Top 12 Madeira Boat Tours

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.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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4.Sunset Sailing Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 2,144 reviews · 3 hours · from $58

Join Gaviao Madeira in Funchal for a three-hour sunset sail with up to 20 people. Guides such as Bruno, Joe, Victor, and Alberto combine wildlife watching, drinks, a swim at Cabo Girão, and coastal views. Dolphins and whales are possible, but never guaranteed.

“The captain and his first mate Bruno were absolutely wonderful host. The day was spectacular and our sailing was just the right speed and wonderful. We saw dolphins and we saw the beautiful coastline and then we got a fantastic sunset.”

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5.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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6.Dolphin and Whale Watching Sailing Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 1,325 reviews · 3 hours · from $47

Join Gaviao Madeira in Funchal for a three-hour yacht trip led in English or Portuguese. Guides such as Bruno and Joseph share facts about local wildlife while you search for dolphins and whales up to three miles offshore, then stop to swim or snorkel near Cabo Girão.

“Bruno was amazing and the rest of the crew. It was such an enjoyable experience and we got to see Dolphins. I would highly recommend.”

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7.Sunset Tour on Traditional Madeiran Boat w/ Drinks

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 767 reviews · 3 hours · from $47Top rated

Spend three hours aboard the traditional Madeiran boat Dragão with guides such as Pedro, Rob, Claudio, or João. Expect a small-group cruise from Funchal to Cabo Girão, drinks, music, coastal views, and a possible ocean swim before sunset.

“The boat ride and swim was amazing and our guide kept our drinks coming! The sunset was beautiful. We also helped get someone from the water impromptu which I’m so glad we helped. The guides were quick on their feet and so caring. Still had the best time! Would 10/10 recommend.”

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8.Madeira Whale and Dolphin Watching Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 573 reviews · 2 hours · from $67

Meet the Lobosonda crew at Calheta Marina for a two-hour speedboat search around Madeira. Guides such as Hannah, Paula, and Fatima explain marine life in English and German while captains Pedro and Drumond approach animals carefully. Sightings can include dolphins, sperm whales, pilot whales, turtles, and seabirds.

“Amazing crew, great experience, saw sperm whales, pilot whales, bottle nose dolphins and a little turtle. Small group and knowledgeable guide/captain”

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9.3-Hour Boat Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 528 reviews · 3 hours · from $54

Join a three-hour cruise from Funchal aboard Santa Maria de Colombo, a full-size replica of Columbus’s flagship. Watch for dolphins and whales, hear what the crew can share, and stop near Cabo Girao for a swim. Madeira honey cake and a glass of Madeira wine are included.

“Only problem was that the guides explained very little during the journey and their English/Spanish was very bad”

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10.Whale and Dolphin Watching Speed Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 526 reviews · 2.5 hours · from $56

Set out from Funchal Marina with a skipper and marine biologist guide on a fast boat carrying up to 18 people. Look for one to four cetacean species with help from land-based spotters, learn how to identify them, and enjoy wide views of Madeira’s coast. Expect wind, spray, and a lively ride.

“Great fun and lovely guide. Amazing to see whales and dolphins. I would highly recommend taking the small speed boat over the bigger boats as you can move quicker to get to the dolphins and whales and you are much closer to the water.”

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11.Whale and Dolphin Watching RIB Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 298 reviews · 2 hours · from $70

Join H2oMadeira at Calheta Marina for a two-hour RIB trip into the Atlantic. Your English or Portuguese-speaking guide and spotter track whales and dolphins while the skipper moves quickly between sightings. Expect open-water excitement, island views, and wildlife that can never be guaranteed.

“The most incredible experience of our lives! Our tour guides were knowledgeable, safe, and made sure everyone had fun on the tour. We saw so many dolphins, some that came right up to our boat. We spent a couple of hours on the water looking for dolphins and whales, enjoying the spectacular views of the island, and even doing some ocean clean up when we saw garbage. 20/10 experience. We can’t wait to do it again. Thank you h2o Madeira!”

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12.RIB Whale Watching Cruise and Optional Dolphin Swim

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 273 reviews · 2.5 hours · from $61

Join Xpoint Madeira for a 2.5-hour RIB trip from Funchal, guided in English or Portuguese by a skipper and marine-life guide. Expect fast coastal views, searches for dolphins, whales, and turtles, plus an optional 1 to 2-minute dolphin swim when conditions and local laws allow.

“Anna and Paulo were great guides and very informative regarding the ocean life. The rib was great fun. Had the enormous privilege of seeing Pilot Whales and Dolphins. Highly recommend.”

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