All Inclusive Whale and Dolphin Watching Luxury Tour

Wildlife meets first-class comfort here. This three-hour Madeira cruise combines small-group sailing, an open bar, local snacks, and a swim beneath the huge Cabo Girão sea cliff. I like the roomy catamaran and the crew’s careful approach to dolphins and whales. I also like that you can move between indoor and outdoor seating instead of being stuck in one place.

The main catch is simple: wild animals keep their own timetable. Some outings see pilot whales, sperm whales, bottlenose dolphins, Atlantic spotted dolphins, and even turtles. Others see very little or nothing. The boat, scenery, service, and food still make this a pleasant outing, but you should not treat wildlife sightings as guaranteed.

Key points before you book

• Maximum comfort: The modern catamaran has indoor and outdoor seating, toilets, room to move, and space for up to about 17 people on some departures.
• Wildlife in the open sea: You may see pilot whales, sperm whales, bottlenose dolphins, Atlantic spotted dolphins, and sea turtles.
• A memorable swim stop: The boat pauses for about 30 minutes near Cabo Girão, a 586-meter sea cliff, for swimming and snorkeling.
• A real all-inclusive feel: Drinks, including alcoholic options, and Madeira snacks are served throughout the trip, with sparkling wine on arrival.
• Good crew care: Captains and guides such as Bruno, Nic, Maggie, Liv, David, Margarita, and Nico have been praised for attentive service and clear explanations.
• Premium pricing: At $93 per person, this costs more than crowded boat trips, but the limited numbers and service explain much of the difference.

Starting at Funchal’s new marina

You meet at the VipDolphins kiosk between Praça do Povo and the ocean. Search for VipDolphins on Google Maps before setting out, since the marina area can feel less obvious when you are trying to find a particular kiosk.

There is no hotel pickup or drop-off, so you need to make your own way to the marina. That is not a serious problem if you are staying in Funchal, but it matters if you are based farther away or carrying swimming gear.

Boarding begins with a glass of sparkling wine. It is a small touch, yet it sets the mood better than a rushed climb onto a packed excursion boat. The crew then explains the trip and gets you settled before the catamaran heads out.

The boat is the real star of the opening minutes. You have covered indoor seating for shade or shelter, plus outdoor areas for the best views. A large catamaran also gives you several places to watch the sea, rather than forcing everyone into one narrow row of seats.

The first 45 minutes: heading into open water

The opening sailing section lasts about 45 minutes. This is when the crew begins the search for whales, dolphins, and turtles, using reports from land-based spotters as well as their own eyes.

The search is active, not a simple cruise along the coast. The skipper may travel at speed toward a possible sighting, then slow down when animals appear. That can be exciting, especially when the sea is moving, but it also means you should prepare for some motion.

Several accounts describe choppy water farther from shore. If you are prone to seasickness, take sensible precautions before departure. One useful seating tip is to choose the back of the boat if you want less movement. The crew has also been praised for checking on people who feel unwell, which makes a difference when conditions turn rough.

Keep your expectations realistic. Whales and dolphins are not performing on command. Some outings have produced close encounters with pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins, while others have seen only distant dolphins or no wildlife at all. The crew can search carefully and follow responsible viewing rules, but it cannot control the animals.

Wildlife watching with room to breathe

The limited passenger count is the clearest reason to pay more for this cruise. Departures have been described as carrying no more than 17 people, leaving plenty of room to change position and find a clear view.

That matters when dolphins appear. On a crowded vessel, a dozen people may rush to one rail, blocking your view and making the moment noisy. Here, you have a better chance of moving around without climbing over someone’s knees.

The crew also keeps the experience respectful. Captains have been praised for avoiding close approaches and for putting animal welfare before a perfect photograph. That is the right approach. A fast pass by a pod may feel less dramatic than chasing animals, but it is better for the wildlife and more responsible.

Species seen on recent trips have included short-finned pilot whales, sperm whales, bottlenose dolphins, Atlantic spotted dolphins, and bullhead dolphins. Sea turtles have also been spotted. The range is a reminder that Madeira’s waters can offer more than the usual dolphin encounter.

There is no need to spend the whole trip staring through a phone camera. The crew has taken photographs during some departures and sent them to passengers afterward by email. That arrangement lets you watch the sea properly, though you should confirm the current photo arrangement when you board.

Service that feels personal, not staged

The strongest part of the experience is the crew. Names that have received particular praise include Liv, David, Bruno, Nic, Maggi, Margarita, Nico, Maggie, Clare, Sousa, and Captain Chico.

The important point is not memorizing names. It is the pattern of service: drinks brought to your seat, regular checks that everyone is comfortable, explanations about marine life, and background information about Madeira’s coastline and geography.

The tone seems friendly rather than formal. The crew serves guests without making the boat feel like a restaurant with an ocean view. That balance suits this kind of trip. You can ask questions, shift seats, watch the horizon, or simply enjoy the ride.

This level of attention is especially useful for anyone nervous on the water. One passenger with a fear of sailing was given a quieter place at the back, and the crew checked regularly to make sure everything was fine. That is practical care, not just polished hospitality.

The hidden stop and the first break

The schedule includes a 30-minute stop described as a secret stop. This part combines a drink, local snacks, marine-life viewing, and a short guided segment.

The stop gives you a break from the main wildlife search. You can stretch, enjoy the view, and talk with the crew about what you have seen so far. It also makes the three-hour trip feel less like one long wait for an animal to surface.

The food is one of the more distinctive extras. Offerings mentioned include Madeira specialties, pastel de nata, cinnamon coffee, and other small local treats. You should think of these as snacks, not a full meal, but they add a useful taste of Portugal to the cruise.

The open bar includes soft drinks and alcoholic choices such as wine, beer, cocktails, and Madeira drinks. Service is described as generous, with drinks and small plates regularly offered throughout the trip. If you are swimming later, take it slowly with alcohol. The sea is more enjoyable when you feel steady.

Cabo Girão: 30 minutes beneath a giant cliff

The boat then spends about 30 minutes near Cabo Girão. At 586 meters, this is one of Europe’s highest sea cliffs and is often described as the world’s second highest sea cliff.

From the water, the cliff gives the swim stop its sense of scale. You are not simply stopping beside an ordinary beach. You are looking up at a dramatic wall of Madeira while floating in the Atlantic.

Swimming is optional. If the sea conditions suit the stop, you can jump in for a quick swim or use the provided snorkels and goggles. Towels, pool noodles, blankets, and places to store wet items have also been available on some departures, but you should ask the crew what is supplied that day.

The water has been described as surprisingly warm during some September trips, though conditions vary by season and weather. You should bring suitable swimwear and a layer for the boat ride afterward. The instruction to dress for the weather is important because Madeira can feel warm in the sun and cooler once you are wet and moving at sea.

This stop may be the highlight for people who are less focused on wildlife. Even if the search produces nothing, swimming beneath Cabo Girão gives the tour a clear payoff. On the other hand, anyone who dislikes open-water swimming can simply remain aboard and enjoy the view.

The final 45 minutes back to Funchal

The return to the marina takes about 45 minutes. It is a quieter part of the cruise, with time to dry off, settle into a seat, and watch Funchal’s coast come back into view.

Afternoon departures can offer sunset scenery, and this has been singled out as a particularly attractive choice. Morning trips may suit you better if you want a cooler start or prefer to keep the rest of the day free.

The route back is also when you can make full use of the catamaran. Move between the open deck and covered seating, take in the coastline, and enjoy another drink if you wish. The crew continues serving until arrival, so the trip does not end abruptly after the swim.

Is $93 a fair price?

At $93 per person, this is not Madeira’s budget whale trip. You can find cheaper boat excursions, and the difference may look large when you first compare prices.

The value comes from what is included and how much space you receive. You get three hours on a luxury catamaran, a sparkling-wine welcome, unlimited drinks, local snacks, a swim stop, snorkeling equipment, toilets, a live guide, and a smaller group than many standard boats.

The space changes the experience most. A cheaper boat may get you to the same stretch of ocean, but a packed deck can make wildlife watching tiring. Here, the extra money buys comfort, easier movement, and more direct attention from the crew.

Still, the price does not buy guaranteed sightings. If seeing a whale is your only reason for booking, the cost may feel high on a quiet day. If you value the boat ride, swimming, food, scenery, and service as much as the animals, $93 is easier to justify.

Who should book this Madeira cruise?

I would recommend it to couples, small groups, and solo visitors who want a polished boat outing without a crowded deck. It also suits people who like a little luxury but still want a real outdoor experience rather than a formal yacht charter.

It is a good choice for anyone who wants several experiences in one booking: marine-life watching, coastal sightseeing, local snacks, an open bar, and swimming near Cabo Girão.

Families should note that children under three are not permitted. The tour is wheelchair accessible, which makes it more practical for some visitors, though you should still confirm the details of boarding and access for your own needs.

I would be more cautious if you get severe seasickness, dislike open-water swimming, or need a wildlife sighting to feel the day was worthwhile. The crew can help with comfort, but the ocean remains the ocean.

Booking and practical tips

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option helps keep plans flexible. Starting times vary, so check availability for your chosen date.

Wear clothing suited to the forecast. Bring swimwear, a layer for the ride back, and sun protection. Although towels and other useful items have been available on some outings, confirm what is provided rather than assuming every extra is guaranteed.

The tour operates in English, Portuguese, and Spanish. A live guide is included, and the crew provides information about marine life, Madeira, and the coastline along the way.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want the best version of a Madeira wildlife cruise, with space, attentive service, local snacks, and a swim beneath Cabo Girão. The small group and excellent catamaran make the premium worthwhile for many people.

Do not book it expecting a guaranteed whale show. Choose it because the full three hours still offer a good day on the Atlantic even when the animals stay out of sight. That is the honest deal: a comfortable sea adventure with a strong chance of wildlife, not a promise.

FAQ

Where does the whale and dolphin tour start?

It starts at the VipDolphins kiosk between Praça do Povo and the ocean at Funchal’s new marina. Search for VipDolphins on Google Maps.

How long does the tour last?

The full experience lasts three hours, including the outward sailing, wildlife search, Cabo Girão stop, and return to Funchal.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you must reach the marina on your own.

What wildlife might I see?

You might see dolphins, pilot whales, sperm whales, turtles, bottlenose dolphins, Atlantic spotted dolphins, and bullhead dolphins. Sightings are not guaranteed because the animals are wild.

Is swimming included?

Yes. The tour includes a swimming stop of about 30 minutes near Cabo Girão, weather and sea conditions permitting.

Are snorkeling items provided?

Yes. Snorkels and goggles are provided free of charge.

Are drinks and food included?

Yes. The tour includes unlimited drinks, including alcoholic options, as well as local snacks and a glass of sparkling wine when you arrive on board.

Can young children join?

Children under three years old are not permitted on this tour.

What languages are available?

The live guide service is available in English, Portuguese, and Spanish.