Sail along Madeira's Atlantic coast on this whale and dolphin watching catamaran cruise from Funchal, and see these amazing animals swim, jump, and play around the boat. What are you waiting for?
Activity Details
At the scheduled time, we'll meet at Funchal Marina and board our catamaran, which has restrooms, a bar, and covered areas to keep you out of the sun and rain. Then we'll set sail along Madeira's southern coast, heading 5 to 6 nautical miles (9 to 11 kilometers) out to sea in search of whales and dolphins.
From the deck, keep your eyes peeled for dolphins swimming just a few feet from the boat. If you're lucky, you might even see them leap out of the water! Depending on the day, you could also spot short-finned pilot whales, sperm whales, sea turtles, or seabirds. Along the way, your English-speaking crew member will share fun facts about the marine life in these waters.
If the sea and weather allow, we'll stop for a swim at Fajã do Cabo Girão, at the foot of one of the highest cliffs in Europe. You can ask the crew for a snorkel mask on board.
Then we'll head back along the coast to Funchal, taking in views of the island's rugged mountains from the sea. We'll arrive back at the marina after 3 hours.
Blue Flag Ecotourism
This cruise holds the Blue Flag certification and follows the principles of ethical ecotourism. The crew keeps safe distances, speeds, and noise levels so the animals aren't disturbed, and they promote recycling on board and educational activities on the island.
Please Note
It's very common to see whales and dolphins around Madeira. However, animals are unpredictable, and sightings can't be guaranteed. If you don't see any whales or dolphins, you'll get a voucher for a second trip at no cost.