In a nutshell
- From US$40[1] for the ecological catamaran cruise from Funchal.
- 2.5 - 3 hours on the water, with starting times to check at booking[1].
- Madeira has 27 confirmed cetacean species[2]; bottlenose dolphins and pilot whales are around all year[2].
- Wheelchair accessible and guided in English and Portuguese[1].
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a full refund offered[1].
- Top choice Ecological Catamaran from US$40 Rating4.55 from 10,022 reviews[1]Duration2.5 - 3 hours[1]Guide languageEnglish, Portuguese[1]CancellationFree up to 24 hours[1] Check availability
- Luxury Catamaran from US$46 Rating4.55 from 1,780 reviews[3]Duration3 hours[3]Guide languagePortuguese, English[3]CancellationFree up to 24 hours[3] See this tour
- Sailing Trip from US$47 Rating4.64 from 1,431 reviews[4]Duration3 hours[4]Guide languageEnglish, Portuguese[4]CancellationFree up to 24 hours[4] See this tour
Sea temperatures remain pleasant, ranging from around 18°C in winter to 24°C in summer, allowing activities such as swimming and diving almost year-round.
A sensible all-round pick for a first Funchal dolphin cruise
Check before booking
What weather permitting actually means
A dolphin watch on a catamaran is a date with the sea, and the sea sets the calendar. The tour from Funchal runs for 2.5 - 3 hours, but the exact route and timing depend on where the animals are and what the wind is doing.[1] The operator also offers a full refund, which is a useful layer of protection when conditions look doubtful.[1] Morning lights are beautiful, but a later sailing can smooth the sea after the wind has had its say. Both options work; the better one is the one that fits your energy and your hotel. Booking with the flexibility to cancel means you can decide closer to the day. If you are staying in the old town, a later start also gives you time for a proper breakfast and a slow walk to the harbour.
Look for the two starting and two drop-off options when you book; they make it easy to match the boat to where you are staying.[1] If the morning looks rough, a later departure often works better, but check the live availability rather than guessing. The free cancellation window up to 24 hours in advance means you can commit early and still step back if the forecast turns.[1] A calm, clear day is the moment to push the boat out. A change in the wind is not the end of the trip, but it is a reason to keep expectations loose and your plans flexible. You will enjoy the cruise far more if you let the crew handle the route and focus on the water around you.
Deep water, not a beach
Madeira's coast is not a beach-swim coast. Just five kilometres offshore, the ocean floor drops past 3,000 metres, and this steep underwater terrain brings deep-water whales close to the island.[6] For a swim from the catamaran, that means blue water, a hull beside you and no sand underfoot. It is exhilarating, but it is not sheltered shallows. You step off the boat into open Atlantic water, with the dark blue beneath you and nothing between you and the horizon. You will feel the freedom of the open ocean, but you should also respect its scale before you jump in.
The water temperature off Funchal stays between around 18°C in winter and 24°C in summer.[5] A short-sleeved summer day can still feel cool once you are wet, especially in spring. If you are prone to feeling the cold, a thin wetsuit top or a rash vest is worth packing. The crew will do their best to choose a comfortable spot, but the sea keeps its own temperature. You will feel warmer if you keep moving and get back aboard sooner rather than later. Listen carefully to the safety briefing; a small amount of attention makes the whole swim smoother.
Guests settle on the catamaran's foredeck nets as it leaves Funchal for the open Atlantic.
What you might actually see
Researchers have confirmed 27 species of cetaceans in Madeira's waters, which is nearly a third of the world's known species.[2] Bottlenose dolphins and short-finned pilot whales are around all year, Atlantic spotted dolphins and occasional blue whales move through seasonally, and orcas and humpbacks are rare visitors.[2] The species list is impressive, but seeing wildlife is never guaranteed. Patience is part of the deal, and the crew knows it. Keep your eyes on the surface and you will catch the first dorsal fin before most people do.
The deep water close to shore changes the odds.[6] A land-based spotter guides boats by relaying landmarks and distances to the skipper, and the crew heads to those places.[7] Skippers respect the rules and keep at least 50 meters from whales and dolphins, meaning you watch wild animals on their own terms.[8] You may see a pod travelling, a whale surfacing, or just a tail as an animal dives. Take the moment as it comes and keep your camera ready. A quiet boat and a patient eye will usually be rewarded with a splash or a blow.
Bring your own mask
Your own mask is the simplest upgrade. Rental masks are fine, but a face-hugging fit makes the difference between relaxed breathing and constant clearing. A mask that already fits, plus a snorkel you trust, lets you spend more time looking down at whatever passes underneath. If you wear contact lenses, keep a spare pair on the boat and avoid opening your eyes underwater. A short practice in the shower the evening before can also help you adjust the strap so it stays put in salt water.
The sea temperature is around 18°C in winter and 24°C in summer, so a mask with an anti-fog treatment helps in the cooler months.[5] If you do not want to bring gear, the crew will point you to what is available, but your own mask is the one thing not worth compromising. Put a little toothpaste or commercial anti-fog on the glass before you leave your room, rinse it lightly, and you will get a clearer view for the whole swim. A small amount of care here makes the difference between a blurry swim and one you remember clearly.
from US$40
An ecological catamaran dolphin and whale watching cruise from Funchal, rated 4.55 from 10,022 reviews.[1]
Who should think twice
The tour is wheelchair accessible, which makes it a more inclusive option than many small boats.[1] It is also guided in English and Portuguese, so you are not left staring at the horizon without context.[1] If you are a confident enough traveller to manage the boarding ramp, this is an easy day out. The crew are used to first-timers and will help with the steps and the platform. Ask for a hand if you need it; that is what they are there for.
Anyone prone to seasickness should think about timing. Catamarans are stable, but two and a half to three hours on a moving deck is still motion.[1] A light meal beforehand, a spot near the centre of the boat and a patch behind the ear make the trip much more comfortable. Families with children are a common sight, although parents of very small kids may prefer a shorter RIB option if they want less time on the water. The flexible cancellation gives you the freedom to choose a day when the sea feels kind.
Sun, salt and the practical bits
The tour is priced from US$40.[1] You can reserve now and pay later, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start.[1] With two starting locations and two drop-offs, you can usually find a departure that suits your hotel or your morning plans.[1] A little planning goes a long way: decide your route the night before and confirm the meeting point in the morning.
Bring sunscreen, a thin layer for the wind and something waterproof for your phone. A towel in a dry bag is more useful than a beach towel. The live guide runs in English and Portuguese, and the boat is wheelchair accessible.[1] Keep a drink of water in your bag; it is easy to underestimate the sun when the breeze is cool. Zip your keys into a secure pocket and leave anything you do not need on shore. A light pair of trainers or water shoes will help you move around the deck after the swim.
Where the swim sits in the trip
On a 2.5 - 3 hour cruise, the wildlife watching usually comes first, while the group is fresh and the light is good.[1] The swim tends to come later, when the engines drop and the boat settles over a deeper patch. That is the moment to put on your mask, step off the platform and feel the drop beneath you. Do not rush the moment; let your body adjust to the cool water and then look below.
Leave time afterwards to dry off without rushing. If you have booked the morning departure, you can build in lunch near the marina; for the afternoon sailing, keep the evening easy. The cruise is compact enough to pair with a low-key Funchal day, and the two drop-off locations mean you can finish where it suits you.[1] It is a relaxed, well-paced way to meet Madeira's marine life and still have energy for the rest of your holiday.
From-prices for Funchal whale and dolphin watching tours
USD from GetYourGuide: eco catamaran $40[1], luxury catamaran $46[3], sailing trip $47[4], catamaran cruise $40[9], Cabo Girão sunset $40[10], Funchal Bay luxury $46[11].
Compare a few Funchal whale-watching options
Prices in USD for these Funchal whale and dolphin watching tours: US$40 for the ecological catamaran[1], US$46 for the luxury catamaran[3], US$47 for the sailing trip[4], US$40 for the catamaran cruise[9].
When to book your Funchal catamaran cruise
Plan your catamaran cruise
Reserve
Book online with reserve now and pay later, then check your starting time.[1]
Choose your start
Pick from the two starting location options and note the two drop-off points.[1]
Meet the boat
Arrive early, keep your booking reference handy and listen for the guide's English or Portuguese briefing.[1]
Sail and swim
Settle on the net, keep an eye on the horizon, and follow the crew's cue for the swim.
Book the ecological catamaran cruise from Funchal and keep your plans flexible.
from US$41Reserve now & pay later
