Funchal’s best sailing excursions center on its rich marine wildlife and stunning coastline.
Madeira’s primary whale and dolphin watching tour lasts about 3 hours and consistently delivers memorable encounters with pilot whales, bottlenose dolphins, and sometimes sperm whales. We love this tour for its expert naturalist guides and ecological focus.
Seaborn Catamaran Trips earns our recommendation for its well-planned coastal routes and reliable wildlife spotting, especially dolphins and sea turtles.
For travelers wanting both sea and city experiences, the combination Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour with catamaran cruise offers excellent value, allowing 48 hours of flexible exploring.
Let’s look at these top-rated maritime adventures in detail.
Key Points
- Madeira Dolphin and Whale Watching offers 2.5-3 hour tours to spot pilot whales, bottlenose dolphins, and sperm whales, with knowledgeable crew and included lunch.
- Seaborn Catamaran Trips provide scenic coastal cruises to see local wildlife like dolphins and turtles, with onboard amenities and high customer ratings.
- The Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour and Catamaran Experience combines a 48-hour bus pass with a scenic catamaran cruise, offering flexibility and additional discounts.
- Sailing experiences in Funchal range from 2.5 to 5 hours, allowing visitors to choose the duration that best fits their schedule and interests.
- Many sailing tours in Funchal include wildlife spotting, coastal scenery, and additional activities like wine tasting, making them well-rounded experiences.
Madeira Dolphin and Whale Watching on a Ecological Catamaran
Embark on an unforgettable adventure aboard Magic Dolphin’s ecological catamaran for a chance to witness the maritime wonders of Madeira. This 2.5-to-3-hour tour departs from Funchal and promises sightings of pilot whales, bottlenose dolphins, and even sperm whales.
The knowledgeable crew provides insightful commentary and assistance throughout the journey, ensuring you make the most of your wildlife viewing experience. While swimming opportunities may be available, the stunning coastline of Madeira alone is worth the trip.
Reviews praise the organization and dedication of the staff, with many guests reporting memorable encounters with dolphins and other marine life. However, some visitors have expressed disappointment over missed sightings, so keep your expectations realistic.
Priced at $37.64 per person, the tour includes lunch, hotel pickup and drop-off, and multilingual guides.
With a maximum capacity of 149 travelers, be sure to arrive 30 minutes early and check in at the kiosk for your boarding pass. Cancellations are free up to 24 hours before the experience.
Read our full review: Madeira Dolphin and Whale Watching on a Ecological Catamaran Review
Book now: Check availability
Seaborn Catamaran Trips
Experience the scenic splendor of Madeira’s coastline aboard the Seaborn Catamaran. This adventure-filled trip offers the chance to spot local wildlife, including dolphins, turtles, and whales. The catamaran boasts an onboard bar and the option to snorkel during the summer months.
What’s more, you don’t need any sailing experience – the crew operates the boat, allowing you to sit back and enjoy the ride.
With 362 reviews and a 4.5-star rating, the Seaborn Catamaran trip has earned praise for its friendly and professional crew, as well as the incredible wildlife sightings. Customers have reported seeing pilot whales, sperm whales, and bottlenose dolphins, with the crew providing informative commentary on the species.
While some travelers have noted occasional booking issues, the overall experience is overwhelmingly positive.
The meeting point is the Marina do Funchal, where you’ll need to check-in 30 minutes before departure. The trip can accommodate up to 100 travelers and is conveniently located near public transportation.
Prices start at $37.64 per person, with a “Reserve Now and Pay Later” option for added flexibility.
Read our full review: Seaborn Catamaran Trips Review
Book now: Check availability
Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour and Catamaran Whale & Dolphin Watching
Explore Funchal’s captivating sights and witness the underwater wonders of Madeira’s coastline with the Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour and Catamaran Whale & Dolphin Watching experience.
This comprehensive tour offers a 48-hour pass, allowing you to hop on and off at 29 stops to discover highlights like the Old Town, Avenida do Mar, and local markets.
Climb aboard the catamaran for a scenic cruise and spot dolphins, whales, turtles, and seabirds. Enhance your experience with a wine tasting at the Old Blandys Wine Lodge and enjoy a 10% discount at the Bordal Embroideries Factory.
The tour provides commentary via audio guide and discounts on other attractions. With a duration of 5 hours and departures every 30-45 minutes, this tour offers flexibility and convenience.
Whether you’re seeking panoramic views, culture, or marine life sightings, this Hop-on Hop-off experience delivers a well-rounded exploration of Funchal’s charms.
Read our full review: Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour and Catamaran Whale & Dolphin Watching Review
Book now: Check availability
Recap
You’ll find plenty of fantastic sailing experiences in Funchal. From eco-friendly dolphin and whale watching tours to flexible hop-on hop-off catamaran trips, there’s something for every sailor. Don’t miss the chance to spot marine life and take in stunning coastal views. With so many options, you’re sure to have an unforgettable time on the water.