Portugal · SAILING & CATAMARAN CRUISES

Catamaran Cruises in Portugal: The 15 Best Days on Deck

44 tours  ·  from $11 a head

A catamaran buys you shade, a flat deck and a swim ladder. These 15 compare the Algarve coastal runs, the Funchal dolphin sailings and the Tagus afternoons on price, group size and whether lunch is genuinely included.

From Funchal: Ecological Catamaran Dolphin Whale Watching - Finding Dolphins and Whales Offshore
Catamaran Cruises in Madeira, Dolphin Watching, Dolphin Watching Trips in Madeira, Sailing & Catamaran Cruises, Tour Reviews, Tours in Madeira, Whale Watching

From Funchal: Ecological Catamaran Dolphin Whale Watching

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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Funchal: Dolphin and Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise - What you may see beyond dolphins
Boat Trips in Madeira, Catamaran Cruises in Madeira, Cruises & Boat Tours, Dolphin Watching, Dolphin Watching Trips in Madeira, Sailing & Catamaran Cruises, Tour Reviews, Tours in Madeira, Whale Watching

Funchal: Dolphin and Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise

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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Albufeira: Coastline and Benagil Caves Tour by Catamaran - Finding the boat at Albufeira Marina
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Albufeira: Coastline and Benagil Caves Tour by Catamaran

3.Coastline and Benagil Caves Tour by Catamaran

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 4,077 reviews · 2.5 hours · from $35

Sail from Albufeira Marina toward Benagil on a spacious catamaran with guides speaking English, French, Portuguese, and Spanish. You’ll pass São Rafael, Praia da Marinha, Albandeira, and other coastal sights, approach the Benagil cave, then stop for about 10 minutes of swimming. Onboard, you’ll find shaded seating, music, toilets, and cash-only drinks and snacks.

“The boat felt safe and it was very comfortable and clean.”

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Lisbon: Daytime/Sunset/Night City Sailboat Tour with Drink - Starting at Gate 1 in Belém
Catamaran Cruises in Lisbon, Sailing & Catamaran Cruises, Sunset Cruises, Sunset Cruises in Lisbon, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Lisbon

Lisbon: Daytime/Sunset/Night City Sailboat Tour with Drink

4.Daytime/Sunset/Night City Sailboat Tour with Drink

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 3,114 reviews · 2 hours · from $41

Sail the Tagus from Belém in a small group of up to 10 people. Your crew, often including guides such as Benny, Miguel, Telma, or João, shares Lisbon history as you pass the Discoveries Monument, Belém Tower, Commerce Square, Christ the King, and the 25 de Abril Bridge. Choose daytime, sunset, or night, with one drink included.

“We had a wonderful experience on the sunset sailboat tour - Telma was so friendly and informative as this was our first time on a sailboat like this and she had interesting facts about the sites we passed. We were also given the chance to have our own time and take in our beautiful surroundings so we appreciated this too. Would definitely recommend! ✨”

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Lisbon: Sunset Catamaran Boat Tour with Music and Drinks - The welcome drink and onboard atmosphere
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Lisbon: Sunset Catamaran Boat Tour with Music and Drinks

5.Sunset Catamaran Boat Tour with Music and Drinks

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 2,834 reviews · 1h 30m · from $26

Spend 90 minutes on the Tagus aboard a Sardinha do Tejo catamaran, passing Cristo Rei, the 25th of April Bridge, Belém Tower, and more. Choose the open nets or covered terrace, enjoy one welcome drink, and buy more at the onboard bar. The crew speaks English, French, Spanish, and Portuguese. This is a scenic, music-led cruise, not a guided sightseeing tour.

“A 1.5h relaxing journey around the bridge, at sunset. It was very relaxing, we liked that they had 2 catamarans prepared so they didn't overcrowd us. They've got a good bar inside where you can go get your welcome drink and order more. The music was a playlist, had a nice mix of 80s, 90s, and 2000s music. Don't forget to bring a jacket, after sunset, it got really chilly.”

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Funchal Bay: Dolphin & Whale Watch Luxury Catamaran Cruise - The first 45 minutes across Funchal Bay
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Funchal Bay: Dolphin & Whale Watch Luxury Catamaran Cruise

6.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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2 Hour Lisbon Sunset and Wine Sailing Tour - Belém Tower and the monuments along the shore
2-Hour Experiences, Catamaran Cruises in Lisbon, Sailing & Catamaran Cruises, Sunset Cruises, Sunset Cruises in Lisbon, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Lisbon, Wine Tours, Wine Tours in Lisbon

2 Hour Lisbon Sunset and Wine Sailing Tour

7.2 Hour Lisbon Sunset and Wine Sailing Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,680 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $66Top rated

Join a small group of up to 12 for a two-hour sunset sail from Belém. Your skipper, sometimes including Joe, Henry, JP, Marta, or Bruno, handles the boat while you enjoy Portuguese wine and views of Belém Tower, Jerónimos Monastery, the 25 de Abril Bridge, and more. Bring a warm layer, since the river air can turn chilly.

“Very nice cruise...met some very nice people. The clouds didn't accommodate the sunset but still worthwhile seeing the shore from the water. The crew was wonderful.”

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Lisbon: Sailing Tour on the Tagus River - Setting sail with a small group
Catamaran Cruises in Lisbon, Sailing & Catamaran Cruises, Tagus River Cruises, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Lisbon

Lisbon: Sailing Tour on the Tagus River

8.Sailing Tour on the Tagus River

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 2,632 reviews · 1 - 2 hours · from $23Best value

Join a small sailboat or catamaran from Belém’s Doca do Bom Sucesso for a relaxed Tagus cruise past the Discoveries Monument, 25 de Abril Bridge, Christ the King, and Belém Tower. You can help steer with no sailing experience or sit back with a drink and snack. Sunset departures add a romantic finish.

“What a great way to see Lisbon. The crew and staff could not have been better. Do this trip !”

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Porto: Charming Sailboat Cruise with Port Wine,Sunset Option - Gaia, Serra do Pilar, and the Dom Luís I Bridge
Boat Trips in Porto, Cruises & Boat Tours, Port Wine Cellar Tours, Sailing & Catamaran Cruises, Sunset Cruises, Sunset Cruises in Porto, Tour Reviews, Tours in Porto, Wine Tours, Wine Tours in Porto

Porto: Charming Sailboat Cruise with Port Wine,Sunset Option

9.Charming Sailboat Cruise with Port Wine,Sunset Option

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,978 reviews · 2 hours · from $41

Set out from Douro Marina for a two-hour cruise past Ribeira, Gaia, the Dom Luís I Bridge, Foz do Douro, and the Atlantic. Your crew, which may include guides such as Miguel or Henrique, shares local stories while you enjoy a welcome drink, port wine, music, and blankets when the breeze picks up.

“Very insightful and informative along with a wonderful tasting of port”

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Madeira Dolphin and Whale Watching on a Ecological Catamaran - The guides and the ocean story
Catamaran Cruises in Madeira, Dolphin Watching, Dolphin Watching Trips in Madeira, Sailing & Catamaran Cruises, Tour Reviews, Tours in Madeira, Whale Watching

Madeira Dolphin and Whale Watching on a Ecological Catamaran

10.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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Funchal: Dolphin and Whale Watching by Luxury Catamaran - Finding your place on the luxury catamaran
Catamaran Cruises in Madeira, Dolphin Watching, Dolphin Watching Trips in Madeira, Sailing & Catamaran Cruises, Tour Reviews, Tours in Madeira, VIP, Whale Watching

Funchal: Dolphin and Whale Watching by Luxury Catamaran

11.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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Funchal: Dolphin and Whale Watching Sunset Sailing Tour - Searching for dolphins and whales off Madeira
Catamaran Cruises in Madeira, Dolphin Watching, Dolphin Watching Trips in Madeira, Sailing & Catamaran Cruises, Sunset Cruises, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Madeira, Whale Watching

Funchal: Dolphin and Whale Watching Sunset Sailing Tour

12.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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Lagos: Dolphins & Caves - Catamaran - Along the Algarve Cliffs and Caves
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Lagos: Dolphins & Caves – Catamaran

13.Dolphins & Caves – Catamaran

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 1,512 reviews · 2.5 hours · from $58

From Marina de Lagos, sail offshore with marine biologists such as Nadja, Diogo, or Larissa to search for wild dolphins. Then stop near the Algarve cliffs for swimming, jumping, and the catamaran’s inflatable slide. The 2.5-hour cruise includes shaded seating, live commentary, and fruit with a cookie.

“It was awesome, a beautiful trip! Me and my daughter enjoyed it very much, we saw a lot of dolphins and had a wonderful day! Thank you for this experience!”

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From Lagos: Algarve Cruise by Catamaran - Meeting at Marina de Lagos
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From Lagos: Algarve Cruise by Catamaran

14.Algarve Cruise by Catamaran

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,408 reviews · from $38

Sail from Lagos to Praia da Luz and back aboard a steady catamaran, passing Ponta da Piedade’s cliffs and grottoes. You’ll get a swim stop with paddle boards and an inflatable water park, plus sun nets and a bar serving reasonably priced drinks. English and Portuguese guides lead the three-hour outing.

“AMAZING!! So worth it. Especially if you want a relaxing way to view the cliffs. The hosts were so kind and funny and helpful. I got to paddle board up to and inside the caves like they let you do for those kayak tours. So kind of a 2 in 1 with this cruise. I recommended it to my friends and they loved it too!”

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From Lagos: Ponta da Piedade Caves Kayak Tour from Catamaran - Meeting at Lagos Marina
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From Lagos: Ponta da Piedade Caves Kayak Tour from Catamaran

15.Ponta da Piedade Caves Kayak Tour from Catamaran

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 1,394 reviews · from $41

From Lagos Marina, you’ll ride a comfortable catamaran to Ponta da Piedade, then slide into a kayak for about 75 minutes among sea caves, arches, and small beaches. Guides such as Thomas, Ricardo, Marianna, and Nuno keep the group together and share local stories. Afterward, you’ll have time to swim or use the onboard slide.

“Such a fun experience boating and kayaking to the sea caves. The whole crew was fun and engaging. Marianna did a great job keeping the group together and guiding us safely through the caves.”

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