Our 12 Best Catamaran Dolphin Cruises in Portugal

1.Ecological Catamaran Dolphin Whale Watching

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 8,204 reviews · 3 hours · from $41Our pick

Cruise from Funchal Marina aboard Magic Dolphin, Madeira’s purpose-built hybrid-electric whale-watching catamaran. Land-based spotters help locate dolphins and whales, while certified English and Portuguese guides explain the wildlife. Enjoy two decks, large viewing nets, toilets, shaded seating, and coastal views toward Cabo Girão and Câmara de Lobos.

“I was with a group of 8 women and we really enjoyed the trip. The boat was very clean the staff was very good and knowledgeable. We saw sperm whales and other ones and the captain did a great shop explaining and showing us. The sea was a little bit rough but the had water on board. The staff was so helpful. Very good.”

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2.Dolphin and Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 5,697 reviews · 3 hours · from $41

Set out from Funchal Marina on a three-hour Seaborn catamaran cruise with an English or Portuguese-speaking crew. Search for dolphins, whales, turtles, and flying fish, then stop beneath Cabo Girão for a seasonal swim. The spacious boat has shaded seating, sun decks, front nets, and a bar. Sightings are never guaranteed.

“A truly great time had. A comfortable amount of people onboard the Catamaran. Seats under the canopy, seats in the sun, two large areas to sit or lay on the netting area, large areas to sit with your legs hanging over the edge to really enjoy the ocean. We felt lucky to have seen a few whales, which made our trip so worth while. We stopped & were all permitted to climb down the ladder, jump/dive into the sea at a specific location - below cliffs on the opposite side of Funchal. Drinks & snacks were available. Crew were all very friendly, knowledgeable & helpful. A wonder family friendly experience.”

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3.Funchal Bay: Dolphin & Whale Watch Luxury Catamaran Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 2,684 reviews · 3 hours · from $47

Board the Atlantic Pearl at Funchal’s New Marina for a three-hour cruise with Portuguese and English-speaking guides. Watch for dolphins and whales, then stop beneath the 580-meter Cabo Girão cliffs for swimming and snorkeling. Expect a smaller boat, covered seating, outdoor hammocks, onboard toilets, music, and drinks for purchase.

“Both staff were absolutely quality, good laugh and a great tour! Saw pilot whales and dolphins at first spot and had a great swim in the beautiful waters! All the best with the new baby captain!”

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4.Madeira Dolphin and Whale Watching on a Ecological Catamaran

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,957 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $42

Cruise from Funchal aboard Magic Dolphin’s 2022 hybrid-electric catamaran for about three hours. Shore-based spotters guide the captain toward dolphins and whales, while certified guides explain Madeira’s sea life. Expect coastal views of Cabo Girão, Câmara de Lobos, Reid’s Hotel, and Madeira Airport. Bring layers and waterproof clothing for wind and spray.

“Close to the cruise port or 10e in a taxi. Whilst the sea journey was very choppy, to see Bottle nose Dolphins and Pilot whales was an amazing experience. I highly recommend this company, great communication and a fabulous tour. Highly recommended.”

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5.Dolphin and Whale Watching by Luxury Catamaran

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,709 reviews · 3 hours · from $47

Join Magic Dolphin Atividades Maritimas for a three-hour catamaran trip from Funchal Marina. Watch for dolphins, pilot whales, turtles, seabirds, and other marine life while guides explain Madeira’s ocean ecology. You’ll also sail beneath Cabo Girão, with time to swim on most tours. Indoor seating, sun beds, restrooms, and a welcome drink are included.

“Amazing staff! I loved the boat trip and we also saw the dolphins. Just amazing day to celebrate my birthday! I definitely recommend it!❤️”

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6.Dolphins & Caves – Catamaran

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 1,512 reviews · 2.5 hours · from $58

Set out from Marina de Lagos on a 2.5-hour catamaran trip with a marine biologist, looking for dolphins and other cetaceans. Guides such as Diogo, Nadia, Nadja, and Larissa share facts in Portuguese and English. Afterward, stop in a quiet bay for swimming, jumping, and the boat’s inflatable slide, with fruit and a cookie included.

“It was an unforgettable experience! We were taken out in a fantastic, comfortable boat and the trip was explained by our guide. When we reached a point further out, we immediately began to see dolphins and were treated to about 40 mins of watching many of the beautiful created swimming and leaping about, with the captain gently turning the boat so everyone could get a better view. We were told all about the creatures and then we sailed back towards Lagos. When we dropped anchor, we had a snack and the chance for fun swimming; then a chance bonus; another vessel needed rescue so we headed back along the coast…”

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7.Dolphin and Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise from Funchal

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 645 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $48

Join VMT Madeira Catamaran for a 3-hour cruise from Funchal Marina along Madeira’s south coast. The crew searches for dolphins, whales, and other marine life, then may stop for a swim below 580-meter Cabo Girão when conditions allow. A bar, toilets, and a free repeat trip if no cetaceans appear add practical value.

“Amazing boat trip on a lovely Catamaran. The crew were very friendly and informative and we saw a lot of Dolphins! Amazing experience which I would highly recommend.”

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8.Dolphin Watching Catamaran Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 257 reviews · 1.5 hours · from $47

Set out from Lagos Marina on a family-friendly catamaran with padded seating, shade, toilets, and several viewing areas. Your skipper speaks English, Portuguese, or Spanish and searches for wild dolphins while sharing facts about the Algarve coast. The route may also include views toward Benagil and nearby beaches, with a swim stop when sea conditions allow.

“What an unforgettable experience!! The guide was so informative and engaging and really took us on journey with his stories of Portuguese history, the role of Lagos and the intricacies of all the natural beauty Lagos has to offer. Once we reached the location of the dolphins there were so many and they were so interactive it was truly magical. Book this experience, you will not regret it!!!”

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9.Dolphin Watching Cruise on a Catamaran

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 239 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $48

Meet Days of Adventure at Marina de Lagos for a 90-minute dolphin cruise on a motorized catamaran with bow and side viewing areas, shade, a bar, snacks, and a toilet. Guides help locate wild dolphins, and the route may include the coast near Luz and nearby sea caves. Sightings are likely but never guaranteed.

“Seeing the dolphins in their natural habitat was great. I recommend this company and trip. The day was great”

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10.Eco-Friendly Catamaran Dolphin and Whale Watching

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 226 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours (approx.) · from $42

Join Magic Dolphin in Funchal for a 2.5 to 3-hour catamaran trip with local guides, land-based spotters, and live commentary. Watch for dolphins, whales, sea turtles, ocean birds, and possibly Monk seals, then cruise past Cabo Girão, Câmara de Lobos, and Reid’s Hotel. Drinks and snacks are sold onboard, and swimming may be offered when conditions allow.

“An excellent day for everyone who took part in the trip in this super catamaran. An excellent sunny day and in prima we can observe cachalots whales and dolphins for me was an immense pleasure, the whole team was of a great professionalism and with a lot of patience but in the end all were rewarded. If you like good feelings is to express good luck to the whole team José MachadoAuto-translated”

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11.Dolphins & Benagil Caves – Catamaran

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 167 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $59Top rated

Leave Lagos by spacious catamaran for a wild dolphin search along the Algarve coast. Your crew shares marine-life facts, then the boat pauses near sheltered cliffs for swimming and an inflatable slide. You also get coastal views, a light snack, shaded seating, live commentary, and a free return voucher if dolphins are not found.

“It was an amazing experience Seeing so many beautiful dolphins! It was such a great way to celebrate our friend’s birthday.”

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12.Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour and Catamaran Whale & Dolphin Watching

★★★★★★★★★★3.5 · 53 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $55

Use the Yellow Bus pass to explore Funchal at your own pace, from the Old Town and farmers’ market to Pico dos Barcelos and Lido. An audio guide adds local context, while a catamaran cruise offers a chance to spot whales, dolphins, turtles, and seabirds. A Madeira wine sample and discounts are included.

“The hop on hop off busses are a great way to get around an unfamiliar city and find important sights and landmarks”

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