In a nutshell
- Book the ecological catamaran from US$40[1] with options to reserve now and pay later[1].
- The cruise lasts 2.5 - 3 hours[1], with 2 starting location options[1] and 2 drop-off locations[1].
- The tour is wheelchair accessible[1] and the live guide speaks English and Portuguese[1].
- Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund[1] and book now to pay later[1].
- Travellers rate it 4.55 from 10,022 reviews[1], with the guide scoring 4.7[1].
- Top choice Ecological Catamaran from US$40 Duration2.5 - 3 hours[1]GuideEnglish, Portuguese[1]CancellationCancel up to 24 hours in advance[1]Start options2 starting location options[1] Check availability
- Luxury Catamaran from US$46 Duration3 hours[2]GuidePortuguese, English[2]CancellationCancel up to 24 hours in advance[2]Start options2 starting location options[2] See this tour
- Sailing Trip from US$47 Duration3 hours[3]GuideEnglish, Portuguese[3]CancellationCancel up to 24 hours in advance[3]Start optionsCheck availability[3] See this tour
So far, researchers have confirmed 27 species of cetacean in the waters of Madeira, which is equivalent to almost a third of the planet’s known species!
A calm, well-reviewed way to meet the whales
Pre-trip notes
- Check availability for starting times before you book.
- Keep your booking confirmation ready for check-in.
- Bring sunscreen, a hat and a light windproof layer.
- Arrive with time to spare before departure.
Getting around
- Use a taxi or public bus to reach the waterfront.
- The catamaran is wheelchair accessible.
- Carry some cash for a coffee or taxi on the way back.
- From the cruise dock, plan a short walk or taxi ride.
The transfer question, answered plainly
For a Funchal marina whale watching trip, the hardest part is often deciding how to reach the boat. The good news is that the ecological catamaran has 2 starting location options[1], and you can choose the most convenient point when you book. The cruise itself lasts 2.5 - 3 hours[1], and you can check availability to see starting times[1] before you commit. This makes it easy to fit around a morning sightseeing plan or a lazy lunch. It is worth treating the morning as an outing rather than a transfer. Grab breakfast, walk down early, and enjoy the marina while the crew prepares the boat. The deck has room to lean on the rail, and the crew are used to first-time whale watchers, so ask questions if you spot something.
Funchal's waterfront is compact, and the departure points are close enough that a short walk or taxi ride will get you there. A live guide accompanies the trip in English and Portuguese[1], and the tour is wheelchair accessible[1]. If you are staying outside the centre, a taxi is the simplest way to arrive without stress. You can also ask your hotel reception to call one in the morning, which saves time at the kerbside.
The catamaran itself is designed for watching: there is shade on deck, open space at the bow and seating that keeps everyone comfortable while the crew looks for fins and blows. You do not need to be a seasoned sailor to enjoy it, and the steady hull makes it a good choice for families.
Two starting options
The listing offers 2 starting location options[1] and 2 drop-off locations[1], which means you can plan the day around your hotel, your cruise ship or your sightseeing route. Check availability to see starting times[1] when you are ready to book. The morning departure often works well for wildlife, while the afternoon slot can be better for anyone who is not an early riser.
For most travellers, the difference between the two points is small. The whole waterfront runs along Funchal bay, and the marina area is easy to navigate on foot. If you are staying in the old town or near the cable car lower station, you are already close to where the boats leave. Use the lower station as your landmark if you are walking from the city centre[4].
If you are arriving by cruise ship, you can choose the start that minimises walking. Cruises dock at Pontinha, in western Funchal bay, a short taxi ride or walk from the city centre. That is a manageable walk, though a taxi is quicker if you are short on time.
A catamaran cruise with guests spread across the foredeck nets, scanning the Atlantic for dolphins.
Where Funchal's waterfront is
Funchal sits on Madeira's south coast, with the old town climbing the hills behind the harbour. The sea around Madeira is rich: researchers have confirmed 27 species of cetaceans in these waters[5], which is equivalent to almost a third of the planet's known species[5].
The lower station of the Funchal cable car is in the Old Town, and the ride reaches Monte in around 15 minutes[4]. The waterfront itself is easy to find from the old town, and the marina is within walking distance of most central hotels. Look for the rows of masts and the check-in desks with whale watching signs.
Sea temperatures off Funchal range from around 18°C in winter to 24°C in summer[6]. Dress for the season, but keep a light layer on deck; the boat creates its own breeze as it moves.
Finding the right boat
At the waterfront you will see several boat operators offering dolphin and whale watching trips. The ecological catamaran costs from US$40[1] and runs for 2.5 - 3 hours[1]. It has a live guide speaking English and Portuguese[1] and is wheelchair accessible[1].
This tour is rated 4.55 from 10,022 reviews[1]. The guide scores 4.7, and the value for money is 4.5[1]. Those are strong numbers for a boat trip, and they reflect how consistently the crew delivers a good day out.
You can reserve now and pay later[1], and if plans change, cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund[1]. That flexibility makes it easy to lock in a place on a calm day. If the weather looks uncertain, you have a clear window to adjust without losing your money.
from US$40
Reserve your seat on a wheelchair-accessible catamaran from Funchal with live guiding in English and Portuguese.
Walking, driving or taxi
If you are staying in central Funchal, walking to the marina is often the easiest and cheapest option. The old town is small, and the waterfront is flat. A morning departure can be a relaxed start: have coffee nearby, watch the crew load the catamaran, and board when your name is called.
Drivers can usually find paid parking near the marina, but spaces fill quickly in the morning. Taxis are a dependable backup, especially if you are carrying bags or travelling with young children. The lower cable car station in the Old Town is a useful landmark if you want to orient yourself before heading down to the sea[4].
Plan to arrive with time to spare. The tour has 2 starting location options[1], and you should confirm which one you selected when you book. If you are running late, call the number on your confirmation rather than guessing at the dock. The crew will tell you whether you can still board.
If you arrived by cruise ship
Cruise ships dock at Pontinha, in western Funchal bay, a short taxi ride or a brisk walk from the city centre. From the dock, you can easily reach the whale watching departure area on foot or by taxi. The walk is a good way to stretch your legs after a morning on board. Before you leave the ship, note your return time and keep your cruise card handy. The dock area has a handful of cafés if you arrive early, and a taxi is worth the few euros when your port call is tight.
The ship schedule for Funchal is published on the APRAM Portos da Madeira 'Movimento de Navios' page[7]. You can confirm your arrival time before booking the cruise. That gives you a reliable way to match your ship schedule with the catamaran's starting times.
You are already at the waterfront, and the ecological catamaran is a convenient choice. It is wheelchair accessible[1] and has 2 drop-off locations[1], which helps when you need to return to the ship. The listing states a full refund is offered[1].
Coming back
After the cruise ends, you can get off at one of the 2 drop-off locations[1]. That means you can finish closer to your hotel, your next excursion or your cruise ship. Check availability to see starting times[1] and plan the rest of the day around the same window.
For a full day in Funchal, combine the morning whale watching trip with lunch in the old town or a visit to the cable car. The lower cable car station is in the Old Town and reaches Monte in around 15 minutes[4]. You could also wander through the marina and watch the boats come and go as the afternoon light changes. If you feel motion sensitive, choose a spot amidships and keep your eyes on the horizon; the crew will also pass on advice if you ask.
Keep a light layer handy. Sea temperatures off Funchal range from around 18°C in winter to 24°C in summer[6], and the breeze on deck can feel cool even on a sunny day. Sunscreen and a hat are just as useful; the reflection off the water is stronger than it feels on land.
How long each trip lasts
Durations from GetYourGuide listings:[1],[2],[3],[8],[9],[10].
Compare from-prices in US dollars
From-prices in US dollars for GetYourGuide tours:[1],[2],[3],[8].
When to book and go
Plan your arrival
Choose your start
Pick one of the 2 starting location options[1] when you book.
Confirm the time
Check availability for the starting time that suits you[1].
Head to the marina
Walk, take a taxi, or use public transport to reach the departure point in Funchal.
Find the check-in
Look for the catamaran crew and have your booking ready.
Step aboard
The catamaran is wheelchair accessible[1].
Ready to meet dolphins and whales from Funchal marina?
from US$41Reserve now & pay later
