Eco-Friendly Catamaran Dolphin and Whale Watching
Description
Go green with the premier dolphin and whale watching Eco-experience on Madeira Island! Magic Dolphin Eco is the only purpose built dolphin & whale watching catamaran in Madeira Island with hybrid-electric engines. It was specially developed to assure our passengers a safe, comfortable and exceptional tour. Its hybrid-electric engines reduce noise and emissions making it the best experience not only for our guests, but also for our beloved cetaceans! There are two levels for the best viewing, four trampoline nets located at the bow of the boat, two bathrooms and two bars where you can purchase drinks and snacks. Our crew of certified guides are there to ensure everyone the best possible experience. They share their knowledge about the species we encounter, the history of Madeira and the local highlights.
Tour Options
Itinerary
We depart from the marina in Funchal and head offshore to encounter whales, dolphins, sea turtles and oceanic birds. Our spotters on land use powerful binoculars to find the animals and send the boat directly to them! Once we have explored offshore we typically cruise by Cabo Girão, the 2nd tallest sea cliff in the world. We then motor along the coast while the staff explain different points of interest like; Camara de Lobos Bay – a traditional fishing village; the world famous Reid’s Hotel where Winston Churchill used to stay during his visits to Madeira Island and much more! You will be able to relax comfortably enjoy the beautiful views of the south coast of Madeira Island from our flagship vessel. Please note in July and August, we have 3 departures during the day. Our 9am departure is 2.5hour and does not stop for swimming. Please choose the correct departures if you like to swim!!
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Wheelchair accessible
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Refunds will not be issued if tour/activity is missed due to late or non-arrival of cruise ship
- May be operated by a multi-lingual guide
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- Please note 9am departure does not have a swimming break.
Reviews(255)
Saw 3 different types of dolphins today on our whale watch: rough tooth dolphins, bottlenose, dolphins, and pilot whales. The rough tooth dolphins were my favorite -they swim in pods, bow surfing- swimming right in front of the boat! I was basically looking straight down on top of them! It was really cool to see three different kinds of dolphins, including a baby dolphin. So I'm trying not to be disappointed we didn’t see actual whales…unless pilot whales count…even though they’re actually dolphins… whoever named them thought they were whales so I guess that counts. Guides were helpful and gave us a lot of interesting info about dolphins. Fun bonus that I did not expect- sitting on the front of the boat and getting splashed with the waves!
Nice experience. Seen dolphins and whales. Watch out for the waves when one sits in front on return.
I understand that it’s important not to get too close to the whales, and I appreciate that the crew respected the animals and didn’t want to stress them. However, the experience wasn’t enjoyable for me. The boat made so many fast turns and sudden maneuvers while searching for the whales that I became extremely seasick and felt like I was going to throw up. If you’re prone to motion sickness, this is definitely something to keep in mind before booking. While I respect the company’s approach to wildlife, the boat ride itself made the experience uncomfortable for me. The whales we watched was from 200 meters so I definitely didn’t watch a whale
Absolutely outstanding customer service by the crew mobility friendly and a breath taking experience
Informative trip. We saw 2 whales and lots of dolphins. The spotter had an excellent eye. Diago was especially impressive. He was very knowledgeable about the marine life, answered many questions and was very charming. Great trip! Great birthday!
Very pleasant trip, saw 2 Whales and the views of the coastline on the return leg of the trip are spectacular!
Horrible, for me the experience. The sea was very choppy with big waves, and it was jumping like I had never seen before. I got soaked with water; it was freezing. There were three tourists, probably British, who felt nothing and were screaming in front while getting wet; the rest of us wanted a calm trip to see dolphins and whales, and many of us got sick, vomiting. And the catamaran was bouncing over the waves, horrible. They should have a rescue boat or shuttle for people who feel that bad, because I was very close to fainting. I had to endure three hours of vomiting. That said, I did see the dolphins, the only good part. They also said there were sea lions, but I did not see them, nor did I bother to look for them; I was feeling very unwell and didn't even take photos.
Lamentamos mucho que haya sufrido un mareo tan fuerte; no es una sensación agradable. Si hubiéramos sabido que no se encontraba bien en el mar, podríamos haberle ofrecido una pastilla para el mareo antes de salir. Esperamos sinceramente que ya se encuentre recuperado.
Was a phenomenal experience!! We saw 4 different species of wales and dolphins and the marine biologist was extremely passionate and knowledgeable, an unforgettable morning 🤩
There was an opportunity to swim in the sea, off the front of the boat which we weren’t aware of. - Take swimming costume & towel! General announcement were clear on top deck & doe stores but lack of microphone & p.a. staff upstairs prevented good information aharing.
I broke my shoulder and ribs the day before. I left the hospital after 24 hours. I tried to cancel and it wouldn't let me. I arrived at the agreed time with the hospital report, and the lady at the entrance completely ignored me, speaking in a very unfriendly tone. They did not refund my money.
Dear Guest, You made your booking through TripAdvisor, not directly with us, and the cancellation rules are clearly stated at the time of purchase. Regardless of the reason, we must be informed at least 24 hours in advance so that we can reopen the seats for other guests. When you arrived at the check‑in desk, you had your arm in a sling, and I spoke to you politely. Your wife only arrived at the very last minute, when the boat was already about to depart. I explained to you that if your accident happened the night before — even 12 hours earlier — we could have reopened the seats, as the boat was full and we had refused many guests. You replied that you had sent a message at 8:00 AM, which was only two hours before departure, and at that point we could not do anything. Despite this, your wife still joined the trip and enjoyed the experience, seeing three different species. Unfortunately, it seems that because we could not refund your 35€, you decided to leave a 1‑star review, which does not reflect the reality of the situation. We always try to help our guests, but we must follow the same rules for everyone.
