Madeira Whale & Dolphin Watching Cruise Sailing Boat Open Bar

Spot whales and dolphins off Madeira's highest sea cliffs, then swim at Cabo Girão.

A 3-hour whale and dolphin watching cruise on the sailing boat Ventura do Mar departs from Funchal and travels about 3 nautical miles off Madeira's south coast. The boat carries an open bar with soft drinks, beer, wine and sangria; snorkeling equipment and a stand-up paddle are included. Weather permitting, you swim at Cabo Girão, a 580-meter sea cliff, one of Europe's highest. A live guide speaks English, Spanish, Portuguese and French.

The Experience

The boat leaves Funchal and heads out along Madeira's south coast, where the crew briefs you on what to watch for and how the day will unfold. You sail about 3 nautical miles offshore—far enough to reach the deeper water where cetaceans feed, close enough that the cliffs stay visible behind you. The Ventura do Mar is a classic sailing boat with a toilet and bar on board; on cold days, warm coats are available.

If conditions allow, you'll anchor at Cabo Girão and swim in the water below those 580-meter cliffs. The boat supplies snorkeling gear, so you can look at what lives beneath the surface, and a stand-up paddle if you want to explore a little farther out. The open bar runs throughout—water, juice, beer, wine and sangria are all included, so you're not watching your spending while you're watching the horizon.

The whole outing takes 3 hours, which means you're back in Funchal with the rest of the day ahead of you. The tour suits all fitness levels, and a guide in your language is there to point out what's moving in the water and answer what you want to know about the coast.

What’s included

• Open bar with soft drinks, water, juices, beer, white and red wine, and sangria.
• snorkeling equipment.
• stand-up paddle.
• warm coats on cold days.
• live guide in English, Spanish, Portuguese or French.

Good to know

Easy physical level

Operated by Ventura Nature Emotions -Day Tours

Is this one for you?Three hours is short enough to fit around other plans in Funchal, but long enough to sail far enough offshore where dolphins and whales actually appear. If you want a full-day excursion, look elsewhere; if you want a morning or afternoon on the water without losing the rest of your day, this one holds the time.

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Top questions

What are the chances of actually seeing whales or dolphins on this cruise?

The boat travels 3 nautical miles offshore where cetaceans feed, which is where sightings are most likely. Weather and season affect what species appear and how often, but the crew knows the waters and will position the boat where activity is highest. There's no guarantee—marine life moves freely—but the distance and timing are built around real sighting patterns.

Can I swim at Cabo Girão on every departure?

Swimming at Cabo Girão depends on weather conditions. If the sea state is safe, the boat anchors there and you can swim below the 580-meter cliffs. On days when conditions don't allow it, the cruise still runs, but you stay on the boat watching the coast.

Is the open bar included in the price, or do I pay separately?

The open bar is included—water, juice, beer, wine and sangria are all part of the cruise. You don't order or pay at the bar; drinks are available throughout the 3 hours.

Do I need to bring my own snorkeling gear?

Snorkeling equipment is supplied on the boat. If you swim at Cabo Girão, you can use the gear provided; you don't need to bring your own.

How many people sail on the Ventura do Mar?

The minimum group size is 10 persons. The boat carries enough people to feel like a real departure, but not so many that you're crowded on deck or waiting long for a turn at the rail.