Madeira Dolphin and Whale Watching on a Ecological Catamaran in Funchal
Funchal, Portugal

Madeira Dolphin and Whale Watching on a Ecological Catamaran

Outty Ranking 80 4.6 · 2,220 traveler reviews3 hoursFrom $41

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September 2026

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Who is going?

Adults

Age 13 and over

2

Children

Age 12 and under

0

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From, per person$41
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Outty Ranking

80/100

Strongly Recommended. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.6/5

Based on 2,220 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Madeira Dolphin and Whale Watching on a Ecological Catamaran worth booking?

Madeira Dolphin and Whale Watching on a Ecological Catamaran is a 3-hour experience in Funchal, Portugal, from $41 per person. It scores 80 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended, based on a 4.6/5 rating across 2,220 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
80 / 100
Rating
4.6/5 (2,220)
Duration
3 hours
From
$41 per person

Go green with the premier dolphin and whale watching Eco-experience on Madeira Island! Magic Dolphin Eco is the only purpose built dolphin & whale watching catamaran in Madeira Island with hybrid-electric engines. It was

What you get

    About this experience

    Go green with the premier dolphin and whale watching Eco-experience on Madeira Island! Magic Dolphin Eco is the only purpose built dolphin & whale watching catamaran in Madeira Island with hybrid-electric engines. It was specially developed to assure our passengers a safe, comfortable and exceptional tour. Its hybrid-electric engines reduce noise and emissions making it the best experience not only for our guests, but also for our beloved cetaceans! There are two levels for the best viewing, four trampoline nets located at the bow of the boat, two bathrooms and two bars where you can purchase drinks and snacks. Our crew of certified guides are there to ensure everyone the best possible experience. They share their knowledge about the species we encounter, the history of Madeira and the local highlights.

    What's included

    Included

    • 2,5hours to 3hours catamaran cruise

    Not included

    • Lunch
    • Hotel pickup and drop-off

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Funchal

    Please arrive at the Funchal marina 30 minutes before your scheduled departure time. All guests must check in with our friendly staff at our kiosk for a boarding pass. In respect to all of our guests the boat leaves on time. If you miss the boat, you will be not be issued a refund.

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    Please arrive at the Funchal marina 30 minutes before your scheduled departure time. All guests must check in with our friendly staff at our kiosk for a boarding pass. In respect to all of our guests the boat leaves on time. If you miss the boat, you will be not be issued a refund.

    Options you can book

    • Dolphin & Whale Watching

      Ecological Catamaran: Magic Dolphin Eco is the only ecological catamaran in Funchal offers green cruises, no pollution for wild life.. Duration: 3 hours Wild life, Cabao Girao Ecological Catamaran: Magic Dolphin Eco has hybrid engines. When wild life spotted we engage our electric engines for silent observation. Dolphin and Whale Watching : Cruise a large award winning sailing Catamaran. Enjoy stunning views of Madeira Island from the Atlantic Ocean. Watch out for whales or dolphins jumping and splashing.

    • Ecological Cruises

      Dolphin and Whale Watching Wild Life: Silent, pollution free, ecological Dolphin and Whale Waching Duration: 3 hours Wild life Ecological Catamaran

    • Magic Dolphin Eco Summer

      Dolphin and Whale Watching Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes: This is a 2.5hours trips does not stop for swimming. Only wild life observation. Early start is the best. Wild life: Great to start early, You will find animals are more relaxed. Ecological Catamaran

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    pt, en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 15 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Magic Dolphin

    Know before you go

    • Wheelchair accessible
    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
    • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • May be operated by a multilingual guide

    Photos

    Madeira Dolphin and Whale Watching on a Ecological Catamaran in Funchal, photo 2Madeira Dolphin and Whale Watching on a Ecological Catamaran in Funchal, photo 3Madeira Dolphin and Whale Watching on a Ecological Catamaran in Funchal, photo 4Madeira Dolphin and Whale Watching on a Ecological Catamaran in Funchal, photo 5Madeira Dolphin and Whale Watching on a Ecological Catamaran in Funchal, photo 6Madeira Dolphin and Whale Watching on a Ecological Catamaran in Funchal, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 2,215 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    Organization

    3 mentions

    Pickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    2 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Photo opportunities

    2 mentions

    The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    Food and drink

    2 mentions

    The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.

    Good for families

    2 mentions

    Reviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.

    Traveler reviews

    2,215 verified traveler reviews for Madeira Dolphin and Whale Watching on a Ecological Catamaran. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    1,643
    4 star
    322
    3 star
    150
    2 star
    47
    1 star
    53
    Sort
    sammyH1842 · August 2026

    Great trip

    Great trip although very busy. We were lucky enough to see whales and dolphins. Would recommend this trip and company

    via Tripadvisor

    Big-A-Leics · August 2026

    Great 2.5 hours.

    You get a warm welcome aboard from the crew. They are helpful and polite. The trip is really interesting and we got to see several pilot whales. There’s also some sightseeing. This is definitely worth doing.

    via Tripadvisor

    magdakM7044FU · August 2026

    Great experience!

    Great experience, we chose the sunset one at 19.00. Saw a big family of dolphins and the sunset on the way back was spectacular. Nice catamaran, very nice and friendly staff.

    via Tripadvisor

    FionaF1321 · August 2026

    Great trip

    Great experience. Was wonderful to see the dolphins and the bonus sighting of a whale! Crew friendly and knowledgeable.

    via Tripadvisor

    vombergc · August 2026

    Unforgettable dolphin and whale watching!

    Very well organized whale watching tour. The meeting point was easy to find, and we received all the necessary information before departure. The boat was quite large with many passengers on board, but if you get a spot at the front of the boat early on, you'll have a great view when animals are spotted. Just be prepared to get a little wet there, although the crew warns you about that in advance. The guides were friendly and professional, keeping us informed throughout the trip. Whenever we were near animals, the captain slowed down or stopped the engines for a while so everyone could observe and take photos. The boat was also carefully positioned and turned when needed, making sure everyone had a chance to see the animals, even if they were only on one side. Unfortunately, the currents didn't allow us to visit Cabo Girão for a swim, but the captain did an excellent job navigating through the waves instead. As a bonus, we could stand at the front of the boat and enjoy some wet and fun action on the open sea. We saw a huge pod of spotted dolphins and even a sperm whale in the distance. An unforgettable experience that I would highly recommend!

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    3 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    777
    Verdict
    Strongly Recommended

    Why this scores 80

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)72
    Review evidence (18% weight)100
    Booking momentum (14% weight)100
    Value for money (12% weight)65
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)26
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Madeira Dolphin and Whale Watching on a Ecological Catamaran: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Funchal.

    How much does Madeira Dolphin and Whale Watching on a Ecological Catamaran cost?

    +

    Prices start at $41 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Funchal usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Madeira Dolphin and Whale Watching on a Ecological Catamaran take?

    +

    Plan for about 3 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Funchal is not rushed.

    Is Madeira Dolphin and Whale Watching on a Ecological Catamaran worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 80 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.6/5 across 2,220 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in Funchal, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Madeira Dolphin and Whale Watching on a Ecological Catamaran?

    +

    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is Madeira Dolphin and Whale Watching on a Ecological Catamaran suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 3-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Madeira Dolphin and Whale Watching on a Ecological Catamaran?

    +

    Around 777 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Funchal can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Funchal and add a light layer if any part of the 3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Madeira Dolphin and Whale Watching on a Ecological Catamaran start and how do I get there?

    +

    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Funchal within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Funchal?

    +

    On Outty we rank every Funchal experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Jeep Tour Amazing West to Natural Pools -Full-Day, Porto Moniz, Seixal, Fanal Forest, Cliff Skywalk in Open Roof 4X4, West Tour-Fanal Forest & Porto Moniz Natural Pools Small Groups. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Funchal?

    +

    Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Funchal?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

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