Luxury meets Madeira’s wild sea. This VIP-style cruise pairs whale and dolphin spotting with a comfortable modern catamaran and an extra stop for swimming at Cabo Girao.

I really like two things about this tour. First, the experience is run with a small max group of 17, so you are not stuck behind a crowd. Second, you get a full drinks and snack setup on board, including coffee or tea, soda, bottled water, and alcohol, plus snorkeling gear, towels, and blankets.

My only real caution is sea conditions. Even on a pleasant day, the ride can feel a bit choppy, and the ladder back on after swimming can be awkward if you have balance issues.

Key Highlights You Will Actually Care About

• Small-group feel (max 17), with plenty of room to choose your spot on the catamaran
• Drinks and snacks included, plus coffee or tea, soda, and bottled water
• Snorkeling equipment, towels, blankets, so you can pack lighter
• Cabo Girao swim stop at the scenic bottom-of-the-cliffs viewpoint
• Crew-led spotting with lots of onboard information while you search
• Two WCs reported on board, which matters on a 3-hour outing

Funchal Whale Watching That Feels Like a Small Yacht

I like the mood of this cruise right away. You meet at the marina area in Funchal, then step onto a modern catamaran that feels made for comfort, not cattle-style tourism. The small headcount is the big difference here, because you can actually move around, get a decent viewing angle, and relax instead of competing for space.

The vibe also comes from the crew’s attention. I saw names come up repeatedly in the crew roster, including Sheila, Liv, Chico, Nick, Maggie, Francisco, and Nico, and the common thread is that they keep the experience smooth and social. They are also quick to spot marine life and answer questions while you are out there looking.

One practical win: you do not have to deal with pick-ups. You just show up near public transport at the meeting point, check in, and you are on the water.

Price and Value: Why This One Can Feel Like a Bargain

At $95.53 per person for about 3 hours, this is not a cheap activity. But it can still feel like strong value if you price it like an experience, not just a boat ticket.

Here is why it adds up:

• Food and drinks are included, not a small snack basket. You get snacks, biscuits, and coffee or tea, plus alcoholic beverages and soda, along with bottled water.
• Snorkeling gear is included, along with towels and blankets, which saves money and packing.
• You get a real second moment, not just cruising. The Cabo Girao swim and snorkeling break turns this from whale watching only into a full half-day feel.

And the small-group size helps too. When the boat is not packed tight, your time out on the water feels more personal, more comfortable, and easier to enjoy.

On Board in Real Life: Drinks, Snacks, Towels, and Blankets

The best kind of luxury is the kind you do not have to think about. This cruise keeps it simple: you are fed, you are offered drinks, and you have what you need for the water stop.

On board, expect:

• snacks and biscuits
• coffee and/or tea
• soda and bottled water
• alcoholic beverages
• blankets and towels
• snorkeling equipment
• at least basic onboard comfort, including reported two WCs for a group of this size

That matters more than people think. A lot of tours hand you a bottle of water and call it hospitality. Here, you get to treat the whole outing like an afternoon at sea, with the crew managing the flow so you are not constantly hunting for the next drink or snack.

From the Marina to Whale Watching: How the Search Plays Out

The cruise runs from the VipDolphins Catamaran Whale Watching meeting spot in Funchal at Praça do Povo, then returns there at the end. You are out long enough to search properly, but short enough that you are not spending the entire day waiting.

The catamaran heads out from the marina to look for dolphins and whales. During that time, the crew keeps you informed and helps you understand what you are seeing when animals surface. From the kinds of sightings people report, the best moments tend to come in quick bursts, so it helps that the guides are paying attention and calling things out fast.

There is also a noticeable rhythm to the cruise: sail, search, spot, then enjoy a brief, close-by viewing window when conditions and regulations allow it. One review even mentioned a short near-animal viewing window that follows Portuguese rules. Either way, the takeaway for you is simple: when you spot marine life, look sharp and enjoy the moment, because it can pass quickly.

Cabo Girao Swim and Snorkeling Stop: The Scenic Why of This Tour

Many whale-watching cruises are whale watching only. This one adds a planned swim and snorkeling break at Cabo Girao, which is famous in Madeira for dramatic cliff scenery and clear water when the sea cooperates.

You are sailing, then you stop in the water for a chance to swim and snorkel in a scenic setting. You are provided snorkeling equipment, plus towels and even blankets to help you warm up afterward. There is also reported help from the crew when returning from the water, which you will appreciate if you are not an expert ladder climber.

This stop is especially valuable because it solves a common problem on whale watching tours. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, but the water break is still the kind of memory that feels complete. Even if dolphins or whales are farther away, the swim at Cabo Girao can still make the day feel like you got your money’s worth.

The main caution is the physical part. People do mention that getting back onto the catamaran can be tricky because the ladder is not the easiest step. If you have knee or balance issues, consider whether you will enjoy the swim portion.

What You Might See: Dolphins, Pilot Whales, and Other Possibilities

This is a wildlife tour, so you should treat sightings like a bonus, not a promise. Still, the pattern of sightings that comes up most often includes dolphins and pilot whales.

Common hopeful outcomes:

• pods of dolphins, including bottlenose dolphins in reports
• pilot whales, sometimes close to the boat when conditions allow
• pilot whales with calves in at least one reported sighting

There are also hints of rarer sightings, including reports of beaked-nose whales, which is a reminder that you might get a surprising mix of marine life when the waters line up. But I would not build your entire day around a specific species. Go for the catamaran experience, enjoy the search, and be thrilled if you get the headline moments.

Sea Conditions and Comfort: Choppy Happens, So Prep

Even with a modern catamaran, Madeira’s ocean can be a bit unpredictable. Some people explicitly note that you should not expect an entirely smooth ride, and that the waves can feel strong even when the day looks calm from shore.

If you get motion sickness, plan for it:

• take anti-seasickness measures before you board
• keep your eyes on the horizon if you start to feel queasy
• wear shoes or sandals with grip for deck movement (not bare slippery soles)

The good news is that the cruise is designed as a comfortable outing. People report that the experience can feel smooth despite swell, and the crew keeps you comfortable and supported.

The Crew Makes the Difference: Names You Might Hear

I love tours where the staff treats it like a job they care about. This crew shows up that way. You might hear the captain or guides explain what you are seeing, how marine life behaves, and why the animals might be in the area.

From reported experiences, I saw crew names pop up again and again, including Sheila, Liv, Chico, Nick, Maggie, Francisco, and Nico. Even if you never learn who is who, you will feel the same thing: the crew is attentive, quick to help, and happy to share information without turning the boat into a lecture hall.

It also helps that they manage the practical moments, like assisting people back on board after swimming. That is the kind of detail that makes a difference for first-time snorkelers.

Who This Tour Is Best For (And Who Should Think Twice)

This is a great match for:

• couples who want a relaxed afternoon with a little luxury
• families who want a more comfortable, smaller-group experience
• anyone who wants whale watching plus an actual swim stop
• people who appreciate included drinks and snacks rather than buying everything separately

You might think twice if:

• you are very sensitive to motion or have struggled on boats before (prep for choppy conditions)
• you find ladders difficult or you do not want to attempt the swim return step
• you need pick-up service, because pick-ups are not included

There is also a clear rule for very young kids: children under 3 are not allowed. If you are traveling with small children, plan accordingly.

What to Pack for a 3-Hour Madeira Afternoon at Sea

This is a short tour, but it includes two environments: deck cruising and a water stop. Pack with that in mind.

Bring:

• swimwear under your clothes (it is the easiest way to use the water stop time well)
• sunscreen and sunglasses
• a light layer you can put on after swimming, even though towels and blankets are provided
• motion-sickness support if you need it

Also, wear something with decent grip for getting around the boat. Comfort is part of the value here, and small choices make it easier to enjoy the ride and the swim.

How to Choose Your Timing: Book Early for the Best Chances

This experience is commonly booked ahead, with an average booking window of about 28 days. If you are traveling in high season or on a tight schedule, booking earlier is how you protect your plan.

Also, remember the tour requires good weather. If conditions are not right, you may be offered another date or a full refund. So pick a flexible day if you can, especially if you hate the idea of rescheduling.

Should You Book VipDolphins Luxury Whale Watching?

Yes, if you want a whale-and-dolphin cruise that does more than point at the sea. The small group size, the included drinks and snacks, and the Cabo Girao swim and snorkeling stop make this feel like a complete half-afternoon.

I would especially recommend it if you:

• like comfort and included hospitality
• want the chance to see pilot whales or dolphins without a crowded boat feeling
• want an activity that still feels worthwhile even if wildlife sightings are mixed

If you are prone to seasickness or you are wary of climbing a ladder back onto a boat after swimming, plan carefully. But for most people, this is one of the more enjoyable ways to spend a Madeira afternoon, because it mixes wildlife watching with real time in the water, and it does it with a crew that clearly knows how to take care of you.

FAQ

How long is VipDolphins Luxury Whale Watching in Funchal?

The cruise is about 3 hours.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at VipDolphins Catamaran Whale Watching, Praça do Povo, 9000-900 Funchal, Portugal, and it ends back at the same meeting point.

Is pickup included?

No, pick-ups are not included.

What is included on board?

Snacks, coffee and/or tea, alcoholic beverages, soda, bottled water, snorkeling equipment, blankets, and towels are included.

Can children go on this tour?

Children under 3 years old are not allowed.

Is there free cancellation?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.