Setting out on a dolphin and whale watching adventure in Funchal can be an unforgettable experience. Travelers can board a luxury catamaran and sail along the picturesque bay, spotting marine life like dolphins and whales. The tour offers stunning views, including the world’s second-highest sea cliff, Cabo Girão. With a welcome drink and onboard amenities, this intimate experience caters to a limited number of passengers, ensuring a comfortable and personalized journey. What makes this tour truly unique, however, is…
Key Points
- This 3-hour tour in Funchal offers the opportunity to see dolphins, whales, turtles, and endemic birds from a luxury catamaran.
- The tour includes a visit to Cabo Girão, the world’s second-highest sea cliff, and optional swimming in summer.
- The experience provides an intimate setting with fewer passengers than typical tours, with complimentary drinks and snacks onboard.
- The tour is wheelchair accessible and has flexible cancellation policies, making it suitable for a wide range of travelers.
- This tour is highly rated by customers for its boat, crew, and exceptional marine life sightings, with suggestions that it is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Activity Overview
The tour is titled "Funchal: Dolphin and Whale Watching by Luxury Catamaran" and is priced from $43.52 per person.
It lasts for 3 hours and is available in Portuguese, English, and French. The activity is wheelchair accessible, and travelers can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
The tour sails along Funchal’s bay, offering opportunities to see dolphins, whales, turtles, and endemic birds. Guests can also visit Cabo Girão, the world’s second-highest sea cliff, and swim in crystal-clear waters during summer tours.
The experience is on a luxury catamaran with indoor and outdoor seating for a more intimate adventure.
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Experience Highlights
Sail along the bay of Funchal to see dolphins, whales, turtles, and endemic birds.
Visit Cabo Girão, the world’s second highest sea cliff, towering at 1,902 feet. On select tours, you can even stop for a refreshing swim in crystal-clear waters.
Relax on a luxury catamaran with both indoor and outdoor seating, ensuring a more intimate experience with fewer passengers than typical tours.
The catamaran’s amenities, combined with the opportunity to observe Madeira’s remarkable marine life, make this an unforgettable adventure.
Itinerary Details
Two starting locations are offered for this excursion – Praça do Povo in Funchal and the Funchal Marina.
This excursion offers two starting locations – Praça do Povo in Funchal and the Funchal Marina.
The main activities include:
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Dolphin and whale watching
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Marine life viewing
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Wildlife viewing
After the tour, guests can be dropped off at the same starting locations.
The itinerary includes a stop at Cabo Girão, the world’s second-highest sea cliff, and an optional swimming opportunity during summer tours in crystal-clear waters.
This luxury catamaran experience provides a more intimate setting with fewer passengers compared to larger boat tours.
Inclusions and Exclusions
This dolphin and whale watching tour includes a guided dolphin and whale-watching experience, a professional crew, a swimming stop during summer tours, onboard restrooms, and a welcome drink.
However, it isn’t suitable for individuals over 95 years old. Passengers should bring comfortable shoes, swimwear, sunscreen, and comfortable clothes.
Pets, weapons, smoking, intoxication, feeding animals, and making noise or fire aren’t allowed on the tour.
More Great Tours NearbyCustomer Reviews and Ratings
According to the reviews, customers have generally been satisfied with the dolphin and whale watching tour in Funchal, with an overall rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars based on 1,398 reviews.
Reviewers highlighted:
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Positive feedback on the boat, crew, and sightings of marine life
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Mention of complimentary drinks and snacks onboard
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Suggestions for pricing, with some travelers noting it as a once-in-a-lifetime experience
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The luxury catamaran providing a more intimate experience with fewer passengers
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The opportunity to swim in crystal-clear waters during summer tours.
Hope to spot more marine life? These other whale watching options in Madeira are worth considering
Why Choose This Tour
Choosing this dolphin and whale watching tour in Funchal offers travelers a unique opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty of the region.
The experience aboard a luxury catamaran provides an intimate and comfortable setting with fewer passengers, allowing for greater wildlife viewing.
The tour includes a visit to the impressive Cabo Girão sea cliff and, in summer, a refreshing swim stop in crystal-clear waters.
With the expertise of a professional crew, guests can expect to spot a variety of marine life, including dolphins, whales, turtles, and endemic birds, making this an unforgettable adventure.
What to Expect on the Catamaran
The catamaran provides a comfortable and spacious setting for the dolphin and whale watching experience.
With both indoor and outdoor seating, guests can relax and enjoy the views in any weather. The smaller group size offers a more intimate encounter with the marine life.
During the tour, you may spot:
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Playful dolphins leaping through the waves
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Majestic whales breaching the surface
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Curious turtles floating peacefully
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Vibrant seabirds soaring overhead
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Schools of colorful fish darting beneath the surface
The knowledgeable crew is on hand to share fascinating insights about the local ecosystem and the behavior of the animals.
Preparing for Your Adventure
Before embarking on your dolphin and whale watching adventure, there are a few key items to consider.
Dress appropriately in comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing. Don’t forget sun protection like hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Bring a light jacket or sweater, as the ocean breeze can be cool.
Dress comfortably in weather-appropriate attire. Protect from sun with hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Bring a light jacket for the ocean breeze.
Wear non-slip, closed-toe shoes for stability on the boat. Stay hydrated and pack snacks, as the tour lasts several hours.
Remember your camera and binoculars to capture the stunning marine life. Most importantly, be prepared to witness the wonders of nature and have an unforgettable experience on the open waters.
The Sum Up
Embark on an unforgettable voyage with the "Funchal: Dolphin and Whale Watching by Luxury Catamaran" tour. Witness the breathtaking sights of marine life as you sail along Funchal’s picturesque bay, with the opportunity to visit the world’s second-highest sea cliff. This intimate tour aboard a luxury catamaran ensures a comfortable and personalized experience, complete with onboard amenities, making it a must-try for nature enthusiasts.
You can check availability for your dates here:More Tour Reviews in Madeira
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