Eco catamaranEcological Catamaran Whale & Dolphin Watching
Operated by Magic Dolphin Atividades Maritimas
- Hybrid-electric catamaran
- Upper deck, nets and indoor seating
- Guidance from certified crew and land spotters
More deck, more horizon
Madeira Catamaran Whale Watching
Madeira catamaran whale watching gives the Atlantic room to unfold around you. Move between viewpoints, watch the south coast recede and choose between simple shared cruises, hybrid-electric sailing and all-inclusive comfort.
Book this tour ↗Recommended tourAll-inclusive luxury catamaran · from €79Oceano Pioneiro · 4.9 ★
How to choose
Choose a catamaran when the journey matters too
Catamarans suit travellers who want room to move, several viewing angles and time to enjoy Madeira’s coastline between sightings. The choices range from straightforward shared cruises to a hybrid-electric vessel and polished all-inclusive experiences with drinks and a swimming stop.
The premium VipDolphins trip lasts three hours and includes indoor and outdoor seating, snorkelling equipment, local snacks and drinks. Simpler Funchal catamaran trips begin at €35 for travellers who prefer to keep the focus on the cruise itself.
Compare your options
Madeira catamaran tours compared
Seven catamaran choices, separated by price, onboard service, swimming plans and the tone of the cruise.
Eco catamaran
Value pickFunchal Catamaran Dolphin & Whale Cruise
Operated by Catamaran Seaborn
- Catamaran wildlife cruise
- Panoramic island views
- Cabo Girão coastal scenery
Luxury cruiseFunchal Luxury Catamaran Wildlife Cruise
Operated by Magic Dolphin Atividades Maritimas
- Luxury catamaran cruise
- Cabo Girão scenery
- Swimming on selected departures
Uncrowded choiceMadeira Catamaran Cruise with Cabo Girão Swim
Operated by Destination Travel Solutions
- Three-hour catamaran cruise
- Cabo Girão swimming stop when conditions allow
- Open deck and coastal views
Second-trip policyVMT Madeira Catamaran Wildlife Tour
Operated by VMT Madeira Catamaran
- Comfortable catamaran cruise
- Live commentary from the crew
- Free second tour when no cetaceans are seen
Editor’s pickAll-Inclusive Luxury Whale & Dolphin Catamaran
Operated by Oceano Pioneiro
- Three-hour luxury catamaran trip
- Drinks and local snacks included
- Cabo Girão swimming and snorkelling stop
Sunset cruiseFunchal Bay Luxury Catamaran Wildlife Cruise
Operated by Atlantic Pearl Catamaran
- Luxury catamaran cruise
- Snorkelling stop
- Onboard toilets
Editor's pickOur recommendation
A premium catamaran with a complete offer
The VipDolphins cruise combines wildlife searching with generous seating, drinks, snacks and a swimming stop. It suits travellers who want the boat experience to feel special even when sightings are brief.
- 4.9 ★ traveller rating
- From €79
- Free cancellation
- Oceano Pioneiro
Your time on the water
Three hours from Funchal to Cabo Girão and back
The all-inclusive cruise combines an offshore wildlife search with drinks, local snacks and a weather-dependent swim beneath Cabo Girão.
- 01Board at Funchal’s new marina
Meet at the VipDolphins kiosk and step aboard with a welcome glass of sparkling wine.
- 02Cruise into the Atlantic
Settle into the indoor or outdoor seating while the crew searches for dolphins, whales and turtles.
- 03Enjoy drinks and local snacks
Food and drinks are served during the wildlife-watching cruise.
- 04Pause beneath Cabo Girão
Weather permitting, stop for about 30 minutes to swim or snorkel beside the sea cliff.
- 05Return to Funchal
Relax with coastal views on the way back to the new marina.
Madeira in motion
Give the Atlantic room to breathe
Move between indoor and outdoor seating, watch the cliffs open up and keep one eye on the water. A catamaran makes the journey part of the reward.
Book now ↗The experience
The space you gain and the intimacy you trade
A catamaran gives you room to change position, find shelter and settle into a steadier social cruise. It may carry more passengers than a RIB, so the encounter can feel less intimate, but the extra space makes a long stretch at sea easier for many travellers.
Swimming and refreshments differ sharply between boats. Some stops depend on season or departure time. Food and drinks may be included, sold at an onboard bar or left for you to arrange before and after the trip.
Included
What the all-inclusive catamaran includes
- ✓Three-hour guided whale and dolphin tour
- ✓Indoor and outdoor seating with onboard toilets
- ✓Swimming stop at Cabo Girão
- ✓Snorkels and goggles
- ✓Local snacks and all drinks
- ✓Welcome glass of sparkling wine
Not included
What is not included
- —Hotel transfers
Meeting point
Know where to board
Meeting instructions
Meet at Kiosk VipDolphins, between Praça do Povo and the ocean.
OperatorOceano Pioneiro
Before you go
Choose the right catamaran departure
Check the swimming plan and onboard service before deciding whether you want a simple cruise or an all-inclusive afternoon.
Confirm whether your departure includes a swimming stop.
Bring a towel when swimming is planned and conditions make the stop possible.
Check whether food and drinks are included or available to buy onboard.
Be prepared to remove your shoes if the operator asks before boarding.
Bring a wind layer even on the larger, steadier catamaran format.
Important for this trip: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Not suitable for children under 3 years, pregnant women, people prone to seasickness.
Traveller feedback
What guests remember about the premium catamaran
Guests praise the welcoming crew, attentive service, sunset atmosphere and the pleasure of swimming and relaxing aboard the boat.
★★★★★
“Wonderful tour. Great crew, great service! We'll be back.”
★★★★★
“Incredibly beautiful. We were able to see rare whales. Jumping into the water at sunset was simply fantastic. Very attentive and friendly staff. Highly recommended!!!”
★★★★★
“It was an excellent tour. We were lucky enough to see both dolphins and whales. Our guide provided detailed and interesting information about the animals throughout the trip. The boat was comfortable, modern, and well maintained. A wide variety of beverages and delicious snacks were served on board. I chose the sunset tour, which started at 6:30 p.m., and it was absolutely beautiful. Being able to enjoy the stunning sunset while out on the water and swimming in the Ocean made the experience even more special. I highly recommend this tour.”
Helpful answers
Frequently asked questions
Are catamarans good for whale watching in Madeira?+
They are a strong choice for space, coastal views and a relaxed cruise. A RIB may suit travellers who prioritise speed and a smaller group.
What is the cheapest catamaran tour?+
Two Funchal catamaran trips shown here begin at €35 per person. Confirm the live price for your date before booking.
Do catamaran tours include swimming?+
Some do, and some limit the stop by departure time or season. Check your chosen departure rather than assuming.
Are drinks included?+
They are included on the recommended all-inclusive tour. Other vessels may sell drinks at a bar or exclude them.
Do catamarans guarantee whales?+
No. Some operators offer a second trip under specific no-sighting conditions, while other terms differ.
Ready for the Atlantic?
Make the cruise part of the memory
Book the all-inclusive catamaran when comfort and service matter, or choose a €35 option for a simpler shared trip.
Book now ↗