Whale and Dolphin Watching in Funchal: Luxury Boat Trip with Swim

Sail from Funchal to find dolphins and whales, then swim in clear water off Cabo Girao

A whale and dolphin watching boat trip from Funchal that includes Portuguese sparkling wine, local snacks and a guided search for marine life, followed by a swim stop in the water below Cabo Girao. The boat carries showers, bathrooms and snorkelling gear; a guide speaks English, Spanish or Portuguese. The trip runs three hours and welcomes children from age 3.

The Experience

You board at Funchal Marina and sail out to search for dolphins and whales in the waters around Madeira. The boat is recent and carries everything you need—towels, snorkelling equipment, showers and bathrooms on board. Portuguese sparkling wine, local wines, juices, coffee and a spread of appetizers and traditional biscuits are served as you watch for marine life. A guide in your choice of English, Spanish or Portuguese narrates what you see and handles the route.

Once the crew spots dolphins or whales, you sail toward them. After the search, the boat stops in the clear water at the base of Cabo Girao, where you can jump in and snorkel. The water is shallow enough to see the bottom, and the towels and gear stay on board for when you climb back up. The whole outing takes three hours from start to finish.

This is a shared boat experience, not a private charter. Children from age 3 are welcome; younger children cannot join. The boat departs from Funchal Marina, which is accessible by public transport and sits near the city center. There is no hotel pickup included, so you arrange your own way to the marina.

What’s included

• Portuguese sparkling wine, local wines and juices.
• coffee and tea.
• a selection of appetizers and traditional biscuits.
• snorkelling equipment.
• towels and blankets.
• use of showers and bathrooms on board.

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessiblePublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by VipDolphins Catamaran Whale Watching

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to watch for dolphins and whales from a shared boat with swimming stops, and prefer included wine and snacks over bringing your own provisions.

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Top questions

What marine life will I actually see on this whale and dolphin watching trip?

The boat searches for dolphins and whales in the waters around Madeira, and the guide will point them out when they appear. What species you encounter depends on the season and the day's conditions; the crew knows where to look, but sightings are never guaranteed on any single trip.

Is the swim stop included in the three hours, or does it add time?

The swim stop at Cabo Girao is part of the three-hour trip, so the whole outing—sailing, searching, swimming and returning—fits inside that window. You spend roughly an hour in the water once the boat reaches the stop.

Do I need to bring my own snorkelling gear?

Snorkelling equipment is provided on the boat, so you don't need to bring your own. Towels are also on board, and the boat has showers and bathrooms if you want to rinse off before the sail back to Funchal.

Can I book this trip if I'm pregnant or have a heart condition?

The boat is not recommended for pregnant travelers or travelers with poor cardiovascular health. If you have concerns about your health and the sea conditions, contact the operator before booking to discuss whether the trip is right for you.

How do I get to Funchal Marina to board?

Funchal Marina is near the city center and accessible by public transport. Hotel pickup is not included with this trip, so you'll arrange your own way to the marina. The boat departs from there and returns to the same spot after three hours.