Madeira · CRUISES & BOAT TOURS
34 reviewed
Half of what makes Madeira dramatic is only visible from the water, including the 580-metre cliff at Cabo Girao. These are the boat trips that get you out there: wildlife catamarans, sunset sails with dinner, the replica Santa Maria that runs out of Funchal harbour, and coastal cruises west to Camara de Lobos. What each includes and what it costs.
Silent eco catamaran from Funchal for dolphin and whale spotting, 360 views, plus a Cabo Girão swim stop with hybrid electric engines.
“That was very good! We saw dolphins and pilot whales. The guides were excellent.”
3-hour catamaran from Funchal to Cabo Girão to spot dolphins, whales and turtles, with panoramic views and a swim stop.
“We seen sperm vales and pilot vales. No dolphins though. Overall good”
Luxury catamaran cruise from Funchal for dolphin and whale spotting, plus a swim and snorkel stop at Cabo Girão.
“Amazing!! The 2 guides were the best and made the trip that much better.”
Eco catamaran from Funchal spots dolphins and whales with shore spotters, then cruises past Cabo Girão and Câmara de Lobos.
“The guide was very knowledgeable and shared information about both pilot whales and dolphins. We were fortunate enough to see a family of whales as well as several dolphins.”
Funchal’s dolphin and whale cruise on a luxury catamaran, with a Cabo Girão stop for views and swimming when offered.
“We booked this trip it even realising it was the ‘Celebrity ‘ catamaran, which meant there were only a small number of us on it, 16 in total on ours. Excellent day trip. Staff were friendly and knowledgeable. Free drink of your choice included. We had a relaxing sail and sunbathe, filled by a fantastic show by bottles nose dolphins. We then stopped for a dip in the waters, which were a comfortable 21 degrees. A real experience to treasure. Highly recommend and great value for money.”
Sunset sailing from Funchal for dolphins and whales, a swim at Cabo Girão cliffs, and included drinks, guided by a friendly crew.
“We had a great time on this cruise. we did not see any wildlife, but the captain did his best to try and find some. it is nature, so nothing can be guaranteed. the sunset was beautiful and the views of the shore and the sea were spectacular. it is a relatively small boat that felt private. it has seating on the outside and a some interior spaces, bathroom included. we did have to take off our shoes while on the boat, not to mark up the deck. they served us unlimited drinks and the staff was very attentive. nice relaxing evening sail.Read more”
3-hour Funchal sail for dolphins, whales, sea turtles and snorkeling at Cabo Girão, with drinks and small-crew comfort.
“Very friendly crew, good briefing and instructions, very informative, nice animals, landscape and environment. Recommendation.”
Madeira’s south coast at golden hour on a 3-hour catamaran from Funchal, with dolphin and whale spotting, plus a Cabo Girao swim.
“Dolphins - checked, uncrowded catamaran - checked, swimming - checked. The cruise was great, there were no mats to lie on the catamaran on the nets, but you could sit there. The sunset almost at the point where the city and the ocean meet looked good, but the main attraction were the dolphins.”
Madeira’s Sea Safari from Funchal finds dolphins and whales with a marine biologist onboard, plus 360 views from a fast speedboat.
“It was amazing seeing the whales. Tour guide was so helpful and fun to talk to”
3-hour Funchal catamaran for dolphins and whales, possible Cabo Girão swim, onboard bar, and a free return trip if no sightings.
“Thank you for the beautiful trip. We enjoyed the dolphin watching and the swimming in the sea. Our last day was well spent.”
Speedboat whale and dolphin tour from Calheta, Madeira. Quiet engines, German and English guides, 2 hours, $67.
“First, the team is super nice! They really do care about the animal protection and I never felt like I’m doing sth wrong being a tourist using a boat to get watch dolphins. The tour was stunning, we got to see different groups of dolphins and other animals, unfortunately no whales but that’s not to expect if ur not visiting a zoo. That’s nature. I really loved that trip and would highly recommend it!”
Sail the Santa Maria pirate ship off Funchal for dolphins and whales, an optional Cabo Girao swim, and Madeira cake and wine.
“It was a nice experience, we saw also delphins, the staff was amazing.”
Funchal whale and dolphin watching from a small speed boat, guided by a marine biologist, with a cetacean guarantee and Madeira coastline views.
“Great fun and lovely guide. Amazing to see whales and dolphins. I would highly recommend taking the small speed boat over the bigger boats as you can move quicker to get to the dolphins and whales and you are much closer to the water.”
Sail into Madeira’s sunset on a traditional boat from Funchal, with drinks and a snorkel stop near Cabo Girão’s cliffs.
“Gorgeous sunset, loved that snorkels and floaties were provided for swimming, lovely music and drinks available throughout. Perfect way to end our holiday, thank you!!”
3-hour catamaran from Funchal to Cabo Girao with a real shot at dolphins and whales, plus drinks onboard and a summer swim.
“The crew was very friendly. The boat was clean and we got to see dolphins and a Hammer head shark! I highly recommend.”
