Sailing trips · MADEIRA SAILING TRIPS
Every trip has one free day too few. These 15 madeira sailing trips justify the slot, priced and timed so you can decide in minutes and get back to the fun part.
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.”
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.”
Join Bruno, Joe, Victor, or another friendly crew member on a small sailing yacht from Funchal. Cruise toward Cabo Girão, watch for dolphins and whales, swim or snorkel below the 580-meter cliff, then return with an open bar and sunset views.
“We really enjoyed the time on the sailboat. We saw some dolphins several times and the sunset was beautiful. We enjoyed swimming as well!! The hosts were awesome and added to the overall experience”
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 Funchal Marina toward Cabo Girão on a three-hour yacht trip with a captain, crew, and live guide in English or Portuguese. Bruno and Joseph are often praised for their warm, informative hosting. Look for dolphins, whales, and turtles, then swim or snorkel before returning with a drink in hand.
“We didn't see any whales or dolphins, but felt we were taken good care of as the guide was friendly and helpful, so we had a good time. It was fun swimming in the ocean with this spectacular scenery.”
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”
Sail from Funchal Marina along Madeira’s south coast while the VMT Madeira Catamaran crew searches for dolphins and whales. You’ll hear about local sea life, pass Cabo Girão, and may swim below its 580-meter cliffs when conditions allow. A bar, toilets, and a free return trip if no cetaceans appear add practical value.
“I gentle sail across the ocean searching for whales and dolphins…….didn’t see any, however a well run excursion. Offered a repeat trip but short of time to take up the chance to try again .”
Sail from Funchal to the protected Desertas Islands on a 9-hour catamaran trip with an English or Portuguese guide. Walk to the conservation center, eat lunch on board, swim from a volcanic beach, and try snorkeling or stand-up paddleboarding. Bring warm layers and sturdy water shoes.
“Great trip with great views. Guide had a lot of useful information and she was very pleaseant to hear. The crew is super super Nice. The lunch was great (and they even got me proper vegan option). Really tasty food.”
Set sail from Funchal Marina on a three-hour catamaran cruise to Cabo Girão. You will watch the southern coast, look for dolphins and whales, stop for a swim and snorkel, and raise a drink as the sun drops behind Madeira.
“de vazut balene sau delfini nici nu se pune problema sa fi vazut ceva...singura placere a fost plimbarea la apus si un pahar cu vin... sa nu fiti dezamagiti daca nu vedeti nimic, poate altii au avut mai mult noroc...”
Sail from Funchal with guides such as Bruno, watching for dolphins, whales, and turtles before following Madeira’s west coast to Ponta do Sol and Ribeira Brava. Swim, snorkel, and eat lunch aboard a well-kept yacht with drinks included. Expect about 18 to 20 people and mostly motor-powered cruising.
“friendly guides, good food and not too crowded boat despite we were around 18 on it”
Join VMT Madeira Catamaran at Funchal Marina for 1.5 hours on New Year’s Eve. From the water, you’ll watch the huge fireworks display with Funchal glowing behind you. English and Portuguese guides are provided, and champagne, wine, beer, and soft drinks are included.
“We had an amazing evening - best place to view the fabulous New Year Eve fireworks . Staff were great , as was the open bar and food .”
Set out from Funchal Marina on a three-hour catamaran cruise toward Cabo Girão. You can swim in clear water when conditions allow, then watch the sunset on the return to Funchal. English and Portuguese crew, toilets, and snorkeling equipment are included. Drinks cost extra.
“it was a wonderful sunset trip. worth every minute of the 3 hour trip. beautiful sea views, and at Cabo Girão, spectacular sunset. we also had the blessing to witness pilot whales. GOD’s creation is amazing. we got to swim near Cabo Girão, the water was so lovely, warm, clear and clean. amazing crew as well. very cheerful, caring, polite. as a family, we loved the experience. we most definitely recommend to everyone to add this sunset trip to your “what to do in Madeira” list!”
Join Seaborn Catamaran at Funchal Marina at 11 PM for a 90-minute New Year’s Eve cruise. Sail past Madeira’s Christmas lights, return to the bay for the fireworks, and toast midnight with champagne and Madeira wine. English and Portuguese support is provided.
“Déjà le lieu de rdv n'était pas le bon ! Arrivée à la Marina j'ai vu le bateau s'en aller, heureusement que je connais un peu Funchal ! J'ai dû traverser la foule dense pour arriver de l'autre côté parmi les dernières alors que j'étais là depuis 22h00. Au stand du Sea Born, une dame m'a conduit dans la file mais en oubliant de me donner le pass, conclusion lorsque ce fut mon tour, je n'ai pas pu monter sur le bateau et j'ai dû retourner au stand où l'on ne m'a pas cru ! Là, l'arrogance de la personne m'a énervée, "oui, oui, on connaît, je vous l'ai donné…”
Join Sea La Vie for a three-hour sunset cruise from Funchal in a small group of up to 12. You’ll sail past Ribeira Brava, Fajã dos Padres, Cabo Girão, and Câmara de Lobos, with a swim stop, snorkeling gear, local snacks, sparkling wine, and cushioned deck seating.
Pick the boat, the hour on the water or the country.
