MADEIRA · SAILING
The best days on the water.
The 14 most popular madeira tours. What each sail costs, how long you are on the water, and which crews run it well.
Go green on a 3-hour Madeira catamaran dolphin and whale watch from Funchal, with hybrid-electric silent cruising and great onboard viewing.
Most Popular“Lovely crew on boat. Delighted to see pod of pilot whales …a real treat. Thank you team. Be warned, it’s gets ve dry chilly out there, on way out to observation area. Bring layers!”
Quiet hybrid-electric catamaran dolphin and whale watching from Funchal, guided by spotters, plus a Cabo Girão swim and cliff views.
“The best xperience in my life, riding in the waves on the way back was the best !!! Thanks you very much”
3-hour catamaran from Funchal to search for dolphins, whales, and turtles near Cabo Girão, with views and a possible swim.
“The stuff was great! But tha most exiting was to seeing a Mama whale with her baby's and of course the sweet dolfins. I thing who loves the ocean and animals , can't miss this cruise! Thank you Sea born!”
Luxury catamaran cruise from Funchal to Cabo Girão for snorkeling, plus chances to spot dolphins and whales in Madeira waters.
“We had a great time. Saw some whale but far away. Beautiful weather. Friendly captain”
3-hour sunset sailing from Funchal in Madeira. Swim at Cabo Girão, watch for dolphins and whales, and enjoy an open bar for $58.
“I chose this trip over others because it was on a sinking yacht, not a catamaran or speed boat, and presented as 'calmer' than others i.e. no mention of a music system. I didn't want a party boat, but a serene and enjoyable last evening. This trip didn't disappoint, even if we didn't get to…”
Luxury catamaran from Funchal to Cabo Girão for dolphin and whale spotting, a possible swim stop, and expert marine stories.
“The boat trip was incredible — a luxury experience with cosy indoor seating, cushioned beds, and relaxing over-sea nets. The crew were friendly, helpful, and really knowledgeable about marine life. We were lucky to see a pod of seven dolphins swim right up to the boat — some even passed beneath the nets! The staff…”
3-hour Funchal sunset sailing for dolphins and whales, a Cabo Girão swim stop, and an open bar on a small yacht.
“Fantastic trip, highlight of my trip to Madeira. Bruno was an excellent host, I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Sunset was stunning, we were lucky to see a family of beaked whales, and the drinks kept coming for the duration. Perfect evening!”
Sail past Madeira’s coast to hunt for dolphins, whales, and turtles, then snorkel at Cabo Girão on a 3-hour yacht cruise.
“Lovely host (Bruno) and free drinks. Lol. Didn't see any whales or dolphins though, but obvs nature is nature. Super way to spend a few hours in Funchal.”
Funchal sunset catamaran: cruise Madeira’s south coast, spot dolphins or whales, swim near Cabo Girão, and watch Atlantic colors fade.
“Did this on our first day and honestly one of the best excursions I’ve done I would highly recommend this”
3-hour catamaran cruise from Funchal to spot dolphins and whales, with possible swim near Cabo Girão and a repeat trip if none seen.
“Got to see whales and dolphins. They even have a spotter. And there’s room for everyone. Swim and beer available. Great experience, obrigado!”
Half-day catamaran from Funchal for whale, dolphin and turtle spotting, plus a Cabo Girão swim and included snorkeling gear.
“This tour was a great for seeing whales and dolphins. It also was a very nice and relaxed time looking at coast of Funchal.”
Eco-friendly catamaran from Funchal for dolphin, whale, and monk seal watching with live commentary, plus south coast cruise views.
“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”
Full-day Desertas Islands catamaran from Funchal: volcanic scenery, monk seal conservation walk, swim, snorkel, paddleboard, lunch included.
“We would have loved to have more information about the area and it's a pity one can't see the monk seals here. But on our cruise, we were lucky enough to see a huge group of dolphins that accompanied us.”
Half-day Atlantic Pearl catamaran from Funchal for dolphin/whale spotting, plus a swim stop and included snorkeling gear, with small-group comfort.
“Nice ride to see the island by water and dolphins too. The crew were nice but not informative about what the itinerary was. The description of the tour was stopping for swimming and snorkeling but we didn’t stop and they didn’t even mention it. The advertisement for this trip shows snacks being served but there…”
The sailing ports worth the trip, grouped by the sea they sit on.
