Portugal · BOAT TOURS IN MADEIRA

Boat Tours in Madeira: 15 Picks, Priced and Timed

31 tours  ·  from $17

A trip always has one spare day too few. These 15 boat tours in Madeira earn the slot, with prices and durations set out so you can decide and move on.

From Funchal: Ecological Catamaran Dolphin Whale Watching - Funchal Marina check-in and the first half-hour at sea
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From Funchal: Ecological Catamaran Dolphin Whale Watching

1.Ecological Catamaran Dolphin Whale Watching

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 5,771 reviews · from $40Our pick

Set out from Funchal Marina aboard the 2022 Magic Dolphin Eco, Madeira’s only hybrid-electric whale-watching catamaran. Land-based spotters help locate dolphins, pilot whales, sperm whales, turtles, and seabirds. You’ll have two decks, large viewing nets, onboard toilets, a bar, a coastal cruise, and a swimming stop near Cabo Girão.

“It was an unforgettable experience. The guides were very informative and welcoming. They explained right from the start that dolphins and whales are wild animals and hence can sometimes not be seen. We got incredibly lucky and got to see 4 different species that day: pilot whales, bottomnose dolphins, common dolphins and striped dolphins. I loved how they respected the animal’s space, and kept the limited time in each observation area. It’s a beautiful way to see these animals in their natural habitat. I loved that the guide explained after why it’s so good that we chose this way to observe the animals instead of going to a aquarium or…”

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Funchal: Dolphin and Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise - Watching dolphins and whales in Madeira’s waters
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Funchal: Dolphin and Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise

2.Dolphin and Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 5,697 reviews · 3 hours · from $41

Spend three hours aboard Catamaran Seaborn, searching Madeira’s waters for dolphins, whales, turtles, and flying fish. Your English or Portuguese speaking crew explains the marine life and stops beneath Cabo Girão for a summer swim. The boat has shaded seats, sun decks, netting, and a bar selling drinks and snacks.

“The boat is amazing and the crew were top! We saw dolphins and swam and the ocean. Thank you for the great experience. 🙏😊”

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Funchal Bay: Dolphin & Whale Watch Luxury Catamaran Cruise - Searching for dolphins and whales in open water
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Funchal Bay: Dolphin & Whale Watch Luxury Catamaran Cruise

3.Funchal Bay: Dolphin & Whale Watch Luxury Catamaran Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 2,684 reviews · 3 hours · from $47

Sail from Funchal’s New Marina aboard the Atlantic Pearl, a comfortable catamaran limited to about 20 people. Your Portuguese or English-speaking crew searches for dolphins and whales, then stops beneath Cabo Girão for swimming and snorkeling. Expect open-sea views, covered seating, hammocks, onboard bathrooms, and drinks for purchase.

“Great go do it we saw whales jumping and went for a swim”

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Madeira Dolphin and Whale Watching on a Ecological Catamaran - How the shore spotters improve your chances
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Madeira Dolphin and Whale Watching on a Ecological Catamaran

4.Madeira Dolphin and Whale Watching on a Ecological Catamaran

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,957 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $42

From Funchal, you’ll spend 2.5 to 3 hours aboard Magic Dolphin’s 2022 hybrid-electric catamaran, guided by shore-based spotters and a certified crew. Look for pilot whales, bottlenose dolphins, sperm whales, and other species, then cruise past Cabo Girão, Câmara de Lobos, and Reid’s Hotel. Salvador is one of the praised crew members.

“Comfortable catamaran, knowledgeable crew, saw pilot whales and dolphins, Cabot Girao and Camara da Lobos from the sea. 3 hours well-spent.”

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Funchal: Dolphin and Whale Watching by Luxury Catamaran - Choosing your place on the catamaran
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Funchal: Dolphin and Whale Watching by Luxury Catamaran

5.Dolphin and Whale Watching by Luxury Catamaran

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,709 reviews · 3 hours · from $47

Join Magic Dolphin Atividades Maritimas at Funchal’s Pier 8 for a three-hour catamaran trip with Portuguese- and English-speaking guides. Watch for dolphins, whales, turtles, birds, and other marine life, then cruise to Cabo Girão. Most tours include a swim stop, indoor seating, shaded areas, sun beds, a welcome drink, and room to relax.

“Very pleasant trip. Didn't see dolphins due to sea conditions, but we were offered another trip for €10. Guides explained everything clearly. Both them and the crew were excellent. This did include a swim stop”

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Funchal: Dolphin and Whale Watching Sunset Sailing Tour - Swimming Beneath Madeira’s Highest Sea Cliff
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Funchal: Dolphin and Whale Watching Sunset Sailing Tour

6.Dolphin and Whale Watching Sunset Sailing Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,642 reviews · from $63

Sail from Funchal with up to 20 people, looking for dolphins, whales, and sea turtles before stopping near Cabo Girão for swimming and snorkeling. Guides including Bruno, Roberto, José, and Marco are praised for warm service and wildlife care. Drinks are included, and the three-hour cruise ends with sunset views.

“Amazing crew, really friendly and welcoming. Happy to engage in conversation. Really look after their clients providing an experience to remember. We were lucky enough to see a pod of whales. The crew were very knowledgeable about the wild life. Watched the sun set by sailing boat which was lovely. Some people even had a swim and the crew allow you to have a shower after. This is a peaceful yet fun and informative tour. Definitely recommended.”

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Funchal: Dolphin and Whale Watching Sailing Trip - Watching for wildlife up to three miles offshore
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Funchal: Dolphin and Whale Watching Sailing Trip

7.Dolphin and Whale Watching Sailing Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 1,325 reviews · 3 hours · from $47

Join Gaviao Madeira in Funchal for a three-hour sailing trip toward Cabo Girão. Guides such as Bruno and Joseph share facts about Madeira’s sea life while you watch for dolphins, whales, and turtles up to three miles offshore. The tour includes drinks, snorkeling gear, and time to swim, with a small group rather than a packed catamaran.

“We really enjoyed our trip! Very friendly staff. Beautiful swimming spots!”

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Madeira: Funchal Sunset Tour by Catamaran - What the three-hour route feels like
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Madeira: Funchal Sunset Tour by Catamaran

8.Funchal Sunset Tour by Catamaran

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 1,200 reviews · 3 hours · from $47

Spend three hours aboard a spacious catamaran from Funchal Marina, cruising Madeira’s south coast at sunset. The crew searches for dolphins and whales, explains the marine life in English and Portuguese, and stops near Cabo Girão for swimming when conditions allow. A bar serves snacks, drinks, and poncha. If no animals appear, you receive a second trip free.

“Pleased to say that this trip ticked all that was promised and we got a great occasion to even see whales, swim and also get a romantic sunset. Definitely recommend this trip!”

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Funchal: Dolphin and Whale Watching Cruise - From the Magic Dolphin kiosk to open water
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Funchal: Dolphin and Whale Watching Cruise

9.Dolphin and Whale Watching Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 844 reviews · 2 hours · from $58

Cruise offshore from Funchal in a rebuilt 18-seat speedboat with a captain and marine biologist guide. Land-based spotters help locate dolphins and whales, while double-cushioned seats and 360-degree views keep you comfortable. Guides such as Clara, Natasha, Florienne, and Natasja have led trips, though your guide may differ.

“It was great! Natasja is lovely and the captain did his work perfect! Go go go and book this tour.”

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Dolphin and Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise from Funchal - How the three-hour search usually unfolds
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Dolphin and Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise from Funchal

10.Dolphin and Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise from Funchal

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 645 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $48

Sail from Funchal Marina along Madeira’s south coast while the crew searches for dolphins, whales, and other marine life. You’ll hear about the species and coastline, then may swim below 580-meter Cabo Girão when conditions allow. The catamaran has toilets, a bar, and room for up to 180 people.

“Sure, it’s crowded. That’s a fact. Other than that, it’s a nice trip. We did not see any whales but saw a rather large pond of dolphins from really up close. They also took us to swim next to Cabo Girao which was fantastic. Overall, a good value for the price. Next time I would opt for a smaller boat with fewer people.”

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From Calheta: Madeira Whale and Dolphin Watching Boat Tour - How the wildlife search works
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From Calheta: Madeira Whale and Dolphin Watching Boat Tour

11.From Calheta: Madeira Whale and Dolphin Watching Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 573 reviews · 2 hours · from $67

From Calheta Marina, join a two-hour speedboat search for Madeira’s whales and dolphins with Lobosonda. Guides such as Hannah, Paula, and Sarah explain the animals in English or German, while captains including Pedro and Drummond slow down near wildlife. Expect a lively ride, open-sea views, and sightings that depend on nature.

“Hannah is a gorgeous young woman, explained everything about the dolphins we saw and answered all questions, in german and english. Also big respect for david, he is an excellent boat driver!! Had so much fun. Thankyou”

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Madeira Pirate Ship: 3-Hour Boat Trip - Setting sail along Madeira’s south coast
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Madeira Pirate Ship: 3-Hour Boat Trip

12.Madeira Pirate Ship: 3-Hour Boat Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 528 reviews · 3 hours · from $54

Spend three hours aboard the Santa Maria de Colombo, a full-size replica of Columbus’s flagship, sailing from Funchal along Madeira’s south coast. Watch for dolphins and whales, stop near Cabo Girão for a swim, and enjoy Madeira honey cake with a glass of local wine. Guide Diogo has been praised for his friendly, engaging style on some sailings.

“lovely experience to enjoy the Madeita coastline, with jumping off the ship to swim in the sea.”

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Funchal: Whale and Dolphin Watching Speed Boat Tour - Why the speed boat changes the experience
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Funchal: Whale and Dolphin Watching Speed Boat Tour

13.Whale and Dolphin Watching Speed Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 526 reviews · 2.5 hours · from $56

From Funchal Marina, you’ll spend 2.5 hours on a small speed boat searching Madeira’s waters for dolphins and whales. A marine biologist guide, land-based spotters, and an experienced skipper help find and identify the animals. Expect fast runs, close-to-the-water views, possible spray, and groups of no more than 18 people.

“Great staff members -we saw both dolphins and a whale - close up - really happy we selected this option”

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Funchal: Sunset Tour on Traditional Madeiran Boat w/ Drinks - Sailing toward Cabo Girão
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Funchal: Sunset Tour on Traditional Madeiran Boat w/ Drinks

14.Sunset Tour on Traditional Madeiran Boat w/ Drinks

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 482 reviews · from $56Top rated

Spend three hours aboard the Dragão, a traditional Madeiran boat, sailing from Funchal toward Cabo Girão. You can swim or snorkel when conditions allow, enjoy drinks and music, and watch the sun drop behind Madeira’s cliffs. Guides including Hugo, Rob, Pedro, and Rui are praised for attentive service. English and Portuguese tours are available.

“Amazing experience! Portugal wine was really nice! The view for Madeira island and sunset that day were spectacular!”

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From Calheta: Whale and Dolphin Watching RIB Boat Tour - Why a RIB works well for whale and dolphin watching
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From Calheta: Whale and Dolphin Watching RIB Boat Tour

15.From Calheta: Whale and Dolphin Watching RIB Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 298 reviews · 2 hours · from $70

Set out from Calheta Marina on a two-hour RIB boat trip with English or Portuguese guides and a wildlife spotter. The fast, compact boat can reach active areas quickly, while the crew explains Madeira’s whales and dolphins. Expect open-ocean views, spray, and wildlife sightings that can range from dolphins to sperm or pilot whales.

“What a fantastic trip! The boat trip itself was exciting - fast, exhilarating and a little scary (but safe)! We were so lucky with the wildlife we saw - pilot whales right next to the boat and dolphins riding the waves, leaping high out of the water and really showing off! You never know what you'll get with wildlife experiences, but we were really lucky.”

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