MADEIRA · SAILING
The wind off the south coast is steady and the swell is small, which makes this an easy place to sail even if you never have. These 15 compare catamarans against yachts, half-days against sunsets, on price and group size.
From Funchal Marina, you’ll sail aboard Magic Dolphin Eco, Madeira’s purpose-built hybrid catamaran, with land-based spotters guiding the crew toward dolphins, whales, turtles, and seabirds. Expect certified guides, two decks, large viewing nets, a Cabo Girão swim stop, and English or Portuguese commentary.
“That was very good! We saw dolphins and pilot whales. The guides were excellent.”
Join Seaborn Catamaran in Funchal Marina for a three-hour search for dolphins, whales, and turtles. Your English or Portuguese-speaking crew shares facts about local species, then anchors near Cabo Girão for a summer swim. Buy drinks aboard, and bring cash for the snorkeling deposit.
“loved the hospitality of the crew and everything else. views are amazing!!”
From Funchal’s New Marina, you’ll sail aboard the Atlantic Pearl with an English or Portuguese-speaking guide, search for dolphins and whales, then stop near Cabo Girão for swimming and snorkeling. The smaller boat, onboard bar, hammocks, bathrooms, and 3-hour schedule make this a relaxed choice.
“Despite not seeing any animals on the trip (obviously not the fault of the experience provider), we had such a great time. We chose the luxury catamaran as we wanted a more quieter experience, rather than a party boat and we got exactly what we paid for. We will cherish this memory! Thank you to the crew for the beautiful experience.”
Join Magic Dolphin in Funchal for a 2.5 to 3-hour cruise on a 2022 hybrid-electric catamaran. Shore spotters guide the captain toward dolphins and whales, while certified guides explain Madeira’s marine life. The return route passes Cabo Girão, Câmara de Lobos, Reid’s Hotel, and the coast.
“Fabulous afternoon with the guys from Magic Dolphin. Saw a school of pilot whales which was fab - excellent catamaran and crew - totally recommend!!”
Join Magic Dolphin Atividades Maritimas for a three-hour catamaran trip from Funchal. You will watch for dolphins, whales, turtles, and seabirds, hear about Madeira’s ocean life from the crew, sail beneath Cabo Girão, and swim during most summer tours. Portuguese and English tours are available.
“This trip was incredible from the start to the end. The captain Fabio was brilliant and very respectful of the animals. Clara and Natasha’s knowledge and passion was evident which enhanced an already magical experience. We will definitely look to do this again if we return to Madeira.”
Sail from Funchal with a small group of up to 20 people, searching for dolphins, whales, and sea turtles before stopping at Cabo Girão for swimming and snorkeling. Guides such as Bruno, Roberto, José, and Marco may lead the trip. Expect an open bar, sea spray, and a sunset over the Atlantic.
“I did a sunset cruise with Bruno and Roberto, and it was such an amazing experience. Although we didn’t see any wildlife, the atmosphere, scenery, and overall energy more than made up for it. Watching the sunset from the water was absolutely beautiful and something I won’t forget. Bruno was especially great — very attentive, friendly, and made sure everyone felt comfortable and had a good time throughout the cruise. You could really tell they cared about creating a great experience for everyone on board. Would definitely recommend this to anyone visiting Madeira!Read more”
Join Bruno, Joseph, and the Gaviao Madeira crew for a three-hour sailing trip from Funchal. Search for dolphins, whales, and sea turtles offshore, then swim or snorkel near Cabo Girão. The small yacht, friendly crew, and included drinks make this a relaxed alternative to a large catamaran.
“It was a beautiful experience, the captains talked with us and were very friendly. The group was limited to a maximum of 20 people to ensure enough space and a pleasant atmosphere. Thank you very much for a lovely day at sea!”
Set out from Funchal Marina for a three-hour sunset catamaran cruise along Madeira’s south coast. Watch for dolphins and whales, hear about local sea life in English or Portuguese, swim beneath Cabo Girão when conditions allow, and return as the coast lights up.
“Great trip, saw whales from far away and offered another trip the following day to see more but unable to squeeze it in. The sunset was beautiful and the boat trip was calm and relaxing. Would recommend”
From Funchal Marina, you’ll spend about three hours seeking dolphins, whales, and other marine life with an experienced crew. The catamaran heads toward Cabo Girão for a possible swim, with onboard toilets, drinks, and a free repeat trip if no cetaceans appear.
“When I see the dolphins I felt very strong connection to this animals. That was the most important moment of the trip.”
Join an English-speaking crew in Funchal Marina for a relaxed three-hour catamaran cruise toward Cabo Girão. Watch for dolphins, whales, and turtles, order a drink at the onboard bar, and swim in summer conditions. Wildlife is never guaranteed, but the coastal views and open-water setting make the trip worthwhile.
“Amazing trip. Very comfy catamaran. Good bar, not great. WE SAW KILLER WHALES 😍. 🐳 They all strive to find amazing animals.”
Set out from Funchal Marina for three relaxed hours aboard a spacious catamaran. The crew searches for dolphins, whales, and turtles, then heads toward Cabo Girão, where summer trips may stop for a swim. Snorkel equipment is available with a cash deposit, and Jon is part of the friendly crew.
“Excellent well worth the money ! I would recommend to family and friends. Bring your snorkel gear and cameras”
Cruise from Funchal aboard a clean, spacious catamaran while land-based spotters help the crew find dolphins, whales, sea turtles, and seabirds. You’ll also see Cabo Girão, Câmara de Lobos, and Reid’s Hotel, with live commentary, a bar, and a possible swim stop.
“Really good experience. Comfortable boat and we could lie on nets at the front ( and risk getting wet). We saw a huge pod of Atlantic Spottdd Dolphins. We watched them hunt in the crystal clear water for our allocated 10minutes”
Spend about nine hours sailing from Funchal to the protected Desertas Islands. You’ll swim from a volcanic beach, eat lunch aboard the catamaran, walk with a guide to the conservation center, and have time for snorkeling and paddleboarding. Wildlife sightings are possible, but monk seals are not guaranteed.
“It was great, the crew tried to show as many species as they could. The only negative experience was the guided walk around the guard’s house. Too many people with one round, can’t hear read, or enjoy it. It would be better in smaller groups.”
Spend about three hours aboard Atlantic Pearl’s catamaran from Funchal, watching for dolphins, whales, turtles, and other cetaceans before a possible swim stop. The boat carries up to 36 people, with toilets, WiFi, snorkeling gear, and a bar. Sightings are never guaranteed, but the coastal views are constant.
“Beautiful boat which was immaculate. The crew were very bubbly yet professional. We were lucky to see a pod of pilot whales and a turtle. The crew didn’t disturb either for long which was good to see.”
Cruise from Funchal to Cabo Girão on a spacious catamaran with a Portuguese or English-speaking guide. Watch for dolphins and whales, stop for a swim and snorkeling, then toast the sunset with drinks available to buy onboard.
“Was a Last minute booking and thank god we did book! We had the most amazing time! The guide was so lovely and helpful explaining how to kayak and stayed with us while we were travelling to the beach so make sure we were all doing okay! when we got to the beach he told us a bit of history about the island and animals which was really interesting! Had the best time snorkelling and saw some amazing fish! The colours on them were gorgeous. All together had the most amazing time, we go given 2 waters and 2 redballs for the trip and got given snorkelling equipment as well.…”
Pick a coast, a ridge or a cellar.
