VipDolphins Luxury Whale Watching

You’re doing something fun and different right off the coast of Funchal, Madeira: a luxury catamaran cruise designed for whales and dolphins, plus a swim break in scenic waters below Cabo Girao. It is the kind of trip where the comfort matters, because the boat time and the time on the water is the whole point.

Two things I really like. First, the onboard setup feels genuinely “VIP” for the price: you get drinks, snacks, coffee or tea, bottled water, and even towels and blankets. Second, the group size stays small, so you are not packed in like you are on a floating bus. One consideration: the sail can be a bit rough at times, so bring a plan if you get seasick easily.

Key highlights to know before you go

• Small group on board (max 17 guests) means more space to move and a more personal vibe with the crew
• Drinks, snacks, and desserts included, with coffee or tea and bottled water to keep you comfortable
• Whale and dolphin spotting with frequent crew checks, often including pilot whales and dolphins when conditions line up
• Snorkeling equipment provided, plus towels and blankets so you can actually enjoy the water stop
• Cabo Girao swim break in clear water, with a return ladder that takes some care

Setting sail from Funchal on a small, comfortable catamaran

The meeting point is right in the marina area of Funchal, at Praça do Povo, 9000-900 Funchal. You are not dealing with pick-up logistics or a complicated transfer. If you’re already based in Funchal, you can usually keep this day simple.

The trip runs about three hours, which is a big deal. Too many whale-watching tours last half a day, which can feel like a lot when you also want to see Madeira’s viewpoints and villages. This one stays focused. You’re on the water, you’re checking for wildlife, and then you get a swim stop that gives you something active to do instead of just waiting for a sighting.

Also, the boat size and the limit of 17 travelers is a theme for the best experiences. You tend to have a choice of where to sit and you do not feel swallowed by noise and bodies. If you want the views without constantly navigating other people, this matters.

Price and value: what you get for $95.53

At $95.53 per person for roughly three hours, the value comes from what is included, not just the wildlife search. A lot of cruises in this category charge similar money and then make you buy everything once you’re out on the water. Here, the basics are covered.

Included onboard:

• Snacks (biscuits and a variety of snacks, plus desserts mentioned in the experience highlights)
• Alcoholic beverages, plus soda/pop
• Coffee and/or tea
• Bottled water
• Use of snorkeling equipment
• Blankets and towels

Not included:

• Pick-ups

So, if you already plan to spend on drinks and a decent snack, this is more “one price and go” than a lot of island tours. And towels and snorkeling gear are not small add-ons. They save you from scrambling for swim basics, which can be a hassle on a day when you’re also trying to time the sea conditions.

My practical take: this price is easiest to justify if you want a comfortable boat experience and you actually intend to get in the water. If you will not swim or snorkel at all, you might feel like you’re paying mainly for the wildlife and the drinks. Still, even then, the small group size can make the ride more enjoyable.

How the whale and dolphin search really plays out

This cruise is set up for spotting, and the way it feels onboard is more “active guiding” than “sit and hope.” The crew looks for movement and surfaces while you sail from the marina to find dolphins and whales. When sightings happen, you get time to view them from close range.

A detail worth knowing: there can be limits on how close you can be and how long you can stay near wildlife due to Portuguese regulations. The good news is that the crew keeps you informed while you’re out there, and the experience is not only about getting a long, uninterrupted moment at the surface. It is also about understanding what you’re seeing.

Wildlife you might spot include:

• Dolphins (often bottlenose dolphins)
• Pilot whales (including pods that can include babies in some sightings)

The most meaningful thing is that the crew seems to work hard during the search. When people enjoyed the trip most, they did not just mention the animals. They talked about how quickly the crew identified what was surfacing and how they answered questions on the spot.

A note on your expectations

No whale-watching operator can promise a sighting every time. Even on a great day, dolphins might show up briefly or whales might be further offshore. What you can control is how you show up prepared: if you get motion sickness, plan for it, and if you want a swim, be ready to go when conditions are right.

The Cabo Girao swim and snorkeling stop: your second big moment

After the wildlife search, you get a stop to swim in the crystal-clear waters at the bottom of Cabo Girao. This is a smart combination because it turns a “sometimes we see animals” cruise into something with a consistent payoff. If you do not get the perfect animal moment, you still get water time and views from below the cliff.

Snorkeling equipment is included, so you can gear up without hauling your own set. Towels and blankets are also provided, which helps you not freeze after you climb out. One practical perk mentioned in the experience: there are also changing facilities on board, and there are two WCs, which is great when you are on a boat for a few hours.

What to watch for: ladder and sea conditions

The swim is fun, but it is not a beach entry. You go back on the catamaran using a ladder, and the climb can be a bit tricky depending on your comfort level and the sea state. If you know you have balance issues, or you just want to avoid stress, take your time. Hold the right points, and do the climb slowly.

Also, Madeira does not always offer “lake calm.” The same island breezes that make the views possible can bring swell. A calm day can still feel bouncy on the return, so keep a light, flexible mindset.

Crew care is the real “VIP” part

A luxury feel is not only about the boat. It is about how you are treated minute to minute. On this cruise, the crew names that show up again and again include Sheila, Liv, Chico, and captains such as Nico and Francisco.

Here is what that tends to look like in real life:

• You get steady attention without being hovered.
• Staff stay quick with answers when you have questions about what you’re seeing.
• Drinks and snacks keep coming, so you are not interrupting wildlife time to hunt for something to sip.

The best trips feel like you are part of a small group, not a number in a crowd. With a maximum of 17 guests, you get more personal service, and it is easier to hear explanations without fighting background noise.

If you enjoy a bit of local flavor, the onboard snacks can include traditional treats. That is one of those small things that makes a difference when you compare this cruise to generic “chips and soda” boats.

Comfort on board: seating, bathrooms, and getting settled fast

A catamaran often feels more stable than a single-hull boat, and the modern setup helps. People highlight how comfortable the boat feels and how spacious it is for the group size. When the group is capped at 17, you also do not spend the whole ride trying to find a spot that does not feel squeezed.

A very practical comfort detail: there are two WCs, and some boats also have changing spaces. That matters more than you might think. After a swim stop, it is nice to freshen up without improvising.

Seating choice is also a big quality-of-life factor. You can usually find a spot for the best viewing angle, then switch if you want shade or sun. If you are sensitive to heat, aim to spend your swim time and immediate return in the way that keeps you comfortable.

Seasickness, weather, and how to be smart on the water

This experience requires good weather, and it can be canceled or changed if conditions are not suitable. That is normal for whale-watching, but it also tells you something important: the operator is trying to run the trip only when it can be enjoyable and safe.

The other practical issue is swell. Some departures can be rougher than you expect. Even when you set out thinking it will be easygoing, waves can rise around the island.

My simple plan:

• If you are even mildly prone to motion sickness, take something before you board.
• Wear shoes with decent grip for the boat deck, especially when you are heading toward the swim area.
• Keep an eye on your body after the swim, because the climb back can be wobbly.

If you want the trip to stay “relax and enjoy” instead of “survive,” preparation is everything.

Who should book this Madeira whale watching experience

This is a great fit if you want:

• A comfortable catamaran ride rather than a crowded sightseeing boat
• Wildlife time plus a real swimming stop
• Small-group attention, with staff who actively help you spot and understand what you’re seeing
• The convenience of snorkeling gear, towels, and blankets included

It is especially appealing for:

• Couples who want a memorable half-day without planning every detail
• Families traveling together, as long as children are older than 3 (children under 3 are not allowed)
• Wildlife lovers who prefer guided help finding dolphins and whales rather than pure chance

If you are someone who hates any chance of rocking water, you might want to reconsider. The boat is comfortable, but the ocean can still do what it does.

Should you book VipDolphins Luxury Whale Watching?

I would book this if you want a well-run, comfortable whale-and-dolphin outing that does more than just cruise for sightings. The small group size, the included drinks and snacks, and the Cabo Girao swim stop are the big reasons this feels like good value for the money.

I would think twice only if you know you cannot handle any choppiness and you refuse to take seasickness precautions. Otherwise, it’s a smart way to spend an afternoon in Funchal: you get wildlife moments when they happen, plus a planned water break that makes the day feel full.

FAQ

Where does the VipDolphins catamaran whale watching tour start?

The tour starts at Praça do Povo, 9000-900 Funchal, Portugal.

How long is the cruise?

The duration is about 3 hours.

Is pickup included?

No, pick-ups are not included.

Are drinks and snacks included?

Yes. You’ll have snacks and biscuits, coffee and/or tea, alcoholic beverages, soda/pop, and bottled water. Desserts are also part of the onboard experience highlights.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. The tour includes snorkeling equipment for use.

Do you get towels and blankets?

Yes. Towels and blankets are provided.

How many people are on the boat?

The maximum group size is 17 travelers.

Are restrooms available on board?

Yes. There are two WCs mentioned in the experience feedback.

What age restrictions apply?

Children under 3 years old are not allowed.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.