Portugal · BOAT TOURS IN MADEIRA
The 15 best boat tours in Madeira you can book right now, with what each costs, how long it runs and who it suits. Number one is first for a reason; start there and work down.
3-hour eco catamaran cruise from Funchal with hybrid-electric silent cruising for dolphin and whale watching in Madeira.
“Offering a complimentary water would be appreciated. Overall it was fun, appreciative of the guide helpfulness and they helped retrieve a lost backpack. I’d definitely recommend Magic Dolphin Boat tours, and will use them next time I come here.”
3-hour catamaran cruise from Funchal to Cabo Girão to spot dolphins, whales, and turtles, with panoramic views and a swim stop.
“It was a beautiful activity, we were fortunate enough to see dolphins! My only advisory for people is the chance of getting sea sick. It’s a long ride, so by the last hour i got sea sick. But one of the staff, Philip, was so kind and attentive with ensuring I was feeling okay.”
Luxury catamaran cruise from Funchal Bay in Madeira with snorkeling at Cabo Girão and chances to see dolphins and whales.
“Very nice boat. On the smaller side which is why I booked it. Friendly, helpful staff. We saw some dolphins which was nice. Each boat can only stay 10 minutes when there’s a sighting so it seems a lot of boats go to the same spot. There’s a bathroom on the boat that I did not use and drinks available to purchase. I thought the trip was worth the money.”
Funchal sunset sailing with an open bar, a swim at Cabo Girão, and possible dolphins or whales on a small-group yacht in Madeira.
“We had a really lovely experience on the sunset cruise. The team were so friendly and welcoming, Joe, Anne and the rest of the crew were absolutely brilliant and made everyone feel relaxed and looked after. We were lucky with a beautiful sunny day and the sunset was gorgeous, really special to see from the water. It never felt rushed, just calm, enjoyable and very well run. Definitely worth doing if you’re visiting a really nice way to spend the evening and see the coastline from a different perspective 🌅”
Eco catamaran cruise from Funchal to spot dolphins and whales, guided by land spotters and hybrid-electric sailing, plus Madeira coastline views.
“Best way to see dolphins and whales in Madeira in their natural environment, excellent boat tour respecting the wildlife and providing lots of information and getting as close as possible safely”
Luxury catamaran dolphin and whale watching from Funchal to Cabo Girão, with comfort, expert ocean talks, and possible swims.
“The most amazing experience! We were very lucky to see many bottlenose dolphins. And we were very near to killer whales and the crew done their best for us to get a sighting, I managed to see a glimpse of their fins from afar! Thank you!”
3-hour dolphin and whale watching sail from Funchal with snorkeling at Cabo Girão, drinks on board, and a small-group crew.
“We would definetly do it again! Oh was a super nice trip on the boat. You have a really nice view on the ocean of the city Funchal. We also saw a group of dolphins that were swimming with the boat. At the end we had the opportunitiy to swim. Also the crew is super nice and explains something about the dolphins. We really recommend it!”
3-hour catamaran sunset cruise from Funchal, with guaranteed dolphins or whales follow-up plus a swim stop near Cabo Girao.
“Great trip, saw whales from far away and offered another trip the following day to see more but unable to squeeze it in. The sunset was beautiful and the boat trip was calm and relaxing. Would recommend”
Funchal Madeira speedboat cruise with a marine biologist, 360° views, and fast offshore searching for dolphins, whales, turtles, and birds.
“The tour was great experience! At first, we could see a dolphin mother with her calf, which must have been born only a few days ago. Afterwards, we were lucky enough to see a pod of about 20 dolphins swimming around our boat! The guides (namely Natascha) really cared about not stressing out the animals and provided us with very informative facts. Don‘t miss out on this tour if you are on Madeira!”
Sail a traditional Madeiran boat from Funchal for a Cabo Girão sunset cruise with drinks, music, and a swim stop.
“It was an amazing experience, I definitely recommend. Rob is very thoughtful and friendly guide. He took lovely pictures of us, made the boat atmosphere friendly. The boat ride and the swimming spot was great. My only extra recommendation for the ones who will join during the winter time, even the water is great and perfect for swimming, please bring one or two more extra layers for after the sunset, it gets a little chilly.”
3-hour Funchal catamaran cruise for dolphins and whales, with possible Cabo Girão swim and free return if no cetaceans.
“Boat had wayyyyy too many people on it so you didn’t have the opportunity to walk around. Unfortunately because it was so packed we were sat at a bench next to the ash tray and smelled cigarette smoke for 3 hours straight (we are not smokers). On a more positive note, we did get to see dolphins which was cool. The swimming stop was nice and the drinks on board were affordable to purchase. Would not recommend nor would I do again.”
2-hour whale and dolphin boat tour from Calheta, Madeira. Small groups, respectful crews, and excellent ocean views on a fast RIB.
“Amazing experience seeing whales and dolphins made even better by our amazing guide who was very passionate and respectful of sea life. She was very knowledgable and spoke to the group in both German and English to make sure everyone understood. I was nervous to go by myself but I’m so glad I did as everyone was very welcoming and it was such a magical experience. Definitely go for it if you have the chance.”
Sail the Santa Maria de Colombo from Funchal, cruise the south coast, and enjoy Madeira honey cake, wine, and chances to spot dolphins or whales.
“It extremely fun experience, particularly jump to the water from ship like that :)”
A 2.5-hour RIB speed boat whale and dolphin watch from Funchal, guided by a marine biologist with small-group access to fast sightings.
“Amazing trip. Saw 2 types of dolphins and then the famous sea cliff. Went quick, got soaked and came back a salt shaker but great guide and would do again if we could.”
A fast 2-hour RIB ride from Calheta to find whales and dolphins, with expert spotting and close-up Atlantic views for about $70.
“Excellent. Even if we hadn't seen anything just the rib boat outing was great but actually we did: Family group if Sperm Whales who put on a wonderful display for us. Multiple jumps. A random turtle also got in on the act. Views of the island from the boat wonderful. Comfy seating. Knowledgeable tout guide and fun skipper - loved coming back into the Marina especially!”
Every kind of day out, and the best of each.
