Madeira Dolphin & Whale Watching: Hybrid-Electric Catamaran

Silent Engines, Real Whales: Madeira's Eco Catamaran

You board a purpose-built catamaran in Funchal and spend 2.5 to 3 hours cruising Madeira's southern coast with land-based spotters directing the boat to dolphins and whales. The hybrid-electric engines run silent so the animals stay calm, and your certified guide explains what you're seeing while the boat passes Cabo Girão, a traditional fishing village, and other coastal landmarks. Two viewing decks, trampoline nets at the bow, and onboard bars mean you're comfortable the whole time.

Step-by-step itinerary

Dolphin and whale watching tour

• Board eco-friendly catamaran
• Spotters locate sea animals
• Engage hybrid-electric engines
• Enjoy silent emission-free cruising
• Listen to certified guides' commentary
• Sail close to Madeira coast
• View Cabo Girão sea cliff
• Pass Camara de Lobos Bay
• See Reid’s Hotel
• Return to port in comfort

The experience

The boat cuts through the Atlantic without a sound. That's the first thing you notice stepping aboard Magic Dolphin Eco: the 2022 hybrid-electric catamaran moored in Funchal, Madeira, with its twin decks built specifically for watching dolphins and whales without scaring them away. Land-based spotters with binoculars radio the captain when they've found a pod, and the boat glides toward it on silent engines that produce zero emissions. Your certified guide stands nearby, ready to explain which species you're looking at and why they're here.

The catamaran carries you along Madeira's southern coast for 2.5 to 3 hours, and the route itself is half the draw. You'll pass Cabo Girão, the second-highest sea cliff in the world, where the rock face drops straight into the water. The guide points out Câmara de Lobos Bay, a fishing village that looks like it hasn't changed in decades: colorful boats, nets drying on the dock, the smell of salt and diesel. If the sea is calm enough, you can jump in for a quick swim off the cliff. On the way back, you'll see Reid's Hotel perched on the hillside, the place where Winston Churchill stayed when he needed to disappear for a while.

Two levels mean you're never stuck behind someone else's head, and the bow has four trampoline nets where you can lean out and watch the water. There are two bathrooms and two bars if you need a coffee or a beer. The crew keeps things moving without rushing. They're not trying to cram you through. They're trying to give the animals space and you a real look at them. Most days you'll see at least one species. Some days you get lucky and see three.

What’s included

• Your 2.5 to 3 hour catamaran cruise includes access to two viewing decks, four trampoline nets at the bow, certified guide commentary about the cetaceans and Madeira's coastal landmarks, and passage past Cabo Girão, Câmara de Lobos Bay, and Reid's Hotel. Two onboard bathrooms and two bars are available.
• drinks and snacks can be purchased separately. The boat is wheelchair accessible and suitable for all fitness levels.

Options for this experience

3 options

Magic Dolphin Eco summerGuide in English or Portuguese · Available from 1 Jul 2027Dolphin and whale watching. Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes. This is a 2.5-hour trip that does not stop for swimming, with wildlife observation only. An early start is best. Wildlife: it's great to start early, as you will find the animals are more relaxed. Ecological catamaran.

Dolphin and whale watchingGuide in English or Portuguese · Available from 1 Jul 2027Ecological catamaran: Magic Dolphin Eco is the only ecological catamaran in Funchal offering green cruises, with no pollution for wildlife. Duration: 3 hours. Wildlife, Cabo Girão. Ecological catamaran: Magic Dolphin Eco has hybrid engines. When wildlife is spotted, we switch to our electric engines for silent observation. Dolphin and whale watching: Cruise on a large, award-winning sailing catamaran. Enjoy stunning views of Madeira Island from the Atlantic Ocean. Watch for whales or dolphins jumping and splashing.

Ecological CruisesGuide in English or Portuguese · 10:00 and 14:30Dolphin and whale watching. Wildlife: silent, pollution-free, ecological. Dolphin and whale watching. Duration: 3 hours. Wildlife. Ecological catamaran.

You pick the guide language when booking.

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 10:00 and 14:30

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (5 to 11 years) · Infant (under 5): free

GroupUp to 149

Live guideEnglish and Portuguese

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller friendlyPublic transport nearby

Operated by Magic Dolphin

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to see dolphins and whales without the guilt of disturbing them: the silent engines and land-based spotters mean the animals stay calm and you get a genuine encounter instead of a chase scene.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Portuguese.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 11 years); Infant (under 5): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What dolphins and whales can you see off Madeira?

Common species include bottlenose dolphins, spotted dolphins, and sperm whales. Sightings vary by season and sea conditions. Your guide will identify any species you encounter.

How long is the dolphin and whale watching tour?

The catamaran cruise lasts 2.5 to 3 hours, including the return journey along the coast.

What is included in the tour price?

The price covers the full catamaran cruise, certified guide commentary, and access to both viewing decks and the trampoline nets at the bow. Drinks and snacks are available for purchase at the onboard bars.

Can you swim during the tour?

Yes, if sea conditions permit, you can swim off Cabo Girão during the return journey.

Why does the catamaran use hybrid-electric engines?

The silent, zero-emission engines reduce noise and disturbance to dolphins and whales, making the experience better for the animals and allowing closer, calmer encounters for passengers.

Is the tour operated in English?

The tour may be operated by a multilingual guide. Confirm the language when booking.

What should I bring on the dolphin watching tour?

Bring sunscreen, a hat, and a light jacket or windbreaker. The sea can be choppy, and you'll be exposed on deck. A camera is useful but not necessary.