Sailing from Funchal Marina offers terrific opportunities to experience Madeira’s dramatic coastline and marine life. The best values are the 2.5-3 hour eco-catamaran trips, which regularly spot whales and dolphins while minimizing environmental impact. I especially love the sunset cruises – they’re peaceful, intimate, and include local wine tastings that showcase Madeira’s famous vintages. For a special splurge, the New Year’s Eve harbor tours deliver unforgettable views of the fireworks with unlimited drinks and gourmet bites. Combining a harbor cruise with the hop-on hop-off bus tour makes an efficient use of your sightseeing time. Let’s look at my favorite boat tours from Funchal.
Good To Know
- Eco-friendly catamaran cruises offer 2.5 to 3-hour tours with sightings of pilot whales, bottlenose dolphins, and sperm whales.
- Luxury New Year’s Eve sailing tours around Funchal Harbor feature gourmet canapés, tapas, fresh fruit, and unlimited drinks.
- Combination tours provide a flexible way to explore Funchal, combining hop-on hop-off bus tours and catamaran cruises.
- Luxury catamaran sailing experiences along Madeira’s southern coast offer wine tastings paired with local delicacies.
- Scenic sunset and sailboat cruises showcase Madeira’s dramatic landscapes and coastline, with opportunities for swimming and marine life spotting.
Madeira Dolphin and Whale Watching on a Ecological Catamaran
Departing from the picturesque Funchal Marina, the Madeira Dolphin and Whale Watching excursion aboard an eco-friendly catamaran offers travelers a unique opportunity to encounter the marine life of the region.
During the 2.5 to 3-hour cruise, guests may spot pilot whales, bottlenose dolphins, and sperm whales, with the crew maintaining a respectful approach to wildlife.
Accommodating up to 149 travelers, the multilingual guides ensure an informative and memorable experience. Included in the tour are lunch, hotel pickup and drop-off, and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
With its wheelchair and stroller accessibility, the cruise caters to diverse needs, earning an impressive 4.5-star rating from over 1,500 reviews.
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Funchal Dolphin and Whale Watching Catamaran Trip
Situated in the picturesque Funchal Marina, the Seaborn Catamaran offers a unique dolphin and whale watching experience. Rated 4.4 out of 362 reviews, this catamaran adventure showcases Madeira’s stunning coastline and provides opportunities to spot a variety of marine life, including dolphins, turtles, and whales.
While sightings aren’t guaranteed, the knowledgeable crew shares information about the local wildlife. The tour includes an onboard bar service, and a summer snorkeling option is available.
With a maximum of 100 travelers per trip and prices starting at €35.00, this is an accessible and budget-friendly way to explore Madeira’s vibrant marine ecosystem.
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Funchal Harbor New Years Eve Luxury Catamaran Sail With Food
As the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve, travelers can embark on a luxurious 2-hour sailing tour around Funchal Harbor.
The experience includes gourmet canapés, tapas, fresh fruit, and a pyrotechnic display with music. Travelers will enjoy unlimited drinks like champagne, beer, wine, and soft drinks.
The tour departs at 10:30 PM from the Funchal marina, and travelers should arrive 30 minutes prior.
With a maximum capacity of 149 travelers, this tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, and near public transportation.
Based on 10 reviews, the tour is 100% recommended, with highlights including unforgettable views, amazing food and drink, and an excellent crew.
Read our full review: Funchal Harbor New Years Eve Luxury Catamaran Sail With Food Review
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Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour and Catamaran Whale & Dolphin Watching
Travelers seeking to explore Funchal at their own pace can embark on a 5-hour experience that combines a hop-on hop-off bus tour and a catamaran cruise to spot whales and dolphins.
The bus tour features 29 stops, including key attractions like the Nossa Senhora do Monte Church, Funchal Market, and Pico dos Barcelos viewpoint.
The 3-hour catamaran cruise offers the chance to see local marine life, such as dolphins, whales, turtles, and seabirds.
The package includes a wine tasting, discounts at various attractions, and hotel pick-up and drop-off.
With a 3.7 rating from 51 reviews, this tour provides a comprehensive way to discover Funchal’s highlights at one’s leisure.
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Luxury Catamaran New Year and Fireworks Madeira
One of the most exclusive ways to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Funchal is by embarking on a luxury catamaran cruise that offers stunning views of the city’s renowned fireworks display.
The 3-hour tour, which costs from $41.96 per person, departs in the evening and sails along the coastline, providing passengers with a front-row seat to the vibrant pyrotechnics lighting up the sky.
Guests can enjoy refreshing drinks and snacks as they take in the breathtaking scenery and lively atmosphere.
This luxurious sailing experience is the perfect way to ring in the new year with unparalleled views and an unforgettable celebration on the water.
Read our full review: Luxury Catamaran New Year and Fireworks Madeira Review
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Sunset on a Sailing Boat
After the exhilarating experience of ringing in the new year aboard a lavish catamaran, visitors can now savor the tranquility of a sunset sail along Madeira’s picturesque coastline.
This 2.5-hour activity allows groups of up to 6 participants to relax and take in the breathtaking views as the sun dips below the horizon. For $419.57, guests can enjoy the live commentary of an English, Portuguese, or Spanish-speaking guide, take a dip in the ocean, and spot marine life.
With free cancellation and no upfront payment required, this sunset sail is a must-try for anyone seeking a serene and memorable experience in Funchal.
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Luxury Catamaran Sailing Tour With Tasting Madeira Wine
Visitors eager to indulge in the ultimate Madeira experience can embark on a luxury catamaran sailing tour that includes a tasting of the island’s renowned Madeira wine.
This 3-hour excursion offers a picturesque voyage along the southern coast, allowing guests to admire the stunning cliffs and beaches from the comfort of a spacious catamaran.
The highlight of the tour is the opportunity to sample a selection of Madeira’s finest wines, expertly paired with local delicacies.
With a highly rated 4.7 customer score, this tour provides a luxurious and unforgettable way to discover the beauty of Funchal and savor the island’s renowned viniculture.
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Funchal: Sailboat Cruise Along Madeira’s Coastline
Although Madeira is renowned for its dramatic landscapes and picturesque villages, a sailboat cruise along the island’s coastline offers a unique perspective to fully appreciate its natural beauty.
Lasting between 2.5 to 3 hours, the Funchal: Sailboat Cruise Along Madeira’s Coastline allows visitors to admire the towering cliffs, secluded bays, and charming fishing villages from the comfort of a sailing vessel.
With a rating of 4.5 out of 5 from 4,665 reviews, this eco-friendly catamaran tour is a popular choice, priced at $36.71 per person.
Guests can keep an eye out for dolphins and whales while enjoying the gentle sea breeze and stunning coastal vistas.
Read our full review: Funchal: Sailboat Cruise Along Madeira’s Coastline Review
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The Sum Up
Funchal, Madeira offers a variety of captivating sailing experiences. From whale and dolphin watching to luxury New Year’s Eve celebrations, visitors can enjoy the island’s stunning coastline. Whether it’s a sunset sail or a wine-tasting excursion, these sailing tours provide an unforgettable way to explore Madeira’s natural beauty. With a range of options to choose from, there’s something to suit every traveler’s interests and budget.