Funchal’s boat tours offer excellent value for experiencing Madeira’s dramatic coastline and marine life. The standout choice is the 3-hour Ecological Catamaran cruise – it’s the most reliable way to spot whales and dolphins while learning from expert naturalists. I especially love the traditional wooden boat excursions, which include tastings of local Madeira wine and showcase the island’s maritime heritage. For families and small groups, the Seaborn Catamaran provides the right mix of sightseeing and swimming stops at Machico Bay. Most tours feature easy cancellation policies and accessibility options. Let’s explore the best boat tours worth your time and money.
Key Points
- Ecological Catamaran and Seaborn Catamaran offer highly-rated dolphin and whale watching tours with sightings of diverse marine species.
- Wooden Boat Excursion and Private Yacht Charter provide unique and personalized boat experiences with complimentary drinks and scenic views.
- Tours like the 5 Hour East Coast Boat Excursion and Madeira Sunset Boat Trip offer additional amenities such as lunch, swim stops, and live commentary.
- Wheelchair accessibility, stroller-friendly options, and free cancellation policies make the boat tours in Funchal accessible and flexible.
- Affordable pricing, group discounts, and second trip guarantees on some tours ensure value and optimize the overall customer experience.
Madeira Dolphin and Whale Watching on a Ecological Catamaran
Why not embark on a captivating dolphin and whale watching excursion aboard Madeira’s ecological catamaran?
This 2.5-to-3-hour cruise from Funchal allows you to witness the thriving ocean ecology of the region. Sail the seas in comfort while keeping an eye out for pilot whales, dolphins, and sperm whales.
The knowledgeable crew will share insights about Madeira’s marine life, and the well-maintained catamaran provides wheelchair access and stroller-friendly amenities.
With an overall rating of 4.5 from over 1,500 reviews, this tour offers an immersive and educational wildlife experience.
Priced from $37.60 per person with free cancellation, it’s a must-do activity for nature enthusiasts visiting Funchal.
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Madeira : Whales and Dolphins Wooden Boat Excursion
Step aboard a traditional wooden boat and embark on a captivating 3-hour whale and dolphin watching excursion in Madeira. Priced from $42.24 per person, this English-guided tour offers the opportunity to spot these magnificent marine creatures.
Enjoy a complimentary welcome drink of Madeira wine as you set sail. While sightings aren’t guaranteed, the operator provides a second trip for just €10 per person if you don’t see any whales or dolphins the first time.
The tour departs from Pier 8 in Funchal and is wheelchair accessible. Though reviews are mixed, with some guests desiring more wildlife encounters, the boat offers a scenic way to soak up the sun and seek out Madeira’s aquatic wonders.
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Seaborn Catamaran Trips
The Seaborn Catamaran trips offer a thrilling way for travelers to explore the waters around Funchal, Portugal. Located in the Marina do Funchal, these catamaran tours provide the chance to potentially spot dolphins, whales, and other marine life.
Priced from $37.60 per person, the trips offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and a Reserve Now and Pay Later option. Travelers can check in 30 minutes before the experience starts, with the tour returning to the original meeting point.
While sightings aren’t guaranteed, past guests have reported seeing a variety of species, including pilot whales, sperm whales, and even a hammerhead shark.
With an overall rating of 4.5/5 from 365 reviews, the Seaborn Catamaran trips are a popular choice for those seeking a memorable ocean adventure.
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From Funchal : Wooden Boat Excursion to Desertas Island
For those seeking a unique adventure in Funchal, the Wooden Boat Excursion to Desertas Island offers an unforgettable opportunity.
The 7.5-hour excursion, priced from $86.59 per person, includes a high possibility of marine life sightings, stunning coastal landscapes, and opportunities for walking, swimming, and snorkeling.
The guided tour also includes a welcome drink, lunch, and a seasonal return drink.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a reserve now, pay later option, this flexible tour caters to various travel plans.
Based on 15 reviews, customers praise the excellent and informative guides, the relaxing experience, and the rare sightings of whales, dolphins, and even a hammerhead shark.
Read our full review: From Funchal : Wooden Boat Excursion to Desertas Island Review
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Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour and Catamaran Whale & Dolphin Watching
Offering a different perspective on exploring Funchal, the Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour and Catamaran Whale & Dolphin Watching provides travelers the freedom to create their own adventure.
With a 1-day pass for the bus tour and a 48-hour validity, visitors can hop on and off at 29 stops to discover the city’s highlights, from the Nossa Senhora do Monte Church to the Funchal Market.
The 3-hour catamaran cruise also promises the chance to spot dolphins, whales, turtles, and seabirds.
Complemented by an audio guide, discounts, and free entry to the Old Blandys Wine Lodge, this tour caters to independent-minded travelers seeking a flexible and immersive Funchal experience.
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Madeira : 5 Hour East Coast Boat Excursion
Madeira’s east coast beckons travelers with its dramatic landscapes, from the towering cliffs of Garajau Reserve to the weathered formations of Ponta de São Lourenço.
This 5-hour boat excursion offers a comprehensive tour, including a swim stop at Machico Bay and visits to natural reserves. Priced from $79.20 per person, the tour includes a welcome drink, lunch, and live commentary.
While the itinerary may vary, the excursion promises to showcase Madeira’s coastal landmarks like Cristo Rei and Santa Cruz.
Wheelchair accessible and with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this boat tour provides a hassle-free way to explore Madeira’s stunning east coast.
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Porto Santo One-Day Cruise and Tour
Travelers exploring Funchal can embark on a full-day excursion to the neighboring island of Porto Santo. The tour includes a ferry ride and a 2.5-hour sightseeing tour by minibus.
Highlights include Calheta beach, Quinta das Palmeiras garden, Casa da Serra, and Pico Castelo. The tour is operated by Lido Tours and accommodates up to 15 passengers.
Pickup and drop-off in Funchal are provided. Travelers will learn about Porto Santo’s history, culture, and economy from the guide and have opportunities for photography and exploration.
While the tour is generally well-received, some visitors have expressed concerns about value for money and long wait times. The tour starts at $145.02 per person and is wheelchair accessible.
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Madeira: Boat Trip
For those seeking a more immersive experience in Madeira’s stunning natural beauty, the Madeira: Boat Trip offers a captivating 4-hour journey along the island’s picturesque coastline.
Priced at €860.00 for up to 10 participants, the cruise includes a 2-hour yacht sail, an optional 1-hour break for swimming and snorkeling, and a leisurely return to the marina.
Guests can enjoy light snacks, local wines, and the chance to spot marine life such as fish, dolphins, whales, and turtles.
With a wheelchair-accessible yacht and multilingual crew, this tour caters to a wide range of travelers.
Flexibility is a key feature, as the option to extend the trip to 8 hours for €1600.00 is available.
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Private Ponta São Lourenço Walk and Boat Return
The Private Ponta São Lourenço Walk and Boat Return takes visitors on a captivating exploration of Madeira’s stunning Ponta São Lourenço peninsula.
This private excursion offers a combination of a guided walk and a boat trip back, providing a unique perspective of the island’s natural beauty. Priced from $80.57 per person, the tour includes private transportation, Wi-Fi, live commentary, and hotel/port pickup and drop-off.
While not wheelchair accessible, the tour welcomes most travelers, including children accompanied by an adult.
With 5-star reviews across multiple platforms, this tour promises an unforgettable experience for those seeking to enjoy Madeira’s remarkable landscapes.
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Cruise Trips
Alongside the picturesque coastline of Funchal, travelers can embark on captivating cruise trips that offer a unique perspective of Madeira’s natural splendor.
One popular option is a private yacht charter that sails along the island’s rugged shores. Priced from $51.74 per person, the 3-hour excursion accommodates small groups of up to 12 participants and allows them to soak in scenic views, swim in crystal-clear waters, and enjoy an open bar with unlimited drinks.
Featuring a well-equipped yacht with outdoor amenities, the cruise trips receive high praise for their friendly crew, personalized service, and exceptional food and drinks.
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Funchal : Banana Boat Experience
Travelers in Funchal can embark on an exhilarating banana boat experience, departing from the marina do Funchal’s pier nº8. The 10-minute ride accommodates up to 8 participants, offering a thrilling journey with jumps and sharp turns.
Priced from $52.80 per group (up to 4), the activity includes lifejackets, towels, and swimwear. While not suitable for children under 5, pregnant women, or wheelchair users, the experience is fun for all ages.
However, based on a single review, the ride may be deemed “too slow and too boring.” The friendly staff provides instruction in English and Portuguese, ensuring a safe and enjoyable outing on the water.
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Madeira: Sunset Boat Trip
For those seeking a tranquil and visually captivating experience in Madeira, the sunset boat trip aboard the DIVINE 1 – STARFISHER yacht offers an unforgettable journey.
Lasting 4 hours, this activity provides a chance to witness the golden pink hues of the sunset from the comfort of a luxurious yacht. Priced from $908.11 per person, the trip is available in Russian, English, and Portuguese, and is wheelchair accessible.
Guests can enjoy an onboard bar, personalized service, and various fishing techniques. The serene boat journey, with a glass of champagne in hand, creates a truly romantic atmosphere as the first stars begin to twinkle in the evening sky.
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Madeira: Sunset Over Water by RIB Boat
Those seeking a more thrilling waterborne experience can embark on a sunset RIB boat tour along Madeira’s coast.
The 3-hour Dolphin and Whale Watching Sunset Sailing Tour ($47.52 per person) offers visitors the chance to spot marine life as the sun dips below the horizon. With 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,427 reviews, this tour is likely to sell out.
For a more adventurous option, the OFF-ROAD BUGGY ADVENTURE TO FUNDUR ($73.92 per person) combines a Jeep tour with a RIB boat ride over 8 hours.
Guests can explore Madeira’s scenic waterfalls and forests before taking to the open waters.
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Recap
Funchal offers a variety of cruise and boat tour options to suit different interests and budgets. From dolphin and whale watching to island excursions and sunset trips, visitors can explore Madeira’s stunning coastline and marine life. Whether you prefer a catamaran, wooden boat, or RIB boat, there’s a tour to provide an unforgettable experience on the water.