VipDolphins Luxury Whale Watching

When you’re visiting Funchal and craving an unforgettable ocean adventure, VipDolphins’ luxury whale watching tour is often considered one of the top options. With consistently stellar ratings and glowing reviews, this experience promises a chance to see dolphins and whales, relax on a well-appointed boat, and enjoy a touch of luxury—all in around three hours. But like any tour, it’s worth understanding what you’re signing up for so you can decide if it hits your travel notes.

What really draws travelers to VipDolphins are a couple of standout features. First is the intimate, well-maintained vessel that keeps the experience comfortable and less crowded than other options. Second, the quality food, drinks, and overall service elevate what could be just a typical marine tour into a memorable outing. That said, one potential consideration is the price point—it’s on the higher end, but many feel the quality justifies it. If you love elegant settings combined with the chance to see marine life, this trip is likely a good fit for you.

Key Points

• Comfortable and luxurious catamaran with a small group size enhances the experience.
• Excellent crew and service ensure a friendly, knowledgeable environment.
• Multiple sightings of dolphins, sperm whales, pilot whales, and other marine life are common.
• Snacks, drinks, and snorkeling gear are included, adding value and fun to the trip.
• Timing and booking in advance are important since it’s popular and booked about 25 days ahead.
• The tour is not suitable for children under 3 and does not include pickups; you meet at the marina.

What to Expect from the VipDolphins Experience

This isn’t your run-of-the-mill boat trip. The VipDolphins tour starts at the Funchal marina, where you’ll meet your crew and board a modern, spacious catamaran. The vessel is described as clean, comfortable, and designed for a relaxed, upscale experience. With a maximum of 17 travelers, you’ll avoid the chaos that larger boats often bring, making it perfect for those who prefer a more intimate adventure.

The itinerary is straightforward: after departure, your crew takes you out into the waters of Funchal, where the main goal is to spot whales and dolphins. Reviews emphasize that the crew is incredibly attentive and knowledgeable, often giving insights into both the marine life and the local waters’ cultural and historical significance. Many past travelers have expressed surprise and delight at the close encounters with various dolphin species, primarily bottlenose and common dolphins, with some lucky groups seeing sperm and pilot whales as well.

Marine Life Spotting

Most reviews consistently mention successful sightings. For example, one reviewer noted, “We saw Sperm whales and Pilot whales,” and others describe dolphins swimming playfully near the boat, sometimes jumping out of the water—an experience that really sticks with travelers. The crew’s expertise is a big part of this, with many reviews citing their friendly, energetic, and helpful nature. Expect a mix of educational commentary and fun storytelling, which makes the time pass quickly.

Snorkeling and Swimming Breaks

After spotting marine life, your trip includes a stop at Cabo Girao for a swimming and snorkeling break. The waters are described as crystal clear, inviting you to jump in and enjoy a refreshing swim. Many reviews highlight how stunning the scenery is during this part of the trip, with some saying it’s the highlight of their experience. The snorkeling gear is provided, along with towels and blankets for comfort, so you’re set for a dip in these scenic waters.

Food and Drinks

Here’s where VipDolphins really shines: the onboard refreshments. The tour offers a wide selection of champagne, cocktails, soft drinks, and local snacks like bread and cheese. Several travelers have raved about the quality of the snacks and drinks, noting that the poncha—a traditional local drink—was among the best they tried. The inclusion of desserts and various beverages elevates the overall experience, creating a relaxed and indulgent atmosphere on deck.

Group Size and Atmosphere

Thanks to the smaller group size, the vibe on board is often described as relaxed and intimate. Many reviews mention that it doesn’t feel crowded or rushed. You get plenty of space to lounge, take photos, or just enjoy the scenery. The crew’s professionalism and friendliness make a significant difference—many guests point out how attentive and accommodating the team is, whether it’s helping with seasickness or simply making sure everyone is comfortable.

The Practicalities: Booking, Duration, and Cost

The tour lasts approximately three hours, starting at the Praça do Povo meeting point. The price is around $91 per person, which many consider good value given the quality of service and the inclusion of food, drinks, and snorkeling equipment. Keep in mind that this trip is popular and often booked about 25 days in advance, so planning early is wise if you want a spot.

Note that there are no pickups included—you’ll need to arrive at the meeting point on your own. The tour is suitable for most travelers, though children under 3 are not allowed, likely due to safety and space considerations. The maximum group size of 17 helps maintain a personalized, less hectic environment.

Weather and Cancellation

The experience is weather-dependent. If poor weather forces cancellation, you’ll be offered a reschedule or a full refund. Cancellations are free if made more than 24 hours in advance; otherwise, the booking is non-refundable. Travelers noted that good weather makes a big difference in how smooth and enjoyable the trip is, especially for snorkeling and marine viewing.

The Real Deal: What the Reviews Say

Across hundreds of reviews, the common themes are professionalism, comfort, and the quality of marine sightings. As one reviewer put it, “The crew and captain were extremely accommodating, professional and gave great insights into Madeira’s aquatic, historical, and cultural history.” Seeing dolphins and whales close up is a highlight for many, with some guests describing their encounters as “remarkable” or “amazing.” The smaller group size and luxurious boat consistently receive praise, making this experience feel special.

Some reviews mention minor drawbacks, such as feeling seasick if you’re sensitive to rocking — “take dramamine beforehand,” one reviewer advised. Also, arriving a little earlier than the scheduled time is recommended, as there have been reports of missing the start due to late arrivals.

Notable Customer Service

The crew’s helpfulness and friendliness come through strongly in reviews. Many guests mention how they went above and beyond to make everyone comfortable, including helping with seasickness and providing excellent snacks and drinks. This level of service is a big part of why many say they’d do this trip again.

Handling Negative Feedback

While the vast majority of reviews are glowing, there’s one concerning review claiming they were “stolen” from, which the company responded to professionally, explaining policies and emphasizing their commitment to customer rights. This ensures that even negative feedback is handled transparently.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This whale and dolphin watching trip is ideal for those seeking a high-quality, relaxed experience with a good chance of marine life sightings. It’s perfect if you value comfort, good service, and a small-group setting. If you’re a foodie or enjoy a drink with your sea adventure, the included snacks and champagne are definitely a bonus. However, if you’re prone to seasickness or have very tight schedules, plan accordingly, and book early.

This tour suits travelers who want an upscale yet authentic experience, blending marine wildlife with scenic beauty and excellent hospitality. It’s not a budget option, but many find the overall value justifies the cost, especially considering the high likelihood of seeing dolphins and whales up close.

FAQs

Is there a minimum age for participating?
Yes, children under 3 years old are not allowed, likely for safety reasons.

Are meals included?
While not a full meal, snacks, biscuits, and a variety of drinks including champagne, cocktails, and local refreshments are provided.

What should I bring?
Bring your swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and perhaps seasickness remedies if you’re sensitive. No mention of specific clothes, but casual, waterproof clothing is recommended.

Can I cancel if the weather looks bad?
Yes, if the weather is poor, the tour can be canceled and you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

How far in advance should I book?
Most travelers book about 25 days ahead; booking early ensures you secure a spot.

Is the tour suitable for families?
While not explicitly stated, the age restriction suggests it’s more suited for older children and adults.

Does the tour include transportation to the marina?
No, pickups are not included. You need to get to the meeting point yourself.

What’s the group size?
A maximum of 17 travelers, which keeps the experience intimate.

How long exactly is the trip?
Approximately 3 hours from start to finish.

Will I see dolphins or whales?
Most reviews report successful sightings, including dolphins and sometimes whales like sperm and pilot whales.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a luxurious, small-group marine adventure in Funchal, VipDolphins’s whale watching tour offers an experience that combines comfort, excellent service, and a real shot at seeing some of the ocean’s most playful residents. The inclusion of snacks, drinks, and snorkeling makes it feel like a well-rounded outing rather than just a boat ride.

While it’s priced a bit higher than some other tours, the quality and intimacy often make it worth the extra. It’s particularly suited for travelers who appreciate a bit of elegance and want a more personalized experience on the water. If marine life, scenic views, and good company are what you’re after, this tour is likely to leave you with great memories. Just remember to book early and arrive on time for the best experience.

Enjoy your trip and may you have plenty of dolphin sightings!