Dolphin and Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise from Funchal
Description
Embark on comfortable catamarans for a relaxing trip along Madeira's south coast. Get the chance to spot dolphins, whales and occasionally even turtles. During the summer months, there is also the possibility to swim in the crystal clear waters below the Cabo Girão sea cliff if the weather and sea conditions are good.
Tour Options
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- We always recommend to bring: Sunscreen and windbreaker. For the summer months you could add a towel and bathing suit.
- In the event you did not see any cetaceans, you will be offered the same trip again on an alternative occasion (valid for 1 year)
- Swimming is subject to favorable weather and sea conditions
Reviews(693)
Went on a morning whale and dolphin cruise with my wife and two children (ages 11 and 7). Got there early and joined the line as it was forming, so we were close to the front and had a good choice of seats when we got on. My wife and I chose to sit on a front bench on the lower level, while our kids made straight for the netted area -- this is at the front, and you can lie down on the net and see into the water. My daughter was nervous at the beginning (she's not a big fan of boats), and didn't really enjoy being on the netting, but when she moved back a bit and sat to one of the sides, she was fine and started to love it. My son spent a long time on the nets, though he too moved back and to the sides later in the journey, and we gave up their places on the nets. We saw a large group of dolphins not long after setting off, and got very good up-close views of them. Then we saw a small group of whales later and got a good up-close look at those too. The catamaran was very smooth -- none of us got seasick, which was great, as my wife and I have both been seasick on other dolphin and whale watching tours that we have done in different countries in the past. None of us went swimming when we stopped (my wife and daughter had ear infections), but those who went in the water all seemed to really enjoyed it, and the rest of us got to admire the lovely view of Europe's largest cliff. Overall it was a very relaxing, enjoyable cruise. Our kids loved it. Highly recommended.
Criticism first. We went over to the kiosk early to double check everything and while very nice, didnt tell us we needed to come back to the kiosk to get a plastic boarding card nearer the departure. No biggee but we did end up joining the wrong queue, and ended up being advised by someone nice checking that queue. In this operators defence the kiosk next door were pretty terse, where as this lot were very nice. Once on the boat, very competent, good value and didnt gouge you on the drinks.
We had the opportunity to see the Dolphins and had them swimming and jumping around us :) The stop and having some time to jump in the water was refreshing and views are cool from the sea side.
You can barely see dolphins and no whales. You can swim in the sea for a little while. Refreshing moment
Three hours trip with ten minutes viewing of dolphins. Expected more for the price and what was advertised
A truly beautiful tour along the coast of Madeira! The catamaran trip was relaxing, the crew very friendly and professional, and the view of Madeira from the sea was simply fantastic. The absolute highlight was, of course, the dolphin sighting 🐬 – a great experience to be able to observe the animals in the wild. An unforgettable moment and for us definitely one of the highlights of our Madeira vacation.
Great boat tour. We saw a pod of dolphins and enjoyed the stop to swim. It is a beautiful view of Funchal from the water.
Beautiful sea trip, with magnificent swimming and dolphin sightings. The trip lasts 3 hours and the staff is very professional and relaxed.
Catamaran was not overcrowded, we saw some dolphins and swam in a bay with other tour boats (not much to see, we were snorkelling). Pleasant experience, wouldn't do again though.
We were less than 1000m out of funchal harbour when we met a pod of 30 dolphins! Had a swim and also saw a large whale several times... all in all, not a bad morning...
