All Inclusive Whale and Dolphin Watching Luxury Tour

Madeira’s Atlantic coast is best seen from the water, and this three-hour catamaran trip gives you two good reasons to go: wild dolphins and whales in their natural setting, followed by a swim beneath towering Cabo Girão. The boat has indoor and outdoor seating, plenty of room to move, and a crew that keeps watch for wildlife while serving Madeira snacks and drinks.

I like the small-group feel, with space to find a good viewing spot instead of being packed shoulder to shoulder. I also like the thoughtful touches, including towels, changing areas, toilets, snorkels, phone charging, and crew-taken photographs on some departures. The main drawback is simple: wildlife is never guaranteed, and the open Atlantic can turn choppy, so bring seasickness medicine if you need it.

At a glance

• Small-group catamaran: Departures are limited to about 17 people, leaving plenty of room to sit, stand, and change viewpoints.
• Wildlife search: Look for pilot whales, sperm whales, bottlenose dolphins, Atlantic spotted dolphins, turtles, and other marine life.
• Cabo Girão swim: Stop for about 30 minutes below the 586-meter sea cliff, with snorkels and goggles supplied.
• All-inclusive drinks: Expect local wines, beer, cocktails, soft drinks, coffee, and a welcome glass of sparkling wine.
• Madeira snacks: The crew serves local treats such as pastel de nata, cinnamon coffee, and small plates of regional food.
• Useful onboard extras: Toilets, towels, blankets, changing facilities, plastic bags for wet clothes, and outdoor and indoor seating are provided.

Setting out from Funchal Marina

You meet at the VipDolphins kiosk between Praça do Povo and the ocean. It is an easy starting point if you are already in central Funchal, but there is no hotel pickup, so you need to make your own way to the new marina.

Boarding begins with a glass of sparkling wine. That small welcome helps set the tone: this is not a bare-bones wildlife boat where you simply grab a seat and wait. The crew serves drinks and local snacks throughout the trip, and the catamaran is kept clean and orderly.

The boat has both outdoor and indoor seating. Outside is best when you want an open view and fresh air, while the indoor area gives you shelter if the sun becomes strong or the sea turns rough. You can move around during the trip, which matters when wildlife appears on one side of the boat.

The limited passenger count is one of the clearest reasons to choose this tour over a cheaper, crowded departure. A full boat can make a wildlife sighting frustrating, with blocked views and little room to move. Here, the smaller group gives you a better chance of finding a clear place to watch.

The first 45 minutes: heading into open water

The catamaran spends about 45 minutes sailing away from Funchal while the crew searches for dolphins, whales, and turtles. The pace is part of the experience. You get broad views back toward Funchal, the steep Madeiran coast, and the changing relationship between the island and the Atlantic.

The crew keeps watch for signs of marine life and shares information about the animals, Madeira’s geography, and landmarks along the coast. Some departures have included crew members called Liv, David, Bruno, Maggie, Nico, Margarita, and Chico, although the exact team can change.

This is not a guaranteed animal encounter. The boat may find pilot whales close to the hull, bottlenose dolphins riding nearby, or sperm whales farther out. It may also find only distant dolphins, or no wildlife at all. The crew can search and work with land-based spotters, but no operator can control where wild animals appear.

That uncertainty is worth accepting before you book. Several departures have produced close encounters with pilot whales and dolphins, while others have had no sightings. The boat, coastal views, service, and swim stop still provide a full outing, but you should not treat the wildlife portion like a scheduled show.

The water can be calm or choppy. A catamaran gives you a stable platform, but it does not remove the motion of the sea. If you are prone to seasickness, take your usual remedy before boarding and consider sitting farther back, where the movement may feel easier.

Wildlife watching with room to move

The best part of the boat is the ability to change position. You can sit in the shade, move outside for a clearer view, or shift sides when the crew points out animals. That flexibility is far more useful than it sounds when a pod appears briefly and everyone needs to see the same patch of water.

Sightings described on this route include short-finned pilot whales, bottlenose dolphins, Atlantic spotted dolphins, sperm whales, and turtles. You might see animals near the boat, but you might also see them at a distance. The responsible approach is to let the crew position the catamaran carefully rather than chase animals at speed.

The crew’s attitude toward wildlife is another strong point. They are described as keeping a respectful distance and following welfare rules. One crew even removed a plastic bag from the sea, a small action that shows the practical side of marine care.

You should bring patience. Wildlife watching often involves stretches of quiet water followed by a sudden burst of activity. Keep your eyes open, listen for directions, and resist spending the whole trip trying to take photographs. On some trips, the crew takes pictures and sends them to passengers later, which lets you watch more closely in the moment.

Local food and the open bar

The all-inclusive setup is a real part of the value, not just a line in the description. Drinks are served throughout the trip and can include beer, wine, cocktails, soft drinks, coffee, and water. The exact selection may vary, but guests have singled out Madeira wines, rum cocktails, and cinnamon coffee.

Local snacks arrive during the sail. Pastel de nata has received particular praise, along with assorted Madeira specialties and small trays of food. These are light bites rather than a full meal, so eat beforehand if you need lunch or breakfast.

The crew often brings drinks and snacks to your seat. That makes the trip feel relaxed, especially when the boat is moving and you would rather stay in place watching the sea. It also means the open bar does not require you to keep walking back and forth.

Alcohol is included, but moderation matters. The boat can become bumpy, and drinking heavily on open water is a poor match for seasickness. Enjoy the local wine or cocktail, but keep water in the rotation.

The secret stop and the Cabo Girão swim

The route includes a short stop before Cabo Girão, listed at about 30 minutes, where you may have more time for marine-life viewing, local snacks, and drinks. The exact setting is described as a secret stop, so you should not expect a named shore attraction or a formal land visit.

The main scheduled break comes beside Cabo Girão. At 586 meters, or about 1,920 feet, it is described as the world’s second-highest sea cliff. From the water, the height feels especially dramatic because the dark cliff rises directly from the Atlantic.

You get about 30 minutes here for photographs and swimming. The water is described as clear, and many people use the stop for a refreshing swim or a little snorkeling. Snorkels and goggles are included, along with towels and pool noodles on some departures.

You do not have to swim. You can stay aboard, enjoy a drink, and look up at the cliff while others enter the water. That makes the stop workable for mixed groups, including people who want the scenery but are not comfortable in the Atlantic.

The stop is one of the strongest features of the trip, but it is also weather dependent. Sea conditions can affect how comfortable swimming feels, and the length of the break is limited. Bring a swimsuit under your clothes and use the changing facilities aboard the catamaran.

The return sail to Funchal

After Cabo Girão, the boat spends roughly 45 minutes returning to the marina. This final stretch gives you another chance to sit outside, watch the coast, and finish the snacks and drinks.

The return can feel very different from the outward journey. At the start, you are scanning the horizon and waiting for animals. On the way back, you have seen the route and can focus on the coastline, the cliff views, and the comfort of the boat.

Afternoon departures can offer changing light and sunset views, based on the time available. Check the departure time when booking if that matters to you. The tour itself lasts three hours, but exact start times vary.

Why the $93 price can make sense

At $93 per person, this is not the cheapest whale-watching option in Madeira. The price makes more sense when you count what is included: a three-hour guided sail, a smaller passenger load, unlimited drinks, local snacks, sparkling wine, a swim stop, snorkeling equipment, towels, onboard toilets, and indoor and outdoor seating.

The biggest premium is the space. A crowded boat may get you onto the same Atlantic water for less money, but the experience can feel noisy and cramped. Here, you are paying for room to move, a calmer setting, and more direct attention from the crew.

The wildlife itself cannot justify the price every time because sightings are unpredictable. If you only want to see a dolphin and would be satisfied with any boat, a less expensive trip may suit you better. If you care about comfort, service, drinks, and a proper stop beneath Cabo Girão, the higher cost is easier to defend.

I would also count the small conveniences. Free snorkeling equipment means you do not need to rent gear. Towels and changing areas save luggage space. The crew’s photographs, when provided, can save you from choosing between watching an animal and trying to photograph it.

Who should book this catamaran?

This tour suits you if you want a boat trip that combines wildlife, scenery, swimming, and good onboard service. Couples, small groups, and adults celebrating a special day will likely appreciate the open bar and quieter setting.

It is also a good fit for anyone who dislikes crowded excursions. The limited group size gives you more personal space and makes it easier to speak with the crew. Guides speak English, Portuguese, and Spanish.

Families should note the age rule: children under three are not suitable for this activity. The catamaran is wheelchair accessible, but you should confirm the practical details when booking if you need specific assistance.

This is less suitable if you cannot tolerate boat motion, dislike alcohol-centered outings, or want a guaranteed wildlife sighting. It is also not a replacement for a full meal, despite the steady stream of snacks.

Dress for the weather and bring a swimsuit, sunscreen, and a light layer. Conditions can change quickly on the water. If you plan to swim, pack a dry change of clothes, even though towels and facilities are provided.

Booking flexibility and meeting details

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. A reserve-now, pay-later option is also available, which helps if you are arranging several Madeira activities around the weather.

The meeting point is the VipDolphins kiosk between Praça do Povo and the ocean. Search for VipDolphins on Google Maps, and allow enough time to find the marina entrance. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

The tour has a separate entrance and a live guide. Starting times vary, so check availability for your chosen date rather than assuming a fixed morning or afternoon schedule.

Should you book it?

I would book this tour if you want a comfortable small-group day on the Atlantic, not simply the lowest-cost way to look for whales. The catamaran, service, local snacks, open bar, and Cabo Girão swim give the trip several good parts, so it can still be worthwhile on a day when wildlife stays hidden.

Book with realistic expectations. You may see pilot whales, sperm whales, dolphins, or turtles close to the boat, but you may also see little or nothing. The strongest reason to choose this departure is the combination of room, care, and scenery. If that sounds better than sitting in a packed boat, the extra $93 is easier to justify.

FAQ

Where does the whale-watching tour start?

Meet at the VipDolphins kiosk between Praça do Povo and the ocean at Funchal’s new marina. You can search for VipDolphins on Google Maps.

How long does the catamaran tour last?

The tour lasts three hours. The route includes about 45 minutes sailing out, a wildlife search and short stop, 30 minutes beside Cabo Girão, and about 45 minutes sailing back.

Are drinks and food included?

Yes. Drinks, including alcoholic options, are included, along with local snacks and a welcome glass of sparkling wine. The selection can include wine, beer, cocktails, soft drinks, and coffee.

Can I swim and snorkel?

Yes. The tour includes a swimming stop beside Cabo Girão. Snorkels and goggles are supplied free of charge, and towels are available aboard.

Is wildlife guaranteed?

No. The crew searches for dolphins, whales, and turtles, but sightings depend on wild animals and sea conditions. Some trips see several species, while others see no wildlife.

Is the tour suitable for young children?

Children under three are not suitable for this activity. The tour is wheelchair accessible, and live guiding is available in English, Portuguese, and Spanish.