Portugal · Catamaran tour

Funchal Bay: Dolphin & Whale Watch Luxury Catamaran Cruise

Enjoy views of Funchal Bay aboard a luxury catamaran cruise and look for whales and dolphins in their natural habitat. Immerse yourself in the crystalline waters of Cabo Girão during a swim stop.

★ 4.23020 reviews
$44From / person
Madeira, PortugalMeeting point area

Free cancellation on most bookings · Bookings handled by GetYourGuide

Funchal Bay: Dolphin & Whale Watch Luxury Catamaran Cruise
About this experience

Spot the dolphins and whales that call Funchal Bay home on this catamaran cruise from Funchal. Snorkel in the crystal-clear waters under Cabo Girão and learn more about the majestic creatures from your expert crew. Arrive at New Marina - Funchal and board a luxury catamaran. Receive some safety information from the experienced crew. Choose to sit in the luxurious interior with comfortable seating and protection from the sun, and lounge chairs or outdoor hammocks. Afterward, sit back and relax as you sail towards the open sea. Although sightings of marine species can not be guaranteed, dolphins and whales are often found in the waters around Funchal. Keep an eye on the movements in the water whilst the crew answers any questions about the variety of species. Continue up to the high cliffs of Cabo Girão, which rise 580 meters above sea level. Anchor the boat at Cabo Girão and immerse yourself in the refreshing waters to explore underwater marine life. Then, sail at a leisurely pace around the Marina of Funchal, and marvel at the fantastic views of Madeira's landscapes. Return to Funchal New Marina for a quick landing process and continue to enjoy your day after the tour.

Highlights

  • Try to spot whales and dolphins from a luxury catamaran
  • Admire the stunning views of the coastline
  • Live the luxury experience aboard a luxury catamaran
  • Plunge into the water and snorkel at Cabo Girão
  • Take in life from the sea and have enough time to explore further after the tour

What's included

  • ✅ Catamaran cruise
  • ✅ Guide
  • ✅ Snorkeling stop
  • ✅ Onboard bathrooms

What's not included

  • ❌ Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • ❌ Tips
  • ❌ Drinks (available to purchase)

Good to know

Meeting point.

Check in at the Atlantic Pearl ticket counter at Marina Nova do Funchal, Cais 8. Just a few meters from the catamaran. Open in Google Maps

What to bring

  • Comfortable shoes
  • Sun hat
  • Sunscreen
  • Comfortable clothes
  • Sunglasses
  • Towel
  • Swimwear

Not allowed

  • Smoking
  • Luggage or large bags

Know before you go

  • There is a bar on board where passengers can purchase drinks (juice, sparkling and still water, beer, and white, red, and Madeira wine)
Gallery

What it looks like on board

What past guests say

Reviews

★★★★★

"Absolutely gorgeous. My partner and I felt very welcomed and had such a fantastic experience. We saw plenty of dolphins, with even some babies swimming next to us!! The bar onboard is a brilliant touch, though definitely pace yourself if you plan on jumping in for a swim! Wonderful experience, we loved it so much!!"

Matthew · verified guest

★★★★★

"Always a joy to be out on the water. We got to see dolphins and whales 🫶🏽 they gave us opportunity to get in the water for 20-30 min, but it was too windy/ cold for me!"

Sara · verified guest

★★★★★

"Amazing! Lovely catamaran and we saw dolphins. Much more intimate experience with less people. Well worth it!!!"

Emma · verified guest

★★★★★

"We loved the little whale hunt, the pit stop for a quick swim, and the sunset ride. It was truly beautiful. Thank you for everything!"

Georgiana · verified guest

★★★★★

"The trip was well organized and started exactly at the scheduled time. The catamaran was comfortable and offered a variety of seating options: inside, at the stern, on the roof, and on the net at the front of the boat. We were lucky enough to see a whale, enjoy beautiful views of the city, take a cruise along the…"

Ilya · verified guest

★★★★★

"👉 **[Book on GetYourGuide](https://www.getyourguide.com/activity/-t193577?partner_id=RIYXUWR)**"

Verified guest · verified guest

Frequently asked

Questions guests ask before booking this tour

GetYourGuide lists the exact inclusions on the booking page — typically snorkel gear and life vests, drinks (often open bar), light food or lunch on the longer trips, and crew. Hotel pickup is sometimes included depending on the operator. Check the operator's inclusion list before booking; this comparison page surfaces the headline product, not every detail.

This tour starts at From $44 per person on GetYourGuide on our last refresh. Prices vary by date, season, and group size, and private-charter options are priced by the boat rather than per head. Click the Book button to see live pricing for your dates.

Most tours on GetYourGuide offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure. Look for the cancellation policy on the GetYourGuide tour page before booking — it's flagged prominently on the offer card.

May – October (peak July–August). Shoulder months (april, may, october (lower prices, smaller crowds)) are the best-value window — smaller crowds, lower prices, mostly the same conditions. Avoid november – march (most operators reduced or paused).

10 % cash; service sometimes included on private charters. Cash to the captain at the end of the trip — they share with the deckhands. Service is sometimes included on private charters; check the booking confirmation.

Different products. Madeira is wildlife-led (whales, dolphins, the Calheta wreck). Algarve is geology-led (sea caves, cliffs, golden coastline). If marine wildlife is the priority, go Madeira; if the photo product is the goal, go Algarve.

Reef-safe sunscreen recommended, less strictly enforced than the Caribbean. Pick up a mineral (zinc-oxide) sunscreen before you board; on-board sales are usually marked up.

More options

More catamaran tours in Portugal

Three more catamaran days in Portugal ranked by verified guest reviews. Cross-shopping these usually surfaces a better-value option for the same week.

Ready to sail?

Check live availability and lock in your date. Most catamaran tours offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure.

Book on GetYourGuide

Powered by GetYourGuide. We may earn a small affiliate commission.

Book this tour · from $44