VipDolphins Luxury Whale Watching

The memorable part of this Funchal outing is its mix of wildlife watching and a sea-level view of Cabo Girao. You head offshore in a small catamaran, scan for dolphins and whales, then get the chance to swim in clear water below the cliffs.

I like two things in particular: the limit of 17 passengers gives you room to move around, and the included snacks and drinks make the three hours feel like a hosted afternoon rather than just a boat transfer. The trade-off is that Madeira’s sea can be choppy, and no crew can promise that wildlife will appear.

At a glance

• Small group, capped at 17: More room to find a comfortable place on deck and a better chance to see the water from different angles.
• About three hours at sea: The trip combines a search for whales and dolphins with a swim and snorkeling stop near Cabo Girao.
• Food and drinks are included: Expect snacks and biscuits, coffee or tea, soft drinks, water, and alcoholic beverages.
• Towels and snorkeling equipment are provided: You do not need to bring your own gear for the swim stop.
• Meet at Praça do Povo in Funchal: The tour returns to the same marina meeting point. Pick-up is not included.
• Wildlife is never guaranteed: A good crew can spot and explain animals, but sightings depend on what is out at sea that day.

Leaving Funchal’s marina for the open water

The tour starts at VipDolphins Catamaran Whale Watching, at Praça do Povo in Funchal. You meet there and return to the same point at the end. There is no hotel pick-up, so plan to make your own way to the marina.

Once aboard, you leave the city behind and head out to look for whales and dolphins. The boat is described as modern and well cared for, with space to sit around the catamaran rather than being packed shoulder to shoulder. That matters on a wildlife trip: you may want to shift sides as animals surface or simply find a spot out of the wind.

The group limit is 17 passengers, a useful distinction from larger boats that can feel crowded when everyone moves to one rail. The smaller group also gives the crew a better chance to answer questions and keep an eye on people during the swim stop. It is still a boat trip, not a private charter, but the cap helps keep the mood relaxed.

The crew’s care is one of the strongest parts of the experience. Names mentioned by people who have sailed include Sheila and Liv, along with Maggie, Francisco, Nico, Abel, Nick, and Chico. The team varies, but the recurring strengths are attentive service and clear explanations about marine life. Some crew members also share local recommendations.

Searching for whales and dolphins

The wildlife search is the main event, and the boat’s crew watches for animals as you travel offshore. You may see dolphins, pilot whales, or other cetaceans. Accounts describe sightings ranging from dolphins at a distance to pilot whales and dolphins close to the boat, sometimes in groups. On other outings, no marine animals appeared.

That uncertainty is worth taking seriously when you decide whether to book. The crew can help you identify what surfaces and explain its habits and habitat, but the sea is not an aquarium. If a guaranteed close encounter is essential to your plans, this trip cannot promise one. If you can enjoy the coast, open water, and boat time even when sightings are scarce, you are less likely to feel that the outing depends on luck alone.

When whales or dolphins are found, the crew may bring the boat closer for viewing. A practical note from an onboard account is that close viewing can be limited to about 10 minutes under Portuguese rules. That is a sensible approach to wildlife: enjoy the sighting, but expect the crew to keep the encounter controlled rather than circling animals indefinitely.

Keep your expectations flexible, and dress for time on the water. Even on a day that looks calm from shore, the boat can meet a noticeable swell. Several people found the ride smooth, while others warned that it could be rough. If you are prone to seasickness, consider your usual precautions before boarding.

Snacks, drinks, and the small-boat comfort

The price includes more than a seat and a wildlife search. Snacks and biscuits are served, along with coffee or tea, soft drinks, bottled water, and alcoholic beverages. Descriptions of the food include local treats and freshly prepared nibbles. The drinks are part of the experience, not an extra purchase you need to budget for once aboard.

This kind of service makes a difference over a three-hour trip. You can settle in rather than worrying about bringing refreshments, and a snack is welcome while the boat is moving and everyone is watching the water. Champagne and cocktails are part of the luxury promise, though the exact selection may vary. Do not assume every drink will be available on every departure.

The boat is also described as having two WCs, and some accounts note changing facilities and a small shower for rinsing off after swimming. Those details can make the outing easier if you plan to get in the water, especially when you do not want to spend the return trip in a wet swimsuit. Towels and blankets are provided as well.

Comfort is a relative thing at sea. There is room to move around, but this is still an open-water boat ride, and the weather can shape how relaxing it feels. A sunny afternoon with a light swell is a very different proposition from a choppy crossing. If you are choosing between departure times, check the forecast and think about how you handle motion on a boat.

Swimming below Cabo Girao

After the wildlife search, the boat stops near Cabo Girao for a swim and snorkeling break. The cliffs are a striking backdrop from the water, and the stop gives you a chance to trade the search for a more active pause. Madeira has relatively few beaches, so a chance to swim directly from a boat can be a welcome part of a day at sea.

Snorkeling equipment and towels are included. The water is described as clear, but conditions and visibility can change. This is a swim stop, not a guided snorkeling lesson, so you should be comfortable in the water and follow the crew’s instructions.

Getting back aboard deserves a little thought. One person found the ladder difficult to climb, and another noted that the captain helped them back onto the catamaran. If you have limited mobility or are unsure about using a ladder from the water, ask the crew before you get in. Children under three are not allowed on this activity, and the tour is otherwise described as suitable for most people.

You can also choose to stay on deck rather than swim. That lets you enjoy the view and take a break without getting wet. The crew provides blankets, which may come in handy after a swim or when the breeze picks up.

What the $95.53 price buys you

At $95.53 per person, this is not the cheapest way to go whale watching from Funchal. The value comes from the combination: a small passenger cap, a modern catamaran, roughly three hours on the water, drinks and snacks, snorkeling gear, towels, and a stop to swim near Cabo Girao. If you would otherwise pay separately for refreshments or prefer more room than a large group boat can offer, the price is easier to justify.

The service is another part of the calculation. The crew is often described as attentive, with staff bringing food and drinks around, answering questions, and helping people during the swim stop. That personal attention is the sort of detail that can make a short excursion feel special without adding extra activities or a full day away from Funchal.

The main risk to value is wildlife luck. You could see a pod of pilot whales or dolphins near the boat, or you could see only a few animals in the distance. There have also been outings with no sightings. The crew and boat still shape the experience, but if you are paying solely for a close-up wildlife encounter, that uncertainty may matter more than the included drinks.

This tour is generally booked about 28 days in advance, so it is sensible to reserve ahead if your dates are fixed. Confirmation is provided at booking. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time; poor weather or failure to meet the minimum number of participants can also lead to a different date or a refund.

Who should book this catamaran trip?

I would put this trip high on the list for couples, families with children aged three and over, and anyone who wants a comfortable outing with more than one reason to go. The mix of marine life, coastal views, snacks, and swimming makes it more rounded than a simple out-and-back wildlife search. The small passenger cap is especially appealing if you dislike crowded decks.

It also suits you if you like a hosted experience. You are not left to work out what you are seeing on your own: the crew points out animals and shares information, while keeping drinks and snacks coming. If you are a confident swimmer, the Cabo Girao stop adds a welcome change of pace.

I would think twice if you get seasick easily, have difficulty climbing a boat ladder, or need wildlife sightings to make the price worthwhile. None of those concerns automatically rules it out, but they are worth weighing before you book. For a balanced afternoon on the water, with a real chance of seeing whales or dolphins and a swim stop included, it offers a strong mix of comfort and activity.

FAQ

How long is the VipDolphins catamaran tour?

The trip lasts approximately three hours.

Where does the tour start and finish?

It starts at VipDolphins Catamaran Whale Watching, Praça do Povo in Funchal, and ends back at the same meeting point.

Are food and drinks included?

Yes. Snacks and biscuits, coffee or tea, alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, and bottled water are included.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment, towels, and blankets are included.

How many passengers can join?

The maximum group size is 17 passengers.

Can children under three take part?

No. Children under three years old are not allowed on this activity.