Sailing trips · CATAMARAN CRUISES IN PORTUGAL
The 15 best catamaran cruises in Portugal you can book today, with what each costs per person, how long it runs and how much of it happens under sail. Number one is top for a reason; start there.
Join Magic Dolphin Atividades Maritimas in Funchal for a three-hour wildlife cruise aboard a 2022 hybrid-electric catamaran. Land-based spotters help locate dolphins, whales, turtles, and seabirds, while certified guides explain the animals and coastal sights. Bring warm, waterproof layers for the open sea.
“Great tour, saw some whales and the crew was great. Just like described.”
Set out from Funchal Marina on Catamaran Seaborn for a three-hour search for dolphins, whales, and turtles. The English and Portuguese crew explain the species you see, then stop beneath Cabo Girão for a summer swim. Expect an open, stable boat, onboard drinks for purchase, and no guaranteed sightings.
“We enjoyed a cruise along the coast in an Easterly direction. We were very lucky to spot a pod of Pilot Whales including a mother and baby swimming along together. This put the icing on the cruise cake! We celebrated with a small glass of beer and wine from the onboard bar on the way back! I can recommend this 3 hour activity to anyone looking for a shortish trip out on the ocean. I should also say that we had very calm weather which helped make the trip comfortable.”
Sail from Albufeira Marina toward Benagil on a spacious catamaran with multilingual guides such as Filipe and Tomas. Expect dramatic cliffs, beaches, cave views, music, onboard drinks, and a roughly 10-minute Atlantic swim stop when conditions allow.
“Was a great day out seeing the coastlines of Portugal. The tour guides were brilliant, very friendly and informative. If you are still deciding on whether to book or not, do it. And book with this company.”
Meet Sardinha do Tejo at Doca de Santo Amaro for a 90-minute sunset sail past Christ the King, the 25th of April Bridge, Belém Tower, and more. Choose the open nets or covered deck, enjoy one welcome drink, and buy cocktails aboard. This is a scenic, music-led cruise, not a guided sightseeing tour.
“Beautiful evening for a boat ride. All the hosts were very nice and helpful. They frequently came around for drink refills. I was super lucky and the boat only had 6 other guests that night so had plenty of room. Blankets were provided when it got chilly.”
Join Atlantic Pearl Catamaran in Funchal for a three-hour cruise with Portuguese- and English-speaking guides. Search for dolphins and whales, learn about marine life, then stop near Cabo Girão for swimming and snorkeling. The boat carries up to about 20 people, with shaded seating, hammocks, bathrooms, and drinks for sale.
“Terrific , good access to the boat, good seating. Great staff and we were lucky and saw both sperm whales and dolphins.”
From Lagos Marina, a skipper takes you by catamaran to Ponta da Piedade, where you slide into a double kayak for a guided cave tour. Guides such as Bruno, Ricardo, and Alfonso keep beginners on track, then return you to the boat for swimming and the onboard slide.
“Our guide Bruno was very helpful and guided everyone throughout the tour. He took us to the caves, which were breathtaking. The boat who took us to the kayaking spot was always nearby, all the crew was kind and helpful. Amazing experience! Absolutely recommended.”
Cruise Madeira’s southern coast for 2.5 to 3 hours aboard Magic Dolphin’s 2022 hybrid-electric catamaran. Shore spotters guide the captain toward dolphins and whales, while certified guides explain the animals and ocean ecology. Expect Cabo Girão, Câmara de Lobos, and possible sea spray on the return.
“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.”
Join Magic Dolphin Atividades Maritimas for a three-hour cruise from Funchal. An English or Portuguese-speaking crew looks for dolphins, whales, turtles, and seabirds before sailing to Cabo Girão. You get indoor seating, sun beds, trampoline nets, a welcome drink, and a seasonal swim stop.
“The crew was very knowledgeable and fantastic. thank you crew”
Sail from Lagos Marina along the Algarve coast to Praia da Luz and back, passing Ponta da Piedade, Dona Ana, Camilo, and Porto de Mós. You get a swim stop, paddleboards, a sun deck, Wi-Fi, and a bar, with English or Portuguese commentary. The catamaran carries up to 80 people.
“So much fun!!! The views are beautiful and the crew gave us enough time to be in the water.”
From Marina de Lagos, you’ll cruise offshore with marine biologists such as Nadja or Diogo, looking for dolphins and other cetaceans. Afterward, the catamaran anchors near the cliffs for swimming, jumping, and its inflatable slide. Fruit and a cookie are included, but sightings are never guaranteed.
“This trip was enjoyable, firstly looking for dolphins which we luckily saw, they swam around the boat for about 20 minutes, and we had plenty of time to observe and take pictures. Afterwards were given the opportunity to dive off the boat and use the inflatable slide which my husband and son thoroughly enjoyed in a quiet bay. Guides were friendly with everyone and accommodating to everyone's needs. We were all given cookies and delicious fresh fruit skewers as a snack which were very welcome. Overall an enjoyable experience.”
From Albufeira Marina, you cruise west along the Algarve coast past São Rafael, Praia da Marinha, Albandeira, and Benagil. The crew shares local details, stops for an ocean swim when conditions allow, and serves sparkling wine on the return. You see the caves from the boat, but do not enter them.
“Very nice atmosphere on the catamaran, beautiful cliffs and views, unfortunately we didn't see any dolphins, but it was worth it anyway.”
Sail from Funchal Marina along Madeira’s south coast on a three-hour sunset catamaran cruise. Look for dolphins and whales with an English or Portuguese guide, swim near Cabo Girão in summer, and enjoy drinks from the onboard bar. If no marine life appears, you receive a second trip free.
“We had an amazing time , we thought we won’t see dolphins but we went further up and next thing we knew we were surrounded by dolphins literally playfully following our boat 🥰 it was the highlight of our holiday , we had the best time”
From Faro, cruise the Ria Formosa with guides such as João, Pedro, and Juan, stopping at Ilha Deserta, Ilha do Farol, Hangares, and Culatra. Swim, see oyster farms, visit a fishing village, and choose a traditional fish lunch. Expect a small-group boat, multilingual commentary, and plenty of walking.
“Fantastic tour and terrific value for money. Pedro was an exceptional guide whose knowledge, humour and rapport with his clients was delightful. Highly recommended”
Sail from Faro Marina through Ria Formosa with a multilingual guide, watching herons and storks before stopping at Farol Island for its lighthouse, village, and beach. You then get up to 30 minutes on quiet Deserta Island. The catamaran is comfortable and wheelchair accessible.
“Thoroughly enjoyable with an excellent guide. All safety equipment etc was well equipped and modern.”
Launch your double kayak from a purpose-built catamaran and paddle around Ponta da Piedade’s cliffs, beaches, and caves with a local guide such as Ricardo, Jaime, or Andre. The boat follows throughout, then offers time to swim before cruising back to Lagos Marina.
“Excellent experience! The tour guides were absolutely amazing, friendly, knowledgeable, and made the whole experience unforgettable. We honestly wished it was a bit longer because we were enjoying every moment, but nevertheless, we loved it! Highly recommended for anyone visiting the area.”
Pick the boat, the hour on the water or the country.
