Eco-Friendly Catamaran Dolphin and Whale Watching
Badge of Excellence
Madeira, Portugal
- 2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
Overview
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.
- Catamaran boat ride off the coast of Madeira
- Watch for dolphins, whales, and rare Monk seals
- Purchase drinks and snacks from the onboard bar
- Includes return ride, guide and live onboard commentary
What's Included
- Professional, local guide
- Live onboard commentary
- Local taxes
- Alcoholic drinks.
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Transportation to/from attractions
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- Magic Dolphin Praca do Povo, Av. Do Mar, São Martinho, 9000-900 Funchal, Portugal
Please arrive at the Funchal marina 30 minutes before your scheduled departure time. All guests must check in with our friendly staff at our kiosk for a boarding pass. In respect to all of our guests the boat leaves on time. If you miss the boat, you will be not be issued a refund.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.Itinerary
Magic Dolphin (Pass By)
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Near public transportation
- Infants must sit on laps
- Infant seats available
- Transportation is wheelchair accessible
- Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Most travelers can participate
- Child rate applies only when sharing with 2 paying adults
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Refunds will not be issued if tour/activity is missed due to late or non-arrival of cruise ship
- May be operated by a multi-lingual guide
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 149 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
Anne_L
We saw an endangered seal, hammer head shark and white turtle in addition to the many dolphins and whales. It was incredible. The crew were fantastic. They spent time with us as individuals answering questions
Reviews
4.6
based on 234 reviews
Karen_O, Apr 2026
Great size boat with a friendly crew.
We saw a large pod of common dolphins and stayed the allowed 10 minutes and then ventured west and was shown some beautiful views on the coast on the way back to Funchal. Having been on whale watching trip in differnt parts of the world, this felt more like a sightseeing cruise than a dolphin and whale watching trip. Nice all the same.
AMANDA_B, Jan 2026
We had a great time the staff were brilliant the cattermaran was clean and well looked after. We would do this again.
Caroline_I, Dec 2025
Crew Great, lovely trip,
saw whales and dolphins,
very informative.
8 year old grandchild loved the morning trip.
We all really enjoyed!
Antony_K, Aug 2025
Pretty nice and calm boat either way plenty of room and we saw two whales. Which made the whole trip worthwhile.
Anne_L, Jul 2025
We saw an endangered seal, hammer head shark and white turtle in addition to the many dolphins and whales. It was incredible. The crew were fantastic. They spent time with us as individuals answering questions
mrsm_b, Jun 2025
Really good experience. Comfortable boat and we could lie on nets at the front ( and risk getting wet). We saw a huge pod of Atlantic Spottdd Dolphins. We watched them hunt in the crystal clear water for our allocated 10minutes
Ruth_D, Oct 2024
Wonderful cruise, very relaxing and we were lucky enough to see a sperm whale and a family group of pilot whales with a baby. The staff were well informed and able to answer an questions about the whales as well as giving an interesting talk on what we had seen.
Teodora_D, Oct 2024
We saw a familiy of dolphins, we had the ability to swim for a bit. I would have prefered to have more time to swim.
Martha_C, Sep 2024
It was a wonderful day on the water with the Magic Dolphins. We saw dolphins, a pod of Sei Whales and a large pod of Pilot whales - lots of time and opportunities to observe and photograph as well as learn some interesting facts about these sea mammals. The crew was very friendly and knowledgeable. There was a chance to swim at the end if you wished.
Janette_S, Sep 2024
The entire experience was outstanding. Our hosts were inviting, friendly and extremely knowledgeable.
The beauty of the ocean, the panoramic views of the South Coast of the island magnificent.
The gift of watching a pod of pilot whales in their own habitat was breathtaking. We also had the opportunity to observe a number of Bottlenoaed Dolphins.
The eco-credentials were specifically chosen for this trip to ensure minimal impact upon the mammals and provide us with the trip of a lifetime.
This is one trip with a fabulous crew and commentary that comes with the highest of recommendations.
Thanks guys for a wonderful trip.
Response from Host, Sep 2024
Dear Janette,
Many thanks for choosing your activity more ecological way. We also have a carbon offset plantation, where the forest fires were. We try to neutralized our foot print on the planet as much as we can.
Hope to see to soon again.
Regards
Umut
Nadia_M, Jul 2024
Pro:
The staff were enthusiastic and had chemistry.
The catamaran was clean. Even toilets.
We saw a pod of dolphins.
Drinks were reasonably priced
Cons
The team gave up after just one sighting.
It was as if they had done their job and effort was no longer required.
Although this sounds harsh you must bear in mind that this is a 2 1/2 to 3hr ride and you can only stay watching the animals for a maximum of 10minutes (we were advised that this was the rule so not to be cruel)
So 10mins of animals viewings out of 3hr journey is very minimal.
I appreciate that animal sightings can’t be controlled but at least put in the effort to find more. As soon as we saw the dolphins the binoculars were put away and the upstairs guard remained downstairs playing with sun block sun and deodorants (I’m guessing previous guests had left behind) with the rest of the team.
Response from Host, Jul 2024
Dear Nadia,
I am sorry your experience were not reached up to your expectations.
Our aim is always to give you a memorable time to remember.
We do keep our vessels spotless clean and the crew is regularly trained to offer the best service for the Dolphin and whale watching experience.
It may seem to you they stop looking after one sighting but in reality they never do. We have wild life spotters from land whom scanning the ocean for us constantly plus the other boats out there communicating with each other all the time. So pretty much if anything else was out there they would know.
We hope to see you join again on one of our other activity.
Hope you have a great time in Madeira
Regards
Umut
Gwynethhaf_H, Jul 2024
Great experience and got to see a large pod of dolphins- great communication and well organised.
Great staff and the catamaran was perfectly clean and the toilets was very so clean and fresh smelling which was great for getting change in agter the great sea swim!
Hannah_K, May 2024
We had a great time seeing dolphins, sharks and getting to swim! This was such a cool experience and they did a great job at explaining everything. My friend and I were the only people to get in the water since it was a bit chilly, but they let us take our time and everyone was so nice.
Ondrej_B, Jan 2024
An excellent cruise, we saw pilot whales and bottle head dolphins. There was a refreshment on the boat, too.
2ybpnqj8xw, Oct 2023
Great trip, we were lucky enough to see dolphins and whales! I would take this trip even for the views itself!
suzana_t, Oct 2023
Excellent trip. The crew was very nice and funny. We saw a large family of pilot whales which was amazing
markpearse066, Oct 2023
Excellent trip, very good service informative staff, saw dolphins and whales, very reasonable price, would recommend
Jose_M, Nov 2025
An excellent day for everyone who took part in the trip in this super catamaran. An excellent sunny day and in prima we can observe cachalots whales and dolphins for me was an immense pleasure, the whole team was of a great professionalism and with a lot of patience but in the end all were rewarded. If you like good feelings is to express good luck to the whole team José Machado
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ANNESOPHIE_J, Mar 2025
Alors qu'il est indiqué 92% de chance de voir des dauphins, nous n'avons pas eu la chance d'en voir un seul.
Bref déçus !
Response from Host, Mar 2025
Merci pour votre commentaire. Nous sommes désolés d'apprendre que vous n'avez pas eu l'occasion de voir de dauphins lors de votre excursion. Bien que nous fassions tout notre possible pour maximiser les chances d'observation de la faune marine, il est important de noter que ces rencontres dépendent de la nature et peuvent être imprévisibles.
Nous comprenons votre déception et apprécions votre retour, car cela nous aide à améliorer nos services pour garantir une meilleure expérience à nos clients. Nous espérons avoir l'opportunité de vous accueillir à nouveau pour une excursion plus satisfaisante à l'avenir.
Heike_W, Feb 2025
Viele Delfine gesehen! Tolles Erlebnis! 🤩
Die Crew war sehr freundlich und hat unermüdlich gesucht.... Und schließlich war sie da! An zwei Stellen haben wir jeweils eine Gruppe Delfine gesehen! Die 2. Gruppe war ganz nah am Boot! FANTASTISCH! 🤩
Response from Host, Feb 2025
Vielen Dank für Ihre großartige Bewertung! Wir freuen uns sehr, dass Sie ein tolles Erlebnis hatten und so viele Delfine sehen konnten. Unser Team gibt immer sein Bestes, um solche magischen Momente möglich zu machen, und es freut uns sehr, dass es gelungen ist. Es muss fantastisch gewesen sein, die Delfine so nah am Boot zu erleben. Ihre freundlichen Worte bedeuten uns sehr viel, und wir hoffen, Sie bald wieder an Bord begrüßen zu dürfen!
Umut
Kerstin_B, Oct 2024
Pilotwale kamen sehr nah ran, ein tolles Erlebnis! Auch die Fahrt über das Meer selbe, der Ausblick auf die Küste Madeiras und das Schwimmen im total klaren Wasser im Meer waren toll!
Manuela_F, Sep 2024
Einfach perfekt! Sollte man wirklich gemacht haben! Die meisten Leute sind ja nur einmal auf Madeira. Wunderschön!
Rodrigo_A, Sep 2024
Ver os Golfinhos e aprender mais sobre os animais e a região junto do staff do barco.
Staff cinco estrelas.
Estelle_G, Aug 2024
Jolie sortie en catamaran, nous avons pu voir des globicephales noires. Le personnel est pro et accueillant. Je m’attendais quand même à ce qu’il y ait un peu moins de monde sur le bateau, mais on était quand même bien installé.
Maria_G, Aug 2024
Gostamos muito do passeio. Conseguimos ver golfinhos. Eram vários!. Foi muito giro. A viagem magnífica. A explicação que dão também. Obrigada.
Britta_O, Jul 2024
Sehr tierfreundliche Tour für die ganze Familie, mit Tipps zur Umgebung und Wissenswertes zur Flora und Fauna.
Nuno_P, Jul 2024
Experiência cumpriu o que anunciava Vimos 3 grupos distintos de golfinhos e tivemos a possibilidade de nadar no mar
Tripulação atenciosa e simpática
Response from Host, Jul 2024
Cara convidado,
Muito obrigado por nos escolher.
Fico feliz em ver que você gostou do nosso serviço.
Esperamos vê-lo novamente.
Cumprimentos
Filipa_G, Jul 2024
Maravilhoso, se o tempo estive melhor era cereja no topo do bolo. Equipa super dedicada e atenciosa.
Mercedes_S, Jun 2024
La experiencia es muy bonita y emocionante. Un largo paseo con vistas preciosas y con los delfines muy cerca del barco.Muy buen precio. Tiene bar con bebidas y snacks y la tripulación es muy amable.
Samuel_P, Nov 2023
Ne correspond pas du tout à la prestation vendu, nous devions débarquer sur une ile et faire une petite balade guidé sur l'ile. Mais nous avons juste vu l'ile de très loin.
Très déçu le descriptif ne correspond pas du tout !!!
Nous avons quand même pu observer des baleines, mais c'est pas ce que l'on voulait faire car on avait déjà vu lors d'un autre voyage.
Response from Host, Nov 2023
Dear Samuel,
I do believe you posted your review on a wrong page. We do not do an island tour, we do not make a short walk- Please check your review and post it in a correct page.
Many thanks
Umut
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