Portugal · BOAT TOURS IN MADEIRA
The good boat tours in Madeira book out weeks ahead and the cheap ones go first. Here are 15 to sort before you fly, with what each includes and how they differ.
Review of Madeira’s hybrid eco-catamaran dolphin and whale cruise, with wildlife tips, Cabo Girão swimming, price, access, and practical advice.
“Very nice, we saw bottlenose dolphins and pilot whales. Cool info about dolphins and whales as well. Amazing to see them and to know that they are protected.”
Review of Madeira’s 3-hour Seaborn catamaran cruise, with dolphin and whale watching, Cabo Girão views, swimming, prices, and practical tips.
“It was amazing! We got to see dolphins and then we got to swim the water was perfect amd the guides very a very fun and nice bunch! I didnt get their names but it was one of the 3pms tour 👌🏾🥳”
Cruise Funchal Bay by luxury catamaran, watch for dolphins and whales, swim beneath Cabo Girão, and enjoy Madeira’s coast for $47.
“Great go do it we saw whales jumping and went for a swim”
Review of Madeira’s eco catamaran whale and dolphin cruise from Funchal, with wildlife tips, boat details, value, comfort, and booking advice.
“Excellent facilities and great guide. We encountered both whales and dolphins. Make sure to dress warm if its windy”
Cruise from Funchal to Cabo Girão on a small luxury catamaran, with expert wildlife guides, ocean views, and a summer swim stop.
“Very pleasant trip. Didn't see dolphins due to sea conditions, but we were offered another trip for €10. Guides explained everything clearly. Both them and the crew were excellent. This did include a swim stop”
Review of Funchal’s 3-hour sunset sailing tour, with whale and dolphin watching, Cabo Girão swimming, drinks, tips, and honest value advice.
“Amazing crew, really friendly and welcoming. Happy to engage in conversation. Really look after their clients providing an experience to remember. We were lucky enough to see a pod of whales. The crew were very knowledgeable about the wild life. Watched the sun set by sailing boat which was lovely. Some people even had a swim and the crew allow you to have a shower after. This is a peaceful yet fun and informative tour. Definitely recommended.”
Sail from Funchal to spot dolphins and whales, swim at Cabo Girão, and enjoy a small-group Madeira cruise with drinks for $47.
“My husband and I had a fantastic 3 hour trip on this lovely sailboat. We weren’t lucky enough to spot any sea life, but nevertheless, the crew took good care of us, and were very skilled and knowledgeable. Seeing the island from the ocean gave a whole new perspective, and snorkeling in the warm waters was a special touch! Definitely recommend 🫶🏼”
Review of Madeira’s Funchal sunset catamaran cruise, with dolphin and whale watching, Cabo Girão swimming, costs, tips, and practical advice.
“Had a stunning evening trip out on the Atlantic Ocean where we saw spotted Dolphins and cruised along the coast to see the highest cliff in Europe. Sailed back as the sun set - beautiful”
Review of Madeira’s fast, small-group dolphin and whale cruise, with wildlife, boat comfort, price, safety, tips, and booking advice.
“Absolutely excellent! We saw multiple species of dolphin (bottlenose, spotted, pilot whales), and the spotted dolphins were a particular highlight as they were keen to interact with the boat! The guide and captain were both enthusiastic and informative, and the speedboat was fun too. One thing to note is that you should take measures to reduce seasickness/travel sickness if you suffer from either. When the boat is rocking during a stop it can make you feel a bit wobbly (to be expected, of course). 1000% recommend you get tickets for this! PS - if you have a GoPro/Insta360/some other waterproof action camera, do bring it (with a stick). You can…”
Review of Madeira’s 3-hour Funchal catamaran cruise, with dolphin and whale watching, Cabo Girão swimming, prices, tips, and honest drawbacks.
“Sure, it’s crowded. That’s a fact. Other than that, it’s a nice trip. We did not see any whales but saw a rather large pond of dolphins from really up close. They also took us to swim next to Cabo Girao which was fantastic. Overall, a good value for the price. Next time I would opt for a smaller boat with fewer people.”
Review of Madeira’s 2-hour whale and dolphin speedboat tour from Calheta, with wildlife tips, boat details, value advice, and honest drawbacks.
“I very much liked the experience, the guide was very knowledgeable and insisting on three importance of respecting the ecosystem and of approaching wildlife only if they let us do it. The boat is comfortable and moves very little, at least in the quiet weather we had, so I think it's unlikely to make people seasick. We saw Dolphins for a while, and also various birds and finally some flying fishes on the way back. It was a beautiful experience and I could also get some great pictures.”
Sail Madeira’s coast aboard the Santa Maria replica, watch for whales and dolphins, swim near Cabo Girao, and enjoy cake with Madeira wine.
“It's a fabulous boat and we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves...the Madeira cake and wine and added bonus!”
Review of Madeira’s 2.5-hour speed boat whale and dolphin tour, with marine biologist guides, coastal views, small groups, and practical tips.
“An Unforgettable Experience—Went Twice! I loved the Whale and Dolphins Watching Speed Boat tour so much, I did it twice! Huge thanks to Felipe and Andrei for being fantastic, knowledgeable, and kind guides. They made the trip feel personal and exciting. The speed boat ride alone was incredible—fast, freeing, and a unique way to see the stunning Madeiran coastline. The dolphins were just a beautiful bonus 😎 Big thank you as well to the smiling ladies at the kiosk, who kindly helped me rebook after a cancellation. If there had been a daily speed boat coastline tour, I would’ve shown up every day! Highly recommended—a highlight of my Madeira trip”
Cruise Madeira’s coast on a traditional boat to Cabo Girão, with sunset views, swimming, snorkeling, music, and drinks included.
“Rob and Mario were fantastic! we loved the whole experience: music and chats! we had a great time! Highly recommended Thank you!”
Review of Seaborn Catamaran in Madeira, with whale watching, Cabo Girao views, swimming, onboard drinks, pricing, and practical tips.
“Amazing experience! We saw a lot of Dolphins ! Le Boat's team was too nice with our children and they could even swin at a good spot . Thank's a lot!”
Pick a coast, a cellar or a palace.
