Portugal · SAILING
Good sailing trips fill up weeks ahead and the great ones go first. Below: the 15 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.
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 👌🏾🥳”
Set out from Albufeira Marina on a modern catamaran with guides such as Felipe, Phillipe, or Tomas. Cruise past São Rafael, Marinha, and Benagil, hear local stories in four languages, then stop for a 10-minute swim if sea conditions allow.
“Everything was just perfect and we saw dolfins....awsome!!!! Thank you guys.”
Spend two hours on a small Palmayachts sailboat with a skipper and guide, choosing a daytime, sunset, or night departure. Expect views of Belém Tower, Cristo-Rei, Alfama, and Commerce Square, plus live commentary, water, and one beer, wine, or soft drink.
“Thank you Mateus and Antonio! The sail was really impressing and we enjoyed so much the explanation and the welcome we received on board. It’s worth the money and we appreciate Mateus and Antonio for their great service!”
Spend 90 minutes on the Tagus aboard a Sardinha do Tejo catamaran, passing Christ the King, Belém Tower, and the 25 de Abril Bridge. Choose the open nets or covered deck, enjoy one welcome drink, buy more at the bar, and listen to a relaxed music playlist. This is sightseeing without a guide or commentary.
“Such a fun evening activity in Lisbon and we would highly recommend this activity. The tour is not guided, which we did not mind, but make sure to keep your eyes peeled! We stayed up on the main deck rather than sit in the netted bottom section of the catamaran, and we were SO happy we did! We were not stuck sitting and crammed the whole time, was able to walk around to get photos of things we passed, and chairs up on the deck were more than comfortable. We’d recommend this area and this 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 a shared two-hour sunset sail from Alcântara, with room for up to 12 people. Your skipper points out Belém Tower, Jerónimos Monastery, Ajuda National Palace, and the 25 April Bridge while Portuguese wine is served. Guides may include Joe, Henry, JP, Marta, or Bruno.
“Great time! Wonderful experience with trrrific scenery and fun vibe. Service was excellent. Hosts were very informative, funny and kept wine flowing.”
Join a small sailing boat or catamaran from Belém’s Doca do Bom Sucesso for a relaxed Tagus cruise. You can help steer with the crew, or stretch out on deck with a drink. Expect landmark views, a safety briefing, and a sunset option, but no official guide.
“A great, relaxing trip on a lovely boat with friendly crew. We were even asked if we wanted to have a go at steering the boat.”
Set out from Douro Marina on a comfortable small-group sailboat with a welcome drink, music, and local stories from your crew. Cruise past Gaia, Ribeira, the Luis I Bridge, Foz, and the Douro estuary, with port wine, blankets, and a possible Atlantic outing when conditions allow.
“Very insightful and informative along with a wonderful tasting of port”
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”
From Lagos Marina, you’ll search for dolphins with a Portuguese or English marine guide, then stop near the Algarve cliffs for swimming, jumping, and a catamaran water slide. Guides such as Diogo, Nadia, Nadja, and Andre add lively sea-life commentary. Fruit and a cookie are included.
“Great trip with Discover Tours. Saw lots of dolphins and had great fun on the water slide at our swimming spot. Diago was a fun guide. Very knowledgeable and even went down the slide with us!! Would highly recommend.”
Sail from Lagos toward Ponta da Piedade and Praia da Luz on a steady catamaran with English and Portuguese guides. You get cliff views, a swim stop, paddle boards, an inflatable water park, sun nets, and a bar. The three-hour trip returns to Marina de Lagos.
“Had so much fun! The boat had a great amount of space, the sangria was amazing and very reasonably priced, and we really enjoyed the paddle boarding. This was the perfect excursion!!”
Board a comfortable catamaran at Lagos Marina, ride to Ponta da Piedade, then slide into a kayak for a guided tour of caves, arches, and hidden beaches. Guides such as Thomas, Ricardo, Marianna, and Nuno keep things friendly and organized. Finish with about 15 minutes to swim or use the boat slide.
“We were so lucky to have a sunny weather during this trip as the weather the following days we're cloudy and rainy. The guide was passionate with sense of humour. The kayak seats were nice with backsupport. Great experi3nce overall.”
Pick a coast, a cellar or a cliff.
