15 Boat Trips in Madeira to Build a Day Around

1.Dolphin and Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 5,697 reviews · 3 hours · from $41Our pick

From Funchal Marina, Seaborn Catamaran takes you along Madeira’s coast to search for dolphins, whales and turtles. The three-hour trip includes a guide in English or Portuguese, sea views, an onboard bar and a summer swim stop below Cabo Girão. Sightings are never guaranteed, and rough winter seas can bring motion sickness.

“It was amazing! We got to see dolphins and then we got to swim the water was perfect amd the guides very a very fun and nice bunch! I didnt get their names but it was one of the 3pms tour 👌🏾🥳”

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2.Funchal Bay: Dolphin & Whale Watch Luxury Catamaran Cruise

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

Join Atlantic Pearl at Funchal New Marina for a three-hour cruise with Portuguese and English-speaking guides. You will look for dolphins and whales, hear about local marine life, and stop to swim beneath Cabo Girão. The boat has covered seating, outdoor loungers, hammocks, bathrooms, and a bar.

“Terrific , good access to the boat, good seating. Great staff and we were lucky and saw both sperm whales and dolphins.”

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3.Dolphin and Whale Watching Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 844 reviews · 2 hours · from $58

Set out from Funchal aboard a rebuilt 18-seat speedboat with a marine biologist and captain. Watch for bottlenose dolphins, spotted dolphins, pilot whales, sperm whales, turtles, and seabirds while learning how Madeira’s marine ecosystem works. The fast boat covers more water than larger craft, but expect spray, bumps, and no guaranteed close encounter.

“It was great! Natasja is lovely and the captain did his work perfect! Go go go and book this tour.”

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4.Dolphin and Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise from Funchal

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 645 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $48

Sail from Funchal Marina along Madeira’s south coast on a 3-hour catamaran cruise. The crew searches for dolphins, whales, and other sea life, explains what you see, and may stop beneath Cabo Girão for a swim when conditions allow. There is a bar and toilet onboard, but no hotel pickup or meals.

“Lovely Catermeran, not too busy. Plenty of space aboard up or downstairs. Shame the wildlife never showed up but that's nature. Plenty of great scenery on the sail back to port, swimming if you wanted too at a well no beauty spot under the cliffs. Bar sold draught beers €4 a pint & cold/nice flavour. Overall good value excursion.”

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5.From Calheta: Madeira Whale and Dolphin Watching Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 573 reviews · 2 hours · from $67

Set out from Calheta Marina on a two-hour speedboat search for whales, dolphins, turtles, and seabirds. Your German or English-speaking crew, including guides such as Paula and Hannah on some departures, explains marine life and keeps approaches respectful. The ride also gives you fine views of Madeira from the water.

“Hannah is a gorgeous young woman, explained everything about the dolphins we saw and answered all questions, in german and english. Also big respect for david, he is an excellent boat driver!! Had so much fun. Thankyou”

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6.Madeira Pirate Ship: 3-Hour Boat Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 528 reviews · 3 hours · from $54

Spend three hours aboard the Santa Maria de Colombo, a full-size replica of Columbus’s flagship, sailing from Funchal along Madeira’s south coast. The crew watches for dolphins and whales, then anchors near Cabo Girao for swimming when conditions allow. You’ll also receive Madeira honey cake and a small glass of Madeira wine. Guide Diogo has earned special praise for his friendly, engaging style.

“It's a fabulous boat and we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves...the Madeira cake and wine and added bonus!”

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7.Whale and Dolphin Watching Speed Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 526 reviews · 2.5 hours · from $56

From Funchal Marina, you’ll ride a fast RIB with up to 18 people, guided by a marine biologist and supported by land-based spotters. Guides such as Felipe, Francisca, and Andrei explain the species and point out sightings. Expect open-water views, splashes, and a guaranteed cetacean sighting or a free second trip.

“An Unforgettable Experience—Went Twice! I loved the Whale and Dolphins Watching Speed Boat tour so much, I did it twice! Huge thanks to Felipe and Andrei for being fantastic, knowledgeable, and kind guides. They made the trip feel personal and exciting. The speed boat ride alone was incredible—fast, freeing, and a unique way to see the stunning Madeiran coastline. The dolphins were just a beautiful bonus 😎 Big thank you as well to the smiling ladies at the kiosk, who kindly helped me rebook after a cancellation. If there had been a daily speed boat coastline tour, I would’ve shown up every day! Highly recommended—a highlight of my Madeira trip”

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8.Sunset Tour on Traditional Madeiran Boat w/ Drinks

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 482 reviews · from $56

Spend three hours aboard the traditional Madeiran boat Dragão, sailing from Funchal toward Cabo Girão. You can swim or snorkel near the cliffs, listen to music, and enjoy included wine, beer, or soft drinks while guides such as Hugo, Rob, and Pedro keep the mood friendly and relaxed.

“The meeting point took a little finding (up the steps at the side of Mega Outlet Store) but then - plain sailing. Yugo greeted us and walked with us to the boat, where Pedro, the skipper, was waiting. The two of them entertained us and kept our glasses topped up throughout. Choice of wine (white - lots of people wore white and red wine could've been messy) and draught lager - as well as soft drinks. There were 15 passengers on board with enough seating for everyone - albeit hard wooden seats (take a towel or cushion if you need padding) - and it was a little choppy. We had…”

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9.From Calheta: Whale and Dolphin Watching RIB Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 298 reviews · 2 hours · from $70

Join H2oMadeira in Calheta for a two-hour RIB boat trip into the Atlantic. An experienced crew and live spotter help locate dolphins and whales, while the fast boat gives you more time to search. Expect ocean spray, fine views of Madeira, and wildlife that can range from dolphins and pilot whales to sperm whales and turtles.

“saw spotted dolphins, a sperm whale and managed to get in for a swim with another pod of dolphins ❤️”

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10.RIB Whale Watching Cruise and Optional Dolphin Swim

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 273 reviews · 2.5 hours · from $61

Join guides such as Anna, Paulo, Mark, or Ana on a fast, small-group RIB from Funchal. Expect coastal views, a careful search for dolphins, pilot whales, sperm whales, turtles, and a possible short dolphin swim for an extra €20, charged only if allowed.

“Great experience especially swimming with dolphins a bit hard because you need to hold the rope attached to the boat and you're dragged by the boat while watching dolphins swimming around the boat day but well worth it”

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11.Ponta de São Lourenço Snorkeling Boat Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 199 reviews · 2 hours · from $41

From Marina da Quinta do Lorde, you ride a speedboat along Baia d’Abra, then snorkel with a guide among clear water, fish, and volcanic rock. Jessie, Hernan, Nico, Esme, Vlad, and Tiago have led recent trips, though the crew may vary. Wetsuits, fins, masks, showers, and changing rooms are included.

“Vlad & Thiago were loads of fun. Great little trip to the east of the island. It was worth hiring a car for.”

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12.2.5-Hour Whale and Dolphin-Watching Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 198 reviews · 2.5 hours · from $81

Join On Tales at Calheta Marina for a 2.5-hour yacht cruise with English, Portuguese, French, or Spanish-speaking crew. Guides such as Luca and Chiara explain Madeira’s sea life and coastline while an onshore spotter helps find dolphins and whales. Swim, snorkel, enjoy fresh drinks, and receive towels and a harbor shower afterward.

“All arrangement was on the highest rate. Recommend activity!”

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13.Whale Watching and Swimming with Dolphins Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 111 reviews · 2.5 hours · from $94

From Funchal, ride a fast semi-rigid boat with a marine biology team to search for wild whales and dolphins. Land-based lookouts help guide the crew, and you may swim with dolphins or turtles when conditions and species allow. The 2.5-hour trip costs $94, with Portuguese, English, and French guidance.

“Ogladaliśmy z bliska dwa gatunki waleni, łacznie 4 stada. Niestety tym razem nie udało się przeprowadzić pływania z delfinami. Mimo to, zecydowanie polecam, świetny kapitan i doskonała Pani przewodnik która szczegółowo opowiedziała grupie masę ciekawostek na temat morskich ssaków.”

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14.Boat Trip with Lunch, Drinks, and Hotel Transfer

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 98 reviews · 5 hours · from $81

Set out from Funchal on a comfortable boat with hotel pickup, drinks, a Portuguese buffet, and a swim stop. You can snorkel in clear coastal water, watch for dolphins and whales, and hear island facts from a live guide in English, Portuguese, or Spanish. The trip lasts about five hours, including transfers.

“We had a lovely morning out on the water! Everything went very smoothly. The hosts are very warm, calm and friendly people. Drinks were great and lunch and dessert were delicious. Definitely recommend to others :)”

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15.Cabo Girao Sunset Cruise on Luxury Catamaran

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

Set out from Funchal Marina Nova on a three-hour Atlantic Pearl catamaran cruise to Cabo Girão. Your English or Portuguese-speaking guide points out the coast and marine life, with time for a swim and sunset views. Dolphins and whales are possible, not guaranteed. Drinks are sold onboard.

“de vazut balene sau delfini nici nu se pune problema sa fi vazut ceva...singura placere a fost plimbarea la apus si un pahar cu vin... sa nu fiti dezamagiti daca nu vedeti nimic, poate altii au avut mai mult noroc...”

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