Portugal · BOAT TOURS IN MADEIRA
Every trip has one free day too few. These 15 boat tours in Madeira justify the slot, priced and timed so you can decide in minutes and get back to the fun part.
From Funchal Marina, you’ll sail offshore on Magic Dolphin’s 2022 hybrid-electric catamaran, guided in English or Portuguese. Look for dolphins, whales, turtles, and seabirds, then pause near Cabo Girão for a swim before cruising back along Madeira’s cliffs.
“I didn't think I would see the dolphins that close, it was a magical moment, I would highly recommend!”
From Funchal Marina, you’ll spend three hours scanning Madeira’s coast for dolphins, whales, turtles, and flying fish aboard the spacious Seaborn Catamaran. A live guide speaks English and Portuguese, and summer trips usually include a swim stop beneath Cabo Girão. Drinks and snacks cost extra.
“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 👌🏾🥳”
Sail from Funchal’s New Marina aboard the Atlantic Pearl, a comfortable catamaran with covered seating, hammocks, bathrooms, and a bar. Your English or Portuguese-speaking crew searches for dolphins and whales, then stops beneath Cabo Girão for swimming before the coastal return.
“Terrific , good access to the boat, good seating. Great staff and we were lucky and saw both sperm whales and dolphins.”
Join Magic Dolphin in Funchal for a 2.5 to 3-hour cruise aboard a 2022 hybrid-electric catamaran. Certified guides explain Madeira’s dolphins, whales, and ocean ecology while land-based spotters guide the boat toward wildlife. The return route passes Cabo Girão and Câmara de Lobos.
“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”
Join Magic Dolphin Atividades Maritimas for a three-hour catamaran cruise from Funchal. Portuguese and English-speaking guides explain Madeira’s whales, dolphins, birds, and turtles as you sail toward Cabo Girão. Choose shaded indoor seats or outdoor nets, with a welcome drink and seasonal swim stop included.
“Absolutely loved this trip, the chap speaking to us about the wildlife found off the coast was incredibly knowledgeable. Really good value for money. And we saw a group of dolphins up close! You also get a free drink included which was a nice touch. Would definitely go back to this company again!”
Sail from Funchal in a small yacht carrying up to 20 people, looking for dolphins, whales, and sea turtles up to 3 miles offshore. Stop near Cabo Girão for swimming or snorkeling, then enjoy the sunset with an onboard drink. Guides may include Bruno, Roberto, José, or Marco.
“Great experience! We wanted to try sailing boat instead of catamaran and it was a great choice. The sail was quite swinging, but that was exactly what we were looking for. We saw dolphins, we swam in the ocean near the cliffs of Cabo Girão. Timing was also great, cause you have opportunity to swim in the golden hour and see sunset as well. Unfortunately it was cloudy so we didn't see the sun at all, but obviously it's impossible to guarantee beautiful weather. Nevertheless we enjoyed it and we wouldn't chose different company. Thank you! J&KRead more”
Join Gaviao Madeira in Funchal for a three-hour small-group yacht trip with guides such as Bruno and Joseph. Watch for dolphins, whales, and sea turtles offshore, then swim or snorkel beneath Cabo Girão. Drinks are included, but wildlife sightings depend on nature.
“We really enjoyed our trip! Very friendly staff. Beautiful swimming spots!”
Join VMT Madeira Catamaran at Funchal Marina for a three-hour evening cruise along Madeira’s south coast. You’ll watch for dolphins and whales, pause near Cabo Girao for swimming, and return as the sunset colors the Atlantic. English and Portuguese guidance, a bar, toilets, and a free second trip if no animals appear.
“This was a brilliant sunset cruise. Loads of space and nice size group (maybe 50?) and lots of places to sit in and out of the shade on two levels. Saw pods or dolphins that swam with the boat. Bar available for snacks and drinks and could take your own on too. Great value for money and brilliant to have plenty time for swimming as well”
Set out from Funchal aboard Magic Dolphin’s rebuilt 18-seat Sea Safari. A captain and marine biologist guide, often including Clara, Natasha, or Florine, take you offshore to find dolphins, whales, turtles, and seabirds. Expect fast travel, close wildlife views, and possible spray.
“Absolutely amazing. Thoroughly enjoyed going on the speed boat. The captain and the marine biologist guide were great and we were privileged to see the wildlife that we did.”
Join VMT Madeira Catamaran in Funchal for a three-hour search for dolphins, whales, and other marine life. You’ll hear about the species and Madeira’s coast, then may swim below Cabo Girão if sea conditions allow. The boat has toilets, a bar, and space on deck, though it can feel crowded.
“We could watch several groups of dolphins and enjoy snorkeling in the clear water. They serve reasonable beer and juice on the boat also”
Set out from Calheta Marina with a German- or English-speaking guide and captain on a fast, quiet speedboat. Search Madeira’s offshore waters for dolphins, whales, turtles, seabirds, and flying fish, then enjoy coastal views on the return. Guides such as Hannah, Paula, and Pedro focus on respectful wildlife watching.
“We saw dolphins and whales, amazing experience. The speed boat was also very fun. The guide was very friendly and knowledgeable too.”
Join a three-hour cruise from Funchal aboard the Santa Maria de Colombo, a detailed replica of Columbus’s flagship. You’ll sail past Madeira’s south coast, watch for dolphins and whales, stop near Cabo Girao for a swim, and enjoy Madeira honey cake with a small glass of local wine.
“We were lucky and saw dolphins 🐬 the wine and cake were tasty 😋”
From Funchal Marina, you’ll spend 2.5 hours on a fast boat with up to 18 passengers, a skipper, and a marine biologist guide. Land-based spotters help locate dolphins and whales, while guides such as Felipe, Francisca, and Andrei explain the species and direct your attention to quick-moving animals.
“Our captain Felipe was awesome and also the guide! We saw 3 groups of dolphins, we really enjoyed the experience, thank u so much from Italy”
Spend three hours aboard Dragão, a traditional Madeiran boat, sailing from Funchal toward Cabo Girão. Your English or Portuguese-speaking crew provides drinks, music, snorkeling gear, and time for a swim when sea conditions allow. Guides such as Hugo, Rob, and Pedro are known for warm, attentive service.
“It was so lovely. Great crew and boat. All drinks included. Saw a lovely sunset, great music played. Good value. Would recommend.”
From Calheta Marina, you’ll spend two hours aboard a nimble RIB searching for whales, dolphins, and other marine life. An experienced spotter helps the skipper find active pods, while your English or Portuguese guide explains the species and keeps the outing respectful. Bring a windbreaker, water, and camera.
“Our guides went above and beyond to help us see a whale and many dolphins on our tour. Even when the tour was coming to an end, the guides were tipped off about the whale and kept us out on the water a bit longer to ensure we got a chance to see it! It was an excellent experience and a highlight from our trip to Madeira.”
Pick a coast, a cellar or a cliff.
