Water activity

Funchal: Dolphin and Whale Watching by Luxury Catamaran

Water activity

Funchal: Dolphin and Whale Watching by Luxury Catamaran

From US$ 32.33 per person

Sail along the bay of Funchal and get the chance to see dolphins, whales, turtles, endemic birds on this catamaran cruise. Admire the views from the Atlantic Ocean and make a swim stop in summer.

About this activity

Free cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
Reserve now & pay later
Keep your travel plans flexible — book your spot and pay nothing today.
Covid-19 precautions
Special health and safety measures are in place. Check your activity voucher once you book for full details.
Duration 2.5 - 3 hours
Check availability to see starting times.
Live tour guide
English, Portuguese, Spanish
Wheelchair accessible

Experience

Highlights
  • Sail to the world's second highest sea cliff at Cabo Girão
  • Admire dolphins, whales, birds and turtles from the comfort of a sailing catamaran
  • Learn about Madeira's thriving ocean ecology from an expert crew
  • Relax aboard a luxury catamaran with indoor and outdoor seating
  • Enjoy a more intimate experience with fewer passengers than other whale watching tours
Full description

Look out for a variety of marine life, including whales and dolphins on a boat trip along the bay of Funchal. Board a luxury catamaran and sail to Cabo Girão for snorkeling or relax on deck. Learn about Madeira's wildlife from the crew.

Make your way to Funchal Marina at least 20 minutes before your scheduled departure time to board a luxury catamaran. Once the group has gathered and all questions have been addressed, take a short walk to your boat for a safety briefing from the crew before boarding.

Choose from the luxurious interior with comfortable seating and sun and wind protection, or the outdoor sun beds and trampoline nets.

Then, sit back and relax as you sail out to sea and look back at the marina. Although sightings of marine life cannot be guaranteed, dolphins and whales are often seen in the waters around Funchal.

Keep a look out as you cruise across the water while the crew is on hand to answer any questions about the variety of species you may encounter. Then, head to the towering cliffs of Cabo Girão, looming 1,902 feet (580 meters) above the sea.

Drop anchor at Cabo Girão and take a dip in the waters to explore the sea life below the surface with your complimentary goggles and snorkel mask. Then, cruise at a leisurely pace back to Funchal Marina, sailing along the coastline for fantastic views of Madeira’s landscapes.

Arrive back at Funchal Marina for the speedy disembarking process so that you can continue with your day unimpeded.

Includes
  • Guided dolphin and whale watching tour
  • Professional crew
  • Swimming stop (summer tours only)
  • Restrooms onboard
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Food and drinks
Not suitable for
  • Children under 6 years
  • Pregnant women
  • People with back problems

Select participants and date

Participants

Date

Meeting point

Meeting point may vary depending on the option booked.

Important information

What to bring

  • Comfortable shoes
  • Swimwear
  • Sunscreen
  • Comfortable clothes

Know before you go

  • Seeing wildlife on every single trip cannot be guaranteed
  • The winter program runs from November 15 to April 15
  • This tour is not recommend this for pregnant persons, people suffering from back problems, or children under 6 years of age
Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.4 /5

based on 1215 reviews

Review summary

  • Guide
    4.5/5
  • Transportation
    4.6/5
  • Service
    4.5/5
  • Organization
    4.5/5

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A very good tour with excellent crew on board to assist with any questions issues etc. Unfortunately a few of our group developed sea sickness which spoiled our trip a bit but the crew were very good with assisting, cleaning etc. We did get to see many dolphins and the crew were excellent in their efforts to spot more marine and bird life. A good trip and definitely recommended

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March 26, 2023

Unfortunately the dolphins didn't come out to play during my tour:( but the guides really tried their hardest to find some animals for us to see, even calling other boats and checking with spotters on the coast. They provided interesting information about the island, though, and were very kind/good at taking care of everyone during our ride back to the harbor when some people got seasick. Would definitely recommend the company!

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March 26, 2023

Lovely catamaran, but one thing they can’t guarantee is the wildlife showing up. Sadly on the day we saw no dolphins or whales. Also I don’t believe it is worth paying for the luxury trip which promised less passengers, as we had at least 26 people on board. Given the freak weather the region has had, this may be an explanation as to why the dolphins were not around the island. That said, the crew were very knowledgeable, and did their best to look after us. May be a little later in the season would be more successful.

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March 26, 2023

Product ID: 90069