Dolphin and Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise From Funchal

Embarking on a captivating 3-hour excursion along Madeira’s picturesque south coast, travelers can witness the majestic displays of dolphins and whales in their natural habitat. Aboard a stylish catamaran, expert guides share insights into the local wildlife and provide opportunities to try basic sailing techniques. As visitors soak in the stunning coastal vistas and indulge in delicious food and drinks, they’ll be immersed in the awe-inspiring marine life that inhabits these pristine waters. But the thrill of encountering these remarkable creatures up close is just the beginning…

This experience made our list of the 20 Best Whale Watching Experiences In Madeira.

Key Points

• This 3-hour catamaran cruise allows visitors to witness dolphins and whales in their natural habitat along Madeira’s picturesque south coast.
• The tour includes the opportunity to try basic sailing techniques and swim in the waters of Cabo Girão, weather permitting.
• An expert guide provides insights into the local wildlife and ensures a personalized experience for a maximum of 180 travelers.
• The tour offers a guarantee of another trip if no cetaceans are spotted, valid for one year.
• Reviewers praise the captivating sightings of marine creatures, stunning coastal vistas, and knowledgeable and friendly guides.

Tour Overview

This dolphin and whale watching tour from Funchal allows guests to cruise alongside Madeira’s picturesque south coast in a stylish catamaran, providing opportunities to spot marine life in their natural habitat.

The 3-hour excursion offers the chance to witness dolphins and whales up close, and participants can even take a refreshing dip in the waters of Cabo Girão or try their hand at some basic sailing techniques.

With a friendly guide to provide expertise, this tour is a great way to experience the beauty and wildlife of Madeira’s coastline.

Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or simply looking for an enjoyable day out on the water, this tour is sure to delight.

What’s Included

A friendly guide accompanies travelers on this 3-hour dolphin spotting and whale watching tour, which also includes food and drinks.

The catamaran cruise provides the opportunity to spot marine life in their natural habitat along Madeira’s south coast.

Guests can even try their hand at some basic sailing techniques or take a dip in the waters of the Cabo Girão, weather permitting.

With a maximum of 180 travelers, this tour offers an intimate and personalized experience to observe the incredible creatures that call the ocean home.

The tour provider also guarantees another trip if no cetaceans are spotted during the initial outing, valid for one year.

Logistics

The tour departs from the VMT Madeira Kiosk located in the Funchal Marina, where guests must check-in 30 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time.

Confirmation of the booking is provided at the time of purchase.

The tour is accessible by public transportation, but it’s not wheelchair-friendly, though strollers are allowed.

Children must be accompanied by an adult, and there are restrictions for those with heart problems or other serious medical conditions.

The tour has a maximum capacity of 180 travelers.

Guests should bring sunscreen, a windbreaker, a towel, and a bathing suit, as the tour may include an opportunity to take a dip in the waters of Cabo Girão, weather and sea conditions permitting.

Additional Information

In the event guests don’t spot any cetaceans during the tour, the company offers them the same trip again on an alternative occasion, valid for up to a year. This ensures customers have the best chance of seeing the magnificent marine life.

On top of that, swimming is subject to favorable weather and sea conditions, as the safety of passengers is of the utmost importance.

The catamaran cruise allows guests to enjoy the natural habitat of dolphins and whales, providing an unforgettable experience.

With a friendly guide, delicious food and drinks, and the possibility of hands-on sailing, this tour offers something for all to enjoy along Madeira’s stunning south coast.

Reviews

With an impressive 549 reviews and a prestigious Badge of Excellence, the dolphin and whale watching catamaran cruise from Funchal boasts a remarkable 4.5 rating, showcasing its ability to deliver an unforgettable experience for visitors.

According to the reviews, guests are captivated by:

• The thrill of witnessing majestic marine creatures in their natural habitat
• The stunning coastal vistas and the breathtaking scenery of Madeira’s south shore
• The knowledgeable and friendly guides who enhance the tour with their expertise
• The opportunity to enjoy the serene waters of the Cabo Girão
• The overall convenience, organization, and seamless execution of the tour

These glowing reviews highlight the tour’s ability to create lasting memories and exceed the expectations of discerning travelers.

Dolphin Watching

Aboard the stylish catamaran, guests embark on an exhilarating journey to spot the majestic dolphins that call Madeira’s pristine waters home.

The experienced guides skillfully navigate the boat, scanning the horizon for any signs of these playful marine mammals.

As the catamaran cruises along the island’s stunning southern coastline, guests keep a keen eye out for dolphin pods, eager to catch a glimpse of their mesmerizing acrobatics.

Whether it’s the common dolphin, the bottlenose dolphin, or the rare Risso’s dolphin, each sighting is a thrilling moment, allowing visitors to connect with these intelligent creatures in their natural habitat.

The dolphin watching experience is undoubtedly a highlight of the tour, leaving guests with lasting memories of their encounter with these captivating marine animals.

Whale Watching

As the catamaran glides along the island’s striking southern coastline, guests shift their focus skyward, eagerly scanning the horizon for any sign of the majestic whales that inhabit Madeira’s pristine waters.

The sighting of these gentle giants elicits a sense of wonder and excitement, as their powerful yet graceful movements captivate the audience. The tour guide provides insightful commentary, sharing fascinating facts about the different whale species and their behaviors.

Guests hold their breath in anticipation, hoping to witness a spectacular breach or a fluke-slapping display. The whale watching experience offers a truly humbling and unforgettable connection with the natural world.

Awe-inspiring sightings of majestic whales

Immersive learning about these magnificent creatures

Thrilling moments of observing whales in their natural habitat

A profound sense of connection with the ocean’s inhabitants

Memories that will last a lifetime

Sailing Techniques

For those seeking a hands-on experience, the crew proudly offers the opportunity to try out basic sailing techniques during the tour. Guests can learn how to adjust the sails, steer the catamaran, and gain a deeper appreciation for the art of navigating the open waters.

Under the guidance of experienced sailors, you will get to grips with the basics of sailing, feeling the power of the wind as they propel the vessel across the waves.

This interactive element adds an extra layer of excitement to the already captivating dolphin and whale watching experience, allowing guests to become active participants in the maritime adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?

The tour has no age restrictions, but children must be accompanied by an adult. Families with young children are welcome to join the dolphin and whale watching experience.

Is the Tour Suitable for Individuals With Mobility Issues?

The tour is not wheelchair accessible, but it’s stroller accessible. Individuals with mobility issues may find the tour challenging, as it involves getting on and off the catamaran. It’s best to speak with the tour operator for more details.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

The tour allows participants to bring their own food and drinks. However, complimentary food and drinks are provided as part of the tour, so there’s no need to bring your own unless you have specific dietary requirements.

How Often Do the Tours Run During the Day?

The tours typically run multiple times a day, often offering morning and afternoon departures. The frequency can vary depending on demand and weather conditions, so it’s best to check the tour operator’s schedule when booking.

Can I Cancel or Reschedule the Tour if Needed?

Customers can generally cancel or reschedule the tour if needed. Most tour operators allow changes or cancellations prior to the tour date, often with a small fee. Policies vary, so it’s best to check the specifics with the provider.

Recap

This captivating 3-hour excursion along Madeira’s south coast offers a chance to witness the majestic displays of dolphins and whales in their natural habitat.

Aboard a stylish catamaran, guests will be guided by experts who’ll share insights into the local wildlife and provide opportunities to try basic sailing techniques.

With stunning coastal vistas, delicious food and drinks, and awe-inspiring marine life, this cruise is a must-do for nature enthusiasts.