VipDolphins Luxury Whale Watching

If you’re dreaming of spotting whales and dolphins while enjoying a touch of luxury, VipDolphins’ Luxury Whale Watching tour in Funchal is worth considering. This three-hour catamaran journey promises an intimate, comfortable experience with excellent amenities, knowledgeable guides, and plenty of chances to see marine life in their natural habitat. It’s a popular choice, often booked 25 days in advance, which speaks to its reputation.

One of the standout features we love is the luxurious, well-maintained vessel—a sleek, spacious catamaran that feels more like a private yacht than a typical tour boat. The crew is frequently praised for their friendliness, professionalism, and deep understanding of Madeira’s waters. Expect to be treated to champagne, cocktails, local snacks, and desserts—a real treat that elevates this tour from basic to indulgent.

However, a potential consideration is the price point—at around $91 per person, it’s more expensive than some standard whale-watching options. But reviews consistently highlight the quality of the experience, including smaller groups, attentive service, and excellent viewing conditions. This tour is best suited for travelers who value comfort, a touch of elegance, and a more exclusive, less crowded experience on the water.

This tour appeals most to those seeking a luxurious, relaxed adventure with plenty of opportunities for photo moments, swimming, and snorkeling. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want to combine marine wildlife with premium comfort, VipDolphins ticks many boxes.

Key Points

• Luxury and Comfort: The well-appointed catamaran offers a spacious, clean, and stylish setting.
• Expert Crew: Guides and crew are known for their friendliness, professionalism, and insights into Madeira’s marine life.
• All-Inclusive Snacking: Expect delicious local snacks, biscuits, drinks (including alcohol), and desserts.
• Wildlife Viewing: You have high chances of spotting dolphins, sperm whales, pilot whales, and even shoals of dolphins playing near the boat.
• Swim & Snorkel Breaks: Cabo Girao provides scenic waters for swimming or snorkeling, often a highlight for guests.
• Intimate Experience: With a maximum of 17 travelers, it’s less crowded than many other tours, allowing better viewing and a more personal atmosphere.

Setting Sail from Funchal’s Marina

Your adventure begins at Pra�a do Povo marina, a convenient spot near public transportation. The boat departs around midday, and the overall experience lasts about three hours. Most guests arrive 30 minutes early—an advised practice—so you’re ready to cast off right on time. The boat itself is modern, sleek, and immaculately maintained, often described as a classy vessel that adds to the sense of occasion.

Once aboard, the crew welcomes you with a friendly attitude, offering blankets and towels to stay cozy on the open water. Expect a brief safety orientation and an overview of what’s planned. The size of the group is small—max 17—ensuring everyone gets a good view and personal attention.

The Journey and Wildlife Encounters

The main goal is to cruise the waters around Funchal in search of whales and dolphins. Reviews consistently mention the knowledgeable crew, who are experts at spotting marine creatures. Guests have seen bottlenose and common dolphins, sperm whales, pilot whales, and even pods of playful dolphins leaping alongside the boat. As one reviewer noted, “The crew was extremely helpful and knowledgeable,” making the whole experience both fun and educational.

The crew also provides insights into Madeira’s aquatic, cultural, and environmental history, adding depth to what could otherwise be just a wildlife sighting. Many reviews highlight the crew’s attentiveness—whether helping with camera gear or managing seasickness. Several mention the small group size as a major advantage, allowing for closer encounters and less of the crowding that can plague larger tours.

Scenic Stop at Cabo Girao

One of the tour’s highlights is the swimming and snorkeling break at Cabo Girao, one of Europe’s highest sea cliffs. The waters here are crystal clear, and many guests relished the chance to cool off, swim, or snorkel with the backdrop of striking cliffs and the Atlantic stretching endlessly. The reviews reflect this as a relaxing, scenic part of the trip, with some noting they’d happily do it again just for this segment.

Snorkel gear is included, and the crew is helpful in guiding less experienced swimmers. The opportunity to float in the calm, pristine waters offers a refreshing contrast to the excitement of wildlife spotting.

Food, Drinks, and Overall Service

The all-inclusive aspect of this tour is a standout. Guests rave about the delicious local snacks, biscuits, and desserts, which are served throughout the trip. The drinks selection—champagne, cocktails, soda, and bottled water—means you can toast your sightings or relax with a soft drink. Several reviewers mention the excellent wine and poncha (a local sugar cane spirit) as particular highlights.

The crew members, such as Maggie, Pedro, Carina, and Francisco, are universally praised for their friendly and attentive service. They go out of their way to ensure everyone is comfortable, informed, and enjoying themselves. One reviewer shared, “The staff worked hard to make the trip extra special,” and others appreciated the personal touch that smaller groups allow.

The Experience in Context: Is It Worth It?

While the tour is on the pricier side, the value for money is reflected in the quality of the vessel, the small group size, and the attention to detail. Guests consistently mention how this experience feels more exclusive than some of the larger, busier catamaran trips. The luxury setting, combined with the chance to see a variety of marine life in their natural environment, makes this a memorable outing.

Some reviews pointed out that seasickness can be an issue if you’re sensitive, especially if the boat rocks or the pace is fast. One guest advised taking dramamine beforehand, which may be wise for prone travelers. The tour operates in good weather, and if canceled due to bad conditions, a full refund or alternative date is offered.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re after a relaxed, upscale experience centered around marine wildlife, this tour hits the mark. It’s perfect for couples, small groups, or anyone celebrating a special occasion. Nature lovers will appreciate the chance to see dolphins and whales up close, while those looking for comfort and excellent service will find this a standout choice.

It’s also suitable for families, as long as children are over 3 years old. The smaller group size and attentive crew make it a safer environment for kids who can swim or snorkel.

Final Thoughts

VipDolphins’ Luxury Whale Watching in Funchal offers an elegant, well-organized journey into Madeira’s marine life. From the stylish, comfortable vessel to the knowledgeable guides and delicious local snacks, it’s an experience that balances fun, education, and relaxation beautifully. The chance to see dolphins leaping alongside the boat, coupled with the scenic swim at Cabo Girao, makes this tour a true highlight for anyone wanting a more refined way to explore Madeira’s waters.

While the price might seem steep compared to basic tours, the small group size, luxurious setup, and attentive service justify the expense for those who value comfort and exclusivity. It’s an excellent choice for travelers wanting to combine wildlife sightings with a taste of Madeira’s hospitality and scenic beauty.

In essence, this tour is ideal for those who want a memorable, high-quality sea adventure that feels a bit special—perfect for celebrating, honeymooning, or simply indulging in a luxurious day at sea.

FAQ

How early should I arrive for the tour?
It’s recommended to arrive at least 30 minutes before the scheduled departure to ensure a smooth check-in and boarding process.

What is included in the tour?
You’ll enjoy snacks, biscuits, coffee, tea, alcoholic beverages, soda, bottled water, and use of snorkeling equipment. Towels and blankets are also provided.

Are children allowed on this tour?
Children under 3 years old are not permitted. The tour is suitable for most other ages, especially those comfortable in open water.

How many people will be on the boat?
The tour’s maximum group size is 17 travelers, ensuring a more intimate experience with better wildlife viewing opportunities.

What wildlife might I see?
Guests have seen bottlenose dolphins, common dolphins, sperm whales, and pilot whales. The crew’s experience increases the chances of sightings.

What about seasickness?
Seasickness can affect some guests, especially if the boat rocks or moves quickly. Taking dramamine beforehand is advised if you’re prone to motion sickness.

Is this tour weather dependent?
Yes, the experience relies on good weather conditions. If canceled due to poor weather, a full refund or alternative date will be offered.

Can I swim or snorkel during the tour?
Yes, the break at Cabo Girao provides an opportunity for swimming and snorkeling, with gear provided.

What’s the main reason to choose this tour?
The combination of luxury, small group intimacy, knowledgeable crew, and scenic marine environment makes it a top-tier whale-watching experience in Madeira.