All Inclusive Whale and Dolphin Watching Luxury Tour

Dolphins and free-flowing wine on a small boat. This Madeira cruise is all about whale-and-dolphin searching plus a Cabo Girão stop that turns a wildlife outing into a proper sea-break.

I love how the crew runs a calm, personal experience with names like Liv and David often leading the fun and safety check-ins, and captains such as Bruno or Nic steering with confidence. I also love the all-inclusive vibe: unlimited drinks and Madeira snacks show up again and again while you watch the water for whales, dolphins, and turtles.

The only real drawback: wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, and the trip can get a bit choppy once you’re out past calmer bays, so pack for that.

Quick hits before you go

• Small-group feel (often around 17 people): more room, less crowd noise, easier viewing from anywhere on deck
• Open bar from the welcome glass: sparkling wine at boarding, then unlimited beer/wine/cocktails plus local snacks
• Cabo Girão is the star stop: 30 minutes by the 586m sea cliff for photos and a swim/snorkel break
• Wildlife respect is part of the job: the crew works with environmental awareness and keeps distances sensible
• Snorkeling gear is included: snorkels and goggles are free for the water time
• Crew energy is real: from guided spotting to light hospitality touches like photo taking and refills at your seat

From Funchal marina to a true luxury catamaran ride

Your tour starts at the docks in Funchal, at the VipDolphins kiosk (between Praça do Povo and the Ocean). No hotel pickup here, so plan to arrive a little early and get yourself settled before boarding. The good news: the meeting point is straightforward, and you’ll have a separate entrance for a smoother start.

Once you’re on board, the catamaran setup feels designed for comfort. There’s indoor seating for shade and shelter, and outdoor spots for sun and sea views. You also get toilets split by gender, which sounds like a small thing until you’re halfway into a 3-hour cruise and thankful it’s not a “line management” situation.

If you like being able to choose where you sit—forward for scanning, mid-deck for calmer viewing, inside when the wind picks up—you’ll feel like the boat is actually yours. Many people love that they don’t overload the vessel. One consistent theme from the experience: the group stays small enough that you don’t constantly fight for a good angle.

You’ll also get a welcome glass of sparkling wine before the search begins. It’s a simple touch, but it sets the tone: this tour doesn’t treat the ride like a chore on the way to something else.

How the crew searches for whales, dolphins, and turtles

The core idea is simple: you sail out to find marine life in their natural area. You’ll spend long stretches scanning the horizon, then pause when sightings look promising. The crew keeps it active without rushing you—more like coordinated teamwork than a noisy “go go go” scramble.

Depending on the day, you might see different kinds of whales and dolphins. From the experience, people have reported sightings such as pilot whales, sperm whales, Atlantic spotted dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, and bull-headed dolphins. Turtles also show up sometimes. Even when the day is slower for wildlife, the guiding can still make the cruise feel worthwhile, since you learn what to look for and why certain sightings happen where they do.

What makes the spotting part feel special is how organized it is. The crew often links up with onshore spotters using binoculars, so they’re not just staring at the same patch of ocean for an hour. When whales or dolphins approach, the boat doesn’t treat it like a theme-park ride. It’s about staying respectful and giving the animals space, which you’ll notice in the calm way the crew manages positioning and approach.

If you’re sensitive to motion, this is worth noting: some passengers say the ride can be rougher farther out. The crew does check on everyone regularly, and they’ll help you find the least uncomfortable spot. I’d still plan for movement on a sea day—especially if you’re prone to motion sickness.

And one more practical point: sightings can’t be forced. I’ve seen enough ocean tours to know the “best-case” day and the “quiet day” can both happen. The difference here is that even on a lower wildlife-count trip, you’re still getting a proper luxury ride, lots of comfort, and a well-timed break by Cabo Girão.

Cabo Girão: the 30-minute cliff stop with swim and snorkel time

The tour includes a 30-minute stop by Cabo Girão, the 586m seaside cliff (commonly described as the world’s second highest sea cliff). This is the break that turns a boat outing into a full experience. You’re not just watching from above—you get the option to go into the water where the cliffs drop straight to the sea.

You’ll have time for photos and scenic views back toward Funchal. Then it’s the water portion: you can swim, and snorkels and goggles are provided free. People describe the water as clear, and it can feel like an instant reset after time spent scanning for animals.

A realistic tip: treat this swim like a mini beach day. Bring swimwear under your clothes if you can, and plan to change out of wet gear afterward. There are also comfort touches mentioned in the experience, like towels and plastic bags for your wet stuff, plus changing comfort on board. If you want phone power for pictures, you may be happy to know a phone charging setup is available.

One drawback of a swim stop: if the sea is rough, the water time may feel more physical than relaxing. Still, the crew manages it with safety in mind, and many people rate that cliff swim as a highlight even when wildlife sightings are mixed.

Drinks and snacks: the open bar part that actually matters

Here’s where this tour earns its premium. It’s not just “a drink included.” It’s an open bar with unlimited service, meaning you aren’t stuck with one token beverage. You start with sparkling wine on arrival, then you can keep ordering from the bar throughout the cruise.

People specifically mention local wines, beer, cocktails, and even specialty options like a cinnamon coffee. Drinks can be served to your seat, and the crew brings snacks in a steady rhythm instead of waiting for a formal “snack break.” That matters because it keeps the vibe easy. You don’t have to leave your viewing spot at the moment your best animal might appear.

The food side is also more than chips-and-salsa. Local snacks and small bites are included, and people call out typical Madeira treats and a good variety rather than just one predictable option. The buffet-style pressure is gone—this feels more like being hosted.

This is where the small-group setup pays off again. In a crowded tour, you often spend your time queuing or trying to flag someone down for a refill. On this boat, refills and snack trays are part of the flow, so you stay focused on the ocean.

And if you’re the type who likes a proper moment—sunlight, sea air, a cold drink while you watch—this tour gives you those pauses without making you feel like you’re waiting on anyone.

Comfort on a 3-hour schedule (and what to pack)

This outing runs about 3 hours, which is a sweet spot. It’s long enough to search for wildlife and include the Cabo Girão cliff stop, but not so long that you’ll feel cooked by the time you return to port.

The itinerary rhythm keeps things moving:

• a start at the marina with the welcome drink
• time out on open water for dolphin/whale/turtle searching
• onboard hospitality while the crew scans
• then the Cabo Girão break for photos and swimming/snorkeling
• the return sailing with more chances to spot sea life

On deck, you can rotate between shaded and sunny areas. Indoor seating helps when the wind cuts through or if you want a breather from salt spray. Toilets with gender separation also add a real level of comfort on a cruise this length.

If you only pack light, you’ll still be fine. But I’d bring the basics that make the experience smoother:

• a light layer in case it’s windy
• sunscreen and sunglasses
• a towel or quick-dry solution can help (even if the crew provides some wet-gear comfort touches)
• sea-sickness tablets if you know you get motion sick

One theme from people: even when the sea gets choppy, they felt safe, and the crew continually checks in on comfort. Still, prevention is easier than fixing it after you’re uncomfortable.

Price and value: is $93 worth it?

Let’s talk money in plain terms. At $93 per person for a 3-hour luxury catamaran trip, you’re paying for more than just a boat ride.

You’re getting:

• wildlife searching time for dolphins/whales/turtles
• a swim/snorkel stop at Cabo Girão
• unlimited drinks, including alcohol
• local snacks and hospitality throughout
• snorkeling gear provided
• a smaller group feel (often around 17 people), meaning less crowding and easier movement

So the value depends on what you want from a whale watch. If you want a simple “go out, hope for animals, come back” with minimal extras, you can probably find cheaper options. But if you care about comfort, service, and the Cabo Girão water break, this price starts to look reasonable fast.

The premium also shows up in how the crew works. People repeatedly mention attentive care—checking on anyone who feels unwell, handling the boat confidently, and staying focused on marine-life respect. That’s not guaranteed on every tour, and it’s the kind of difference you feel within the first 20 minutes.

Big reminder: wildlife sightings aren’t guaranteed. Even in the best setups, animals decide what they do that day. The best “value” here is that even if marine life is quiet, you still have a high-quality sailing and a real cliff swim stop.

Who this VIP cruise fits best

This tour fits best if you want the Madeira sea experience with a comfort-first approach. It’s a great match for:

• couples and small groups who want a calmer vibe than overcrowded boats
• people who want unlimited drinks and snacks included, without thinking about it
• anyone who plans to actually use the swim time at Cabo Girão

It also makes sense if you want an experience that feels respectful toward marine life. The crew tends to manage the boat’s behavior in a way that supports responsible viewing, including environmental awareness touches like picking up debris people have seen on the water.

Not ideal for very young children: it’s not suitable for kids under 3. On the positive side, it is wheelchair accessible, so mobility doesn’t have to be a deal-breaker.

If you hate motion, it’s worth considering the sea conditions on your day. Many people say they still felt safe even when it was choppy, and the crew does keep an eye on comfort. But if you know you’ll struggle, bring what you need before you go.

My booking advice: book if you want the full Madeira sea day

I’d book this tour if your top priority is a comfortable catamaran day with a real service upgrade: open bar, steady snacks, included snorkeling gear, and that Cabo Girão swim stop. The premium feels justified because it’s not just “a nicer boat.” It’s the whole experience designed to keep you comfortable while you watch the ocean.

I would not base the decision only on a promise of whales and dolphins. You’re going to Madeira for the sea, and the marine life is the bonus. If you’re okay with that reality—and you want a luxury ride either way—this tour has a strong track record.

If you’re deciding between options, choose this one when you value:

• less crowding and more space
• a built-in swim stop
• all-inclusive drinks and snacks
• a crew that actively manages safety, comfort, and respectful viewing

FAQ

FAQ

Where do I meet the tour in Funchal?

Meet at Kiosk VipDolphins, located between Praça do Povo and the Ocean. Search VipDolphins on Google Maps to find the exact spot.

How long is the whale and dolphin watching tour?

The duration is 3 hours.

What animals are you likely to see?

You go looking for dolphins, whales, and turtles in their natural habitat. Actual sightings vary by day.

Are drinks and alcohol included?

Yes. All drinks are included, including alcohol, plus a welcome glass of sparkling wine on arrival.

Is there a swimming stop, and is snorkeling gear provided?

Yes. There’s a swimming stop near Cabo Girão, and snorkels and goggles are provided free.

What languages is the live guide available in?

The live tour guide is available in English, Portuguese, and Spanish.

Is the tour suitable for young children?

It’s not suitable for children under 3 years old.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, and the catamaran has onboard facilities.

Should you book this Madeira whale and dolphin cruise?

If you want a whale watch that feels more like a luxury sea outing than a crowded wildlife chase, book it. The mix of small-group comfort, unlimited drinks and snacks, and the Cabo Girão swim stop makes it one of the more complete half-day plans around Funchal. Just remember: marine life is wild, so keep expectations flexible, and pack for possible choppier water.