Sailing Trips in Madeira: 15 Good Ones, Priced

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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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9.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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10.Desertas Islands Full-Day Catamaran Trip from Funchal

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 196 reviews · 9 hours · from $106

Spend nine hours sailing from Funchal to the protected Desertas Islands aboard a catamaran. You’ll visit Deserta Grande, walk to the conservation center, eat lunch with drinks, and swim or snorkel from a volcanic beach. English and Portuguese guides lead the visit. Bring warm layers and shoes that can get wet.

“We would have loved to have more information about the area and it's a pity one can't see the monk seals here. But on our cruise, we were lucky enough to see a huge group of dolphins that accompanied us.”

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11.Cabo Girao Sunset Cruise on Luxury Catamaran

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 84 reviews · 3 hours · from $47

From Funchal Marina, you’ll cruise along Madeira’s southern coast to Cabo Girão on a spacious catamaran. A guide speaks Portuguese and English, with time for a snorkeling stop and possible swim beneath the famous cliff. Drinks cost extra, and marine life sightings are never guaranteed, but the sunset ride alone makes this a tempting three-hour outing.

“de vazut balene sau delfini nici nu se pune problema sa fi vazut ceva...singura placere a fost plimbarea la apus si un pahar cu vin... sa nu fiti dezamagiti daca nu vedeti nimic, poate altii au avut mai mult noroc...”

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12.West Bays Sailing Tour with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 75 reviews · 5 hours · from $82

Set out from Funchal with guides Bruno and his crew for five hours along Madeira’s west coast. Watch for dolphins, whales, and turtles, then cruise past Ponta do Sol, Ribeira Brava, Cabo Girão, and Câmara de Lobos. Lunch, drinks, and snorkeling gear are included, though the yacht usually travels by motor rather than sail.

“friendly guides, good food and not too crowded boat despite we were around 18 on it”

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13.New Year’s Eve Fireworks by Catamaran

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 72 reviews · from $171

Join VMT Madeira Catamaran at Funchal Marina for a 1.5-hour New Year’s Eve cruise off the coast. An English- and Portuguese-speaking guide helps set the scene while you watch Funchal’s fireworks from the water. Champagne, wine, beer, and soft drinks are included. Check in 30 minutes early.

“It was a magnificent experience, very well organised, but most of all the fireworks were amazing :)”

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14.Cabo Girão Sunset Catamaran Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 63 reviews · from $40Top rated

Join Catamaran Seaborn at Funchal Marina for a three-hour late-afternoon cruise toward Cabo Girão. You can swim in clear water when conditions allow, use the included snorkeling gear, and watch the sunset from the boat on the return to Funchal. English and Portuguese are available, with drinks sold at the onboard bar.

“We were very lucky, only a few other guests were on board. On the way back we even sailed for half an hour. And we were able to spot dolphins (an flying fishes, not me but the others). I really enjoyed the trip.”

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15.New Years Eve Fireworks Catamaran Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 58 reviews

Sail from Funchal Marina at 11:00 PM aboard Catamaran Seaborn, cruise past Madeira’s Christmas lights, then return to the bay for the midnight fireworks. English and Portuguese staff serve champagne, Madeira wine, and snacks. The cruise ends around 12:30 AM, but it is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with limited mobility.

“Picie i przekąski no limit, widoki warte każdej ceny. 10/10 i chętnie bym tam wróciła”

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