15 Sailing Trips in Madeira, Compared

From Funchal: Ecological Catamaran Dolphin Whale Watching - Choosing your place on the catamaran

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

Set out from Funchal on a purpose-built catamaran with hybrid-electric engines, certified guides and land-based whale spotters. The 2.5 to 3-hour trip looks for dolphins, whales, turtles and seabirds, then follows Madeira’s south coast past Cabo Girão and includes a swim stop. Bar service, toilets, shaded seating and open viewing areas are on board.

“At first we had that "doomed to see nothing" feeling but three large schools of whales later, we were very happy.”

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Madeira Boat Trips, Madeira Tours, Madeira Whale and Dolphin Watching, Sailing, Tour Reviews

Funchal: Dolphin and Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise

2.Dolphin and Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise

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

From Funchal Marina, sail for three hours along Madeira’s coast aboard a spacious catamaran, watching for dolphins, whales and turtles. The crew speaks English and Portuguese and shares information about marine life. In summer, the trip may include a swim stop beneath Cabo Girão. Drinks are sold onboard; wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.

“Entire experience was amazing and all went as planned - we have been extremely lucky as we managed to watch whales and dolphins during the trip. Staff was helpful and also enjoyed watching with all the crew - we could see their happy faces. Wild life watching is seasonal and we picked the best time of the year.”

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Funchal Bay: Dolphin & Whale Watch Luxury Catamaran Cruise

3.Dolphin & Whale Watch Luxury Catamaran Cruise

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

Set sail from Funchal aboard the Atlantic Pearl for a three-hour coastal cruise with a crew speaking Portuguese and English. Watch for whales and dolphins, then stop near Cabo Girão for a swim or snorkel. The boat has covered seating, outdoor lounging areas, a bathroom and a bar where you can buy drinks.

“Despite not seeing any animals on the trip (obviously not the fault of the experience provider), we had such a great time. We chose the luxury catamaran as we wanted a more quieter experience, rather than a party boat and we got exactly what we paid for. We will cherish this memory! Thank you to the crew for the beautiful experience.”

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Funchal Tours, Madeira Boat Trips, Madeira Tours, Madeira Whale and Dolphin Watching, Sailing, Tour Reviews

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

Sail from Funchal aboard a purpose-built catamaran, watching for dolphins and whales guided by spotters on land. Certified guides explain the marine life, and hybrid-electric engines allow quieter cruising near cetaceans. The roughly three-hour outing may also pass Cabo Girão, Câmara de Lobos and Reid’s Hotel on the return.

“Well organised trip. We were on a cruise ship and walked to where the Magic Dolphin kiosk and boat are. All staff were very professional, particularly the staff on board. We saw pilot whales and common seals. Take a waterproof, as you may get very wet from sea spray on the return journey. You can purchase snacks and drinks on board although we didn’t take this up.”

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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

From Funchal Marina, sail aboard a comfortable catamaran toward Cabo Girão while the crew helps you spot dolphins, whales, birds, and turtles and explains Madeira’s marine life. Choose shade indoors or a sunny spot on deck. Most trips last three hours and include a welcome drink; July and August early-morning departures last 2.5 hours and skip the swim stop.

“Very helpful, informative guides. We had a great day out, didn't happen to see whales but plenty of dolphins and a beautiful morning out on the water (and a dip in as well) cannot be disappointing EVER. Recommend !”

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Evening Experiences, Madeira Boat Trips, Madeira Tours, Madeira Whale and Dolphin Watching, Sailing, Tour Reviews, Tours

Funchal: Dolphin and Whale Watching Sunset Sailing Tour

6.Dolphin and Whale Watching Sunset Sailing Tour

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

Set out from Funchal with a live guide and a group of up to 20, watching for dolphins, whales, and sea turtles before a swim or snorkel stop beneath Cabo Girão. You get snorkeling gear and drinks on board, plus a sunset at sea. Guides Bruno, Roberto, Marco, and José are among the crew names praised for their warm, attentive hosting.

“Loved the experience. We were able to spot pilot whales, dolphins. Special mention to our captain and sailor Mr Roberto and Mr Bruno for their energy.”

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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

Sail three hours from Funchal with a captain and guide, watching for dolphins, whales, and turtles offshore. The small yacht heads toward Cabo Girão for a swim and snorkel stop, weather and conditions permitting. Drinks and snorkel gear are included; crew members such as Bruno and Joseph have helped make the outing personal and relaxed.

“Very professional staff, it was a wonderful day! :) There were big waves, it was an experience. I saw dolphins too. It was a wonderful 3 hours on the water. The beer is delicious ;)”

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Evening Experiences, Madeira Boat Trips, Madeira Tours, Sailing, Tour Reviews, Tours

Madeira: Funchal Sunset Tour by Catamaran

8.Funchal Sunset Tour by Catamaran

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

Leave Funchal Marina for a three-hour catamaran cruise along Madeira’s south coast. The crew gives marine-life explanations in English and Portuguese while you look for dolphins and whales, stop near Cabo Girão for a possible swim, and watch the evening light change over the ocean. No animal sightings? You can take a second trip at no extra charge.

“The sunset tour was lovely. We were able to spot some dolphins and then go for a swim, which was really nice! We were initially concerned seeing the number of people on the boat as we thought it may be too crowded, but once on board, there was plenty of space and it was very comfortable.”

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Dolphin and Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise from Funchal

9.Dolphin and Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise from Funchal

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

Set out from Funchal Marina on a three-hour catamaran cruise along Madeira’s south coast. The crew scans for dolphins, whales, and other marine life, while sharing information about the animals and the island. If the sea is calm enough, you can swim below Cabo Girão. No cetacean sightings? You can take the trip again within one year.

“Love everything in this trip, seeing the Dolphins so near was breathtaking! Then that swim in Cabo girao was amazing!!! Well organised and very informative”

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Funchal Tours, Madeira Boat Trips, Sailing, Tour Reviews

Seaborn Catamaran trips

10.Seaborn Catamaran trips

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 432 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $42

Join Seaborn Catamaran at Funchal Marina for an approximately three-hour coastal cruise toward Cabo Girão. The crew handles the sailing while you watch for dolphins, whales, and turtles, take in the views, and order a drink at the onboard bar. In summer, there may be time for a swim. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.

“Just great, crew very helpful and informative. Saw pilot whales and dolphins. Good value for money we thought.”

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Half-Day, Madeira Boat Trips, Madeira Tours, Sailing, Tour Reviews

Half-day Catamaran Trip from Funchal

11.Half-day Catamaran Trip from Funchal

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 272 reviews · from $40

Leave Funchal Marina aboard a spacious catamaran for a relaxed three-hour cruise along Madeira’s coast. The crew searches for dolphins, whales, and turtles, then may stop for a swim beneath Cabo Girão in summer. Morning and afternoon departures are offered. Snorkel equipment rental is included with a cash deposit, though bringing your own mask is a sensible backup.

“Had a great trip, weather was windy and the crew kindly lent a coat to a cold passenger. Saw 7 pilot whales, amazing. Crew were helpful and informative. Safety info before we set off so we felt safe.”

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Eco-Friendly Catamaran Dolphin and Whale Watching

12.Eco-Friendly Catamaran Dolphin and Whale Watching

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 226 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours (approx.) · from $42

From Funchal Marina, Magic Dolphin’s catamaran heads offshore while land-based spotters scan for dolphins, whales and other marine life. A local guide provides live commentary, then the boat usually cruises past Cabo Girão and along Madeira’s south coast. The trip lasts about 2.5 to 3 hours; drinks and snacks are sold onboard, and a swim may be possible if time allows.

“Wonderful cruise, very relaxing and we were lucky enough to see a sperm whale and a family group of pilot whales with a baby. The staff were well informed and able to answer an questions about the whales as well as giving an interesting talk on what we had seen.”

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Full-Day, Madeira Boat Trips, Madeira Tours, Sailing, Tour Reviews

Desertas Islands Full-Day Catamaran Trip from Funchal

13.Desertas Islands Full-Day Catamaran Trip from Funchal

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

Sail from Funchal with an English- or Portuguese-speaking guide to the protected Desertas Islands. You’ll hear about monk seal conservation and local wildlife, walk to the conservation center on Deserta Grande, and have time for a swim or snorkel. Lunch and drinks are included. Expect a long day at sea, and bring shoes that can get wet.

“Amazing trip from beginning to end. Helpful crew, knowledgeable guide and it felt like a privilege to be able to walk on the island. we were lucky enough to see pilot whales and dolphins, we swam on the beach, snorkeling and paddle board. Tip of the day - wear beach shoes or Crocs or shoes you don't mind getting wet. Flip flops won't be suitable. Anyone with mobility difficulties will find it tricky getting in and out of the tender. Beautiful lunch served on board with plentiful food and beverage. All dietary requirements are catered for. My one slight criticism is the comfort on the catamaran. The bench style seating…”

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Half Day Tour on a Luxury Catamaran on Madeira Island

14.Half Day Tour on a Luxury Catamaran on Madeira Island

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 159 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $48

Set out from Praça do Povo in Funchal for about three hours aboard a catamaran with a maximum of 36 passengers. Watch for dolphins, whales, turtles, and other cetaceans, then stop for a swim before returning along Madeira’s coast. Snorkeling gear, WiFi, and a restroom are on board; drinks are available to buy.

“Beautiful boat which was immaculate. The crew were very bubbly yet professional. We were lucky to see a pod of pilot whales and a turtle. The crew didn’t disturb either for long which was good to see.”

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Cabo Girão Skywalk Tours, Evening Experiences, Madeira Boat Trips, Madeira Tours, Sailing, Tour Reviews, VIP

From Funchal: Cabo Girao Sunset Cruise on Luxury Catamaran

15.Cabo Girao Sunset Cruise on Luxury Catamaran

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

From Funchal, a guide leads this three-hour catamaran cruise along Madeira’s southern coast to the towering Cabo Girão cliff. Watch for dolphins and whales, then take a swim or snorkel stop before seeing the sun set over the Atlantic. Drinks are available to buy onboard, and bathrooms are on the boat.

“Was a Last minute booking and thank god we did book! We had the most amazing time! The guide was so lovely and helpful explaining how to kayak and stayed with us while we were travelling to the beach so make sure we were all doing okay! when we got to the beach he told us a bit of history about the island and animals which was really interesting! Had the best time snorkelling and saw some amazing fish! The colours on them were gorgeous. All together had the most amazing time, we go given 2 waters and 2 redballs for the trip and got given snorkelling equipment as well.…”

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