Water activity

From Funchal: Madeira Dolphin and Whale Watching Tour

4.3  / 51216 reviews
Certified by GetYourGuide
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Water activity
From Funchal: Madeira Dolphin and Whale Watching Tour
Certified by GetYourGuide
4.3  / 51216 reviews

Look for whales and dolphins in the Atlantic Ocean on a catamaran cruise from Funchal. Enjoy guaranteed sightings or get a second cruise for free.

About this activity

Free cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
Reserve now & pay later
Keep your travel plans flexible — book your spot and pay nothing today.
Duration 3 hours
Check availability to see starting times.
Live tour guide
English, Portuguese
Wheelchair accessible

Highlighted reviews from other travelers

S
Steph – United Kingdom

Despite a great trip and the opportunity to take a dip in the sea at the foot of Cabo Girao, the dolphins/whales were a no show. However, VMT Madeira offers a free second trip if that happens, which was worth the additional expense when compared to some of the slightly cheaper trips available. I took my second trip a few days later in the afternoon and we were treated to a turtle passing by the boat and a pod of dolphins that swam ahead of the boat for a good 10 minutes. Great trip, great staff and would definitely recommend - the insurance of a second trip is definitely worth it.

S
Steph – United Kingdom
P
Petri – Germany

Great experience. We did not see any dolphins on first tour and got a free second tour. The second time around we saw plenty of dolphins swimming near our boat which was amazing. Really nice people also

P
Petri – Germany

Experience

Highlights

  • Look for whales and dolphins in the Atlantic waters off the south coast of Madeira
  • Cruise along the coast of Madeira by catamaran
  • Get a 2nd whale and dolphin watching tour for free if you don't see any cetaceans
  • Swim at the foot of one of Europe's highest sea cliffs

Full description

Climb aboard a comfortable catamaran for a relaxing trip along Madeira's south coast from the Marina do Funchal. Look for dolphins and whales (and even turtles) playing in the cold waters of the sea. Be on the lookout for dolphins and whales as you tour Madeira's south coast on a catamaran cruise. During the summer months, stop to swim below the cliffs of Cabo Girão, one of the highest sea cliffs in the world. A qualified crew will provide detailed information in various languages about the species of cetaceans (dolphins and whales) you see. Also get historical and technical information for a truly unique experience. In the event, you don’t spot any whales or dolphins you will be offered a complimentary second trip. However, if you only see dolphins but not whales, no refund will be offered.

Includes

  • Catamaran cruise
  • Crew
  • Live commentary
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Food and drinks

Select participants and date

Participants

Date

Meeting point

Check-in 30 minutes before departure at VMT Madeira, Catamaran Trips Quiosque, Funchal Marina (Cais 8, below Praça do Povo).

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Important information

What to bring

  • Comfortable shoes
  • Windbreaker
  • Swimwear
  • Towel
  • Sunscreen
  • Rain gear

Not allowed

  • Luggage or large bags
  • Intoxication
  • Alcohol and drugs

Know before you go

  •  Please bring a windbreaker and sunscreen. In the summer, you can also bring a towel and swimwear to swim
  •  The catamarans are equipped with toilets, and a bar serving snacks and beverages (available for purchase)
  •  Due to the nature of this tour and the safety of all guests, the tour operator reserves the right to refuse service to passengers who are intoxicated or show signs of intoxication. If, as a result, your tour is cancelled, you will not be entitled to a refund
  •  Tours may be cancelled after confirmation if there are not enough passengers to meet the requirements, or in the event of bad weather. Should this occur, you will be offered an alternative or full refund

Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.3 /5

based on 1216 reviews

Review summary

  • Guide
    4.4/5
  • Transportation
    4.5/5
  • Value for money
    4.2/5

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S
Steph – United KingdomSeptember 15, 2019  – Verified booking
Despite a great trip and the opportunity to take a dip in the sea at the foot of Cabo Girao, the dolphins/whales were a no show. However, VMT Madeira offers a free second trip if that happens, which was worth the additional expense when compared to some of the slightly cheaper trips available. I took my second trip a few days later in the afternoon and we were treated to a turtle passing by the boat and a pod of dolphins that swam ahead of the boat for a good 10 minutes. Great trip, great staff and would definitely recommend - the insurance of a second trip is definitely worth it.
Helpful?
G
GetYourGuide traveler – United KingdomJuly 26, 2024  – Verified booking
Beautiful day on the sea, we saw a family of dolphins which was AMAZING, and they came real close to the boat too😀💖 but by law, ANY ship is only allowed to stop and watch them for 10mins before moving on (which would have been nice to know before) so make sure to really take in the dolphin moments! Swimming in the sea was great too, but again you only get 10 mins- so make the most of it! Also it says to get there 30mins before, but I'd go earlier so you can join the que and sit downstairs, closer to the dolphin action. We got there at the said 30mins before and ended up having to sit upstairs, which was still great, but would have been nice to be closer to the action!
Helpful?
P
Petri – GermanySeptember 20, 2024  – Verified booking
Great experience. We did not see any dolphins on first tour and got a free second tour. The second time around we saw plenty of dolphins swimming near our boat which was amazing. Really nice people also
Helpful?

Product ID: 57215

Activity provider:VMT Madeira Catamaran

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