coastline started slipping away behind us. There’s this moment when the engine hum blends with seagulls and you realize how blue everything is out here. Our guide—can’t remember if his name was Erik or something more Spanish—pointed out where to look for dolphins. And then suddenly, there they were: dark shapes surfacing just off the bow. Everyone went quiet for a second except for a little kid who just shouted “¡Mira!” over and over. It felt like nobody wanted to blink.

After about half an hour of watching (and honestly craning my neck too much), they dropped anchor so we could swim. The water was colder than I expected but so clear you could see your toes wiggling. Someone on deck poured me wine while I dripped everywhere—no judgment from anyone, which I appreciated. They even ran these silly Viking games; I lost badly at whatever throwing game that was, but it didn’t matter because everyone was just kind of cheering each other on anyway.

By the time we headed back toward Los Cristianos, people were sprawled out with beers or sodas, hair still wet and skin salty. Mount Teide looked unreal in the distance—like someone painted it onto the horizon just for us. I still think about that kid’s face when he saw his first whale up close; honestly, that stuck with me more than anything else.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Viking cruise with wildlife and swimming

• Meet Vikings at Los Cristianos harbour
• Set sail and watch whales and dolphins
• Learn about marine life from crew
• Swim in open ocean near Tenerife coast
• Enjoy unlimited drinks onboard
• Play authentic Viking games and entertainment
• Return to Los Cristianos harbour

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Tenerife whale watching tour?

No, pickup is not included—the cruise departs from Los Cristianos harbor.

Are drinks included during the Viking cruise?

Yes, unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks are included on board.

How long does the Viking ship cruise last?

The experience lasts approximately three hours from start to finish.

Can children join this whale watching cruise?

Yes, children are welcome and can ride in prams or strollers if needed.

Is there time to swim during the cruise?

Yes, there’s a swimming stop in open ocean after wildlife watching.

Will we definitely see whales or dolphins?

Sightings are frequent but not guaranteed; these are wild animals.

Is this tour accessible for wheelchairs?

Yes, the boat is wheelchair accessible.

What’s included

Your day includes boarding at Los Cristianos harbor with a lively Viking crew guiding you out to sea; unlimited beer, wine and soft drinks throughout; plenty of time for dolphin and whale watching; an open-ocean swim stop with views of Tenerife’s coast; onboard restrooms; plus fun Viking-themed games before returning to port after three hours.