Embark on a green adventure with the leading dolphin and whale watching Eco-experience on Madeira Island!
Magic Dolphin Eco is the only catamaran in Madeira Island purpose-built for dolphin and whale watching, featuring hybrid-electric engines. It was specifically designed to ensure our passengers a safe, comfortable, and exceptional tour. Its hybrid-electric engines reduce noise and emissions, offering the best experience for both our guests and the beloved cetaceans!
The vessel has two levels for optimal viewing, four trampoline nets at the bow, two bathrooms, and two bars where drinks and snacks can be purchased.
Our crew of certified guides is dedicated to providing everyone with the best possible experience. They share their knowledge about the species encountered, the history of Madeira, and local highlights.
✓ 2.5 to 3-hour catamaran cruise✕ Lunch✕ Hotel pickup and drop-offActivity Schedule
3 h
Enjoy a comfortable tour along the southern coast of Madeira Island aboard our 2022 purpose-built, eco-friendly catamaran.
Our land-based spotters use binoculars to locate the animals and guide the boat directly to them.
When marine life is spotted, our hybrid-electric engines engage for silent, emission-free cruising, ensuring a pleasant experience for the cetaceans!
Our certified guides will offer informative commentary and share fun facts about the cetaceans and other species you might see.
On the return journey, we sail close to the coast, passing by several points of interest, which may include:
Cabo Girão - the second-highest sea cliff globally (a quick swim may be possible if time permits).
Camara de Lobos Bay – a charming traditional fishing village.
The world-renowned Reid’s Hotel, a historic retreat for figures like Winston Churchill and other VIPs during their visits to Madeira Island.
Savor the views of our beautiful island in comfort and style.
Mobile or paper ticket accepted. One per booking.
Please arrive at the Funchal marina 30 minutes prior to your scheduled departure time.
All guests are required to check in with our staff at our kiosk to receive a boarding pass.
To respect all our guests, the boat departs punctually.
Missed departures are not eligible for refunds.
Please arrive at the Funchal marina 30 minutes prior to your scheduled departure time.
All guests are required to check in with our staff at our kiosk to receive a boarding pass.
To respect all our guests, the boat departs punctually.
Missed departures are not eligible for refunds.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
Wheelchair accessible Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller Public transportation options are available nearby Transportation options are wheelchair accessible All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible Suitable for all physical fitness levels May be operated by a multilingual guide Ecological Cruises Dolphin and Whale Watching Wild Life: Silent, pollution-free, ecological Dolphin and Whale Watching Duration: 3 hours Wild life Ecological Catamaran Magic Dolphin Eco Summer Dolphin and Whale Watching Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes: This 2.5-hour trip does not include swimming. Focus is solely on wildlife observation. An early start is recommended. Wild life: Starting early is ideal, as animals tend to be more relaxed. Ecological Catamaran Dolphin & Whale Watching Ecological Catamaran: Magic Dolphin Eco is the only ecological catamaran in Funchal, offering green, pollution-free cruises for wildlife observation. Duration: 3 hours Wild life, Cabo Girão Ecological Catamaran: Magic Dolphin Eco features hybrid engines. When wildlife is spotted, we switch to our electric engines for silent observation. Dolphin and Whale Watching: Cruise on a large, award-winning sailing catamaran. Enjoy stunning views of Madeira Island from the Atlantic Ocean. Look out for jumping and splashing whales or dolphins. Arrive at the marina at least 30 minutes before departure. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. Consider bringing binoculars for closer wildlife viewing. Stay hydrated; purchase drinks from the onboard bar if needed. Listen to the guides for the best wildlife spotting opportunities and information. Enjoy the scenic return trip along the coast. For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Product code: 14203P1
Activity offered by Magic Dolphin via Viator.
WizardTrip Help Center Nature enthusiasts Families Wildlife lovers Eco-conscious travelers Tourists seeking unique coastal experiences Eco-friendly catamaran with hybrid-electric engines Excellent opportunities for dolphin and whale watching Comfortable viewing decks and nets Knowledgeable certified guides Stunning coastal views, including Cabo Girão Unique experience with silent, emission-free cruising
Population 112,290 (2023)
Currency euro
Official language Portuguese
Driving on the right
Power plugs C, F · 230 V
Emergency number 112
Capital city Lisbon Average temperatures 17° Jan 16° Feb 16° Mar 17° Apr 18° May 20° Jun 22° Jul 23° Aug 23° Sept 21° Oct 19° Nov 18° Dec Sources: Wikidata; climate: NASA POWER, 2001-2025 averages.
What is the duration of the dolphin and whale watching tour? + The tour duration is typically between 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on the specific package chosen.
Are there opportunities for swimming during the tour? + Swimming may be possible at Cabo Girão if time permits on the 3-hour tours. The 2.5-hour 'Magic Dolphin Eco Summer' trip does not include swimming.
What makes this catamaran tour ecological? + The catamaran is purpose-built with hybrid-electric engines that allow for silent, emission-free cruising when wildlife is spotted, minimizing disturbance to marine life.
What should I bring on the tour? + It is recommended to bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and potentially binoculars. Drinks and snacks are available for purchase onboard.
What happens if the tour is canceled due to bad weather or insufficient participants? + The tour may be canceled if there is bad weather or if the minimum number of participants is not met. In such cases, you will be offered an alternative or a refund.
Is the catamaran accessible for people with reduced mobility? + Yes, the catamaran is wheelchair accessible, and transportation options nearby are also accessible. Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller.
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Fine experience, not great value
cooperh339, October 2026
I feel that this is just a fine experience. The cost doesn't seem to give the right value. We only saw one whale species and one dolphin species, each for just 10 minutes, as that is the allotted time for each boat. The water was nice for a quick 10 minute swim. But, the time out there can feel long and there are over 100 people on the boat. It is a nice boat with a decent amount of space and very great guides, but in general I didn't feel this was worth it. Perhaps it is better with a different group, but it may be the same.
★★★★★ Viator review
Great tour on the water..
Jay_S, October 2026
Excellent tour. Good boat.. Comfortable. Great crew and narrations and available for questions. I did the morning tour and enjoyed it all with sightings as well.
I highly recommend.
★★★★★ Viator review
It was really good and...
Russell_M, October 2026
It was really good and very organized. Everything went so smoothly. I would definitely use them again and recommend this company
★★★★★ Viator review
Horrible and rude
Ira_A, October 2026
The operator is super rude and offered zero compassion when we were 5 min late, no other solution and laughed at us saying it says in the description to be here 15 min early which in fact it doesn’t. Her name is Oomoot
Response from the operator · Umut H Dear Guest,
You were a no‑show for the trip, therefore you did not participate in the activity and cannot accurately comment on the experience. If you had asked for help, we would certainly have tried to assist you in the best way possible. It is a pity you missed out on a good experience.
★★★★★ Viator review
Lovely half day trip for whale watching and swimming
Jayne_D, October 2026
Fab trip. Saw dolphins and whales. Lots of interesting facts. We had calm seas and Lovely views of Madeira. Plenty of room on the catamaran to move around to see. There was also time for swimming in the sea off of the catamaran so don’t forget to take your swimming costume!
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