
Madeira Dolphin and Whale Watching on a Ecological Catamaran
Traveler rating
4.6/5
Based on 2,268 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 $40 per person. It scores 82 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 4.6/5 rating across 2,268 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 82 / 100
- Rating
- 4.6/5 (2,268)
- Duration
- 3 hours
- From
- $40 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 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 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.
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
Ecological Cruises
Dolphin and Whale Watching Wild Life: Silent, pollution free, ecological Dolphin and Whale Waching Duration: 3 hours Wild life 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 30 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






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 2,259 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
4 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Traveler reviews
2,259 verified traveler reviews for Madeira Dolphin and Whale Watching on a Ecological Catamaran. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Amazing experience both times
Amazing experience - I did it twice. On my first trip on the 03rd October I saw a pod of Pilot Whales which was incredible and then on my second trip on the 08th October we saw a huge pod of Dolphins. It was magical on both days. Highly recommend.
via Viator
Great crew, informative - relaxing trip
Great experience, saw a podcast of dolphins, stopped off for a swim. Great crew, boat very clean.
via Tripadvisor
Dolphin and whale watching tour
It’s okay. But no luck we did not have any chance to see the whale. Large amount of dolphins were seen in the sea and was really funny.
via Viator
Well worth the trip
Amazing experience saw two whale species (pod os 7 Pilot, and Blainsville Beaked) and one dolphin species (small pod, Bottlenose).
via Tripadvisor
Dolphins and whale watching
We had a wonderful trip and saw both whales and dolphins within the 1st hour! The rest of the trip followed the coast and it was lovely to see the island from the sea. All the crew were helpful and knowledgeable. When the dolphins and whales were spotted everyone had a chance to see them
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
- 794
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Who runs this experience
Operated by Magic Dolphin, who run 3 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 75.5.
See everything Magic Dolphin runsWhy this scores 82
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
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?
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Prices start at $40 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?
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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?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 82 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.6/5 across 2,268 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?
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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?
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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?
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Around 794 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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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.
What is included in Madeira Dolphin and Whale Watching on a Ecological Catamaran?
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Included: 2,5hours to 3hours catamaran cruise. Not included: Lunch; and Hotel pickup and drop-off. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Madeira Dolphin and Whale Watching on a Ecological Catamaran?
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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. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Madeira Dolphin and Whale Watching on a Ecological Catamaran offered in?
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It is offered in Portuguese and English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Madeira Dolphin and Whale Watching on a Ecological Catamaran?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Madeira Dolphin and Whale Watching on a Ecological Catamaran wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; Transportation options are wheelchair accessible; and All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Madeira Dolphin and Whale Watching on a Ecological Catamaran if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Madeira Dolphin and Whale Watching on a Ecological Catamaran?
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Across 2,268 reviews averaging 4.6 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
What booking options are available for Madeira Dolphin and Whale Watching on a Ecological Catamaran?
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There are 3 options to choose from, including Dolphin & Whale Watching, Magic Dolphin Eco Summer, Ecological Cruises. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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