Three hours on Madeira’s open sea with VIP comfort. You sail out of Funchal on a luxury catamaran with indoor and outdoor seating, get a welcome glass of sparkling wine, and search for dolphins, whales, and turtles in their natural habitat—plus you’ll pass Madeira’s dramatic coastline with a guide calling out what’s worth noticing.

My favorite part is the small-group feel; I’ve seen this tour run at a max of about 17 people, so you’re not stuck elbow-to-elbow at the rail. The only real caution: the water can get choppy farther out, so plan for a bit of motion and consider sea-sickness help if you’re sensitive (sea state can vary).

Key takeaways before you go

• VIP-sized catamaran: the experience is built around limited headcount (often around 17), with room to move and swap seats.
• Open bar that actually matters: unlimited drinks and snacks are served during the sail, not rationed at some awkward time.
• Cabo Girão stop + swim: you get a dedicated break by the 586m seaside cliff, with snorkels and goggles included.
• Wildlife spotting with extra eyes: the crew coordinates with spotters on land to improve your odds.
• Crew energy and care: names I’ve seen connected with excellent service include Liv, David, Bruno, Nico, Maggi, and Margarita.
• You’ll feel looked after: toilets onboard, plus gear like snorkels/goggles and free swim essentials.

From Funchal Marina to Open Water: What the Start Feels Like

You start at the docks of the new marina area of Funchal, after meeting at Kiosk VipDolphins (between Praça do Povo and the Ocean). The vibe here is calm and organized: you find the kiosk fast, check in, and then you’re quickly on a modern catamaran that’s set up for comfort at sea.

Once you board, the tone changes right away. You receive a welcome glass of sparkling wine, and you’re not standing around waiting for the “real” start. The boat has both indoor and outdoor seating, so you can choose sun, shade, or dry shelter depending on how the ocean feels.

That’s a big deal. Whale watching is only fun when you’re not miserable—so having options for where to sit makes the trip feel like a relaxed luxury cruise instead of a sweaty wildlife hunt.

Luxury Catamaran Comfort: Indoor/Outdoor Seating + Space That Changes Everything

This tour is built around a simple idea: if you can actually get a clear view and breathe a little, you enjoy the search more.

Onboard, you’ll find:

• Indoor seating for breezy spray and cooler moments
• Outdoor space at viewing height for the best chances at seeing surfacing animals
• Plenty of room to move around rather than stay parked in one cramped spot

What people rave about most is the headcount and flow. In multiple accounts, the boat is described as not crowded, with the crew keeping the numbers down so everyone can see. That affects everything: you can watch without constant shuffling, and when dolphins or whales appear, you’re not fighting a crowd for the rail.

You’ll also have toilets onboard (women and men separately). It sounds basic, but on a 3-hour outing, it’s the kind of comfort detail that prevents little annoyances from turning into big complaints.

The Boat Hunt: How You Search for Dolphins, Whales, and Turtles

The core of the experience is simple: sail out, scan the water, and listen closely to what the crew says. You’re not just drifting toward luck. The guides call out landmarks, keep an eye on movement, and work to find marine life efficiently.

This part of the day focuses on three species groups:

• Dolphins
• Whales
• Sea turtles

You may see them close up, or you might see them farther out. Either way, you’ll get a much better experience if you treat spotting like a process. Watch for signs: birds banking above the water, surface breaks, or groups moving together. Then shift your attention based on what the crew points out.

One practical edge: several passengers mention the crew stays in sync with onshore spotters using binoculars. That means the boat isn’t working blindly. It also explains why the crew seems so busy and alert during the search phase.

And there’s a respectful approach built into the operation. The goal is to observe without pushing animals around, which helps you enjoy what you’re seeing instead of worrying about noise and chaos.

Drinks, Snacks, and the Welcome Fizz: The Open Bar Side of Madeira

For $93, the smart question isn’t just the price—it’s what you get for it. In this case, the “included value” is strong: you get unlimited drinks (including alcohol) plus local snacks, starting immediately with sparkling wine.

This tour isn’t a “here’s a single drink and good luck” situation. People describe drinks and snacks being served throughout, including options like local wines and rum cocktails. If you want a Madeira specialty, it’s the kind of outing where you can actually enjoy it rather than saving everything for later.

The open bar also turns the timing into something pleasant. Wildlife spotting can be waiting-heavy. Here, waiting doesn’t feel empty because you’re comfortable, fed, and relaxed while the crew does the work.

Alcohol is not everyone’s priority, but it’s worth noting: unlimited drinks can add to the trip’s value for couples and groups who otherwise would pay extra on board elsewhere.

Cabo Girão: The 30-Minute Cliff Stop, Photos, and a Real Swim Break

The itinerary gives you a proper break near Cabo Girão, famous for being the world’s second highest sea cliff. You stop for about 30 minutes alongside the cliff area—around 586m (1920 feet)—and you get a blend of scenic viewing and water time.

This part of the tour is one of the best reasons to book, even if you don’t get the animal sightings you hoped for. You’ll be floating next to an iconic Madeira wall of rock, looking down over the sea, with time to:

• Take photos from the boat
• Enjoy the views of the Funchal coastline
• Get in the water for a swim
• Use snorkels and goggles that are provided

The water break feels like the “reset button.” After time scanning open ocean, you get a change of pace—cool air, fresh swim time, and a different kind of scenery.

A small caution: the swim stop depends on conditions. Bring a towel-ready mindset and keep an eye on how the water feels. If you’re prone to cold, you’ll still likely find the Atlantic refreshing, not freezing—but it varies.

Snorkels, Goggles, Towels, and Little Comfort Extras

A big part of whether you enjoy a sea tour is what you have in your hands. Here, snorkeling basics come included: snorkels and goggles are free. You also get a swim-focused stop, so the gear isn’t a gimmick.

Some passengers also mention extras that make the break smoother, like towels and extra help for wet stuff (for example, plastic bags for belongings). I like these details because they let you stay carefree: swim, rinse off in your way, and then go back to relaxing without thinking too much.

If you’re someone who likes to keep your day efficient, this tour is set up that way. You don’t need to rent gear, track down a locker, or figure out what to do with wet items. You show up, you go out, you swim, and you sail back.

The Choppy-Water Reality: Safety, Seating Choices, and Sea-Sickness Tips

A whale watching tour has two versions: the calm day and the bouncy day. Madeira can deliver waves, and some people report choppier conditions once you push farther out.

The good news: passengers describe feeling safe with the crew, and the boat is set up for comfort. Still, I’d pack smart for motion:

• If you’re sensitive, consider sea-sickness tablets ahead of time.
• If you get a choice, seating where motion feels less intense can help (one passenger noted the back of the boat reduced motion for a nervous sailor).

You don’t need to panic. You do need a plan. If the sea gets rough, you’ll still enjoy the trip more when you’re not spending the whole time fighting your stomach.

Price and Value Check: Why $93 Works for the Right Person

Let’s be honest: $93 is a premium compared with basic whale watching tours. So what are you paying for?

You’re paying for:

• A luxury catamaran experience with indoor/outdoor comfort
• Unlimited drinks plus local snacks (including alcohol)
• A real swim stop at Cabo Girão, not just a quick pass-by
• A smaller group feel, often around 17 people, which improves both comfort and wildlife viewing
• Staff attention—multiple accounts describe constant checking in and quick help when someone felt unwell

In other words, you’re paying to reduce friction. No one likes standing in a crowded boat environment while trying to spot a whale. Here, your day is designed so you can see and enjoy without getting squeezed.

If your top priority is wildlife alone at the lowest cost, you might prefer a cheaper option. But if you want a smooth, comfortable 3 hours with built-in food, drinks, and a swim stop—and you value space—this price starts making sense fast.

Who Should Book This Tour (and Who Might Want to Think Twice)

This is a great fit for:

• Couples who want a relaxed outing without chaos
• People who like their wildlife tours comfortable (not sweaty, not crowded)
• Anyone who enjoys a mix of animals and scenery (Cabo Girão is a major payoff)
• First-timers to Madeira who want a high-impact half-day without planning

It may not be ideal if:

• You’re traveling with very young kids (it’s not suitable for children under 3)
• You strongly dislike boats in rougher seas, unless you’re willing to prepare for motion

I also think it’s a strong choice for travelers who want the “VIP” feel without turning the outing into a party. The best accounts describe friendly, attentive hosting with a calm, respectful approach to wildlife.

Should You Book the VipDolphins Whale and Dolphin Watching Luxury Tour?

If you want the best odds of a fun, comfortable day on the water in Madeira, I’d book this one. The standout combination is the small-group setup, the open bar + snacks, and the Cabo Girão swim break—three parts that keep the trip enjoyable even when wildlife spotting is hit-or-miss.

Wildlife spotting isn’t guaranteed on any ocean tour. But the crew clearly works at it, and you still get a scenic cliff stop plus a swim. For me, that’s what turns this from a “maybe we’ll see something” outing into a solid use of your time in Funchal.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point?

Meet at Kiosk VipDolphins, located between Praça do Povo and the Ocean. Search VipDolphins on Google Maps.

How long is the tour?

The tour lasts about 3 hours.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

What’s included on the tour?

You get the guided dolphin and whale watching tour, toilets onboard, a swimming stop, snorkels and goggles, local snacks, and all drinks including alcohol. You also receive a glass of sparkling wine on arrival.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, it is listed as wheelchair accessible.

Are drinks included?

Yes. There’s an open bar with unlimited drinks, including alcohol.

Do you provide snorkels and goggles?

Yes. Snorkels and goggles are provided for free.

Can I cancel for a refund?

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

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