MADEIRA
Ranked by traveller popularity
The 10 most popular sailing & boat trips in Madeira. Here's what they actually deliver, who runs them, and what they cost.
3-hour Funchal sunset sail to Cabo Girão for dolphin and whale sightings, a swim by 580m cliffs, and included drinks.
“Lovely tour guides and beautiful sunset views. Drinks included which was very nice. Opportunity to go for a swim”
3-hour dolphin and whale watching sailing from Funchal near Cabo Girão, with snorkeling, drinks, and big Madeira coastline views.
“The trio was relaxing, the guides were friendly and took time to chat with everyone. Drink a were offered regularly and the trip took us out to a pod of whales which was incredible.”
Sail the Santa Maria pirate replica off Funchal for 3 hours, with possible dolphins/whales, a Cabo Girão stop, and Madeira cake and wine.
“plenty of dolphins, beautiful skip, good service, friendly staff”
2.5-hour Funchal speedboat tour for whales and dolphins with a marine biologist guide, small groups, and Madeira coastline views for $56.
“Great we saw dolphins and we felt very safe having been issued with a safety sheet to read and life jackets.”
Sail a traditional Madeiran boat in Funchal for sunset, drinks, and a Cabo Girão swim with snorkel gear and top views.
“Was a fantastic way to see the island at sunset, got to see and swim by the sea cliffs and the guides were super friendly! The unlimited drinks were great as well!”
A fast 2-hour RIB ride from Calheta to chase whales and dolphins, guided by a spotter, with Madeira views from the Atlantic.
“Our guides went above and beyond to help us see a whale and many dolphins on our tour. Even when the tour was coming to an end, the guides were tipped off about the whale and kept us out on the water a bit longer to ensure we got a chance to see it! It…”
Whale watching off Madeira from the traditional wooden Ribeira Brava, with expert guides in protected waters for dolphins and whale species.
“We had a lovely couple of hours on the whale watching excursion in the traditional fishing boat. Our guide was excellent. He was friendly and approachable and very knowledgeable. He clearly enjoyed his job and was passionate about the wildlife, the sea and environmental issues. Would definitely recommend this activity”
3-hour Madeira whale and dolphin watch from Funchal on a wooden boat with Madeira wine, plus a possible Cabo Girão swim stop.
“This was a lovely experience, we could see small whales, they were quite shy, and then we went to see dolphins, who are quite social and come closer to the boat. Then we went for a swim in Cabo Girao. All in all a great experience.”
Sail Madeira’s west coast for 5 hours from Funchal with lunch, swimming, snorkeling, and chances to spot dolphins and whales.
“Amazing! Best sea experience in Madeira”
Wooden boat from Funchal to Desertas: Madeira wine, lunch, big Atlantic wildlife chances, guided walk, swim stop. 8.5 hours.
“This was a very... unique travel experience. If you’re a boat lover, congrats—you’ve come to the right place, because 6.5 out of the 8.5-hour trip is spent on a boat. The remaining 2 hours cover lunch and the island tour, but don’t worry about the tour being too short—it takes at most 5 minutes to…”
