6 Catamaran Whale Watching in Portugal to Build a Morning Around

1.Funchal: Ecological Catamaran Dolphin Whale Watching

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 8,204 reviews · 3 hours · from $41Our pick

From Funchal Marina, you’ll spend three hours aboard the 2022 Magic Dolphin catamaran, using quiet hybrid-electric engines to search for dolphins, whales, turtles, and seabirds. Certified guides speak English and Portuguese, while land-based spotters help locate wildlife. Expect open-air viewing, Cabo Girão, Camara de Lobos, and possible swimming time.

“We had a great time and saw plenty of whales and dolphins”

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2.Funchal: Dolphin and Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 5,697 reviews · 3 hours · from $41

Set out from Funchal Marina on a stable Seaborn catamaran with an English or Portuguese guide. Search for dolphins, whales, turtles, and flying fish, then stop beneath Cabo Girão for a seasonal swim. The boat has shaded seating, sun decks, netting, and a bar.

“The captain was amazing. Ensured we saw the dolphins. Rescued a paddle boarder and retrieved garbage from the sea! 5 stars”

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3.Funchal Bay: Dolphin & Whale Watch Luxury Catamaran Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 2,684 reviews · 3 hours · from $47

Sail from Funchal with an English or Portuguese guide, watching for dolphins, pilot whales, and other marine life before stopping to swim beneath Cabo Girão. The Atlantic Pearl carries about 20 people, with covered seating, hammocks, bathrooms, and a bar. Guides such as João help keep the trip relaxed and informative.

“This was such an incredible experience - we were grateful to see a few pods of pilot whales and go on a sunset swim in a warm secluded location! Our guide João was lovely and accommodating, sharing stories and recommendations along the way.”

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4.Madeira Dolphin and Whale Watching on a Ecological Catamaran

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,957 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $42

Join Magic Dolphin in Funchal for a 2.5 to 3-hour cruise aboard a 2022 eco-friendly catamaran. Land-based spotters help locate dolphins and whales, while certified guides explain the animals and Madeira’s coast. Look for pilot whales, bottlenose dolphins, sperm whales, and rough-toothed dolphins.

“Well organised trip. We were on a cruise ship and walked to where the Magic Dolphin kiosk and boat are. All staff were very professional, particularly the staff on board. We saw pilot whales and common seals. Take a waterproof, as you may get very wet from sea spray on the return journey. You can purchase snacks and drinks on board although we didn’t take this up.”

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5.Funchal: 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 cruise from Funchal. A Portuguese or English-speaking crew explains Madeira’s marine life as you search for dolphins and whales, sail beneath Cabo Girão, and, on eligible tours, stop for a swim. The boat has indoor seating, sun beds, shade, and over-water nets.

“It was grate and felt like we were on private catamaran, because we were only 5 people on the catamaran (except the crew). Guids were very profesional and gave us a lot of interesting facts. We were happy that we were able to have a swim in the ocean and we saw a lot of whales. Experinace was fantastic and serviss was excellent. Highly recommend it! From all the dolphin and whale watching options I believe this is the best one!”

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6.Dolphin and Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise from Funchal

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 645 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $48

Sail from Funchal Marina along Madeira’s south coast on a 3-hour catamaran cruise with VMT Madeira Catamaran. The crew searches for dolphins, whales, and other marine life, explains what you see, and may stop for a swim beneath Cabo Girão when sea conditions allow.

“The crew and the ship were nice and everything. However, this advertised 3 hour dolphin and whale watching cruise only included a roughly 10 min watching time and the rest was a simple cruise on the sea.”

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