All Inclusive Whale and Dolphin Watching Luxury Tour

If you’re dreaming of getting up close to the Atlantic’s marine life while enjoying a touch of luxury, this All-Inclusive Whale and Dolphin Watching Tour in Madeira could be just what you’re after. It’s a well-reviewed experience offering a blend of nature, comfort, and good company—something that appeals to travelers seeking a relaxed yet engaging day at sea.

What really makes this tour stand out are its spacious, modern catamaran with both indoor and outdoor seating, plus the all-inclusive drinks and snacks. The boat’s VIP vibe combined with the chance to see dolphins, whales, and turtles in their natural environment makes it particularly attractive. But, keep in mind, it’s not a tour for those looking for a full-day adventure or a quick, budget-friendly trip. It’s better suited for those who want a more intimate, comfortable experience with knowledgeable guides and scenic stops along the way.

One aspect to consider is that hotel transfers aren’t included, so you’ll need to make your way to the starting point. Also, if you’re the type who doesn’t love being on the water or has limited mobility, it’s worth noting that while the boat is wheelchair accessible, some parts of the experience might be less comfortable if seas get rough. This experience is ideal for those who appreciate a balance of wildlife spotting, scenic vistas, and a touch of luxury—perfect for couples, friends, or anyone looking to enjoy Madeira’s marine environment without sacrificing comfort.

Key Points

• Luxury catamaran experience with indoor and outdoor seating
• All drinks included, from soft drinks to local wines and cocktails
• Short but immersive 3-hour tour focused on marine life and scenic stops
• Spot dolphins, whales, and turtles in their natural habitat
• Scenic visit to Cabo Girão, with swimming and snorkeling options
• Small group size enhances the personal feel and better wildlife viewing

This 3-hour voyage is designed to blend wildlife encounters with scenic beauty and upscale comfort. Starting at the new marina in Funchal, the trip kicks off with a glass of sparkling wine—an elegant way to begin your adventure. The boat itself is described as spacious and well-maintained, with plenty of room for everyone to relax and enjoy the ride.

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The Itinerary and Its Highlights

The Voyage Begins: Marine Wildlife Search

Once onboard, your guides—who are experienced and friendly—set out into the Atlantic. The goal? To find dolphins, whales, and turtles in their natural environment. From the reviews, it’s clear that sightings are common, and guests frequently comment on how exciting it is to spot these creatures up close. The crew’s knowledge and enthusiasm shine through, making the wildlife watching part a true highlight.

Scenic Stop at Cabo Girão

After about 45 minutes at sea, the boat makes a 30-minute stop at Cabo Girão, the second-highest sea cliff in the world, towering at 1920 feet. The views here are truly breathtaking, with plenty of photo-worthy moments. Here, you’ll have the chance to go swimming or snorkeling in the clear waters—equipment such as snorkels and goggles are provided free of charge. Many reviews mention how much they appreciated this stop, with some even describing it as the highlight of the trip.

Wildlife & Scenic Viewing

The boat then resumes its course, giving you more chances to spot marine life while enjoying the coast of Funchal rolling past. The itinerary includes multiple similar segments—about 45 minutes each—where you can relax, take in the scenery, and keep an eye out for dolphins and whales.

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Additional Stops & Amenities

Besides the wildlife, you’ll find comfort in the all-inclusive open bar, serving drinks throughout the trip. Guests rave about the quality of the drinks and snacks, with some reviewers mentioning the variety and the friendliness of the staff, who keep everyone topped up.

The Experience in Depth

Many guests highlight how small group sizes (limited to around 17 people) make for a more personal and less crowded experience. This smaller scale seems to significantly enhance wildlife sightings and the overall comfort onboard, as one reviewer notes: “Limited numbers on a spacious boat meant the experience was much better than on larger, crowded ships.” The crew’s attentiveness is also a common theme, with reviews praising their friendliness and professionalism, often mentioning they go out of their way to cater to guests’ needs.

Wildlife Sightings

Seeing pilot whales, dolphins, and even rare seals is a major part of the appeal. Multiple reviews mention how exciting it was to see these animals in their natural habitat, with some guests lucky enough to witness pods of pilot whales and sunfish. One reviewer summarized it as “the highlight of the trip,” emphasizing that the crew’s knowledge and respectful approach played a big role in making the experience memorable.

Swimming & Snorkeling

The swimming stop at Cabo Girão offers a refreshing break. The water is described as crystal clear, and the equipment provided makes it easy to enjoy the moment. While weather can impact how long or comfortable this stop is, many guests find it well worth it. Some mention the possibility of snorkeling, which adds an extra layer of adventure.

Comfort & Facilities

The catamaran features clean, accessible toilets—an important detail for many travelers—and plenty of shaded and open-air seating. Guests frequently comment on the boat’s well-maintained condition and the crew’s attention to cleanliness.

At about $90 per person, this tour offers a mix of wildlife encounters, scenic stops, and luxurious comfort. Given the reviews praising the professional guides, the quality of drinks and snacks, and the small group size, many consider this to be excellent value. It’s not a cheap outing, but the experience’s quality seems to justify the cost.

The inclusion of all drinks, snacks, snorkeling gear, and a sparkling wine welcome adds to the perceived value, especially when compared to larger tours or less inclusive options. Guests consistently express satisfaction, with many saying they’d happily do it again.

This tour is ideal for travelers who want a relaxed, intimate experience with plenty of opportunities for wildlife sightings and scenic views. It suits those who appreciate upscale service and want to avoid the crowds often associated with larger boat trips. Nature lovers who enjoy gentle aquatic activities like swimming and snorkeling will find this stop particularly appealing.

It’s also perfect for couples or small groups looking for a memorable, comfortable day at sea. However, if you’re traveling with very young children under 3, this might not be suitable, as the tour isn’t designed specifically for kids. Likewise, if seasickness is a concern, consider that the trip takes place on open water—though many reviews mention the boat’s stability and comfort.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 3 hours, including stops for wildlife viewing and the scenic Cabo Girão visit.

Are drinks included?
Yes, all drinks—soft drinks, wine, cocktails, and local alcohol—are included in the price, served throughout the trip from the open bar.

Is snorkeling available?
Yes, snorkeling gear such as goggles and snorkels are provided for free, and there’s a swimming stop at Cabo Girão. Weather conditions might influence the length of the water activities.

What is the starting point?
The tour begins at Kiosk VipDolphins, located at the New Marina in Funchal, Portugal.

Are there any age restrictions?
Children under 3 years are not recommended for this tour, likely due to safety considerations and the nature of the trip.

Is the boat wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the vessel is wheelchair accessible, making it more inclusive for travelers with mobility needs.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, it’s advisable to reserve ahead, especially during peak seasons. You can also cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the trip.

Is hotel pickup available?
No, this tour does not include hotel pickup, so you’ll need to make your way to the departure point.

Can I bring my own food or drinks?
No, outside food and drinks are not allowed, as the experience is all-inclusive onboard.

This luxury whale and dolphin watching tour in Madeira offers much more than just marine life sightings. It’s a carefully curated experience combining scenic vistas, respectful wildlife encounters, and top-notch service in a small-group setting. Guests consistently praise the knowledgeable guides, excellent drinks, and the thrill of seeing whales and dolphins in their natural environment.

If you’re someone who values comfort, personalized service, and the chance to relax while enjoying the beauty of Madeira’s waters, this tour is a solid pick. It might be a bit pricier than more basic options, but the overall experience—plus the included amenities—make it worth considering.

For those who want a memorable day at sea, with a good blend of nature and luxury, this experience fits the bill perfectly. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want to indulge in a relaxing, wildlife-filled adventure, this tour manages to strike a rare balance between quality and value.

In short: If you love the idea of spotting whales and dolphins with expert guides, enjoy a small, intimate group, and want all drinks and snacks included, this Madeira whale and dolphin tour is likely to be a highlight of your trip.

You can check availability for your dates here: