Worldwide · DOLPHIN WATCHING CATAMARAN CRUISES
Two hulls means shade, a flat deck and the least seasickness available on this activity, which is why families book them. The 15 below compare group size, whether lunch is really included and how long the swim stop lasts.
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”
Sail from Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria for up to two hours in search of dolphins, pilot whales, and minke whales. Then stop near the coast for swimming and snorkeling, with masks, water, soft drinks, and a slide provided. Hotel pickup is optional.
“We had so much fun, the amount of time you get on the boat for the price, plus the knowledge and determination of the crew is brilliant. They were so polite and accommodating and the snacks are a nice bonus too.”
Sail from Panama City Beach aboard Island Time’s spacious catamaran, watching for wild dolphins before reaching Shell Island. You can snorkel in St. Andrews Bay, paddleboard, use the waterslide, collect shells, or simply relax. Crew members such as Emma, Sarah, Heath, and Clayton are often praised for friendly service.
“We had the perfect time on Island Time! The two captains and bartender took the time to get to know us, were so helpful in spotting dolphins (easily over 100)! They slowed down and stopped so we could take videos/photos. Then spending time walking the beach on shell island was more beautiful than expected. My husband snorkeled and we found sand dollars and gorgeous shells. The music was relaxed but fun, the drink offerings were spot-on (go for the rum punch) and the 3 hours on the trip were some of the best spent on our entire trip!”
Sail from Puerto Colón on a comfortable catamaran with up to 24 people. Your crew searches for pilot whales and dolphins, serves drinks and a cold tapas buffet, then stops for swimming and snorkeling before returning along Tenerife’s south coast. Hotel pickup is available in selected southern resorts.
“it was a good tour and the guides were very hospitable. we has so much fun. we got value for the money paid.”
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”
Join Delphi Watersports’ three-hour catamaran cruise from Noord for two snorkel stops at the Antilla shipwreck and Boca Catalina Bay. Frederick, Oscar, Rio, Jay, Brandon, Olga, and the crew are known for friendly service, while the rope swing, spinning slide, wraps, fruit, and drinks keep the trip lively.
“In my opinion based on my experience yesterday, this activity is not great for a solo adventurer. First, I was early and then we boarded on the boat, I did not have any seat at all (as in literally) so I came out of the boat and told them that I aRead more”
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.”
Set sail from 5201 N Lagoon Dr with Island Time Sailing for a two-hour sunset cruise through Grand Lagoon. Look for dolphins near St. Andrews State Park, enjoy music and drinks from the onboard bar, and finish with dockside games and dancing. Captains Clay and Christo are among the crew praised for finding good dolphin views.
“Everything about this dolphin watch boat tour is phenomenal, the Captain and crew are amazing! Me and my girlfriend have done this twice within a year and it’s been amazing and worth every penny.”
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 Fuengirola’s port for two hours of dolphin watching aboard a spacious catamaran. You can move between the shaded lower deck, open upper deck, and front viewing areas while the multilingual crew searches for wild dolphins. A bar, bathroom, and small glass-bottom viewing windows are onboard.
“We could see a lots of dolphins and the view was amazing.”
Set out from Kailua Pier on Body Glove’s large, accessible catamaran for a 4.5-hour Kona coast cruise. You’ll get breakfast, BBQ lunch, gear, reef-safe sunscreen, about two hours in the Red Hill area, plus dolphins, a waterslide, high-jump platform, and paddle toys when conditions cooperate.
“It was exactly what I expected. The crew were knowledgeable and organized. The snorkeling was fun, with plenty of time to go out several times. The food was good.”
Meet Olga or John at Delphi Watersports by the Hyatt Regency towel hut for a two-hour sunset sail aboard a 45-foot catamaran. Expect Caribbean music, an open bar, light snacks, ocean views, and a swim stop with a rope swing and waterslide. Boarding uses a shuttle boat, so wear clothes that can get wet.
“Very nice cruise, left on time comfortable boat. Would definitely go on this again. Drinks were included as well.”
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…”
Pick a hull, pick the water you want to be in, or decide whether you want them wild.
