From Funchal: Ecological Catamaran Dolphin Whale Watching

Embark on an unforgettable eco-adventure in Madeira’s pristine waters. The Ecological Catamaran Dolphin Whale Watching tour from Funchal offers a unique opportunity to witness the breathtaking marine life in a sustainable and silent manner. Aboard a custom-built catamaran equipped with hybrid-electric engines, guests can expect to spot a variety of fascinating creatures, from playful dolphins to majestic whales, all while enjoying stunning views of iconic landmarks. With professional spotters enhancing the chances of sightings, this tour promises an immersive and educational experience that goes beyond the typical whale-watching excursion.

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

Key Points

• Eco-friendly catamaran experience from Funchal to view dolphins, whales, turtles, and oceanic birds, with a duration of 2.5 to 3 hours.
• Custom-built catamaran with hybrid-electric engines, large observation nets, and amenities like a bar, toilets, and snorkeling equipment.
• Commitment to sustainable tourism and low-impact adventure that preserves Madeira’s marine ecosystem.
• Professional spotters stationed on land to enhance the chances of sighting marine life.
• Straightforward booking process with a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance and a reserve now, pay later option.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Activity Overview and Pricing

The Dolphin Whale Watching experience from Funchal offers visitors a chance to observe these magnificent marine creatures in their natural habitat.

Priced from $38.80 per person, the 2.5 to 3-hour custom-built Eco-catamaran cruise provides a unique opportunity to see dolphins, whales, turtles, and oceanic birds.

Guests can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, as well as the reserve now and pay later option.

With its hybrid-electric engines, the Magic Dolphin Eco catamaran ensures a silent, emission-free journey, allowing for an immersive and environmentally-friendly wildlife viewing experience.

Custom-Built Eco-Catamaran Features

Magic Dolphin Eco is the only purpose-built dolphin and whale watching catamaran in Madeira with hybrid-electric engines.

This innovative design enables silent, emission-free cruising, reducing noise and environmental impact.

The catamaran features:

• Large observation nets for unobstructed views of marine life
• Two expansive decks for sightseeing and relaxation
• Seating for all passengers
• Bar service, toilets, snorkeling equipment, and wheelchair accessibility for a comfortable experience

These advanced features and environmental commitments make the Magic Dolphin Eco the premier choice for responsible, eco-friendly dolphin and whale watching in Madeira.

Environmental Sustainability Commitment

Committed to environmental sustainability, the Magic Dolphin Eco catamaran prioritizes responsible practices that minimize its carbon footprint.

Equipped with hybrid-electric engines, the vessel operates in a silent, emission-free manner, reducing noise and greenhouse gas emissions. This eco-friendly technology allows for peaceful cruising, providing guests with an enhanced wildlife viewing experience.

By utilizing modern infrastructure like large observation nets and ample seating, the catamaran promotes a comfortable and immersive journey while upholding a commitment to environmental stewardship.

Through these measures, the Magic Dolphin Eco demonstrates its dedication to sustainable tourism, ensuring a low-impact adventure that preserves the natural splendor of Madeira’s marine ecosystem.

Offshore Wildlife Viewing Itinerary

Departing from Funchal, the custom-built catamaran embarks on a captivating offshore adventure to catch glimpses of Madeira’s diverse marine wildlife.

The itinerary highlights include:

• Cruising along the stunning Cabo Girão cliffs, one of the highest sea cliffs in Europe.
• Exploring the serene Camara de Lobos Bay, known for its picturesque fishing village.
• Passing the iconic Reid’s Hotel, a historic landmark overlooking the Funchal coastline.
• Employing professional whale spotters on land to enhance the chances of sighting dolphins, whales, turtles, and oceanic birds.

The eco-friendly catamaran’s silent, emission-free electric propulsion ensures a peaceful and sustainable wildlife viewing experience.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Professional Spotters and Sightings

To enhance the chances of spotting dolphins, whales, and other marine life, the tour employs professional spotters stationed on land.

These experts monitor the waters from strategic vantage points, keeping a keen eye out for any signs of wildlife activity. Their observations are then relayed to the crew, allowing the captain to guide the eco-catamaran towards the best viewing opportunities.

This coordinated effort maximizes the likelihood of encountering the charismatic marine creatures that inhabit the waters around Funchal.

Guests can rest assured that the tour is designed to provide the most rewarding wildlife viewing experience possible, thanks to the expertise of the land-based spotters.

Guest Feedback and Ratings

Consistently, guests have expressed high levels of satisfaction with the Dolphin Whale Watching experience from Funchal.

With an overall rating of 4.5/5 based on nearly 4,000 reviews, the experience has garnered praise for several key aspects:

• Knowledgeable and friendly staff who enhance the learning experience
• The cleanliness and spaciousness of the custom-built catamaran
• Frequent sightings of dolphins, turtles, and other marine life
• Responsible wildlife observation that prioritizes the animals’ wellbeing

While some guests recommend bringing a jacket for cooler temperatures, the consensus is that the Dolphin Whale Watching tour offers an engaging, eco-friendly, and memorable adventure off the coast of Madeira.

Important Rules and Guidelines

Travelers must check in at least 30 minutes before departure, as late arrivals won’t receive refunds. Certain items are prohibited on the eco-catamaran, including high-heeled shoes, pets, weapons, smoking, alcohol, and glass objects. Guests are also expected to respect the marine wildlife by refraining from feeding or touching the animals. Cancellations or booking changes must be made 24 hours prior to the departure time. The rules are summarized in the table below:

Requirement	Details
Check-in	30 minutes before departure
Late Arrivals	No refunds
Prohibited Items	High-heels, pets, weapons, smoking, alcohol, glass
Wildlife Interaction	No feeding or touching
Cancellation/Changes	24 hours prior to departure

Booking and Cancellation Policies

Booking the dolphin and whale watching tour is straightforward. Customers can reserve their spot and pay later, with the option of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

The tour operator’s modern website makes the booking process convenient, allowing guests to secure their spot with just a few clicks.

• Check-in is required 30 minutes before departure, and late arrivals won’t receive refunds.

• Certain items, such as high-heeled shoes, pets, and glass objects, are prohibited on the vessel.

• Guests are expected to respect the wildlife and refrain from feeding or touching the marine life.

• Cancellations or booking changes must be made at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled departure.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Guests are welcome to bring their own food and non-alcoholic drinks on the cruise, but glass objects and alcohol are prohibited. The crew provides a bar service for additional refreshments during the voyage.

What Is the Minimum Age Requirement for Children?

The minimum age requirement for children on this dolphin and whale watching cruise is not specified. However, the activity is recommended for all ages, with facilities like seating and wheelchair accessibility available for guests.

Is There an Option to Extend the Duration of the Tour?

The tour’s standard duration is 2.5-3 hours, but there’s no option to extend it. Guests must adhere to the scheduled timeframe, though they can reserve extra time for the activity during the booking process if needed.

Do You Offer Any Discounts for Students or Seniors?

Yes, Magic Dolphin offers discounts for students and seniors. Guests aged 65 and over receive a 10% discount, while students with valid ID can enjoy a 15% reduction on the standard ticket price.

Can I Request a Specific Seating Location on the Catamaran?

Yes, customers can request specific seating locations on the catamaran, subject to availability. The crew will do their best to accommodate requests, though they cannot guarantee any particular seat assignment.

Recap

The Ecological Catamaran Dolphin Whale Watching tour from Funchal offers an unforgettable eco-friendly experience. Guests embark on a 2.5 to 3-hour adventure aboard a custom-built catamaran, spotting dolphins, whales, turtles, and seabirds against the stunning backdrop of Madeira’s coastline. With professional spotters, hybrid-electric engines, and rave reviews, this tour provides an unparalleled opportunity to witness Madeira’s marine life in a sustainable and immersive manner.

You can check if your dates are available here: