15 Catamaran Cruises in Portugal Worth Booking

1.Ecological Catamaran Dolphin Whale Watching

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 8,204 reviews · 3 hours · from $41Our pick

Cruise Madeira’s southern coast for three hours aboard Magic Dolphin, a purpose-built hybrid-electric catamaran. Land-based spotters help locate dolphins, whales, turtles, and seabirds, while certified guides explain the wildlife. Expect large viewing nets, two decks, toilets, a bar, and striking views of Cabo Girão.

“We were so lucky, we saw 4 sperm whales - it was amazing! The staff were wonderful and very knowledgeable about the species, giving us lots of information about these phenomenal mammals. My only suggestion would be to suggest that children should be at least 5 to be able to enjoy such a trip.”

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2.Dolphin and Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 5,697 reviews · 3 hours · from $41

Set out from Funchal Marina aboard the Seaborn Catamaran for three hours of wildlife watching, island views, and a seasonal swim stop beneath Cabo Girão. The English and Portuguese crew explain the species you see, collect rubbish from the sea, and serve drinks for purchase at the onboard bar.

“Great experience! We saw some dolphins and whales, and ended the trip with a relaxing swim next to a stunning cliff point, definitely recommend!”

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3.Coastline and Benagil Caves Tour by Catamaran

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 4,077 reviews · 2.5 hours · from $35

Set out from Albufeira Marina on a spacious catamaran with guides such as Philippe or Tomas. Cruise past beaches and rock arches to Benagil Cave, enjoy multilingual commentary and music, then stop for about 10 minutes of swimming before returning.

“The boat trip was really good! The guide was informative and added some humor into the tour which made it fun. Would definitely do again!”

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4.Sunset Catamaran Boat Tour with Music and Drinks

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 2,834 reviews · 1h 30m · from $26

Spend 90 minutes on the Tagus aboard a catamaran from Doca de Santo Amaro. Choose the open nets or covered deck, enjoy one welcome drink, listen to music, and watch the sunset behind Lisbon landmarks including Belém Tower, Cristo Rei, and the 25th of April Bridge.

“Beautiful sunset cruise on a Catamaran. One tip - bring cash, the card machine is temperamental and the night we went it was out of action. Great way to see Lisbon from the water, and we were treated to a gorgeous sunset.”

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5.Dolphin & Whale Watch Luxury Catamaran Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 2,684 reviews · 3 hours · from $47

From Funchal’s New Marina, you’ll sail aboard the Atlantic Pearl with a Portuguese or English-speaking guide, watching for dolphins and whales before stopping near Cabo Girão for swimming and snorkeling. Expect a relaxed three-hour trip, outdoor seating, hammocks, a bar, bathrooms, and space for up to about 20 people.

“Very nice catamaran, with firendly crew. The limited number of persons is a big plus. We enjoyed a great morning, saw dolphins and had a swim at Gabo Girao.”

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6.Ponta da Piedade Caves Kayak Tour from Catamaran

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 2,015 reviews · 2 hours · from $37

From Lagos Marina, you’ll cruise to Ponta da Piedade, slide into a double kayak, and paddle through arches and grottoes for about 75 minutes. Guides such as Bruno, Ricardo, and Alfonso lead the route in English or Portuguese, followed by swimming and an onboard sea slide.

“The kayaking was amazing. The guides brought great energy which elevated the whole experience. We thoroughly enjoyed it and would recommend”

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7.Dolphin and Whale Watching by Luxury Catamaran

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,709 reviews · 3 hours · from $47

Join Magic Dolphin Atividades Maritimas for a three-hour catamaran trip from Funchal. Portuguese and English-speaking guides explain Madeira’s marine life as you search for dolphins and whales, then cruise to Cabo Girão for a seasonal swim stop. Expect a small group, indoor seating, sun beds, restrooms, and a welcome drink.

“We had a really great experience with Magic Dolphin. The crew were all lovely and knowledgable, particularly the marine biologist. We were incredibly lucky and saw a family of pilot whales who spent a lot of time around our boat, coming up to the surface and showing us their beautiful faces time and time again. It was a truly special experience. The experience was made better by the marine biologist, I wish I knew her name, who was so excited to see the whales interacting as they did and really got the excitement levels going. From her reaction, we all knew it was a special moment! I was fully prepared…”

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8.Piedade Caves & Coastline – Catamaran

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,694 reviews · 2h 30m · from $34

Sail from Lagos Marina to Ponta da Piedade, Dona Ana, Camilo, Porto de Mós, and Praia da Luz on a stable catamaran. You get a swim stop, paddle boards, sun nets, Wi-Fi, live English or Portuguese commentary, and a bar serving drinks and snacks.

“Had a great time, would easily recommend it to any of my friends”

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9.Dolphins & Caves – Catamaran

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 1,512 reviews · 2.5 hours · from $58

From Marina de Lagos, AlgarExperience takes you offshore on a spacious catamaran to look for wild dolphins with guides such as Nadja and Diogo. Expect marine-life commentary, Algarve coast views, a fruit-and-cookie snack, and a swim stop with an inflatable slide. Orcas and whales are possible, but never guaranteed.

“Brilliant afternoon spent watching Risso dolphins. Guide was fantastic along with the other crew members. Boat is very comfortable with plenty of room for all guests to get good views of the dolphins. We all had a fantastic time.”

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10.Caves and Coastline Catamaran Cruise to Benagil

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 1,385 reviews · 3 hours · from $35

Cruise west from Albufeira Marina on a roomy catamaran past São Rafael, Praia da Marinha, and Benagil. Your multilingual crew explains the coast, stops for an ocean swim when conditions allow, and serves sparkling wine on the return. You will view the caves from the water, not enter them.

“Really enjoyed they asked us if we wanted to stop for a swim and were happy to do so. The staff let us be to chill, stand around and take pictures of the view. It wasn’t overcrowded and everyone was friendly. Nothing to improve from myself! Would definitely recommend this trip to anyone. 10/10”

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11.4 Stops, 3 Islands in Ria Formosa Catamaran Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 1,129 reviews · 5 hours · from $47

Spend about five hours sailing from Faro through the Ria Formosa with guides such as João, Pedro, and JC. Swim at Ilha Deserta, visit Farol, see oyster farming at Hangares, and enjoy two hours on Culatra, with optional fresh fish lunch.

“Fantastic tour and terrific value for money. Pedro was an exceptional guide whose knowledge, humour and rapport with his clients was delightful. Highly recommended”

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12.Deserta Island and Farol Island Catamaran Boat Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 955 reviews · 3 hours · from $47

From Faro Marina, a multilingual guide such as Miguel, Diogo, or João leads you through Ria Formosa by comfortable catamaran. You get about an hour on Farol Island and 20 to 30 minutes on peaceful Deserta Island for beaches, swimming, birdlife, and local scenery.

“Nice day out in the boat - stopped at 2 islands with time to swim and enjoy the beach”

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13.Kayak Tour of Ponta da Piedade Caves on Catamaran

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 905 reviews · 2 hours 15 minutes (approx.) · from $48Top rated

Board a purpose-built catamaran in Lagos, learn basic paddling, then launch into a double kayak near Ponta da Piedade. Guides such as Ricardo, Jaime, Andre, and Bruno have led outings with humor and care. After exploring the caves, return to the boat for swimming and a coastal cruise.

“Initially signed up for a kayaking tour that was canceled last minute and offered a free trip ne hour boat tour . That was good but the tour guide made a homophonic slur on the trip in Spanish thinking we wouldn’t understand it. Group laughed we were humiliated! Disgusting behavior.”

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14.Catamaran Cruise with BBQ & Open Bar on the Beach

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 685 reviews · from $76

Cruise west from Albufeira Marina past Galé, Benagil, and Carvoeiro, then transfer by dinghy to a beach for a BBQ, open bar, and swimming. The crew speaks English, Portuguese, Spanish, and French. Sea conditions control cave access and swimming.

“This was truly a Top Ten lifetime experience! Just book this trip - you’ll have an amazing day! The scenery was spectacular, the crew was fantastic and really engaged with us! The food, the drinks, and the picnic setting were great - I did not want it to end. We are a family that is tough to please and each of us LOVED it!”

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15.Catamaran Boat Trip to Deserta Island with Stop

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 636 reviews · 45 min · from $11Best value

Take a 45-minute catamaran from Faro through the Ria Formosa to Ilha Deserta, also called Barreta Island. Spend a few hours or the day on the beach, walk the 2-kilometer boardwalk, and eat at Estaminé Restaurant. Return crossings let you choose your schedule.

“Lovely view, pretty busy at 7pm when returning back but friendly staff :)”

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