VipDolphins Luxury Whale Watching
Recommended by 98% of travelers
Funchal, Portugal
- 3 hours (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
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.
- Enjoy a luxurious whale- and dolphin-spotting experience
- Set sail aboard a modern, well-appointed catamaran
- Champagne, cocktails, drinks, snacks, and desserts are provided
- Stop for a swimming and snorkeling break at scenic Cabo Girao
What's Included
- SnacksWe offer a variety of snacks and biscuits during this experience.
- Coffee and/or Tea
- Alcoholic Beverages
- Soda/Pop
- Bottled water
- Use of Snorkeling equipmentUse of Snorkelling equipment
- Blankets
- Towels
- Pick-ups
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- VipDolphins Catamaran Whale WatchingPraça do Povo, 9000-900 Funchal, Portugal
Check-in 30 minutes before departure at the VipDolphins Kiosk. We are located in the marina in the city center of Funchal. Plan for traffic and accidents. The boat leaves on time and cannot wait if you are late, even if you call. No refunds or free reschedules for late arrivals.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.What To Expect
1
VipDolphins Catamaran Whale Watching
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Near public transportation
- Not recommended for travelers with back problems
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Most travelers can participate
- Children under 3 years old are not allowed
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 17 travelers
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
Sue_P
Wonderful afternoon on a beautiful catamaran. We were really lucky to see a large pod of Pilot Whales. The crew on the boat were very attentive and knowledgeable about the sea life. A great day - would definitely do it again and recommend to everyone.
Reviews
4.9
based on 1,737 reviews
Sue_C, Apr 2026
Boat was beautiful and clean. Crew was very attentive, knowledgeable, helpful and engaging. Saw a fin whale and beautiful coastline of Maderia
Robert_G, Mar 2026
When they say luxury, they mean it. A great boat, with very few people. The entire crew was wonderful. The sights were amazing and the crew knew how to make us all feel special.
italy, Mar 2026
We had a lovely time on this boat, plenty of space, attentive staff, great conversation with other guests, and beautiful views of the water and the coastline, as well as educational and interesting information about what we were seeing.
Anton_H, Mar 2026
So welcoming on board aswell as checking in making sure we are okay if we wanted any drinks or food. Seeing the dolphins was incredible and the information provided by the team was 2nd to none.
Janet_C, Feb 2026
Fantastic trip, great crew and we saw lots of whales and dolphins. The boat was comfortable and we were free to wander around.
Would definitely recommend this trip
Samantha_D, Feb 2026
We really enjoyed this trip. The crew were very friendly, the snacks were varied and delicious and the drinks kept flowing. We were lucky enough to see dolphins and pilot whales which was wonderful. With time for a dip in the sea it was a great experience overall.
Stephen_B, Jan 2026
Excellent trip, friendly and knowledgeable crew. Don’t expect an entirely smooth sail, can be a bit rough!
Saw dolphins and pilot whale. Skipper able to answer all our questions
Tammie_B, Jan 2026
So relaxing and fun! Sheila and Liv took great care of us and were super friendly. They brought us all kinds of local treats to try and beverages. It was nice to have a smaller sized group and have room to move about on the boat. The captain kept us informed and jumped down to help me back on the boat after swimming. We were also able to see a group of pilot whales with babies! It was a lovely way to spend an afternoon and be pampered.
Karen_W, Jan 2026
Fantastic afternoon, well worth doing.
The drinks flowed the nibbles we're lovely the staff were Fabulous & couldn't do enough & the dolphins were so amazing.
Nicholas_C, Dec 2025
We have been on whale/dolphin watching cruises before with varying degrees of success, but this was by far the best. Liv, Sheila and Chico (I hope I’ve got the names right) were attentive throughout and kept us well supplied with freshly prepared food and drink. They also were quick to identify the dolphins and whales when they surfaced and to explain more about them. The ride was very smooth despite a slight swell and we were very lucky with the warm sunshine. All in all a wonderful experience.
Nicola_S, Dec 2025
This was a fantastic trip. The crew were lovely, very attentive and knowledgeable. The boat was spacious and very comfortable with a choice of seats for all. The drinks and snacks were delicious. There are two WCs. The whole trip was delightful, I cannot recommend it highly enough.
ELIZABETH_A, Nov 2025
This was an amazing trip. The crew were super friendly and helpful - we had Maggie, Francisco and Nico our captain. They couldn't do enough for the guests and when we saw whales and dolphins they gave us loads of interesting information about the species, their habits, and their habitat. A small boat with a small number of guests was perfect to see things and not feel left out. Would highly recommend!!!
Sue_P, Nov 2025
Wonderful afternoon on a beautiful catamaran. We were really lucky to see a large pod of Pilot Whales. The crew on the boat were very attentive and knowledgeable about the sea life. A great day - would definitely do it again and recommend to everyone.
Alison_D, Nov 2025
Great start views of the coast were incredible, snack and drinks provided. All questions answered and recommendations given. Highlight of trip was the pilot whales swimming close to us. Thank you Nick and crew I’m sure we will be back. Maggie thanks for info on where to visit.
jamesacc, Nov 2025
Incredible experience and couldn't recommend it more. Having less people on the trip just made it more friendly and relaxing. A++++
Elise_H, Nov 2025
Good experience and managed to see few
Whales n Dolphin together .
Services are good from Captain n guides !
Rajen_N, Nov 2025
Highly recommend! Service was great. They really looked after us.
Seeing the dolphins was amazing as well!
Elise_Y, Oct 2025
Wonderful cruise! We had a great view of the dolphins and pilot whales during the 10 min we were allowed to be near them (a portuguese regulation that we support!) The guides were fantastic with the perfect amount of providing information without interuppting. It was so lovely to not be crowded on the boat. The snacks and drinks were great. The waves were very strong even on a seemingly calm day (it is an island!) so we recommend taking some anti sea sickness measures.
Kathy_R, Oct 2025
Excellent boat, 16 travellers only so plenty of choice for people to sit around the boat. Complimentary drinks/snacks were welcomed. We saw both whales and dolphins, and an opportunity to swim. The staff were friendly and knowledgeable. Excellent trip!
AhmadFarid_M, Oct 2025
We joined a dolphin-watching boat tour with our family and kids, and it was absolutely fantastic!
The crew was so friendly, professional, and passionate about what they do. They made everyone feel safe and comfortable, and their knowledge about the sea and marine life made the trip even more interesting.
We were lucky to see many dolphins swimming right next to the boat — it was truly magical and unforgettable! The kids were so excited, and the crew made sure they enjoyed every moment.
The boat was clean, well-organized, and the whole atmosphere was relaxed and joyful.
Thank you to the entire team for an incredible day at sea — one of the highlights of our Madeira trip!
SarahJane_J, Oct 2025
Probably the best boat trip we've done - staff were super friendly, drinks and nibbles were great!!!
Anna_M, Oct 2025
Amazing service, delicious snacks, just perfect day on a boat! We enjoyed every minute of the trip!!
Julie_D, Oct 2025
Enjoyable trip. Super friendly and knowledgable staff. Where Abel to quickly get to a sort to see a bunch of whales/ dolphins. Didn’t have a ton of li o after that but what we saw was super cool.
Mimi_S, Oct 2025
Saw two different pods of whales! Including One small group of three in a rare sighting of beaked nose whales…beautiful trip, wonderful crew, tasty filling snacks more like appetizers, you can eat, drink as much as you’d like… informative super friendly cheerful crew, fun swim. Perfect size smaller boat.
gallod18, Oct 2025
This VIP Dolphins tour was one of the highlights of my trip to Madeira. I loved the small group size, which made the experience feel personal and relaxing, and we were lucky enough to see dolphins up close. The boat was in excellent condition with bathrooms, changing rooms, and plenty of space to enjoy the views, and the snorkeling stop was incredible. I also appreciated the thoughtful touches like traditional snacks, drinks, and even towels
Fiona_S, Oct 2025
Fabulous catamaran & crew who looked after us well. As they only take a maximum of 17 passengers the boat was not crowded like other operators. Although we only saw a pod of dolphins in the distance it did not disappoint the experience. Would not hesitate to use them again.
Glenn_P, Oct 2025
Very nice boat and crew Only 16 people so very private Be careful after swimming Ladder is a little difficult to climb back on the noat
Zoltan_T, Oct 2025
It was really easy to find the meeting point in the marina. The check-in was quick and easy. Amazing experience, very friendly staff, well organised. There were not too many people on the catamaran as the group size is limited, which makes it a lot more pleasant.
Janina_Y, Oct 2025
This was truly an incredible experience! We saw about 10 pilot whales and got to see them very close by as well. Then we had plenty of drinks (sparkling wine, beer, white wine you name it!) We also had lovely snacks and really friendly service. Saw absolutely beautiful sunset as well and Funchal in the dark with all the lights. Would recommend 100%!!!
Elizabeth_P, Sep 2025
Saw some pilot whales. It was relaxing and beautiful and the crew was awesome. I’d be happy to go again!
From $94.50
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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