The quick version
- Sail Funchal Bay for 3 hours on a luxury catamaran with a live English and Portuguese guide, from US$46.[1]
- Bottlenose dolphins and short-finned pilot whales are seen all year round; Atlantic spotted dolphins and blue whales are seasonal.[2]
- Ocean depths can reach more than 3,000 metres just five kilometres offshore, so whales come close to the coast.[3]
- Reserve now and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund.[1]
- Sea temperatures in Funchal range from 19°C in winter to 24°C in summer, so pack layers and a swimsuit.[4]
- Top choice Funchal Bay Catamaran from US$46 Rating4.25[1]Reviews3,470[1]Duration3 hours[1] Check availability
- All-Inclusive Luxury Tour from US$91 Rating4.92[5]Reviews2,885[5]Duration3 hours[5] See this tour
- Responsible Whale & Dolphin from US$62 Rating4.92[6]Reviews1,851[6]Duration2 hours[6] See this tour
Five kilometres off the coast, ocean depths can exceed 3,000 metres, and underwater steep slopes, canyons and vast plateaus bring larger cetaceans, usually found in deeper waters, close to the island.
Why choose the Funchal Bay luxury catamaran
Before you sail
- Check the weather and morning departures
- Sea temperatures are pleasant, but pack a layer for the breeze
- Bring seasickness tablets if you are prone
- Sun cream, sunglasses and a hat
On the day
- Show your voucher at the marina
- Listen for the English and Portuguese guide
- Ask crew about boarding help if needed
- Keep a card handy for extras
Why choose a catamaran in Funchal
Funchal is one of those places where the sea pulls you in. The old town tumbles down to the marina, fishing boats bob beside modern yachts, and within a few minutes of leaving port you are over water that is surprisingly deep. Just five kilometres off the coast, the ocean depths can reach more than 3,000 metres, and the steep underwater terrain allows larger cetaceans to swim close to the island.[3] That combination of depth and proximity is why Madeira is such a rewarding whale and dolphin destination.
On the Funchal Bay luxury catamaran cruise, the sailing time is 3 hours[1], which is long enough to search for wildlife and still leave plenty of time for the rest of your day. The cruise is led by a live guide who speaks Portuguese and English[1], and the from-price is from US$46[1]. GetYourGuide travellers rate it 4.25 from 3,470 reviews, with Guide 4.3, Transportation 4.5 and Value for money 4.2.[1] For many visitors, that makes it the easiest sea excursion to justify, especially if you are travelling with children or want a more relaxed pace.
A catamaran gives you room to move in a way a small RIB does not. You can sit in the shade, lie on the netting at the bow or stand by the rail with your camera ready. That extra space matters when you are out on the Atlantic for a few hours.
What to expect on the Funchal Bay cruise
The itinerary keeps things simple. You board the catamaran, head out towards Cabo Girão Cliff, and pause at a secret stop that the crew leaves unannounced.[1] There is space on deck and in the shaded cockpit, so you can watch the sea from wherever feels best. The crew scan the water constantly and are quick to point out anything moving.
You can skip the ticket line at the meeting point[1], which makes the start easier, especially when the marina is busy. The booking comes with reserve now and pay later, plus free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.[1] The live guide offers commentary in Portuguese and English[1] and will adjust the boat's position to give you a better look at any dolphins or whales.
Take a moment to stand at the bow and feel the catamaran move over the swell. If the animals are cooperating, you will see a dorsal fin slice the surface, then a group will surface again a few metres away. Keep your phone in a lanyard case and your camera ready, because moments like that can pass quickly.
Passengers spread out on the netting as the catamaran cruises past Funchal's green cliffs.
Catamaran Funchal prices compared
If you are comparing catamaran Funchal preços, start with the from-prices shown by GetYourGuide. The Funchal Bay luxury catamaran cruise is from US$46[1]. An all-inclusive luxury whale and dolphin tour is from US$91[5]. A responsible whales and dolphins watching tour is from US$62[6]. These from-prices give you a fair starting point; the final amount can vary with date, group size and availability.
All three tours can be cancelled free up to 24 hours in advance and offer reserve now, pay later[1][5][6]. The all-inclusive tour lasts 3 hours[5], the responsible tour lasts 2 hours[6], and the Funchal Bay cruise lasts 3 hours.[1] If you want more time on the water, the longer tours give you more chances to meet wildlife.
The ecological catamaran tour is another option, from US$40[7]. It lasts 2.5 to 3 hours[7] and is wheelchair accessible[7], which can be useful if you need step-free boarding. Its guide speaks English and Portuguese[7], and reviews are strong.
Madeira's whales and dolphins: what might you see
Madeira's waters are rich in cetaceans. Researchers have confirmed 27 species in the archipelago, which is equivalent to almost a third of the planet’s known species.[2] Bottlenose dolphins and short-finned pilot whales can be seen all year round off Madeira, while Atlantic spotted dolphins and occasional blue whales are seasonal visitors, and orcas and humpback whales are rarely seen.[2]
The underwater landscape helps explain why. Just five kilometres from shore, the sea floor drops steeply and is carved with canyons and plateaus.[3] The result is that deep-water whales can come much closer to land than they do around many other islands. Some local operators even use a land-based spotter who guides skippers with details such as mileage and landmarks.[8]
On a three-hour cruise[1] you might meet a pod of dolphins riding the bow wave, a pilot whale logging on the surface, or simply enjoy a quiet stretch of ocean. Sightings are never guaranteed, but the abundance of species means your chances are decent. The crew will tell you what has been seen recently; your job is to keep looking.
from US$46
Book the 3-hour Funchal Bay luxury catamaran cruise from US$46[1] with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.[1]
Cabo Girão and the south coast from the water
One of the highlights of the route is Cabo Girão. This cliff rises 580 metres above the sea[9], and from the water it looks even bigger than it does from the skywalk above. The cruise lists Cabo Girão Cliff as a stop[1], so you will have time to appreciate the scale and to photograph the layered basalt walls.
The secret stop is part of the fun. The crew keeps the exact spot unannounced until you arrive.[1] It could be a sheltered cove, a calm stretch of water or a place where dolphins have been feeding. Whatever it is, it gives you a chance to pause and feel the boat settle.
For photographers, the afternoon sun lights the cliff face warmly, and the bay of Funchal looks spectacular from the sea. If the water is calm, the catamaran glides quietly and you can hear the hull hissing through the Atlantic. Bring a lens with a little reach to capture wildlife without crowding it.
What to wear and how to prepare
The sea temperature in Funchal ranges from 19°C in winter to 24°C in summer.[4] Even on a warm day, the breeze on the water can feel cool, so bring a light layer. Sun cream, sunglasses and a hat are just as important, because the glare off the sea is stronger than it feels on land.
If you are prone to seasickness, take something before boarding rather than waiting until you feel unwell. The catamaran is more stable than a speedboat, but the Atlantic can still roll, and an empty stomach makes a rough patch worse. Ask the crew for the least rocky spot if you are unsure.
Comfortable shoes with a non-slip sole work well on deck, and a small dry bag keeps your valuables safe. If you usually get cold, a windbreaker or fleece will make the cruise much more enjoyable. There is plenty of shade, but you should still reapply sun cream during the sail.
How to book and cancellation rules
Booking is flexible. You can reserve now and pay later, and if plans change you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.[1] You can also skip the ticket line on the day.[1] The live guide speaks Portuguese and English[1], so you will understand the commentary wherever you are from.
Check availability to see starting times before you book[1]. Morning sails often feel calmer, but the late afternoon has softer light and a different mood. The 3-hour format[1] fits neatly into a half-day in Funchal, leaving time for a wander through the old town or a meal at a seafront restaurant.
Book early in your stay if you can. That way, if the weather looks rough one day, you have another chance to sail before you leave. If you are visiting on a cruise ship, leave a little buffer between your catamaran trip and your ship's departure time.
Catamaran Funchal from-prices
From-prices from GetYourGuide listings: Funchal Bay US$46[1], all-inclusive US$91[5], responsible US$62[6], ecological US$40[7].
Compare catamaran Funchal prices
Adult from-prices in US dollars from GetYourGuide:[1][5][6]
When to book and sail
How to book
Pick your date
Use the availability checker on the tour page to see starting times for the 3-hour cruise.[1]
Reserve now, pay later
No upfront payment needed; choose pay-later at checkout.[1]
Get your ticket on your phone
Skip the ticket line and show your booking at the marina.[1]
Find the right guide
Commentary is in Portuguese and English, so listen for your language.[1]
Enjoy the sail
Keep an eye on the sea; the crew will point out wildlife and stop at a secret spot.[1]
Find your date and sail with the dolphins
from US$47Reserve now & pay later
