The 15 Best Catamaran Whale Watching Trips

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.Costa Adeje: Whale Watching Catamaran Tour with Drinks

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 3,653 reviews · 2 - 3 hours · from $41

Sail from Puerto Colon with guides such as Lucy, Dani, and Tony to find resident pilot whales and dolphins near Tenerife’s southwest coast. Choose two hours for wildlife viewing or three hours for a Playa Espagueti swim and snorkel stop. Drinks are included, and sightings are guaranteed.

“Fantastic trip. Lucy and the team were amazing and we saw bottle nosed dolphins and pilot whales. Thoroughly recommend this trip to anyone”

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4.Whale and Dolphin Watching Catamaran with Transfer and Buffet

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,712 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $71Top rated

Set out from Puerto Colón aboard the Monte Cristo Catamaran for three hours of whale and dolphin watching. Your English-speaking crew searches Tenerife’s southern waters, serves tapas and drinks, then stops for swimming and snorkeling before sailing back along the coast. Hotel pickup is available in the south.

“Fabulous from start to finish. Really well organised with pick up and drop off back to hotel all done with ease. The small number on the boat made the experience even better. Captain and deck hand were really good and knowledgeable. Saw so many pilot whales up close was truly magical. Flowing drinks and top tapas. I cannot recommend this trip enough!”

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5.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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6.Luxury Catamaran Whale Watching Cabo San Lucas

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,107 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $129

Cruise from Cabo San Lucas toward the Arch and Sea of Cortez aboard a double-decker catamaran. Your marine guide, such as Jacob or Marco, explains humpback behavior while a hydrophone lets you hear whale song. Drinks, snacks, and hotel pickup are available, with a 30-person maximum.

“The employees are amazing and we saw multiple whales just as promised. The boat is beautiful. But it is very challenging to walk on the boat and the rail on the luxury boat low. Older adults or anyone with disabilities should be careful. I am recovering from cancer and I almost fell over board. It’s very easy when the rail goes to your knee or lower. Be careful. Hotel said it dangerous. But we loved it!! Perfect for young adults. I’d never take kids on this one. Ever.”

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7.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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8.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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9.Whale watching and listening Eco-Catamaran Tour with Food Tasting

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,447 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $48

Sail from Puerto Colón with White Tenerife for about three hours along Tenerife’s south coast. The multilingual crew, including captains Angel and Victor, searches for whales and dolphins, uses an underwater microphone to hear pilot whales, then stops for swimming, snorkeling, sandwiches, and drinks.

“Beautiful excursion, friendly crew and well adapted boat. We were able to observe 2 species of dolphins and turtles. Swimming at anchor.Auto-translated”

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10.Ma’alaea Harbor: Whale Watching Tour Aboard Power Catamaran

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 979 reviews · 2 hours · from $49

Cruise Maalaea Bay aboard Quicksilver’s double-deck power catamaran during Maui’s whale season. Captain Kiwi, Carlos, or another English-speaking guide explains whale behavior while hydrophones bring their songs aboard. Expect shaded seating, open decks, drinks, restrooms, and a fair chance of seeing breaching whales and calves.

“It was amazing. We saw lots of whales and even very close to the boat.”

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11.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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12.Waikiki Deluxe Catamaran Whale Watch

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 638 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $89

Cruise from Kewalo Basin with Hawaii Nautical for about two hours of whale watching near Waikiki. Your captain and crew explain humpback migration while you watch for breaches, tail slaps, and spouts. Guides such as Chris, Joey, and Keoni may lead the trip, with drinks, snacks, restrooms, and a re-ride if no whales appear.

“When the guys show up just on time, don't worry, even tho you've been there 30 min. The whales did not cooperate, so didn't see anything. They guarantee you see whales so we were given a voucher for a future cruise. Staff was very nice and the drinks were good if a little sweet. Just be aware that the "guaranteed whales" isn't. This boat is also very rocky if there are any seas so don't go if you're prone to seasickness.”

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13.Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise with Transfer, Buffet by MC

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 550 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $71

Sail from Puerto Colón with Monte Cristo Catamaran for three hours of whale and dolphin watching, swimming, tapas, and drinks. Expect an English-speaking crew, a maximum of 24 people, shaded seating, and possible hotel pickup in southern Tenerife. Crew members include Laura, Daniela, Michel, Miguel, and captain Andrea.

“The crew was wonderful! They did an amazing job with the drinks, food, and even giving us insight to the animals we were seeing. It was so beautiful and fun, would do it again.”

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14.Whale Watching and Listening Eco Catamaran Tour with Food Tasting

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 543 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $71

Set out from Costa Adeje with White Tenerife for a five-hour catamaran cruise led by a skipper and two sailors. Look for pilot whales and dolphins, listen for marine sounds, stop near Los Gigantes or Masca Bay to swim, and enjoy lunch, fruit, wine, beer, soft drinks, and island views.

“Fantástico todo. El viaje espectacular y totalmente recomendable. Y la tripulación de 10!!! Carlos, Miguel y Nacho consiguieron con ese viaje, que tengamos gana de repetir en breve. Nos encantó ❤️”

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15.Tenerife Whales and Dolphins Watching Experience in Catamaran

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 474 reviews · from $68

From Puerto Colón, White Tenerife takes you about three miles offshore to look for whales and dolphins, then anchors in a coastal cove for swimming and snorkeling. Alex and Stephan are among the crew members praised for clear explanations and care for marine life. The three-hour trip includes sandwiches, beer, water, and soft drinks.

“Great experience. Small groups of 8, which is what we wanted, other catamarans looked packed. We saw whales and sea turtles, which were amazing. A selection of drinks and nibbles were on board. Highly recommend.”

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