All Inclusive Whale and Dolphin Watching Luxury Tour

The most appealing part of this Madeira cruise is the small-group catamaran setting. Instead of being packed shoulder to shoulder, you have room to move between the bow, stern, and sheltered seating while the crew searches for whales, dolphins, and turtles. The boat then pauses below Cabo Girão, the 1,920-foot sea cliff, for a swim in the Atlantic.

I like the welcome glass of sparkling wine and the steady supply of Madeira snacks, local sweets, wine, beer, cocktails, and soft drinks. I also like the crew’s careful approach to wildlife, with guides such as Liv, David, Maggie, and Nico combining marine-life facts with practical help on board.

The main consideration is simple: wild animals set the schedule. Some outings see pilot whales and dolphins close to the boat, while others see little or nothing. The catamaran, service, and coastal views still give the trip value, but you should not book it as a guaranteed wildlife show.

Key points to know before booking

• About 17 people on board: The limited capacity gives you space to change seats and find a clear view.
• Three hours from Funchal Marina: The cruise includes wildlife watching, a Cabo Girão stop, and the return sail.
• Unlimited drinks and local snacks: Beer, wine, cocktails, soft drinks, and Madeira treats are included.
• A real swimming stop: You can swim or snorkel beneath the cliffs, with towels and equipment available.
• Wildlife sightings vary: Pilot whales, sperm whales, bottlenose dolphins, Atlantic spotted dolphins, and turtles have all been seen, but sightings are never certain.
• Modern comforts: The catamaran has indoor and outdoor seating, toilets, changing areas, charging points, towels, and free snorkels and goggles.

Setting off from Funchal’s new marina

You meet at the VipDolphins kiosk between Praça do Povo and the ocean. It is an easy starting point if you are already in central Funchal, but hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so plan your own way to the marina.

The first welcome is a glass of sparkling wine. That small touch sets the tone, but the real advantage appears once the boat leaves the dock. You are not confined to one row of seats. The catamaran has indoor and outdoor areas, and you can shift position as the light, wind, and views change.

The boat is roomy and clean, with enough space to sit in the sun or get out of the wind. You will also find toilets for women and men, changing areas, towels, blankets, plastic bags for wet clothing, phone charging points, and pool noodles. These are practical details, especially on a three-hour outing with a swim in the middle.

The crew generally keeps numbers low, with about 17 people noted on several departures. That makes a major difference at sea. You can move to a better viewing spot without climbing over a crowd, and the crew can bring food or drinks directly to your seat.

The first 45 minutes: heading into open water

The opening sailing section lasts about 45 minutes. The crew uses this time to leave the harbor, explain the route, and begin the search for marine life. Land-based spotters help keep watch, while the skipper adjusts the course when wildlife is reported.

The Madeira coast looks different from the water. From the catamaran, Funchal rises behind the marina and the steep shoreline leads your eye toward Cabo Girão. The crew also points out coastal landmarks and shares information about Madeira’s geography and sea life.

Wildlife watching takes patience. You might see a pod of short-finned pilot whales, bottlenose dolphins, Atlantic spotted dolphins, or even sperm whales. Turtles have also been seen. The best moments come when the animals choose to approach the boat, not when the skipper tries to force a close encounter.

That point matters. The crew’s respect for marine-life rules is one of the better features of this trip. The captain keeps a careful distance and avoids turning the animals into a circus act. On one outing, the crew even removed a plastic bag from the water to protect marine life.

The sea can be choppy, especially once you move farther from shore. If you are prone to motion sickness, bring the medication that works for you. One useful seating tip is to stay toward the back if you feel unsteady, where the movement may feel less pronounced. The crew checks on people regularly and can help if you become uncomfortable.

The secret stop and onboard hospitality

The middle section includes a 30-minute stop described as a secret stop. Its exact location can vary, but the purpose is clear: slow down, enjoy a drink and local snacks, and continue watching the water.

This is where the all-inclusive setup earns its keep. The crew serves a wide range of drinks, including Madeira wines, beer, cocktails, soft drinks, and coffee. Snacks have included local specialties, pastries, cinnamon coffee, pastel de nata, and other small treats.

You are not simply given one drink at the start and left to fend for yourself. The crew keeps offering trays and refills throughout the cruise. If you want a quieter morning, you can enjoy the view with a coffee. If you want the full social side of the outing, the open bar is ready.

Alcohol is included, so pace yourself. The boat may be moving in moderate swell, and several drinks in bright sun can catch up with you quickly. Water and nonalcoholic choices are available, making it easy to keep the trip comfortable.

The crew also adds a personal touch by explaining what you are seeing. Names that have been praised on different departures include Liv, David, Maggie, Nico, Bruno, Nic, Margarita, and Captain Chico. Staffing changes, but the pattern is consistent: the crew handles the practical work while also keeping the mood light and informative.

Cabo Girão: a swim beneath Madeira’s great cliff

The Cabo Girão stop lasts around 30 minutes. At 1,920 feet, or 586 meters, Cabo Girão is one of Madeira’s most dramatic sea cliffs and is described as the world’s second-highest sea cliff.

You see it from below, which gives the cliff a different scale than a visit from land. The rock rises sharply from the water, and the catamaran provides an open view of the coast and the cliff face. This is the scenic centerpiece of the trip, even if the wildlife search has been quiet.

Swimming is optional. If the sea is calm enough and you feel comfortable, you can jump in for a refreshing Atlantic swim. Snorkels and goggles are provided at no extra charge, and towels are available afterward. The water is described as clear, though what you see beneath the surface will depend on conditions and light.

You can also stay aboard and enjoy the view. Nobody needs to swim to get value from this stop. If you are nervous around open water, prefer to keep your clothes dry, or simply want photographs from the deck, the catamaran remains a comfortable base.

The 30 minutes passes quickly. Allow time to get wet, look around, take photographs, and return to the boat without rushing. The crew may continue serving drinks during the stop, and there is usually enough room to dry off without blocking the main seating areas.

The final 45 minutes back to Funchal

After Cabo Girão, the catamaran spends about 45 minutes returning to the marina. This is a relaxed closing stretch, with more time for photographs, conversation, drinks, and views of the coast.

Some departures have included professional photographs taken by the crew and sent afterward by email. That can be useful because wildlife watching is one of those activities where holding a phone can make you miss the best moment. Do not assume every photo arrangement works exactly the same way, but it is worth asking the crew about it on board.

The return also gives you a second chance to spot animals. Dolphins may appear again near the route, and the crew remains alert rather than treating the wildlife portion as finished after the first sighting.

Music is kept at a moderate level, according to the experience described by passengers, so you can still hear the crew and enjoy the sea. If you prefer peace and quiet, move away from the central social area and settle into an outdoor seat.

What the $93 price really buys you

At $93 per person, this is not the cheapest whale and dolphin boat trip in Madeira. You are paying extra for the boat, limited capacity, open bar, snacks, swimming stop, equipment, and more attentive service.

The value is strongest if you care about comfort. A cheaper boat may get you to the same ocean, but a crowded deck changes the experience. Here, you can shift seats, find open views, stretch out, and avoid the packed feeling that can make a wildlife cruise tiring.

The drinks and food also matter, especially because the cruise lasts three hours. You are not paying separately for every beer, coffee, cocktail, or snack. If you make good use of the included refreshments, the price gap becomes easier to accept.

Still, you should not buy this tour for guaranteed sightings. Several departures have had excellent encounters with whales and dolphins, including pilot whales, sperm whales, bottlenose dolphins, and Atlantic spotted dolphins. Other outings saw only distant dolphins, or no wildlife at all.

The strongest reason to pay more is the overall boat experience. Even on a quiet wildlife day, you still receive a comfortable coastal cruise, a Cabo Girão stop, a swim option, food, drinks, and crew attention. If wildlife is your only goal, the result is less certain.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would choose this trip if you want a polished half-day on the water rather than a basic sightseeing ride. Couples, small families with children over three, and anyone celebrating a special day should appreciate the space and service.

It also suits people who dislike crowded excursions. The low passenger count gives you a better chance of finding a clear view and makes it easier to speak with the crew. You can enjoy a private-yacht feeling without chartering an entire boat.

It is a good fit for first-time visitors to Madeira because it combines several experiences in one outing: marine life, coastal scenery, local food, a famous cliff, and an Atlantic swim.

Children under three are not permitted. The trip is wheelchair accessible, but you should confirm the practical boarding arrangements before booking if you need specific assistance.

I would think twice if you dislike open water, become seasick easily, or expect a guaranteed close encounter. The crew can search hard and follow good wildlife practices, but it cannot control the ocean.

Practical advice for a smoother outing

Dress for changing weather. The boat offers shelter, but outdoor viewing can feel windy and cooler than Funchal’s streets. Bring swimwear if you want to enter the water, plus a cover-up for the ride back.

Wear something that can handle splashes. Towels and plastic bags for wet items are available, but a small personal bag for sunscreen and dry clothing is still useful.

Keep your phone charged before boarding. The boat has charging points, and you may want your camera ready when dolphins surface without warning. Still, watch the water rather than staring at your screen.

If you feel motion sickness, choose a steady seat toward the rear and use your usual remedy before the boat reaches open water. Tell the crew early if you feel unwell. Their attentive approach is most useful when you speak up.

The meeting point is the VipDolphins kiosk between Praça do Povo and the ocean. Search for VipDolphins on Google Maps, and allow enough time to find the kiosk before departure.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance, and the reserve-now, pay-later option helps if your Madeira plans are not fixed. Starting times vary, so check availability for your chosen date.

Should you book the Cabo Girão catamaran?

Book it if you value space, comfort, friendly service, and an easy all-in-one day on the Atlantic. The small group, modern catamaran, unlimited drinks, local snacks, and swimming stop give this trip more substance than a simple wildlife search.

The best match is someone who can accept uncertainty. You may see pilot whales close to the boat, dolphins racing beside it, or turtles on the surface. You may also spend much of the cruise enjoying the ocean and cliff views without a major sighting.

At $93, it is a premium choice, but the price makes sense if you want a less crowded boat and do not want to pay separately for every drink or snack. If your budget is tight and wildlife is the only priority, compare cheaper options. If you want a relaxed, well-served cruise with a real Cabo Girão swim stop, this is an easy choice.

FAQ

How long is the whale and dolphin tour?

The tour lasts three hours, including the outward cruise, wildlife watching, the Cabo Girão stop, and the return to Funchal Marina.

Where does the catamaran leave from?

Meet at the VipDolphins kiosk between Praça do Povo and the ocean in Funchal. You can search for VipDolphins on Google Maps.

Are drinks and food included?

Yes. Drinks, including alcoholic beverages, are included, along with local snacks and a welcome glass of sparkling wine.

Can I swim during the tour?

Yes. The catamaran stops for about 30 minutes near Cabo Girão, where you can swim or snorkel if conditions suit you. Snorkels, goggles, and towels are provided.

What animals might I see?

Possible sightings include dolphins, pilot whales, sperm whales, turtles, bottlenose dolphins, and Atlantic spotted dolphins. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.

Is the tour suitable for young children?

Children under three are not permitted. The activity is wheelchair accessible, and live guiding is available in English, Portuguese, and Spanish.