Funchal dolphin & whale watching luxury catamaran swim stop

Spot cetaceans in open water, then swim off the cliffs at Cabo Girão

A three-hour catamaran tour from Funchal watches for dolphins, whales and turtles in their natural habitat, with a guided swim stop at Cabo Girão and snorkelling equipment provided. The boat holds a maximum of 35 people and operates with live guides in English and Portuguese. You can stay on deck or move inside the cabin depending on the weather and your preference.

Step-by-step itinerary

Dolphin and whale watching tour

• Board luxury catamaran in Funchal
• Observe dolphins, whales, and turtles
• Stop to swim at Cabo Girão
• Return along the coast to Funchal

The experience

The boat leaves Funchal and heads into open water where dolphins, whales and turtles move through the Atlantic. The three-hour trip gives the crew time to search different zones and adjust course if marine life surfaces nearby. You watch from the deck or from inside the cabin. The catamaran is built wide and stable enough that either choice works, and the cabin stays comfortable in rough conditions. WiFi is available on board if you need it, and the bar stocks drinks you can buy throughout the morning or afternoon.

Halfway through, the boat stops at Cabo Girão for a swim. You get snorkelling equipment and time in the water while the crew watches the boat. The cliffs rise 580 metres above the water here, and the stop breaks up the observation time with something physical. After the swim, the route heads back along the coast toward Funchal, often with more sightings on the return.

The boat takes a maximum of 35 people, which keeps the deck from feeling crowded and gives everyone a sight line to the water. Infants and small children can travel in a pram or stroller. The departure runs on schedule. If you arrive after the boat leaves, you'll need to book a new trip on a different date. No refunds or rescheduling apply to no-shows or late arrivals.

What’s included

• Snorkelling equipment for the swim at Cabo Girão.
• WiFi on board.
• access to the bar for purchasing drinks.
• restroom facilities.
• live guide in English or Portuguese.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 11:00 and 15:00

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (under 13)

GroupUp to 35

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

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPublic transport nearby

Operated by Atlantic Pearl

Is this one for you?The boat runs on a fixed three-hour schedule with a swim stop built in, so the whole morning or afternoon is structured around the departure time. Arrive early enough to board on time, as late arrivals forfeit the booking with no refund or rescheduling option.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Portuguese.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (under 13).

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's the chance of actually seeing dolphins or whales on this tour?

The catamaran searches for dolphins, whales and turtles during the three-hour trip, and sightings depend on where the animals are moving that day. The crew adjusts the route to follow activity when it appears, but no sighting is guaranteed on any single departure.

What happens at Cabo Girão during the swim stop?

Cabo Girão is a cliff formation where the boat anchors for a swim break. Snorkelling equipment is provided, and you enter the water while the crew stays with the boat. The stop gives you time in the Atlantic before the return journey to Funchal.

Can I stay inside the cabin the whole time if I get seasick?

Yes. The catamaran has an enclosed cabin where you can stay comfortable and still watch the water through the windows. The boat is wide and stable, and the cabin is designed for passengers who prefer to stay inside.

What's included in the price?

The tour includes snorkelling equipment for the Cabo Girão swim stop; WiFi on board; and access to the bar where you can purchase drinks. Restroom facilities are available on the boat.