The 9 Catamaran Cruises in Madeira That Earn Their Price

1.Ecological Catamaran Dolphin Whale Watching

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 5,771 reviews · from $40Our pick

Set out from Funchal Marina aboard the 2022 Magic Dolphin Eco, Madeira’s purpose-built hybrid-electric whale-watching catamaran. Land spotters help locate dolphins, pilot whales, sperm whales, turtles, and seabirds. You’ll hear clear commentary in English or Portuguese, stop for a swim near Cabo Girão, and cruise back past Câmara de Lobos and Reid’s Hotel.

“It was an unforgettable experience. The guides were very informative and welcoming. They explained right from the start that dolphins and whales are wild animals and hence can sometimes not be seen. We got incredibly lucky and got to see 4 different species that day: pilot whales, bottomnose dolphins, common dolphins and striped dolphins. I loved how they respected the animal’s space, and kept the limited time in each observation area. It’s a beautiful way to see these animals in their natural habitat. I loved that the guide explained after why it’s so good that we chose this way to observe the animals instead of going to a aquarium or…”

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2.Dolphin and Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise

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

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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3.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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4.Madeira Dolphin and Whale Watching on a Ecological Catamaran

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,957 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $42

Set out from Funchal on Magic Dolphin’s 2022 eco-catamaran for about three hours of dolphin and whale watching. Shore-based spotters guide the captain to wildlife, while certified guides explain the species and Madeira’s ocean ecology. The return route passes Cabo Girão, Câmara de Lobos, Reid’s Hotel, and the coast, with a possible swim if conditions allow.

“This was a great trip with a friendly professional team, from boarding the catamaran we felt very comfortable and were kept informed throughout. The catamaran was spotlessly clean, well equipped and with plenty of of seats and viewing areas. As soon as any wildlife was spotted we stopped far enough away so as not to disturb anything which is really important. The dolphins actually came towards us and came up from under the catamaran and were a delight to see and then later we were informed that there was a pod of pilot whales just resting ahead of. We stopped and the captain gently turned the catamaran around so everyone…”

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5.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. Portuguese and English-speaking crew explain Madeira’s marine life as you search for dolphins, whales, turtles, and seabirds. You’ll have indoor seating, sun beds, trampoline nets, a welcome drink, and, on most summer tours, a swim beneath Cabo Girão.

“Was an excellent trip , good morning and we saw a pod of pilot whales which was just lovely”

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6.Dolphin and Whale Watching Sunset Sailing Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,642 reviews · from $63

Join a guided three-hour sailing trip from Funchal with up to 20 people. The crew, including Bruno, Roberto, José, and Marco on different departures, searches for dolphins, whales, and turtles, then stops near Cabo Girão for swimming and snorkeling before sunset. Drinks, equipment, and coastal views are included, but wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.

“Fantastic trip, highlight of my trip to Madeira. Bruno was an excellent host, I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Sunset was stunning, we were lucky to see a family of beaked whales, and the drinks kept coming for the duration. Perfect evening!”

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7.Dolphin and Whale Watching Sailing Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 1,325 reviews · 3 hours · from $47

Join Gaviao Madeira for a three-hour sail from Funchal Marina, usually with no more than 20 people. Guides such as Bruno and Joseph share local wildlife facts while the crew searches for dolphins, whales, and sea turtles offshore. The trip includes a swim and snorkeling stop near Cabo Girão, plus drinks on board.

“We really enjoyed our trip! Very friendly staff. Beautiful swimming spots!”

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8.Funchal Sunset Tour by Catamaran

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 1,200 reviews · 3 hours · from $47

Sail from Funchal Marina along Madeira’s south coast on a three-hour sunset catamaran cruise. You’ll look for dolphins and whales, hear sea-life explanations in English or Portuguese, and may swim beneath Cabo Girão. The boat has toilets, a snack and drinks bar, and a second trip is offered if no animals are seen.

“The sunset tour was lovely. We were able to spot some dolphins and then go for a swim, which was really nice! We were initially concerned seeing the number of people on the boat as we thought it may be too crowded, but once on board, there was plenty of space and it was very comfortable.”

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9.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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