All Inclusive Whale and Dolphin Watching Luxury Tour

Wildlife is only part of the prize. This 3-hour Madeira cruise pairs whale and dolphin watching with a roomy catamaran, a swim beneath Cabo Girão, and an easygoing open bar. I especially like the small-group setup, which gives you space to move around, and the attentive crew, who keep the drinks, snacks, and wildlife information coming. The main catch is simple: whales and dolphins are wild animals, so sightings are never guaranteed, and the Atlantic can get choppy.

You’ll meet at the VipDolphins kiosk between Praça do Povo and the ocean in Funchal’s new marina. I’d choose this trip if you want a polished boat outing rather than the cheapest possible wildlife cruise. At $93 per person, it costs more than many standard tours, but the limited numbers, clean catamaran, food, drinks, and personal service make the extra cost easier to justify.

Six things to know before you sail

• Small groups make the boat feel like a private yacht: Numbers are limited, with one report citing a maximum of 17 people.
• The open bar is genuinely part of the experience: Wine, beer, cocktails, soft drinks, and local specialties are served throughout the cruise.
• Wildlife sightings vary: You might see pilot whales, sperm whales, bottlenose dolphins, Atlantic spotted dolphins, turtles, or nothing at all.
• Cabo Girão adds a proper Madeira landmark: The 586-meter sea cliff gives you a dramatic backdrop for swimming and photographs.
• The boat is built for comfort: You have indoor and outdoor seating, toilets, room to change, towels, blankets, charging facilities, and free snorkels and goggles.
• Sea conditions matter: Some departures are smooth, while others can be rocky farther offshore. If you normally use seasickness medicine, this is a sensible trip on which to use it.

Setting off from Funchal’s new marina

Your meeting point is the VipDolphins kiosk, positioned between Praça do Povo and the ocean. Search for VipDolphins on Google Maps, then arrive ready to board rather than expecting hotel transport. Pickup and drop-off are not included, so you’ll need to make your own way to the marina.

The welcome sets the tone. You receive a glass of sparkling wine as you board, then find a place on the catamaran before departure. The boat has both indoor and outdoor seating, so you can choose between shelter and a clear view of the coast.

I like that flexibility. On a boat trip, people naturally want different things. Some want sun and open views. Others prefer a shaded seat, especially if the sea is moving. You can shift around the vessel instead of being stuck in one position for three hours.

The catamaran is described repeatedly as clean, modern, spacious, and immaculate. That matters more than it might sound. A crowded boat turns wildlife watching into a game of shoulder-to-shoulder seat hunting. Here, the limited capacity gives you room to stand, sit, take photographs, or move to the side where the next sighting appears.

The first 45 minutes: heading into open water

The first sailing stretch lasts about 45 minutes. The crew takes you away from Funchal and begins the search for marine life. The boat moves at a good pace, and the trip itself becomes part of the appeal, even before you see an animal.

The crew works with spotters on land, who help pass along information about possible whale and dolphin activity. On board, the guides explain the marine life, Madeira’s geography, and the coastal landmarks you pass. Names praised in the feedback include Liv, David, Bruno, Nic, Maggi, Margarita, Nico, Maggie, Clare, Sousa, and Captain Chico, though the exact crew depends on the departure.

The best part of the service is its steady attention. Drinks and small trays of food are brought around rather than leaving you to line up at a bar. The selection includes Madeira specialties, local wines, pastries, snacks, and, on some trips, details such as cinnamon coffee and pastel de nata.

This is not a formal meal, so you should think of the food as generous tasting plates rather than lunch. Still, it makes the long search more pleasant. You can enjoy the ride, learn about the area, and keep your eyes on the sea without constantly managing your own refreshments.

Wildlife watching without a guarantee

The central purpose is finding dolphins, whales, and turtles in the open ocean. The boat may encounter pilot whales, sperm whales, bottlenose dolphins, Atlantic spotted dolphins, or other marine life. Sightings have included dolphins swimming close to the catamaran and groups of short-finned pilot whales.

That said, you should book this for the whole outing, not for a guaranteed animal encounter. Some departures have seen several kinds of whales and dolphins. Others have spotted only a few dolphins in the distance, and some have seen no wildlife at all.

The crew can search, communicate with land-based spotters, and follow responsible viewing practices. It cannot order an animal to appear. This is worth keeping in mind when comparing prices. A cheaper boat does not have better control over nature, but a more comfortable boat can make an unlucky sighting day feel less disappointing.

The crew’s approach to animal welfare is another strong point. Reports describe captains keeping a respectful distance and avoiding rushed or aggressive behavior around dolphins. One crew even removed a plastic bag from the water to protect marine life. That practical care fits the experience well: you’re not just chasing a photograph, but watching animals in their own environment.

Keep your expectations flexible. A close encounter with dolphins can be thrilling, but a quiet sea also has value when you have a comfortable catamaran, good coastal views, and plenty of room. The boat’s spacious layout means you can watch without fighting a crowd for the rail.

The 30-minute secret stop

After the first wildlife search, the itinerary includes a 30-minute stop at an undisclosed location. This portion combines a break, more marine-life watching, drinks, cocktails, and local snacks.

The stop gives the trip a useful change of pace. You are no longer simply scanning the horizon. You can settle down, listen to the guide, enjoy something from the open bar, and take in the water around you.

Because the stop is described as secret rather than named, you should not expect a specific landmark or a formal shore excursion. It is best understood as a pause on the water, with the chance for more wildlife viewing and a relaxed snack service.

That pause also helps break up the sailing time. A three-hour trip can feel long if every minute is spent staring outward. Here, the schedule alternates between cruising, searching, relaxing, swimming, and sightseeing.

Cabo Girão and the Atlantic swim

The highlight for many people is the 30-minute stop beneath Cabo Girão. At 586 meters, or about 1,920 feet, it is one of Madeira’s great coastal landmarks and the world’s second-highest sea cliff according to the tour description.

From the water, the cliff gives the stop its scale. You are looking up at a sheer wall of rock while sitting in the Atlantic, which is a more memorable setting than a standard marina swim. The crew provides free snorkels and goggles, and other useful items mentioned in the experience include towels, blankets, pool noodles, changing rooms, and plastic bags for wet belongings.

You can swim, snorkel, take photographs, or stay aboard and enjoy the view. No one needs to enter the water. That makes the stop suitable for mixed groups, especially when one person wants a swim and another would rather remain dry.

The water has been described as surprisingly warm on some days, but conditions can vary. The stop is short, so allow time to get in, enjoy the water, and return aboard without turning the swim into a rushed scramble.

Cabo Girão is also a good point for photographs. You’ll have the cliff, the sea, and the Madeira coast in one frame. The crew may take photographs during the trip as well, allowing you to focus on watching wildlife instead of keeping your phone raised. Photos are sent by email after the outing when that service is available.

The final 45 minutes back to Funchal

The return sailing lasts about 45 minutes. After the swim, you can dry off, change, and settle into a seat for the coastal views on the way back to the marina.

This part is less about ticking off another attraction and more about enjoying the boat. If the weather is good, outdoor seating gives you a broad view of Funchal and the shoreline. If the sea has become rough, an indoor seat or a position toward the back may feel easier for you.

One useful detail comes from a passenger whose companion was a nervous sailor. The crew helped them find a spot at the back of the catamaran, where the motion felt reduced, and checked on them during the trip. That kind of attention is reassuring, although it does not remove the possibility of seasickness.

You should dress for the weather and bring a layer. Madeira may feel warm on land, but wind and spray can change the feel of the boat. Wear something you can move in, and remember that the swim stop means wet clothing and towels are part of the day.

What the $93 price really buys you

At $93 per person, this is a premium boat trip. You can find less expensive whale and dolphin excursions around Madeira, so the question is not simply if it works, but what you value.

The clearest reason to pay more is space. Reports repeatedly describe other boats as crowded while this catamaran stayed comfortable, with one account noting a maximum of 17 people. That difference affects the entire day. You have a better chance of finding a clear viewing position, sitting with your group, and speaking with the crew.

The second reason is service. Drinks are unlimited, including alcoholic options, and the crew brings them to your seat. Local snacks arrive throughout the trip. You also get the welcome sparkling wine, toilets on board, a swimming stop, free snorkels and goggles, and access to indoor and outdoor seating.

The third reason is the boat itself. A comfortable vessel matters when the wildlife search takes time or the ocean becomes unsettled. Even a departure with poor sightings can still include a pleasant cruise, coastal scenery, Cabo Girão, food, and a swim.

I would not call this the best value for someone who only wants to see a whale as cheaply as possible. Wildlife is unpredictable, and the open bar may not matter to you. But if you want a relaxed, small-group outing with yacht-like comfort, the price is fair and well supported by what is included.

Who should book this Madeira cruise?

I’d recommend it for couples, small groups, and anyone who dislikes crowded boat tours. It also suits people who want a mix of nature, scenery, food, swimming, and easy service rather than a single-purpose wildlife trip.

It works well for a special morning or afternoon on Madeira. One departure was especially praised for its sunset views, so check the available start times if you want softer evening light. The language options are English, Portuguese, and Spanish, with a live guide throughout the trip.

Families with very young children need to note the age rule. Children under 3 are not allowed. The tour is wheelchair accessible, but you should still confirm that the boarding arrangements fit your needs before booking.

This is not the right pick if you need a calm, guaranteed schedule or if you strongly dislike open-water motion. The sea can be choppy, particularly when the boat travels farther offshore. You might want to take your usual seasickness precautions and avoid relying on alcohol if you already feel unwell.

Practical details for a smoother day

Book with the weather in mind, but remember that sightings can change even on a beautiful day. The activity offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Madeira plans are still shifting.

Arrive at the VipDolphins kiosk in the new Funchal marina. Hotel transport is not included. Bring weather-appropriate clothing, a swimsuit, and a way to protect personal items from spray.

You do not need to bring snorkel equipment, since masks and goggles are provided. Towels and bags for wet belongings may be available on board, but packing a small personal bag is still sensible.

The vessel has separate toilets for women and men. That is a small but important comfort on a three-hour trip, especially when the boat is far from the marina.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want the best balance of wildlife watching and comfort in a small group. The strongest reasons are the spacious catamaran, generous drinks and snacks, careful crew, Cabo Girão swim, and the chance to see whales, dolphins, or turtles without being packed against strangers.

Skip it if your main goal is the lowest price or a guaranteed sighting. No operator can promise that. For everyone else, $93 buys more than a search for marine life: it buys three relaxed hours on the Atlantic, with a landmark swim and a level of personal service that makes the premium worthwhile.

FAQ

Where does the whale and dolphin tour start?

Meet at the Kiosk VipDolphins between Praça do Povo and the ocean in Funchal’s new marina. You can search for VipDolphins on Google Maps.

How long does the catamaran tour last?

The full experience lasts 3 hours. The schedule includes sailing, wildlife watching, a break at a secret stop, a 30-minute Cabo Girão stop, and the return to Funchal.

Are drinks and food included?

Yes. The tour includes unlimited drinks, including alcohol, a welcome glass of sparkling wine, and local snacks. The food includes Madeira specialties and may include items such as local pastries.

Can I swim and snorkel at Cabo Girão?

Yes. The tour includes a swimming stop at Cabo Girão, and snorkels and goggles are provided free of charge.

Are whales and dolphins guaranteed?

No. The crew searches for whales, dolphins, and turtles, but sightings depend on wild animals and sea conditions. Some outings see several species, while others see only distant dolphins or no wildlife.

Is the tour suitable for young children and wheelchair users?

Children under 3 are not permitted. The activity is wheelchair accessible, and live guiding is available in English, Portuguese, and Spanish.