All Inclusive Whale and Dolphin Watching Luxury Tour

Madeira’s whale-watching trips can put you on the water with a crowd. This three-hour catamaran outing keeps the feel more relaxed: the group is limited, there’s room to move around, and the crew serves drinks and local snacks as you search for marine life. If conditions allow, you’ll also stop to swim beneath Cabo Girão, a 586-metre sea cliff.

I like two things in particular: the mix of wildlife watching with a proper swim stop, and the thoughtful onboard service, from a welcome glass of sparkling wine to towels and snorkels. The main caveat is simple: whales and dolphins are wild, so sightings aren’t guaranteed. The open sea can also get choppy.

• A more spacious boat trip: Group numbers are limited. One passenger described a maximum of 17 people, but confirm the current capacity when booking.
• Wildlife in the open ocean: The crew searches for dolphins, whales and turtles, with sightings varying from trip to trip.
• A swim beneath Cabo Girão: The 30-minute stop offers time for a dip, snorkeling and photos of the coast.
• Drinks and Madeira treats included: Expect unlimited drinks, alcohol included, plus local snacks.
• Easy to reach from central Funchal: Meet at the VipDolphins kiosk between Praça do Povo and the ocean.
• A three-hour outing, not a full-day commitment: You get time at sea without giving up the whole day.

Leaving Funchal on a roomier catamaran

The tour starts at the docks of Funchal’s new marina, where you meet at the VipDolphins kiosk. The boat welcomes you with a glass of sparkling wine, then heads out from the city’s waterfront toward open water. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so plan to make your own way to the marina.

The catamaran has indoor and outdoor seating, toilets for women and men, and space to shift around for a better view. That freedom matters on a wildlife trip. You can move from a sheltered seat to the deck as the boat travels, rather than feeling pinned to one spot. A few people have described groups of around 17, which helps explain why this trip can feel more personal than a boat filled to capacity. That number may vary, so check before you book if group size is a deciding factor.

The crew sets a welcoming tone early. Names mentioned by passengers include Liv, David, Maggie, Nico and skipper Bruno, though the team working your departure may differ. The job is part host, part guide: keeping an eye out for wildlife, sharing facts about the animals and Madeira, and checking that everyone is comfortable.

Searching the water for whales and dolphins

The first stretch at sea is about looking, listening and letting the crew scan for signs of marine life. The planned route includes roughly 45 minutes of sailing, followed by a 30-minute stop for wildlife viewing and refreshments, then another 30-minute sail before the Cabo Girão break. Wildlife sightings depend on where the animals are that day, not on a fixed schedule.

You might see dolphins, whales or turtles. Past sightings have included bottlenose dolphins, Atlantic spotted dolphins, pilot whales and sperm whales, but no particular species is assured. Some outings see several animals close to the boat; others spot only a few in the distance, or none at all. The crew may stay in contact with shore-based spotters who help locate wildlife, but even good searching can’t turn nature into a guaranteed show.

The crew’s approach to the animals is part of the experience. Passengers have described the skipper keeping a respectful distance and the team talking about marine life and its welfare. That restraint is worth appreciating: close views are exciting, but the aim is to observe animals in their habitat, not chase them for a photograph.

If wildlife is your one and only reason for booking, keep the uncertainty in mind. The boat ride and scenery remain part of the outing, but you should be comfortable with the possibility of coming back without a sighting. Take seasickness medicine if you know you need it. The open water can be choppy, and one passenger specifically advised preparing for rougher conditions farther out.

Snacks, drinks and the value of onboard service

The all-inclusive element means you don’t have to bring money for drinks or snacks on board. Unlimited drinks include alcoholic options, and the welcome glass of sparkling wine is served before departure. Local snacks are included as well. Past menus have featured Madeira specialties, local wine, cinnamon coffee and pastel de nata, though the exact selection can change.

The service is a real part of the value here. Crew members have been described as bringing drinks and small trays of food to people at their seats, rather than leaving everyone to fend for themselves at a bar. That makes the boat feel more like a hosted outing than a basic transfer to a wildlife-viewing spot. It also gives you time to watch the sea rather than queue for a drink.

Still, think about what you’ll actually use. If you don’t drink alcohol and would rather spend the money on a simple boat ride, the open bar may not add much value for you. If you enjoy a comfortable boat, attentive hosting and the chance to sample local snacks while at sea, the package makes more sense.

Swimming beneath the 586-metre Cabo Girão

After the wildlife search, the catamaran makes a 30-minute stop beside Cabo Girão, described as the world’s second-highest sea cliff. Rising 586 metres above the water, it gives the coastal stop a dramatic backdrop. You’ll have time for photos and, conditions permitting, a swim or a snorkel before the boat turns back toward Funchal.

Snorkels and goggles are provided free, and towels have been available on some outings. Pool noodles, blankets and bags for wet items have also been mentioned, but don’t assume every extra will be on board. The dependable inclusions are the swimming stop and snorkel equipment.

The stop is a highlight for anyone who wants more than wildlife spotting from a deck. A dip in the Atlantic breaks up the sailing and gives you a different view of the coast. But it is optional, and you’ll want to dress for the weather and bring suitable swimwear if you plan to get in. The sea and conditions can vary; don’t count on a swim if the skipper decides it isn’t safe.

The route’s final sailing leg lasts about 45 minutes, with views of the Funchal coast on the way back to the marina. Between the search, cliff stop and return, the three hours feel like a compact coastal excursion rather than a single-purpose wildlife run.

Is $93 a fair price?

At $93 per person, this costs more than a basic whale-watching trip. You’re paying for more than the chance of seeing an animal: the catamaran, limited group size, indoor and outdoor seating, onboard toilets, swim stop, free snorkels and goggles, local snacks, unlimited drinks and a hosted experience all count toward the price.

The most persuasive value is the combination of comfort and personal attention. If a spacious boat and fewer people matter to you, the extra cost can be worthwhile. It’s also useful to have drinks and snacks included, especially on a three-hour trip when you may otherwise end up buying them separately. For some people, the experience is still enjoyable even when wildlife is scarce, thanks to the boat, coast and swim stop.

The price is harder to justify if you’re only interested in seeing whales, or if you’re happy to sit on a more crowded boat and don’t care about the open bar. No operator can promise a sighting. Treat the wildlife as the main hope, not a guaranteed purchase.

Who will enjoy this trip most

This outing suits couples, friends and solo visitors who want a comfortable few hours on the water, with wildlife watching and a chance to swim. It’s a good fit if you prefer room to move, value a helpful crew and like the idea of local food and drinks being part of the fare. The guided tour is offered in English, Portuguese and Spanish.

It may be less suitable if you’re prone to seasickness and unprepared for choppy water, or if you need a guaranteed animal encounter. Children under three are not suitable for the activity. The tour is listed as wheelchair accessible, but if you have specific access needs, confirm the arrangements with the operator before booking.

Dress for the weather, and bring swimwear if you want to use the swimming stop. Booking is flexible: you can reserve now and pay later, and cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund. A separate entrance is available to skip the line.

Should you book the Funchal catamaran tour?

Book it if you want a small-group feel, attentive service and a varied outing that combines wildlife searching with a swim beneath Cabo Girão. The included drinks and snacks, roomy catamaran and chance to move around make the higher price easier to understand.

Skip it if you want the cheapest possible boat trip, don’t care about onboard comforts or would be disappointed without a whale or dolphin sighting. For the best decision, ask yourself whether you’d still enjoy three hours at sea for the coastal views, crew and swim stop if the animals stay out of sight. If the answer is yes, this is a strong choice from Funchal.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

The tour lasts three hours, including the sailing time, wildlife search and stop at Cabo Girão.

Where is the meeting point?

Meet at the VipDolphins kiosk, located between Praça do Povo and the ocean. Search VipDolphins on Google Maps.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

What wildlife might I see?

The crew looks for dolphins, whales and turtles. Sightings vary, and none are guaranteed.

Can I swim or snorkel?

Yes. The tour includes a swimming stop beside Cabo Girão, and snorkels and goggles are provided free. Swimming depends on conditions.

Are drinks and food included?

Yes. Drinks, including alcohol, and local snacks are included. A glass of sparkling wine is served upon arrival.

What languages are available?

The live tour guide is available in English, Portuguese and Spanish.

Are young children allowed?

Children under three are not suitable for this activity.