The 7 Best VIP Experiences in Madeira

1.Dolphin & Whale Watch Luxury Catamaran Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 2,684 reviews · 3 hours · from $47Our pick

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.”

Check availability →Read our full review

2.All Inclusive Whale and Dolphin Watching Luxury Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 2,573 reviews · 3 hours · from $93

Sail from Funchal on a spacious luxury catamaran with guides such as Liv, David, Bruno, Maggie, and Nico. Look for whales, dolphins, and turtles, then swim beneath Cabo Girão. The small group, onboard toilets, snacks, towels, snorkels, and open bar make this a polished three-hour outing.

“It was such a lovely tour! The staf was amazing😊, funny, kind, and told a lot of interesting facts. The catamaran is a really comfortable boat, big, fast and there's enough space, you can easily change seats/places for the view. I really liked it that they don't let go a lot of people on the boat. The captain was so respectfull too the animals and did his ultimate best to fix the best spo Service was excellent! Drinks and delicatesses were served as much as you want and where brought to you. We did see a lot of short vinned pilot whales and a small group of bottled nose dolphins.…”

Check availability →Read our full review

3.Dolphin and Whale Watching by Luxury Catamaran

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,709 reviews · 3 hours · from $47

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.”

Check availability →Read our full review

4.VipDolphins Luxury Whale Watching

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,709 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $95Top rated

Sail from Funchal on a modern catamaran with up to 17 people, looking for dolphins and whales with crew members such as Sheila, Liv, Maggie, and Francisco. Drinks, local snacks, towels, blankets, and snorkeling gear are included, followed by a swim near Cabo Girao.

“Highly recommend! Service was great. They really looked after us. Seeing the dolphins was amazing as well!”

Check availability →Read our full review

5.Funchal Private 4-Seater VIP Mercedes / 8-Seater Minibus

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 223 reviews

Spend eight hours exploring Madeira with a private guide in a four-seat Mercedes or eight-seat minibus. Choose an east, west, central, or north-island route, stop as long as you like, and ask your guide to shape the day around views, food, family needs, or special occasions.

“My boyfriend and I had the best time on this tour, Tony was the perfect guide - very knowledgeable! He took us to lots of different places including some short detours through more residential areas with stunning views. He booked us lunch at a lovely restaurant with gorgeous views and great food (the bay leaf beef and chicken with traditional potatoes is a must). We saw the Santana houses, the most eastern point of the island and tasted rum in Porto cruz but my favourite spot was definitely Pico do Arieiro. I honestly couldn’t recommend the tour enough.Read more”

Check availability →Read our full review

6.Half Day Tour on a Luxury Catamaran on Madeira Island

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 159 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $48

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.”

Check availability →Read our full review

7.Cabo Girao Sunset Cruise on Luxury Catamaran

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 84 reviews · 3 hours · from $47

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.…”

Check availability →Read our full review