Funchal Bay: Dolphin & Whale Watch Luxury Catamaran Cruise

Funchal Bay offers a unique opportunity to witness the captivating marine life of Madeira. This 3-hour catamaran cruise allows visitors to spot dolphins, whales, and other creatures in their natural habitat. With comfortable seating, an onboard bar, and knowledgeable crew, the experience promises an unforgettable maritime adventure. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or simply seeking a relaxing day on the water, this cruise could be the perfect addition to your Funchal itinerary. What makes this particular excursion stand out, however, is the chance to…

Key Points

• A 3-hour luxury catamaran cruise to spot whales and dolphins in their natural habitat near Funchal, Madeira.
• Opportunities to swim and snorkel at Cabo Girão, with stunning views of Funchal’s coastline and landscapes.
• Experienced crew provides informative commentary and enhances the overall experience.
• Onboard amenities include a bar, bathrooms, and no smoking or large bags allowed.
• Highly rated by travelers, with an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars based on over 1,800 reviews.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Activity Overview

The Funchal Bay Dolphin & Whale Watch Cruise is a 3-hour luxury catamaran experience that allows visitors to spot whales and dolphins in their natural habitat.

Set out on a 3-hour luxury catamaran cruise to spot whales and dolphins in their natural Funchal Bay habitat.

Priced from $43.78 per person, the cruise has a maximum group size of 20 participants and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Available in Portuguese and English, the cruise departs from the New Marina in Funchal.

Travelers can enjoy stunning views of the coastline and landscapes, as well as the opportunity to swim and snorkel at Cabo Girão.

Onboard amenities include a guide, bathrooms, and a bar with drinks available for purchase.

Experience Highlights

Spotting whales and dolphins in their natural habitat is the highlight of this cruise, allowing visitors to witness these majestic creatures up close.

The cruise also offers opportunities to:

• Swim and snorkel in the crystal-clear waters of Cabo Girão

• Enjoy stunning views of Funchal’s coastline and landscapes

• Sail on a luxury catamaran with comfortable seating and outdoor hammocks

• Experience the music ambiance and informative commentary from the crew

• Appreciate the scenic beauty and tranquility of the open sea.

This immersive experience provides an unforgettable way to connect with the marine life and natural wonders of Funchal Bay.

Itinerary Details

Departing from the New Marina in Funchal, the cruise begins with a safety briefing by the experienced crew. The catamaran then sails towards the open sea, keeping an eye out for whales and dolphins in their natural habitat. The vessel anchors at Cabo Girão, allowing passengers to enjoy a refreshing snorkel in the crystal-clear waters. The crew then leads a leisurely return around Funchal Marina.

| Itinerary | Details |

| — | — |

| Departure | New Marina – Funchal |

| Safety Briefing | By experienced crew |

| Sailing | Towards open sea, wildlife spotting |

| Snorkeling | At Cabo Girão |

Onboard Amenities

Aboard the cruise, a guide is provided to enhance the experience.

Passengers can take advantage of the onboard bathrooms and bar, which offers a variety of beverages for purchase, including juice, water, beer, and wine.

However, the cruise isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, and smoking as well as large bags are prohibited.

The key onboard amenities include:

• Knowledgeable guide

• Onboard bathrooms

• Bar with drinks available

• No smoking or large bags permitted

• Not wheelchair accessible

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Customer Feedback

Travelers have generally given the Funchal Bay Dolphin & Whale Watch Cruise positive reviews, with an overall rating of 4.3 out of 5 based on 1,820 reviews. Passengers praised the friendly staff, enjoyable music ambiance, and stunning views. Some suggested bringing swimming clothes for the water stop at Cabo Girão. The informative crew and the overall scenic experience were also appreciated by travelers.

| Positive Remarks | Suggestions | Ratings |

|—————–|————-|———|

| Friendly staff | Bring swim clothes | 4.3/5 |

| Music ambiance | – | 1,820 reviews |

| Scenic views | – | – |

Meeting Point and Departure Time

The cruise departs from the New Marina in Funchal. Guests should arrive at the designated meeting point about 15 minutes before the scheduled 3-hour departure time.

A few important tips:

• Arrive early to check in and receive any necessary instructions.

• Bring a small backpack or handbag to keep your belongings organized during the tour.

• Wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and closed-toe shoes.

• Apply sunscreen and bring a hat or sunglasses to protect against the sun.

• Listen carefully to the safety briefing provided by the experienced crew.

Preparing for the Cruise

Getting ready for the Funchal Bay Dolphin & Whale Watch Cruise is simple. Wear comfortable, lightweight clothing that dries quickly. Bring a swimsuit, towel, and reef-safe sunscreen if you plan to swim and snorkel at Cabo Girão.

Don’t forget a hat, sunglasses, and a light jacket or sweater for the breezy ocean air. Leave large bags at home, as they’re not allowed on the catamaran. Hydrate well and have a light snack before the tour.

The crew provides all necessary snorkel gear, so you just need to bring your adventurous spirit. With a bit of preparation, you’ll be ready to embark on an unforgettable marine wildlife adventure.

Discovering Marine Life

As the catamaran glides across the open waters, the true highlights of the cruise come into focus – the opportunity to spot whales and dolphins in their natural habitat.

The expert crew keeps a keen eye out, guiding guests to the best viewing spots. With luck, guests may witness:

• Breaching humpback whales

• Playful pods of bottlenose dolphins

• Rare sightings of pilot whales or sperm whales

• Schools of colorful fish darting through the crystal-clear waters

• Majestic seabirds soaring overhead

This thrilling wildlife encounter is the centerpiece of the Funchal Bay cruise, leaving lasting memories of Madeira’s abundant marine life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is There Any Discount or Package Deal Available?

There is no mention of a discount or package deal for this cruise in the information provided. The price starts from $43.78 per person, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance.

Can We Bring Our Own Food and Drinks Onboard?

No, passengers can’t bring their own food and drinks onboard. The cruise offers a bar where beverages like juice, water, beer, and wine can be purchased. But outside food and large bags aren’t permitted.

What Should We Wear for the Cruise?

For the cruise, it’s recommended to wear comfortable, casual clothing and non-slip shoes. Bring swimwear and a towel if you plan to swim or snorkel during the stop at Cabo Girão. Avoid bringing large bags or smoking on board.

Are There Any Restrooms on the Catamaran?

Yes, the catamaran has onboard bathrooms available for passengers’ convenience. The cruise details mention that "Onboard bathrooms" are one of the amenities provided during the 3-hour Funchal Bay dolphin and whale watching excursion.

How Long Does It Take to Reach the Whale and Dolphin Watching Spots?

The cruise takes around an hour to reach the prime whale and dolphin watching spots. The experienced crew sails the luxury catamaran towards the open sea, keeping a keen eye out for marine life along the way.

The Sum Up

This luxury catamaran cruise offers an unforgettable opportunity to witness dolphins, whales, and stunning coastlines in Funchal Bay. With expert crew, comfortable amenities, and the chance to swim and snorkel, it’s an ideal way to take in the natural wonders of the region. At just $43.78 per person, it’s an excellent value for a memorable maritime adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here: