All Inclusive Whale and Dolphin Watching Luxury Tour

The best part of this Madeira boat trip is the combination of wildlife watching and proper comfort. You search the open Atlantic for dolphins, whales, and turtles, then return along the coast with a drink in hand and plenty of room to move. The small group, often limited to about 17 people, makes a real difference.

I like the attentive service, including the welcome sparkling wine, local snacks, and drinks brought to your seat. I also like the 30-minute swim beneath Cabo Girão, where the island rises dramatically above the water. The one drawback is simple: marine life is wild, so you may see very little, and the sea can become choppy once the boat heads offshore.

Key points to know before booking

• About 17 people at most: You get open views and room to change seats, unlike the packed boats common around Funchal.
• A real all-inclusive setup: Sparkling wine, beer, wine, cocktails, soft drinks, and local snacks are included during the three-hour trip.
• Wildlife comes first: The crew works with land-based spotters and keeps a respectful distance from dolphins and whales.
• A 30-minute Cabo Girão stop: Swim or use the free goggles and snorkels below the 586-meter sea cliff.
• Comfortable for a long outing: There are indoor and outdoor seats, toilets, towels, blankets, changing rooms, and charging points.
• Best for adults and older children: Children under 3 are not accepted, and you should dress for changing weather and possible spray.

A small catamaran with room to breathe

Your three-hour outing starts at the VipDolphins kiosk beside Praça do Povo and the ocean in Funchal’s new marina. The meeting point is easy to find by searching VipDolphins on Google Maps, but hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own way to the marina.

You board a modern luxury catamaran and receive a glass of sparkling wine before departure. The boat has indoor and outdoor seating, giving you a choice between shelter and a better view. That flexibility matters because the ride can feel warm and sunny near shore, then breezy and wet once you are farther out.

The limited passenger count is the strongest practical feature. Several people describe the boat as carrying around 17 passengers, with plenty of space to move from one side to the other. You can sit forward, find a quieter place toward the back, or step outside when wildlife appears without squeezing past a crowd.

The boat also has toilets, changing rooms, towels, blankets, a phone charging station, and plastic bags for wet clothing. These are small touches, but they make the difference between a polished half-day on the water and a basic sightseeing ride.

The catamaran is wheelchair accessible according to the tour information. Still, you should contact the operator before booking if you need specific assistance with boarding or moving around the boat, since the details of marina access are not provided.

Heading offshore in search of dolphins and whales

The first major sailing stretch lasts about 45 minutes. The crew heads out from Funchal and begins looking for marine life while explaining the coast, Madeira’s geography, and the animals you might encounter.

This is not a guaranteed wildlife performance. Dolphins may race alongside the boat, pilot whales may surface nearby, or you may spot only a few animals at a distance. On some departures, nobody sees dolphins or whales at all. That is the honest trade-off with any wildlife trip.

The crew does make a serious effort. The boat works with spotters on land, who use binoculars and pass on sightings. The captain may alter the route to search for animals, but the crew also follows welfare rules and avoids pressing too close. That is good practice, even if it means you do not always get the closest possible photograph.

Sightings described during this tour include short-finned pilot whales, sperm whales, bottlenose dolphins, Atlantic spotted dolphins, bull-headed dolphins, and sea turtles. You should treat these as possible sightings, not a promise for your departure. The most memorable encounters can happen quickly, so keep your phone ready but do not spend the whole trip staring at its screen.

The crew often takes photographs during the cruise and sends them to passengers afterward. This is useful because you can watch the animals instead of trying to frame every moment yourself. It also takes some pressure off when a dolphin surfaces for only a few seconds.

The secret stop, snacks, and open bar

After the first search period, the boat usually pauses at a quieter spot for about 30 minutes. The exact location is described as a secret stop, and this section includes more wildlife watching, local snacks, drinks, and commentary from the crew.

The food is not a full meal, so do not board expecting lunch. It is a steady selection of small Madeira specialties and sweet treats, with pastel de nata and local snacks receiving particular praise. One drink mentioned often is cinnamon coffee, and the menu also includes wine, beer, cocktails, soft drinks, and other beverages.

The open bar is included in the $93 price, along with the welcome sparkling wine. That can make the fare feel much better than a cheaper boat trip where every drink costs extra. Still, the value depends on how much you care about comfort and service. If you only want a quick wildlife ride and do not drink alcohol, a basic excursion may cost less and meet your needs.

Service is a major part of the experience. Crew members regularly offer drinks and food, check that everyone is comfortable, and help anyone who feels unwell. Names noted on different departures include Liv, David, Bruno, Maggie, Nico, Margarita, Peter, Clare, Sousa, and Captain Chico. The staff changes, of course, but the pattern is clear: the service is meant to feel personal rather than mass-market.

If you are prone to motion sickness, prepare before boarding. Several departures became choppy offshore, and one person specifically advised taking sea sickness tablets. A seat toward the back may reduce the motion for some people, but this is still an ocean trip, not a calm harbor cruise.

Swimming under the 586-meter Cabo Girão cliff

The highlight for many people is the 30-minute stop at Cabo Girão. At 586 meters, or about 1,920 feet, this is one of Madeira’s great coastal sights and commonly described as the world’s second-highest sea cliff.

The catamaran pauses below the cliff, giving you time to swim in the clear Atlantic water. Free goggles and snorkels are provided, and towels are available. You can also stay aboard and enjoy the view if the water feels too cool or the sea is unsettled.

The swim adds something important to the trip. You are not simply looking at Cabo Girão from a road or viewpoint. You see the cliff from sea level, where the height feels more dramatic, then look back toward Funchal as the catamaran begins its return.

Swimming is optional, and you should judge the conditions for yourself. The information describes the water as crystal clear, while several people found it surprisingly warm during their trips. Conditions can change, so bring suitable swimwear and a dry change of clothes. Plastic bags for wet items are available, which is helpful if you still have plans after returning to the marina.

Snorkeling is included, but this is not presented as a dedicated reef or underwater wildlife tour. Think of the equipment as a useful extra for a short swim rather than the main purpose of the stop.

The return to Funchal

The final sailing stretch lasts about 45 minutes. This is a relaxed way to finish, with coastal views, more drinks, and time to settle into the boat’s indoor or outdoor seating.

The route gives you a different view of Funchal from the water. Crew members also point out landmarks and share local facts along the way. Afternoon departures can offer warm light and, according to one account, a memorable sunset, though sunset timing depends on the season and departure schedule.

Music is kept low enough for conversation, which helps the trip feel calm rather than like a party cruise. You can move around the boat, take photographs, or simply watch Madeira’s steep coast pass by.

The boat returns to the same VipDolphins meeting point in the marina. Since there is no hotel transportation, you remain responsible for reaching your next stop. Leave enough time if you have a fixed dinner reservation or another activity immediately afterward.

Is $93 a fair price?

At $93 per person, this is not Madeira’s budget whale-watching option. The price is roughly double some standard boat trips, based on the comparisons made by people who chose this experience. The useful question is not simply is it cheap? but what are you getting for the extra money?

You are paying for a smaller group, a larger amount of personal space, an open bar, local snacks, a welcome glass of sparkling wine, a swimming stop, equipment, and a more attentive level of service. You also avoid the common problem of standing shoulder to shoulder while trying to see a whale on the far side of a crowded boat.

For me, the small group is the best value. You can change position without fighting for a railing spot, and the crew has more time to speak with you. The boat also feels less tiring during a three-hour outing.

The price is harder to justify if wildlife is your only goal. No operator can guarantee dolphins or whales, and several departures saw little or no marine life. In that case, you are buying a comfortable coastal cruise with good food and drinks, not a guaranteed animal encounter.

The tour is particularly good value for couples, small groups, and anyone who wants a special morning or afternoon on the water. It is also a sensible choice if you dislike crowded excursions or want staff to handle the practical details for you.

Who will enjoy this catamaran most?

I would choose this trip if you want several experiences in one booking: ocean wildlife, a premium boat, local tastes, coastal views, and a swim near Cabo Girão.

It suits:

• Couples looking for a relaxed outing with a more private feel
• Families with children aged 3 and older who are comfortable on a boat
• People who value personal service and open space
• Visitors who want to swim but do not need a full snorkeling excursion
• Anyone who would rather enjoy photographs taken by the crew than chase every sighting with a phone
• Visitors who like an afternoon cruise and possibly a sunset

It may not suit you if you need guaranteed animal sightings, dislike alcohol-focused service, or get badly seasick. It is also not suitable for children under 3. Dress for the weather, and bring swimwear, sun protection, and a light extra layer.

The tour languages are English, Portuguese, and Spanish. A live guide is provided, and the crew combines wildlife information with facts about Madeira and the coastline.

Booking details worth knowing

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. The reserve-now-and-pay-later option lets you hold a place without paying immediately, which is useful when your Madeira schedule is still changing.

Starting times vary, so check availability for your date. You meet at the VipDolphins Kiosk between Praça do Povo and the ocean, not at your hotel. The separate entrance helps with boarding, but you should still arrive with enough time to find the kiosk and settle in.

Bring clothing suitable for the weather. The boat has indoor seating, but you will want a jacket or cover-up if the wind picks up. Pack swimwear if you plan to use the Cabo Girão stop, and consider motion sickness medication if you know you are sensitive to rolling seas.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want the comfortable, small-group version of a Madeira whale-watching trip. The crew’s care, the spacious catamaran, steady supply of snacks and drinks, and swim beneath Cabo Girão give the outing value even when wildlife stays elusive.

Skip it if your main aim is the lowest possible price or a guaranteed whale sighting. Nature decides what appears. For everyone else, the combination of responsible wildlife watching, a 30-minute Atlantic swim, and an uncrowded catamaran makes $93 a fair splurge for a memorable half-day from Funchal.

FAQ

Where does the whale and dolphin tour start?

It starts at the VipDolphins Kiosk between Praça do Povo and the ocean at Funchal’s new marina. Search VipDolphins on Google Maps to locate the meeting point.

How long does the experience last?

The tour lasts three hours, including the outbound sailing, wildlife search, swimming stop, and return to Funchal.

What animals might I see?

The trip searches for dolphins, whales, and turtles. Possible sightings described for this experience include pilot whales, sperm whales, bottlenose dolphins, Atlantic spotted dolphins, and bull-headed dolphins.

Are whale and dolphin sightings guaranteed?

No. Marine life is wild, and some departures see several animals while others see only a few or none. The crew uses land-based spotters and searches carefully, while respecting wildlife distances.

Is food and drink included?

Yes. The price includes local snacks, alcoholic drinks, soft drinks, cocktails, wine, beer, and a welcome glass of sparkling wine.

Can I swim during the tour?

Yes. The catamaran stops for about 30 minutes near Cabo Girão, where you can swim in the Atlantic. Goggles and snorkels are provided free, and towels are available.

Are children allowed?

Children under 3 are not suitable for this activity. The supplied information does not state an upper age limit.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. You must make your own way to the VipDolphins meeting point at the Funchal marina.

What languages are available?

The live tour guide service is available in English, Portuguese, and Spanish.

Can I cancel the booking?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. A reserve-now-and-pay-later option is also available.