Our 6 Best Catamaran Whale Watching in Portugal

1.Ecological Catamaran Dolphin Whale Watching

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 8,204 reviews · 3 hours · from $41Our pick

From Funchal Marina, you’ll spend three hours aboard Magic Dolphin, Madeira’s purpose-built hybrid-electric catamaran. Land-based spotters help locate dolphins and whales, while English and Portuguese guides explain the wildlife. Expect open-air viewing nets, two decks, toilets, a bar, and a chilly ride offshore, so bring warm waterproof layers.

“Iv’e been on many katamaran trips before but never with this company and i must say it was amazing and the best experience so far . Very informative and a good sense of humour so next trip to Madeira we will for sure go with you. Thank you for an amazing time on your boat.”

Check availability →Read our full review

2.Dolphin and Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 5,697 reviews · 3 hours · from $41

From Funchal Marina, you’ll cruise Madeira’s coast on the Seaborn catamaran with an English or Portuguese guide. Watch for dolphins, whales, turtles, and flying fish, then stop beneath Cabo Girão for a swim in clear Atlantic water during the summer season. Drinks and snacks are sold onboard, but sightings are never guaranteed.

“The boat is amazing and the crew were top! We saw dolphins and swam and the ocean. Thank you for the great experience. 🙏😊”

Check availability →Read our full review

3.Funchal Bay: Dolphin & Whale Watch Luxury Catamaran Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 2,684 reviews · 3 hours · from $47

Join Atlantic Pearl Catamaran in Funchal for three hours of whale and dolphin watching, coastal views, and a swim stop beneath 580-meter Cabo Girão. You can sit in the shaded cabin, stretch out on deck, or relax in outdoor hammocks. Portuguese and English guides lead the trip, with drinks available to buy onboard.

“Very nice catamaran, with firendly crew. The limited number of persons is a big plus. We enjoyed a great morning, saw dolphins and had a swim at Gabo Girao.”

Check availability →Read our full review

4.Madeira Dolphin and Whale Watching on a Ecological Catamaran

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,957 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $42

Set out from Funchal on Magic Dolphin’s 2022 hybrid-electric catamaran for a 2.5 to 3-hour search for dolphins and whales. Shore-based spotters guide the captain toward wildlife, while certified guides explain the species you see. The return route passes Cabo Girão, Câmara de Lobos, Reid’s Hotel, and Madeira’s coast.

“We have always wanted to go on a trip to see whales and dolphins and we were not disappointed. We firstly saw two Rough-Toothed dolphins, which apparently are very rare around Madeira, they were swimming side by side. Later on, we came across a family of Pilot Whales which were just chilling and every now and again they would come to the surface, you could even hear the noise of them blowing when they surfaced for air. The Magic Dolphin boat was very spacious and had a friendly and knowledgeable team that respected the wildlife. We would definitely recommend this trip.”

Check availability →Read our full review

5.Dolphin and Whale Watching by Luxury Catamaran

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,709 reviews · 3 hours · from $47

Join Magic Dolphin Atividades Maritimas for a three-hour catamaran cruise from Funchal. You will search for dolphins, whales, turtles, and seabirds with a Portuguese or English-speaking crew, then sail toward Cabo Girão. The boat has indoor seating, sun beds, trampoline nets, restrooms, and a welcome drink. Summer tours include a swim stop, except early morning departures in July and August.

“Lovely boat, small group, friendly crew and we saw pilot whales and dolphins. Excellent trip.”

Check availability →Read our full review

6.Dolphin and Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise from Funchal

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 645 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $48

Join VMT Madeira Catamaran for a three-hour cruise from Funchal Marina. The crew searches for dolphins, whales, and other marine life, then may stop beneath 580-meter Cabo Girão for a swim when conditions allow. There is a bar and toilet aboard, but sightings are never guaranteed. If no cetaceans appear, you can repeat the trip within one year.

“It is more of a catamaran cruise than a dolphin and whale watching. It’s fun to be on the water, but don’t expect any education or real focus on finding the animals.”

Check availability →Read our full review