Dolphin trips · DOLPHIN WATCHING CATAMARAN CRUISES IN PORTUGAL
This is the shortlist you would send a friend: 11 dolphin watching catamaran cruises in Portugal worth the money, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the one thing to know before you commit.
From Funchal Marina, Magic Dolphin’s 3-hour cruise uses Madeira’s only hybrid-electric whale-watching catamaran. Look for dolphins, pilot whales, sperm whales, turtles, and seabirds with help from land-based spotters, then return past Cabo Girão and Câmara de Lobos.
“we were lucky and sow bottleneck dolphins, common dolphins and pilot whales. it s all about luck”
Spend three hours aboard Catamaran Seaborn, searching Madeira’s waters for dolphins, whales, turtles, and flying fish with an English or Portuguese guide. The trip includes a stop beneath Cabo Girão for swimming in summer, plus space to relax on deck and drinks for purchase.
“Great trip where we saw at least 59 dolphins in a big group. No whales but that would have been a bonus! Nice choice of swimming spot, right beneath the cliffa”
From Funchal’s New Marina, you’ll sail aboard the Atlantic Pearl with a Portuguese or English-speaking guide, scan the open sea for dolphins and whales, and stop beneath 580-meter Cabo Girão for swimming and snorkeling. The small-group boat has shaded seating, hammocks, bathrooms, and drinks for purchase.
“Great time. Saw dolphins and pilot whales and went to a nice cove for a swim. Guides were funny and nice”
Cruise Madeira’s southern coast aboard Magic Dolphin’s 2022 hybrid-electric catamaran. Shore spotters guide the captain to dolphins and whales, while certified guides explain the species and ocean ecology. Allow 2.5 to 3 hours, bring warm layers and waterproof clothing, and expect possible spray.
“Got to see dolphins, sperm and pilot whales. Also opportunity to learn more about them and the area. Plenty of room on board with helpful staff making sure you got to see the wildlife.”
You’ll sail from Funchal Marina on a spacious catamaran with indoor seating, sunbeds, and nets over the water. The crew, including captain Fabio on some departures and marine specialists such as Clara and Natasha, watches for dolphins and whales, explains Madeira’s sea life, and stops at Cabo Girão for swimming when conditions and season allow.
“Staff are very knowledgable and friendly! They also clearly work so hard to create the best experience!”
From Marina de Lagos, AlgarExperience takes you into the Atlantic to look for wild dolphins with guides such as Nadja and Diogo. After the wildlife search, stop near the cliffs for swimming, boat-jumping, and an inflatable slide, with fruit and cookies included.
“It was an unforgettable experience! We were taken out in a fantastic, comfortable boat and the trip was explained by our guide. When we reached a point further out, we immediately began to see dolphins and were treated to about 40 mins of watching many of the beautiful created swimming and leaping about, with the captain gently turning the boat so everyone could get a better view. We were told all about the creatures and then we sailed back towards Lagos. When we dropped anchor, we had a snack and the chance for fun swimming; then a chance bonus; another vessel needed rescue so we headed back along the coast…”
Set out from Funchal Marina on a 3-hour catamaran cruise along Madeira’s south coast. A trained crew searches for dolphins and whales, explains the marine life, and may stop for a swim below Cabo Girão when conditions allow. Drinks and toilets are available on board.
“I enjoyed the whale watching tour and got as promised, beautiful sighting of wales near Madeira island! There was two main stops, one for wales and one for a dip in the ocean on the other side of the island. It would’ve been nice to add a third stop/ a welcome drink for the price. Some notes for guests… There is a place to buy drinks and snacks/ food on board. The water was quite choppy at times so if you get sea sick bring some medicines and stay on the top deck for a smoother ride. The operator is VMT, not magic dolphin! Overall I am glad I chose…”
From Lagos Marina, you’ll spend 1.5 hours searching for wild dolphins aboard a spacious catamaran with shaded seating, padded benches, toilets, and a forward viewing platform. Your skipper provides commentary in English, Portuguese, or Spanish while you pass Algarve beaches and may stop for a swim near Benagil, sea conditions permitting.
“It was one of my best day. Amazing views. Extremely cute dolphins. Great and very friendly staff. Loved the dog so much. Thanks again!”
Cruise from Lagos Marina into the Atlantic on a purpose-built catamaran with bow and side viewing platforms, shade, a bar, and a bathroom. Guides help spot wild dolphins and may point out the coast and caves. Departures run in the morning and afternoon, with Steve among the guides.
“We only had about 20 minutes to see the dolphins because our time was finished. I would have stayed much longer. The guides only explained the instructions and then they did not talked to us! It was not that much worth it for the price.”
Join Magic Dolphin in Funchal for a 2.5 to 3-hour catamaran trip guided by land-based spotters. Look for dolphins, whales, turtles, seabirds, and rare monk seals, then cruise past Cabo Girão, Câmara de Lobos, and Reid’s Hotel. Drinks and snacks are available onboard.
“Einfach perfekt! Sollte man wirklich gemacht haben! Die meisten Leute sind ja nur einmal auf Madeira. Wunderschön!”
From Lagos, you’ll spend about 3.5 hours on a spacious catamaran searching for wild dolphins, passing Ponta da Piedade and Algarve beaches, then stopping to swim and use the inflatable slide. The crew provides live commentary, shade, cushioned seating, a snack, and a free voucher if no dolphins appear.
“It was a great trip. They worked really hard to ensure that we encountered dolphins. I don’t feel the need to write more bout viator won’t let me move on.”
Pick a hull, pick the water you want to be in, or decide whether you want them wild.
