Dolphin and Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise from Funchal
4.3
533 Ratings
Funchal

Commence a soothing journey along the southern coast of Madeira aboard our cozy catamarans. This trip offers you the opportunity to observe dolphins, whales and sometimes turtles. In the summer season, if weather and sea conditions permit, you might even have the chance to take a dip in the pristine waters beneath the Cabo Girão sea cliff.

Duration: 3 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights

Experience a 3-hour trip by catamaran along the south coast of Madeira Island. We depart from Funchal Marina, giving a quick briefing about the trip and safety matters on board. The crew then starts their search for dolphins and whales, and any other marine wildlife, using binoculars equipped with a compass, doing their best with their experienced eyes. During the summer months, there is the possibility to swim in the crystal clear waters below Cabo Girão if the conditions are good, one of the highest sea cliffs in the world at 580m (1903 ft) in altitude.

During the trip, our qualified crew will give you detailed information about the species of cetaceans you are seeing as well as other technical and historic information to ensure a complete and unique experience.

Since we are dealing with wildlife, there are times that you could end up the trip with no sightings. In the event of no sightings of cetaceans (dolphins or whales), you will be offered with a complimentary trip to go again on an alternative occasion (valid for 1 year since travel date).

Points of Interest

  • Praça do Povo
What's Included
  • 3-hour dolphin and whale watching tour
  • Friendly and knowledgeable guide
What's Not Included
  • Food and drinks
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
Additional Information
  • Children must be accompanied by an adult
  • We always recommend to bring: Sunscreen and windbreaker. For the summer months you could add a towel and bathing suit.
  • In the event you did not see any cetaceans, you will be offered the same trip again on an alternative occasion (valid for 1 year)
  • Swimming is subject to favorable weather and sea conditions
Location
Praça do Povo
Avenida Do Mar
VMT Madeira Kiosk - Funchal Marina. Check-In: 30 minutes before departure
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.3
(533 Ratings)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Gordonwalsh
Apr 14, 2024
Half day dolphin spotting - Great little trip out with the family. Make sure you get to the front of the boat, worth getting there early. Kids loved it
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Stacee_h
Mar 29, 2024
Dolphin watching - Boat ride was lovely. Saw some dolphins. We visited in March and recommend layers and windbreaker/coats because it does get a bit chilly. We were lucky enough to get spots up front which I would also highly recommend!
Review provided by Viator
Sue_m
Mar 24, 2024
Fabulous catamaran trip - Fabulous catamaran trip so wonderful to Bottle nose dolphins in the in the wild they also took us to Cabo Girao & stopped to have a swim too
Review provided by Viator
Sightseer68405628627
Mar 18, 2024
Excellent ! - It was a wonderful experience, we were lucky to have good weather which obviously improved our experience. Entry to the catamaran was quick and organized. The staff was very friendly from the first moment, from the girl at the reservations stand to the staff on the boat. I want to highlight a worker (unfortunately I don't remember his name) who, during the trip and observation of the animals, explained everything to us and gave us some interesting facts about them. We managed to see both whales and dolphins so it was undoubtedly a successful trip. Afterwards, we took a boat trip to an area where we took a dip in the sea. Due to the fact that there were schedules to adhere to, the diving time wasn't much, but it was enough. We managed to stay in the hammocks where there are some mattresses, which are quite comfortable. There is also a bar on board but I didn't get to use it. Overall, we really enjoyed the experience and would recommend it.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Loobyloo74
Mar 17, 2024
A great experience - Amazing, the trip was easy to book, offering snorkeling and swimming. The things to remember are - it's all weather dependant, take a jumper and thermals! I'm serious! And book early after you arrive in resort as the combo ticket includes a hop on and hop off 48hr yellow bus. We didn't realise and missed out. Beware though if you go to the afternoon excursion the yellow buses have stopped by time boat gets back. We sailed out in afternoon in hot beautiful sunshine, we were very lucky and see dolphins. The crew were great. Then we sailed onto cabo. However the weather turned and we were freezing cold, we were offered to swim but it felt far too cold. Hence a jumper is required and maybe a coat. It really was cold. We enjoyed the boat ride though, the views were good and seeing the dolphins made it worth it.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Thomas_r
Mar 8, 2024
The power of connection - When I see the dolphins I felt very strong connection to this animals. That was the most important moment of the trip.
Review provided by Viator
Fahema89
Mar 7, 2024
Well Worth The Price You Pay - Absolutely amazing experience - great service and the boat trip was a bliss. Capturing the dolphins was icing on the cake. Definitely worth the price.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Dreamer61333314992
Feb 3, 2024
VMT will take good care of you - The trip was very nice and the crew were fantastic. Due to problems with lost luggage we had to reschedule our trip couple of times and the was no slightest problem with that. Also during the cruise itself crew was very helpful and caring. They even brought blankets for the kids before we even thought to ask for them. And of course they made every attempt for us to see the whales and to make this trip memorable. Moito obrigado :-))))
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Inspiration276615
Jan 20, 2024
Amazing expierence - Wow! What an amazing expierence. We saw 50 pilot whales. So many amazing places. What a trip. Perfekt katamaran boat and crew.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Hxppyweasel
Mar 23, 2024
Nice stroll on the ocean - We were able to see around ten dolphins during these 3 hours of walking, including one who came to say hello to us a little closer. The seats at the front, where you can lie down on the rope, are very nice. Bring a jacket because it is of course a little cool on the ocean.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Select Date and Tickets
up to 15 guests
1 Adult
May 2024
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Today