Viking Ship Whale Watching Cruise with Swim Stop Los Cristianos

Los Cristianos Harbour

Los Cristianos began as a small fishing village at the southern tip of Tenerife and grew into one of the island's favourite resorts, sheltered by the volcanic bulk of Montaña de Guaza. Its harbour is still a working port, where ferries leave for La Gomera and the western Canary Islands, fishing boats unload their catch and excursion boats line the quay beside the golden sand of Los Cristianos beach.

The Viking ship boards from Zone Excursion A, right next to the beach, so it is easy to find on foot from the town centre and the seafront promenade. If you are planning how to get to Los Cristianos harbour, it is about 15 minutes by taxi or local bus from Costa Adeje, and the promenade links it on foot with Playa de las Américas.

Whale Waters between Tenerife and La Gomera

The channel between Tenerife and La Gomera is one of the best places in Europe to see cetaceans. Deep water begins just a few kilometres from the shore, and a resident population of short-finned pilot whales lives here all year, together with groups of bottlenose dolphins. Other dolphins and occasional larger whales pass through in some seasons.

Once the ship leaves the harbour, the crew scans the water for the dark fins and the blows of the whales, and when a group is spotted the captain slows down so you can watch them calmly from the deck. These animals often swim close to the boat, giving great photo opportunities. Whale watching in Tenerife is good year-round, although sightings always depend on the sea and cannot be fully promised.

Playa de las Américas and the Costa Adeje Coast

After the wildlife, the ship follows the south coast westwards past Playa de las Américas, the busiest resort area of Tenerife, and on to Costa Adeje, with its beaches, palm-lined promenades and the marina of Puerto Colón. From the sea you see how the resorts sit at the foot of dry volcanic hills, with the rugged Adeje mountains and the Barranco del Infierno ravine rising behind them.

This stretch is calm and sunny on most days, sheltered from the north-east trade winds by the island's mountains, which is why the south coast enjoys so much sunshine. It is the relaxing part of the Los Cristianos boat trip, with time to enjoy a drink on deck, listen to the crew and take in the coastline from a new angle.

Swim Stop with Views of Mount Teide

The ship then drops anchor near cliffs and small beaches along the south-west coast, where the water is deep blue and very clear. You can jump in and swim in the Atlantic, and on lucky days a sea turtle may glide past. If you have your own mask, the rocky sea floor is good for a quick snorkel.

From the water, look inland for one of the best views of the trip: on clear days the snow-tipped or bare summit of Mount Teide, at 3,715 metres, rises above the coastal hills. Water temperature ranges from about 19 °C in late winter to 24 °C at the end of summer, so swimming is pleasant for most of the year, and the crew is on hand as you climb back aboard.

Life on Board the Viking Ship

The vessel is built in the style of a Viking longship, recalling the wooden ships that crossed the northern seas a thousand years ago, and its look makes it a favourite with children. The crew brings Viking-themed entertainment during the cruise, with stories and games, and optional face painting turns young guests into small warriors for the photos.

Drinks are served throughout the three hours, and food and snacks can be bought on board for anyone who wants a meal at sea. There are comfortable restrooms, shaded areas and plenty of deck space. This family boat trip in Tenerife combines wildlife, swimming and a touch of theatre, which makes the afternoon feel short.