Top Madeira On the Water

Funchal’s waters are home to whales and dolphins—and this luxurious catamaran tour offers the best way to spot them. Head to Funchal’s marina and hop aboard your vessel, where you’ll enjoy Champagne, cocktails, soft drinks, and snacks like local bread and cheese. Indulge as you look out for whales and dolphins. Then, if you wish, enjoy a swimming and snorkeling break at Cabo Girao before returning to shore.

Bask in the sun and sea of Madeira, one of the world’s tallest oceanside cliffs, on this catamaran excursion from the Funchal Marina. After boarding, find a nice spot on the deck or one of the four trampoline nets for spotting whales and dolphins. Your crew highlights landmarks and wildlife plus you have a choice of a morning or afternoon departure time.

Madeira’s strategic placement in the North Atlantic Ocean makes it a great location for dolphin and whale watching. On this exciting tour, observe the cetaceans in their natural habitat without disturbing them. You can also observe other wildlife such as fish, sharks, and birds during your adventure.

Ride a hybrid-electric catamarn off the coast of Madeira on this half-day wildlife-spotting trip from Funchal. Hold tight and watch for dolphins and whales as your super-fast craft bounces through the waves in search of dolphins and whales. Take a set on one of the two levels with trampoline nets located at the bow of the boat. Your tour includes a guide, live onboard commentary, and a bar.

Nature enthusiasts will love this dolphin- and whale-watching cruise from Funchal. Board your catamaran and kick back as you sail along Madeira’s south coast. Your crew guides you to the areas where whales and dolphins are most often seen. If the sea conditions are good in summer, take a dip in the waters beneath the Cabo Girão sea cliffs. Choose a morning or afternoon departure to suit your schedule.

See the sun set over the Atlantic on this catamaran cruise from Funchal. Enhance the experience with live commentary on board. You may even get the chance to see local marine life such as dolphins or whales during the cruise. Booking your ticket ahead of time ensures you won't miss out because of a sold-out cruise.

Spend time on the Atlantic Ocean spotting whales and dolphins during this small-group wildlife tour. Board a fast, agile speedboat in Funchal and sail along the coastline to observe marine life in their natural habitats, learning about their behavior from your skipper. The tour operates responsibly, with no chasing or feeding, ensuring respectful encounters. This operator is the first WCA (World Cetaceans Alliance) certified in Funchal, supporting marine conservation efforts.

Admire the views of Madeira's coastline and look out for local wildlife at the same time with this catamaran adventure. Eliminate the guesswork of wildlife spotting and benefit from having a crew to take you to areas where dolphins, turtles, and whales have been spotted before. In the summer months, it’s also possible to hop off the boat and go snorkeling.

Enjoy a more immersive and active way to explore Madeira—and discover a side of the island many other visitors miss—on this private, half-day kayaking tour. Enjoy a scenic paddle from Garajau Partial Nature Reserve, home to a variety of protected marine species; discover picturesque beaches; and even snorkel through crystal-clear waters to spot Madeira’s native marine life.

It can be tough knowing where to find good snorkeling spots while traveling. This tour takes away the risk of wasting time, by traveling with a guide to a spot known for its rich marine life. All equipment is provided which means you can pack light. The day starts with a Kayak tour along the Underwater Nature Reserve of Garajau and then plenty of time to snorkel and swim.

A half or a full day to explore the south coast of Madeira Island, both east and west, we can go to private beaches accessible only by sea. In addition to frequent whale and dolphin sightings, you can swim in the waters of the Atlantic Ocean, which have mild temperatures year-round. It's possible to have lunch at Fajã dos Padres beach, in their restaurant, accessible only by boat or cable car, or we can provide the lunch on board.

Take a dive in Madeira's aquarium tank and see local fish species during this small-group experience. Don your scuba gear and dive into the water to swim with rays, sharks, several fish species, morays, and more. Whether you’re a seasoned diver or a beginner, this experience has something for everyone to enjoy.

Try some scuba diving in the blue waters of Madeira when you’re on a visit to the area. This package includes all your equipment, your instructor’s guidance, safety briefings and instruction, practice in the pool or shallow water, and then one dive of up to 40ft (12 m) and with the entire activity taking around 2.5 hours.

Sail along Madeira’s south coast aboard a luxury catamaran, an experience where comfort meets nature in its purest form. Along the way, the deep blue Atlantic reveals majestic cliffs, hidden bays, and a unique light that only the island can offer. Between moments of pure serenity and unforgettable scenery, every detail invites you to slow down and experience the sea with elegance, tranquility, and exclusivity.

The deep waters off Madeira Island are home to a dazzling array of marine life, with dolphins and whales sharing the waves with birds, turtles, and more. On this wildlife-spotting adventure, take to the seas for up-close sightings of the native Bottlenose Dolphins, Sperm Whales, Spotted Dolphins, and Pilot Whales who call Madeira home. Enjoy free time to snorkel at your leisure—depending on the season—with a second trip guaranteed if you make no sightings.

Are you ready to have a memorable dive inside our marine protected area This park has been protected for over 35 years, and offers an abundant amount of fish-life while sheltering the infamous large Dusky groupers The chance of diving along a Dusky Grouper is high as they are curious and feel safe within their protected habitatt. Taking a camera along is highly recommended, as there will be plenty of things you will wish to show back home. Certified divers only! You are required to have dived within the last 12 months and have 10 or more total dives, if that is not the case we are happy to take you on an easy shore dive with us before joining our boat dives. Please understand that this is not only safety related, but most of all we want to ensure that you have the most pleasant experience possible.

The south coast of Madeira is a popular spot to watch whales and dolphins in their natural environment. This small-group yacht cruise offers a more personalized experience, with a chance to customize the tour to your group’s preferences, stopping to swim or snorkel along the coast, and looking out for bottlenose dolphins, sperm whales, and Bryde's whales.

Enjoy a stress-free all-inclusive boat trip from start to finish with hotel pickup and drop-off included. Step aboard and settle into a comfortable spot in the sun or shade as you cruise across the waters. Feel the ocean breeze, listen to the waves, and take in the stunning coastal views with unlimited drinks available throughout the trip. While cruising close to the coastline, enjoy onboard commentary about famous tourist spots, local curiosities, and interesting facts about the area along the way. Make a stop at the beautiful Calhau da Lapa, a picturesque spot perfect for swimming and snorkeling surrounded by dramatic cliffs and natural scenery. Explore the underwater world using the provided snorkeling mask and snorkel before your swim. After your swim, use the onboard small shower head to rinse off the saltwater before relaxing back on deck. Continue the experience with a freshly prepared buffet lunch featuring chicken, pork, and tuna fish, with sides of rice, potatoes, and salad, along with alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, and refreshments all included. Finish your meal with dessert and coffee while relaxing at sea and soaking up the views. Spend the day swimming, snorkeling, eating, drinking, and unwinding on the water before returning comfortably to your hotel.

Take in the fresh sea air on this full-day catamaran cruise to the Desertas Islands, from Funchal. Meet your crew at the Funchal Marina and board your catamaran. Then set sail toward the Madeira’s natural reserves, where sea life is frequently spotted. You’ll stop at the Desertas Islands, known for its stunning natural beauty and crystal clear waters. Enjoy three hours of hiking, swimming or sun bathing and indulge in a fresh fish buffet lunch with select beverages before sailing back to the marina.

Immerse yourself in the magic of the sunset along Madeira’s south coast, aboard a luxury catamaran. From the gentle rhythm of the waves to a sky painted in golden tones, enjoy a unique moment of tranquility, comfort, and beauty. Perfect for sharing, celebrating, or simply delighting in the perfect ending to an unforgettable day. Join us and experience the sunset like never before.

Hop aboard the “Santa Maria de Colombo,” a copy of Christopher Columbus’ signature boat, for a sail around Madeira’s southern coast. A trip that’s sure to appeal to adults and kids alike, the experience puts a historic spin on a classic boat tour, and includes the chance to see dolphins and whales, too.

Enjoy a refreshing half-day, 4-hour boat trip from Funchal with Luv Sailing featuring a stop at the stunning Cabo Girão for swimming and snorkeling in crystal-clear waters. Perfect for up to 8 guests, this relaxing cruise combines adventure, scenic beauty, and onboard refreshments for a memorable experience along Madeira’s spectacular coastline. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, traveling with family, or simply seeking a peaceful sea escape, this half-day trip provides the perfect blend of activity, relaxation, and stunning natural scenery.

During your visit to Madeira, it is almost mandatory to take a sea tour to observe cetaceans. Its excellent location allows you to see these species throughout the year. Take a close look at some of the 28 species of cetaceans that inhabit or visit the waters of the Madeira Archipelago. On our boat trips, it is very common to find: The Common Dolphin (Delphinus delphis) The Painted Dolphin (Stenella frontalis) The Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops truincatu) The Sperm Whale (Physeter macrocephalus) The Pilot Whale (Globicephala macrorhynchus) Bryde's Whale (Balaenoptera edeni). In the turtle family, the Boba Turtle (Caretta caretta) is the most sighted. Come and observe these friendly cetaceans and make your trip a truly unforgettable experience!