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Madeira Dolphin and Whale Watching on a Ecological Catamaran

4.6 · 2,228 ratings on Guidekin, Viator & Tripadvisor 89% of star-rated reviews are 4★ or 5★ Funchal Operated by Magic Dolphin Free cancellation · up to 24 hours before Likely to sell out
Duration
3h
Group
Shared tour
Guide languages
Portuguese, English
Start & pickup
09:00, 10:00, 12:00, 14:30, 15:30 · No hotel pickup: everyone meets at the start point
Booking
Instant confirmation · mobile ticket
Guidekin's take

A whale and dolphin cruise on a purpose built catamaran with hybrid electric engines, so the boat runs quieter around the animals and the decks are wheelchair accessible.

The cruise is the whole package: no pickup, no lunch, and sightings depend on the day. 4.56 from 2,228 reviews at €35 per person.

In our comparison: #2 of 3 in Catamaran Tours, by rating weighted by review volume (see the comparison).

How we choose tours →Commissions never affect our verdicts.

Options and prices

3 options from the operator, described in its own words. Prices are the operator's from-prices per adult for a party of two. Click an option to book it on Viator. Guide languages on every option: English, Portuguese.

OptionWhat the operator saysFrom, per adult
Magic Dolphin Eco SummerThe page priceDolphin 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€35
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.€40
Ecological Cruises Dolphin and Whale Watching Wild Life: Silent, pollution free, ecological Dolphin and Whale Waching Duration: 3 hours Wild life Ecological Catamaran€40

Children from €18 (ages 5 to 11). Option texts and prices come from the operator's listing; prices checked on Viator on 2 September 2026.

Included and not included

  • 2,5hours to 3hours catamaran cruise
  • Lunch
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off

Reviews

4.6
2,228 ratings
Tripadvisor 1,543 · Viator 685

89% of ratings with a star breakdown are 4★ or 5★: 1,977 of 2,228

Star breakdown of all 2,228 ratings

5 stars
1,653 · 74%
4 stars
324 · 15%
3 stars
151 · 7%
2 stars
47 · 2%
1 star
53 · 2%

What reviewers say

Reviewers praise the informative crew and wildlife encounters, but crowds can make it hard to see the animals.

Praised

  • Friendly crew who explain the wildlife and coastal landmarks
  • Dolphin and whale encounters, sometimes close to the catamaran
  • Careful approaches that reviewers felt respected the animals
  • Coastal views and the chance to swim from the boat
  • Onboard toilets, refreshments and a choice of sunny or shaded seats

Complaints

  • Some found ample space, while others had wildlife views blocked by crowds
  • Some trips ended without any dolphin or whale sightings
  • Swimming stops felt too brief for some guests

Written by Guidekin from the 100 most recent English reviews on Viator & Tripadvisor (11 June 2026 to 28 September 2026). Refreshed as new reviews arrive; last checked 4 October 2026.

Latest reviews

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Ratings collected from Guidekin, Viator & Tripadvisor.

Meeting point and route

Meeting point

Where
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. · Open in Google Maps
Departure
09:00, 10:00, 12:00, 14:30, 15:30 daily; scheduled through August 2027 (operator schedule, seats confirmed at checkout)
Return
This activity ends back at the meeting point
Pickup
No hotel pickup: everyone meets at the start point
Operator
Magic Dolphin; booking and payment are completed on Viator

About this tour, from the operator

Walking, children and accessibility

The operator's own notes, grouped by topic. Nothing here is added by Guidekin.

Walking and health

  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Children

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Accessibility

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Strollers OK
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

Good to know

  • Food not included bring or buy your own
  • Children from €18 ages 5 to 11

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

  • 1+ days: Full refund
  • 0-1 days: No refund

Compared with other Catamaran Tours

TourPriceDurationRatingGroup
This tour · #2 of 3€353h4.56 (2228)shared
Eco-Friendly Catamaran Dolphin and Whale Watching€352h 30m4.6 (279)shared
Seaborn Catamaran trips€353h4.52 (524)shared

Ranked #2 of 3 in Catamaran Tours by Guidekin score (rating weighted by review volume). Prices here run from €35 to €35, median €35; typical length 3h. 0 of 3 are private. Figures are live from the tour cards; the rubric is our handpicked set, not the whole market. Compare all 3 Catamaran Tours

From €35 per adult · Magic Dolphin Eco Summer