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15 Catamaran Dolphin Cruises Worth Booking

23 tours  ·  from $21 a head

A catamaran gives you a flat deck, shade and a ladder off the back, which makes it the family answer. These 15 compare the swim stops, whether lunch and drinks are genuinely included, and how many share the trampoline.

From Funchal: Ecological Catamaran Dolphin Whale Watching - What happens during the three-hour cruise
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From Funchal: Ecological Catamaran Dolphin Whale Watching

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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Funchal: Dolphin and Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise - Searching for dolphins, whales, and turtles
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Funchal: Dolphin and Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise

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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Gran Canaria: Catamaran Dolphin Watch Cruise with Snorkeling - Two hours searching for dolphins and whales
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Gran Canaria: Catamaran Dolphin Watch Cruise with Snorkeling

3.Catamaran Dolphin Watch Cruise with Snorkeling

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 4,761 reviews · 3.5 hours · from $44

Set sail from Puerto Base near Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria for a 3.5-hour catamaran trip in search of dolphins, pilot whales, and minke whales. After the wildlife search, stop near the coast for swimming and snorkeling, with masks, water, and soft drinks provided. Hotel pickup is optional.

“Brilliant day start to finish , seeing the dolphins in natural surroundings swimming jumping was magical”

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Shell Island Snorkel and Dolphin Catamaran Cruise with Island Time - Boarding at 5201 N Lagoon Drive
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Shell Island Snorkel and Dolphin Catamaran Cruise with Island Time

4.Shell Island Snorkel and Dolphin Catamaran Cruise with Island Time

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 4,362 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $57Top rated

Cruise from Panama City Beach to Shell Island aboard Island Time’s roomy catamaran. Watch for wild dolphins, snorkel in St. Andrews Bay, paddle board, use the waterslide, or walk the beach. The crew, including captains such as Clay and Heath and crew members such as Emma and Sarah, keeps the three-hour trip relaxed and social.

“shell Island was beautiful seeing dolphins on the way was fun. We also snorkeled and collected shells.”

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Whale and Dolphin Watching Catamaran with Transfer and Buffet - Leaving Puerto Colón on Monte Cristo Catamaran
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Whale and Dolphin Watching Catamaran with Transfer and Buffet

5.Whale and Dolphin Watching Catamaran with Transfer and Buffet

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,712 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $71

Set out from Puerto Colón on Monte Cristo Catamaran for about three hours of whale and dolphin watching. A crew of up to 24 helps you spot pilot whales and dolphins, serves tapas, snacks, beer, soft drinks, and champagne, then anchors for swimming and snorkeling. South Tenerife hotel transfers are available by request.

“An unforgettable experience! The crew was welcoming and knowledgeable, the tour was well-organised, and seeing whales so close was absolutely magical. A must-do for anyone who loves the ocean.”

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Funchal Bay: Dolphin & Whale Watch Luxury Catamaran Cruise - The first 45 minutes: open-water wildlife watching
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Funchal Bay: Dolphin & Whale Watch Luxury Catamaran Cruise

6.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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Dolphin Catamaran Snorkel and Sail with Open Bar - The Antilla wreck: the strongest snorkel stop
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Dolphin Catamaran Snorkel and Sail with Open Bar

7.Dolphin Catamaran Snorkel and Sail with Open Bar

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,291 reviews · from $69

Sail from Noord aboard The Dolphin for two snorkel stops at the Antilla shipwreck and Boca Catalina Bay. Your guide adds local nature and history, while wraps, fruit, drinks, a rope swing, and spinning water slide keep the three-hour cruise lively. The boat holds up to 42 passengers.

“We had an amazing time on the catamaran snorkel tour! Seeing the shipwreck up close was such a cool experience, and all the fish and sea life around it were beautiful. The slide and rope swing were a huge hit — everyone joined in and had a blast! Definitely don’t expect a big lunch, but the drinks were great and kept the vibes going all day! ⛵🐠🌊”

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Madeira Dolphin and Whale Watching on a Ecological Catamaran - Quiet viewing with hybrid-electric engines
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Madeira Dolphin and Whale Watching on a Ecological Catamaran

8.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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Sunset & Dolphin Catamaran Cruise with Island Time - Key points to know before you book
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Sunset & Dolphin Catamaran Cruise with Island Time

9.Sunset & Dolphin Catamaran Cruise with Island Time

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,867 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $57

Spend about two hours aboard Island Time Sailing’s catamaran, cruising Grand Lagoon and the waters near St. Andrews State Park. You’ll look for dolphins, watch the sails go up, enjoy music, and buy drinks or snacks from the onboard galley. Captain Clay and crew members including Christo, Sara, Audra, Carter, and Emma are among the friendly faces connected with this popular cruise.

“It was great, good service and great views. The team was very polite. Being out on the water for 2 hours was definitely worth the experience.”

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Funchal: Dolphin and Whale Watching by Luxury Catamaran - Watching dolphins and whales in Madeira’s waters
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Funchal: Dolphin and Whale Watching by Luxury Catamaran

10.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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Lagos: Dolphins & Caves - Catamaran - Searching the Atlantic for wild dolphins
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Lagos: Dolphins & Caves – Catamaran

11.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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Fuengirola: Catamaran Tour to Spot Dolphins - Watching Dolphins in Their Natural Home
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Fuengirola: Catamaran Tour to Spot Dolphins

12.Catamaran Tour to Spot Dolphins

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 1,214 reviews · 2 hours · from $21Best value

Set sail from Fuengirola’s port for two hours along the Costa del Sol. You’ll have room to move between the lower deck, open upper level, and viewing areas while the crew searches for wild dolphins. Drinks and snacks are sold onboard, and the boat has toilets and limited glass-bottom panels. Sightings are common, but never guaranteed.

“Great crew, boat and facilities and loved the dolphins. Highly recommend this activity”

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Deluxe Snorkel & Dolphin Watch Aboard a Luxury Catamaran from Kailua-Kona - Breakfast while Kona’s coast slips past
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Deluxe Snorkel & Dolphin Watch Aboard a Luxury Catamaran from Kailua-Kona

13.Deluxe Snorkel & Dolphin Watch Aboard a Luxury Catamaran from Kailua-Kona

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 797 reviews · 4 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $183

Sail from Kailua Pier aboard Body Glove’s spacious catamaran for a breakfast, dolphin watch, and about two hours at the Red Hill snorkel area. You get sanitized gear, reef-safe sunscreen, lunch, water toys, a 20-foot slide, and a 15-foot jump platform. Captain Erica and crew members such as Adam, Brianna, and Taylor are known for attentive service.

“What a great crew. Snorkeling was good. Lots of of amenities. Saw a pod of dolphins that was amazing and they were all around the boat. Overall, great trip.”

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Aruba Sunset Sail Cruise Aboard The Dolphin Catamaran - The swim stop, rope swing, and water slide
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Aruba Sunset Sail Cruise Aboard The Dolphin Catamaran

14.Aruba Sunset Sail Cruise Aboard The Dolphin Catamaran

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 649 reviews · from $59

Spend about two hours aboard Aruba’s 45-foot Dolphin Catamaran, sailing the north coast with Caribbean music, an open bar, light snacks, and a sunset stop for swimming. Check in with Olga or John at Delphi Watersports by the Hyatt Regency towel hut. Boarding uses a shuttle boat, so wear clothes and shoes that can get wet.

“The crew is pleasant & friendly. Everything on time. Very light snack (we got part of a wrap). Open bar for the 2 hours. Vessel clean. They make a stop & emcourage swimming for a good period of time. A very pleasant outing. Be aware of tRead more”

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Dolphin and Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise from Funchal - Dolphin and whale watching around Madeira
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Dolphin and Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise from Funchal

15.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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New in Catamaran Dolphin Cruises

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Where to see dolphins

Pick a coast, a boat or a swim.

From the deck

Dolphin CruisesWhales and DolphinsSunset SailingsCatamaransRIBs and Speedboats

In the water

Wild SwimsSnorkel TripsDolphin HouseWild EncountersKayak Trips

Smaller boats

Private ChartersSmall GroupsLuxury HullsUnder SailWith a Biologist

Other ways

Dolphins and ManateesEco TripsAquariumsTrips with LunchHalf-Day Trips