REVIEW · MADEIRA
Dolphin and Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise from Funchal
Book on Viator →Operated by VMT Madeira Catamaran · Bookable on Viator
Madeira’s sea surprises are the point. This 3-hour catamaran trip from Funchal pairs a wildlife search for dolphins and whales with the possibility of a Cabo Girão ocean swim. You also get to view the dramatic south coast from right on the water, with the crew talking species and local sea facts as you go.
The main thing to wrap your head around is simple: there’s no guarantee you’ll see dolphins or whales on the day. The good news is you’re not taking that gamble completely blind, because the operator offers a free return if you miss the cetaceans.
In This Review
- Quick hits: what’s especially good here
- First impressions: where the cruise starts in Funchal
- A 3-hour catamaran cruise: how the pacing feels
- The cetacean search: what the crew does out on the water
- Cabo Girão swim stop: the highlight when conditions are right
- On-board comfort: toilets, drinks, and how to handle choppy water
- Crowds and deck reality: what to expect with a max of 180
- How much it costs and whether it feels like good value
- Who should book this Madeira catamaran cruise
- Should you book this dolphin and whale watching catamaran?
- FAQ
- How long is the dolphin and whale watching cruise?
- Where does the tour start in Funchal?
- What language is the tour offered in?
- Is swimming included?
- What animals are you looking for?
- What happens if you don’t see dolphins or whales?
- Are food and drinks included?
- Is the group size limited?
- What’s the cancellation rule?
Quick hits: what’s especially good here
- Dolphins and whales in the wild with an active search using binoculars and a compass
- Possible swim near Cabo Girão (worth it if conditions are calm)
- Crew info during the cruise about the species you’re seeing and more sea-related context
- On-board comfort for a 3-hour outing including toilets and a drinks bar
- If cetaceans aren’t spotted, you can try again with a complimentary trip within 1 year
First impressions: where the cruise starts in Funchal
You’ll meet at Praça do Povo, on Av. Do Mar 4 (São Martinho), in central Funchal. The trip itself leaves from Funchal Marina, and you’ll get a short briefing on board first—mostly safety basics and how to handle the boat in open water.
Logistically, this is an easy win. There’s no hotel pickup, but the meeting point is described as near public transportation, so you can roll in on your own schedule. You’re also issued a mobile ticket, which keeps things simple at check-in.
One practical note: this is a catamaran. Expect wind on the deck and a little spray even when things look calm from shore.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Madeira.
A 3-hour catamaran cruise: how the pacing feels
The whole experience runs about 3 hours. That means it’s long enough to do real searching and still leave room for a swim stop if conditions cooperate.
The pacing usually feels like this:
- Get briefed, then set out from the marina
- Sail out along the south coast while the crew searches
- Pause for any possible cetacean sightings
- If weather and sea are good, you’ll have a swim stop (seasonal and condition-dependent)
- Sail back to the meeting point
Because the trip is short, the “big moments” matter. If you’re lucky with sightings, the timing is perfect. If you’re not, you’ll still get ocean time and coast views—but it won’t feel like a long whale-focused expedition.
The cetacean search: what the crew does out on the water
This is a wildlife search, not a show on a schedule. The crew uses experienced eyes plus binoculars with a compass, which helps them track locations and keep the hunt organized while you’re out on the Atlantic.
As you sail, the crew also shares information about:
- the cetaceans you might be seeing (dolphins and whales)
- and other marine wildlife in the area
That’s a big part of the value for many people: you’re not just staring at the horizon. You’re learning what you’re looking for while the boat’s actively scanning.
Two things to keep realistic:
- Wildlife can appear, disappear, and move fast.
- Some days are simply quieter than others.
The operator’s policy helps with that uncertainty: if you don’t see dolphins or whales, you’ll be offered a complimentary trip again on an alternative date (valid for 1 year from your travel date).
Cabo Girão swim stop: the highlight when conditions are right
On summer days, there’s a possibility to swim in crystal clear waters below Cabo Girão, one of the tallest sea cliffs in the world at 580m / 1,903 ft.
This swim is the kind of stop that changes the mood of the whole trip. Even if you don’t get the big whale moment, the water-from-the-cliff experience can still feel unforgettable.
But the swim depends on two things:
- favorable weather
- favorable sea conditions
If you want the best shot, go prepared for variable conditions. In cooler months, you might still enjoy the stop, but you’ll want warm layers for getting back aboard. (A windbreaker is a must.)
Bring a towel and a bathing suit if you’re traveling in the season when swimming is more likely. And if you hate getting slapped by ocean spray, plan to dress for it.
On-board comfort: toilets, drinks, and how to handle choppy water
The boat is set up for a comfort-first 3-hour outing. You’ll have access to toilets, and there’s an on-board drinks bar. People also talk about the homemade poncha, and you can usually buy beers and other drinks onboard.
If you’re price-conscious, the drinks are not included, but they’re available to purchase, and the bar experience is part of the fun for many. One specific detail from the shared info: draft beer was listed at €4 a pint.
Now the movement part. The ocean can get choppy, especially out toward the Atlantic. If you’re even mildly prone to motion sickness, bring your medicine and try to sit where the ride feels smoother—often that means staying toward the top deck when waves pick up.
Crowds and deck reality: what to expect with a max of 180
One thing you should know going in: the tour can have up to 180 travelers. That doesn’t mean it’s a constant crush, but it does mean you should expect a lively boat, especially at popular departure times.
If you’re the type who likes to move around freely, keep this in mind:
- During scanning periods, people tend to pack toward the best sight lines.
- When the boat is full, walking space can get tight.
- You’ll want to plan where you’ll stand or sit so you’re not constantly battling foot traffic.
A tip that helps: decide ahead of time whether you’ll prioritize whale/dolphin spotting or comfort. If you want maximum viewing, you’ll naturally crowd in. If you want comfort, pick a spot and settle in.
How much it costs and whether it feels like good value
At $48.27 per person, this is priced like a solid Madeira activity—especially if you hit dolphins or whales. For many, the value comes from two places:
1) You’re not paying just for time on the water. The cruise includes a serious search with crew guidance and species info, plus the potential swim stop near Cabo Girão.
2) You get a safety net if you miss the main event. If cetaceans aren’t spotted, the operator offers a complimentary return trip valid for 1 year. That turns a “maybe” day into a lower-risk experience overall.
Food and drinks are not included, so if you want snacks or want to try poncha, budget a bit extra. Still, having a bar onboard is a nice option on a sea day.
Overall, I’d call the price fair for the combo of ocean cruising + real wildlife searching + coast views—just don’t buy it expecting guaranteed whales.
Who should book this Madeira catamaran cruise
This tour is a great fit if you:
- want a fun, active sea outing rather than a museum-style activity
- love wildlife and are okay with nature being nature
- care about Madeira coast views from the water
- want the option to swim (seasonal and condition-based)
It’s also a good choice for mixed groups: you can find something to enjoy even if wildlife timing isn’t perfect.
If you’re sensitive to crowding or you know you get sea-sick easily, plan for that. Consider wearing layers and bringing motion sickness remedies. And if you can pick your preferred departure time, choose when seas and wind tend to feel kinder.
Should you book this dolphin and whale watching catamaran?
Yes, if your top goal is a Madeira sea day with the chance of dolphins and whales. The active search, crew explanation, and possible Cabo Girão swim make it more than a simple cruise.
Book it with realistic expectations: wildlife sightings aren’t guaranteed. But the free repeat trip policy lowers the risk, and the experience still delivers strong scenery and ocean time even on a quieter day.
If you want guaranteed education-heavy whale watching or a boat that feels spacious no matter what, you might be happier with a smaller-operator option. If you’re flexible, practical, and excited about the hunt, this one is a worthwhile buy in Funchal.
FAQ
How long is the dolphin and whale watching cruise?
It’s about 3 hours.
Where does the tour start in Funchal?
You start at Praça do Povo (Av. Do Mar 4, São Martinho, 9000-900 Funchal). The cruise departs from Funchal Marina.
What language is the tour offered in?
The tour is offered in English.
Is swimming included?
Swimming is not guaranteed. It’s only possible if weather and sea conditions are favorable, and it’s described as an option near Cabo Girão during summer months.
What animals are you looking for?
The main targets are dolphins and whales (cetaceans), along with other marine wildlife.
What happens if you don’t see dolphins or whales?
If you don’t see any cetaceans, you’ll be offered the same trip again on another day (valid for 1 year from your travel date).
Are food and drinks included?
No. Food and drinks are not included.
Is the group size limited?
Yes. The tour has a maximum of 180 travelers.
What’s the cancellation rule?
You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience starts. The experience can also be canceled due to poor weather, with a refund or a different date offered.
