Madeira: Dolphin & Whale Watching Eco Catamaran Tour

Summary

Quiet seas green catamaran dolphins whales madeira coast

You’ll feel the hush of Madeira’s ocean as you watch dolphins and whales glide by from an eco-friendly catamaran with hybrid engines. With local guides sharing stories, stops at Cabo Girão and Camara de Lobos Bay, plus time to relax on deck or grab snacks, it’s less like a tour and more like slipping into island life for an afternoon.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t think I’d ever hear the ocean this quietly — at least not from a boat. But there we were, leaving Funchal’s marina on this hybrid-electric catamaran, and the engines barely made a sound. It was early but already warm, and the crew, all locals (Pedro kept joking about his “sea legs”), handed out some tips on spotting dolphins before we even cleared the harbor. I stood by one of those trampoline nets at the front, toes gripping rope, salty spray in my nose. There was something about being so close to the water that made me feel like a kid again.

The spotters on land radioed in — suddenly everyone was pointing at a patch of blue ahead. The first dolphins came up fast, their backs glinting in the sun. Our guide Li started rattling off species names (I forgot most of them instantly), but she had this way of making each fact sound like gossip about an old friend. Someone said they saw a turtle too, just for a second. The hybrid engines meant we could drift almost silently near them; I swear you could hear the slap of tails and that soft huff when they surfaced. Not sure why that stuck with me.

Afterwards we cruised past Cabo Girão — apparently it’s one of the tallest sea cliffs anywhere, though honestly I was more interested in how tiny all the houses looked from down below. The staff pointed out Camara de Lobos Bay (the fishing boats there are painted wild colors) and told stories about Winston Churchill painting landscapes at Reid’s Hotel. We grabbed cold drinks from the bar below deck while kids ran around above us. I tried to pronounce “espada” fish right; Pedro just laughed and shook his head.

I still think about that feeling — floating quietly off Madeira’s coast, sun on my face, listening for dolphins instead of engine noise. It wasn’t perfect (I got sunburnt on my nose), but it felt real in a way most tours don’t.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Dolphin and whale watching tour

• Depart from Funchal marina
• Head offshore to spot marine animals
• Spotters locate whales and dolphins
• Cruise by Cabo Girão sea cliff
• Motor along coast with staff commentary
• View Camara de Lobos Bay and Reid’s Hotel
• Relax and enjoy south coast views

Top questions

Is this dolphin & whale watching tour eco-friendly?

Yes, it uses a hybrid-electric catamaran designed to reduce noise and emissions for marine life safety.

Where does the tour depart from in Madeira?

The tour leaves from the marina in Funchal.

Are there guides or commentary during the trip?

Yes, certified local guides provide live commentary onboard throughout the tour.

Will I see other wildlife besides dolphins and whales?

You might also spot sea turtles and oceanic birds during your cruise.

Is food or drink included?

No meals are included but drinks and snacks can be purchased at two onboard bars.

Is this Madeira dolphin & whale watching tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible including bathrooms.

How long is the day trip from Funchal to see whales?

The exact duration isn’t specified but expect several hours including coastal cruising after wildlife viewing.

Are children allowed on board?

Yes, children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult; infants sit on laps or use specialized seats if needed.

What’s included

Your day includes live commentary from professional local guides as you cruise offshore from Funchal searching for dolphins, whales, turtles, and seabirds aboard a quiet hybrid-electric catamaran; enjoy access to two bars for drinks or snacks while relaxing on trampoline nets or shaded decks before returning along Madeira’s dramatic south coast past Cabo Girão and Camara de Lobos Bay.