Small-boat whale watching feels special.

On this Funchal outing, VipDolphins Luxury Whale Watching takes you out on a modern catamaran to look for dolphins and whales, then builds in a scenic break for swimming and snorkeling at the Cabo Girao area. It’s the kind of trip where the sea part is the main event, but the comfort details make it feel like a treat.

I love the limited group size (maximum 17), because you actually move around the boat instead of feeling packed in. I also like how the onboard setup is genuinely generous: snacks, biscuits, coffee or tea, bottled water, soda, and a steady mix of alcoholic drinks, plus blankets and towels for the water stop.

My main caution is the sea conditions. The cruise can get choppy, so if you’re prone to motion sickness, take precautions—and keep in mind climbing back up the ladder after swimming can be a bit of a task.

Key things I’d circle on your plan

• Max 17 passengers means a calmer, more personal cruise vibe.
• Drinks and snacks included keeps you comfortable while you scan the water.
• Snorkeling gear, towels, and blankets are part of the experience, not an add-on.
• Cabo Girao swim break adds a beach-like moment without needing a beach.
• Crew names you’ll hear often (like Sheila, Liv, Chico, Nico, Francisco, Maggie) show how consistent the service feels.

Entering The Experience: Funchal marina to catamaran comfort

This tour starts at the marina area in Funchal, at Praça do Povo (9000-900 Funchal, Portugal). You’ll find it close to public transport, so it’s easier than it sounds to get there without a car.

Once you’re aboard, the tone is set fast. You’re on a catamaran—stable enough to be comfortable for most people, but still out in the Atlantic where weather can change your ride. The boat is set up for sitting and hanging out, and you’ll appreciate the basics like two WCs. Some guests also mention onboard spaces that make changing after the swim easier, along with a simple rinse-off setup.

The group limit is a big deal. With 17 people max, the boat doesn’t feel like a floating cafeteria. You’re not constantly bumping into strangers while you’re trying to get a photo or lean over the rails for a whale-sighting scan.

First leg out at sea: spotting dolphins and whales the fun way

Your time begins with sailing out from the marina to look for dolphins and whales. This is where Madeira’s marine life takes center stage. The typical pattern is cruising and scanning, then reacting quickly when animals surface.

In my view, the best part of this segment is the way the crew keeps you engaged without making it feel like a lecture. Guides on board (names like Chico, Nico, Francisco, and Nick show up in guest stories) are quick with species ID when dolphins or pilot whales appear. You also get a sense of how to read the water: where to look, what surfacing patterns can look like, and why you sometimes see pods together and sometimes don’t.

One more practical detail: time near wildlife can be controlled. Some guests noted a short viewing window near whales, tied to local rules. It’s not a bad thing—it’s part of how the industry protects animals while still giving you real chances to see them clearly.

And yes, you might get moments that feel like the water is putting on a show. Several guests describe close dolphin encounters, including pods that stay near the boat longer than expected. If you don’t see whales, dolphins alone can still turn the cruise into a standout memory.

The Cabo Girao swim and snorkeling break: your “land-to-sea” reset

After the whale-and-dolphin search, the tour shifts to the water break at Cabo Girao. This is the part that makes the afternoon feel full, not just a long boat ride with occasional sightings.

What you’ll do there is straightforward:

• You swim in clear water
• You can use snorkeling equipment if you want
• You’ll have towels and blankets back on board

Cabo Girao’s cliffs can make the water feel dramatic, and the stop is timed for a change of pace. For many people, this is the highlight because it adds something physical and immediate. You’re not only watching the sea—you’re in it.

Two real-world considerations:

1. The water climb back on the catamaran can be awkward. People specifically mention the ladder being a little difficult after swimming. It’s manageable, just don’t assume it’s like stepping onto a dock.
2. Conditions matter. If the sea is rough, everyone’s body knows it during the boarding moment.

My advice: take your time on the ladder, hold the rail, and wear proper swim footwear if you have it.

Snacks, champagne-style drinks, and the small touches that matter

This is a “luxury-feeling” tour without being stuffy. The snack and drink setup isn’t just a token. You’ll get snacks and biscuits, coffee and/or tea, bottled water, and soda. Alcoholic beverages are included too, and the vibe is part of the appeal—guests mention everything from sparkling wine to beer and other drink options, plus cocktails.

Dessert is also included in the highlights, so the onboard routine tends to look like this: you’re out searching, then you’re settled in with something to sip while you keep watching the horizon for a surfacing blow.

One of the most praised details in the experience is how crew members keep things moving. Guests mention attentive service that feels more like being cared for than being served from a cart. Some say crew members even bring local treats alongside the standard snack spread, which adds a Madeira flavor to the whole outing.

Practical takeaway: because the food and drinks are on board for the whole experience, you don’t need to plan a meal afterward. You might still want dinner, but you won’t feel like you missed a whole day of eating.

The crew’s role: friendly, hands-on, and quick with answers

The crew experience is one of the strongest reasons people recommend this tour. Names you may hear include Sheila, Liv, Chico, Maggie, Francisco, Nico, and Abel, plus other staff mentioned by guests.

What stands out is the combination of three things:

• They’re friendly and approachable
• They’re alert and responsive when animals show up
• They share explanations without turning the cruise into a classroom

Some guests even describe captains who help people back onto the boat after swimming. That matters, because the water stop is the part where a little extra help can make the difference between I’m fine and I’m stressed.

If you like learning while you travel, you’ll likely enjoy the way staff explain what you’re seeing—how dolphins behave, what pilot whales are like, and why sightings can vary day to day.

Sea conditions: how to prepare so the ride stays enjoyable

This is Madeira, and boats can feel different depending on swell. Multiple guests mention that the sail can be a bit rough, even when the day looks calm from shore.

So I’d go in prepared:

• Consider motion-sickness prevention if you’re sensitive
• Wear non-slip shoes for the water and boarding step
• Use the moment to adjust where you sit if the boat is moving

It’s not a reason to avoid the tour. It’s a reason to be smart about it. When the sea is moving, your body can get tense fast. Once you relax into it, the experience becomes more fun and less like an obstacle course.

And one more tip: blankets are provided, which you’ll appreciate if you get cooler during the cruise or after the swim.

How 3 hours fits a Madeira day without feeling rushed

The tour runs about 3 hours. That’s a sweet spot. Long enough to search for animals and do the swim break. Short enough that you can still plan an evening in Funchal without your whole day evaporating.

If you want a practical plan:

• Do this earlier in the day if you’re hoping to feel fresh for dinner and views
• Do it later if you want the cruise to be your “reset” after exploring

Either way, the timing usually works well because you’re not stuck in transit for half a day.

Price and value: is $95.53 a good deal?

At $95.53 per person, you’re paying for an included experience that’s more than just a boat ticket. Here’s what you’re getting that many cheaper tours don’t include as fully:

• Snacks and biscuits
• Coffee/tea
• Bottled water, soda
• Alcoholic beverages
• Snorkeling equipment
• Towels and blankets
• A catamaran that’s designed for comfort rather than squeezing people in

Also, you’re not paying for a crowded “mass tour” model. The 17-person maximum changes the feel. You get more room to move, more space for viewing, and less time fighting for position by the rail.

Could you do whale watching cheaper? Sure. But for many people, the real value is the combo: marine-life search plus a serious comfort package plus an actual swim/snorkel moment. In other words, you’re buying time on the water and time in it.

Who this tour suits best (and who may want to reconsider)

You’ll likely love this tour if you want:

• A small-group catamaran experience in Funchal
• A cruise where you’re not constantly hungry or thirsty
• A swim stop that doesn’t require you to find a beach
• A crew that’s active about spotting dolphins and whales quickly

You might reconsider if:

• You’re very anxious about climbing ladders after swimming
• You’re extremely motion-sensitive and don’t take precautions
• You’re only interested in whales at all costs, because sightings can vary. Dolphins are common, but whales are not guaranteed.

Should you book VipDolphins Luxury Whale Watching?

If you want a high-comfort Madeira sea day with real extras included, I’d book it. The biggest reason is the overall balance: small group size, generous onboard drinks and snacks, and the Cabo Girao swim stop make it feel like more than a standard sighting cruise.

Book it especially if you’re traveling as a couple, with friends, or as a family who wants something fun that also feels a bit pampered. If you’re the type who likes the water stop and wants comfort handled for you, this is a strong choice.

FAQ

How long is the VipDolphins whale watching tour?

It’s about 3 hours.

What’s included in the price?

Snacks, coffee and/or tea, alcoholic beverages, soda, bottled water, snorkeling equipment, blankets, and towels.

Is pickup included?

No. Pick-ups are not included.

Where does the tour meet in Funchal?

It meets at Praça do Povo, 9000-900 Funchal, Portugal.

Is there a swimming and snorkeling stop?

Yes. The tour includes a swim break in the water at Cabo Girao, and snorkeling equipment is provided.

How big is the group on the catamaran?

The tour has a maximum of 17 travelers.

What if the sea is rough?

The cruise can be a bit rough at times, so it’s smart to prepare for motion. Some guests recommend anti sea sickness measures.

Do you get refunds if weather is poor?

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

Are children allowed?

Children under 3 years old are not allowed.

Is the whale and dolphin viewing close-up?

You may get close viewing when animals are near, but time near wildlife can be limited by local rules. A short viewing window is expected when sightings happen.