Madeira · CRUISES & BOAT TOURS
From a three-hour whale run to a full day under sail with lunch aboard. The 15 below are priced and clear about how long you are actually on the water, which ones anchor for a swim and which sail out of Funchal rather than Calheta.
Cruise Madeira’s coast on a quiet hybrid catamaran, search for dolphins and whales, then swim beneath Cabo Girão for $40.
“It was a very nice atmosphere and we saw some bottlenose dolphins and commun dolphins during our trip. 100% recommend! Stuff was friendly and they give you a lot of informations about the dolphins you encounter.”
Search Madeira’s waters for dolphins and whales, cruise beneath Cabo Girão, and swim from a spacious catamaran for $41.
“Entire experience was amazing and all went as planned - we have been extremely lucky as we managed to watch whales and dolphins during the trip. Staff was helpful and also enjoyed watching with all the crew - we could see their happy faces. Wild life watching is seasonal and we picked the best time of the year.”
Cruise Funchal Bay by luxury catamaran, look for whales and dolphins, swim beneath Cabo Girão, and enjoy Madeira from the sea.
“Going on the catamaran was great fun! We saw the pilot whales which was great! The boat was very comfortable and very relaxing. The guides gave us some history and were very friendly. Really enjoyed it!”
Cruise Madeira’s coast by eco catamaran, spotting dolphins and whales with expert guides, then enjoy Cabo Girão and Câmara de Lobos views.
“Well organised trip. We were on a cruise ship and walked to where the Magic Dolphin kiosk and boat are. All staff were very professional, particularly the staff on board. We saw pilot whales and common seals. Take a waterproof, as you may get very wet from sea spray on the return journey. You can purchase snacks and drinks on board although we didn’t take this up.”
Review of Funchal’s 3-hour luxury catamaran tour, with dolphin and whale watching, Cabo Girão views, swimming, expert guides, and small groups.
“It was a great experience sailing around the bay on a catamaran. We saw loads of dolphins, and had the opportunity to take lots of photos. The catamaran was comfortable and we sunbathed. The crew were friendly and knowledgeable. There were two stops for swimming - this was amazing. Worth every penny!”
Review of Funchal’s 3-hour sunset sailing tour with dolphin and whale watching, Cabo Girão swimming, snorkeling, drinks, and practical tips.
“We went on an afternoon sunset boat trip, and it was an unforgettable experience. The views were stunning as the sun dipped below the horizon, but the real highlight was our guide, Jose. He was absolutely brilliant — hilarious, friendly, and full of fun stories that kept everyone entertained. He created such a great atmosphere on board. And the Madeira wine? So good! It was the perfect touch to a relaxing, scenic cruise. Highly recommend this trip — especially if you get Jose as your guide!”
Sail from Funchal to Cabo Girão for dolphin and whale watching, swimming, snorkeling, coastal views, and drinks on a small-group yacht.
“The Skipper & Bruno were fantastic! Very safe , very knowledgeably & fantastic guides for the trip! We got to see dolphins , enjoyed the views of Maderia and stopped for a swim, a really great way to see more of the island and enjoy the beauty of it all”
Cruise from Funchal at sunset, watch for dolphins and whales, swim beneath Cabo Girão, and enjoy a relaxed three-hour catamaran trip.
“Saw two groups of dolphins, had a great swim underneath cape giraud and lots of fun. Really worth going!”
Watch Madeira’s dolphins and whales from a fast, small-group speedboat with a marine biologist, comfortable seats, and a €10 return option.
“lovely to see the dolphins and whales in their natural habitat.”
Review of Madeira’s 3-hour catamaran cruise from Funchal, with dolphins, whales, Cabo Girão swimming, onboard bar, and a free return trip if needed.
“The trip was a blessing, we saw orcas, dolphins and on the way back to the coast ., a manta ray approached the catamaran, wich is not happening very often on the coasts of Madeira. Captain and team are a perfect match and they did a great job. I would do the trip again, right away. Thanks for everything and stay calm with the crazy tourists. Muito obrigado Thanks a lot villmols Merci Dankeschön”
Search for Madeira’s whales and dolphins by speedboat, with expert guides, respectful wildlife watching, and superb coastal views from Calheta.
“On our trip we saw a sea turtle, 2 groups of dolphins and even a flying fish. The Stenella speed boat was lots of fun too! Our captain Drumond and guide Fatima were both very friendly and driven. They gave us explanation about the animals we encountered. It was obvious how much they respected the nature and the animals. The dolphins only came close because they chose to themselves. Afterwards we didn't follow this group of dolphins to give them some space and to not bother them. We loved the message that was spread by Fatima and Drumond: dolphins should be in the wild and not in a dolphinarium, we…”
Sail Madeira’s coast aboard the Santa Maria de Colombo, spot whales and dolphins, swim by Cabo Girao, and enjoy cake with Madeira wine.
“the ship was really amazing! really well built as a piece of history. we enjoyed the wine and cake and we saw a whole lot of whales! absolutely fun day out!”
Race along Madeira’s coast on a small speedboat, spot whales and dolphins with a marine biologist, and enjoy a second trip if none appear.
“Francisca, Filipe, and the spotter (I can’t remember their name!) were all excellent. We saw a few different species of animals and multiple spottings. Francisca talked us through the animals, about the species, what they looked like, any special features to look out for, and (most importantly) which direction to look at. The team seemed to care about the animals and the ocean - we stopped for a minute to collect a large piece of garbage that was floating. Depending on the animal, some may be further away from the boat and some may get up close. Either way, I recommend trying to watch the animals with your eyes vs…”
Sail Madeira’s coast at sunset aboard a traditional boat, with Cabo Girão views, swimming, snorkeling, music, and drinks included.
“Pedro and his crew were fantastic! I highly recommend this tour over the crowded catamaran tours! He was very friendly and knowledgeable about the area we were boating around. Drinks were great. Atmosphere was great! Overall, awesome time!”
Cruise Madeira’s coast from Funchal, search for whales and dolphins, stop at Cabo Girão, and swim in the Atlantic on a 3-hour catamaran trip.
“Saw a sperm whale and it’s baby!Rare occurance.Nice dip in the sea at the end.Great crew.Very informative and friendy captain! Coral beer lovely!”
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