WHALE AND DOLPHIN WATCHING IN MADEIRA
The water off Funchal is two thousand metres deep within sight of the marina, so this runs all year rather than in a season. These 15 compare catamaran against rib, morning against sunset, and which ones cut the engine instead of chasing.
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.”
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.…”
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 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!”
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”
Sail from Funchal Marina on a spacious catamaran with English or Portuguese commentary, searching for dolphins, whales, and turtles. In summer, stop beneath Cabo Girão for swimming and snorkeling. The crew includes guides such as Vin, Alex, Sin, and Viet on some departures, but wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.
“We really enjoyed the experience. We booked for the first day of our holiday and were glad of this as we weren't able to spot any wildlife. On the second trip (Complimentary if you dont see Dolphins or whales) trip, we saw both!”
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!”
Join Rota dos Cetáceos in Funchal for a 2.5-hour search for wild dolphins, pilot whales, sperm whales, and other cetaceans. You ride a fast 18-seat RIB with marine biologists, English, French, or Portuguese guidance, and shore-based spotters directing the crew.
“Had a fabulous time, magical seeing dolphins in their natural environment. Crew were excellent. Enjoyed it so much we booked again.”
Cruise from Funchal in a fast RIB boat holding up to 18 people, guided in English or Portuguese by a skipper and marine-life guide. Look for dolphins, pilot whales, sperm whales, turtles, and flying fish, with a possible swim near suitable dolphin species when sea conditions and animal behavior allow.
“it was a nice trip only see a couple of dolphins for a few seconds near end of trip but atleast we see some so not a wasted journey”
Cruise Madeira’s southwest coast from Calheta Marina aboard the yacht Miranda or another vessel, with a captain and crew searching for dolphins and whales from land-based lookouts. You can swim and snorkel in a sheltered bay, enjoy drinks and fruit juice, and hear about Madeira’s sea life. Sunset departures do not include whale watching.
“Although we were not very lucky in the observation it was an extremely pleasant boat ride thanks to the Welcoming and attention to detail of the team on land and board, and the beauty of the seascapes!Auto-translated”
Ride a rebuilt 18-seat speedboat from Funchal with a marine biologist and captain. Land-based spotters help locate dolphins and whales, while the low boat brings you close to wildlife. Expect fast runs, sea spray, coastal views, and a €10 return option if neither dolphins nor whales appear.
“Really well organised Great crew Felt very safe Excellent experience”
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.”
Pick a coast, a ridge or a cellar.
