VipDolphins Luxury Whale Watching

A luxury cruise, minus the crowds. On this VipDolphins catamaran, you’re out of Funchal chasing dolphins and whales, with drinks and snacks on board plus a swim stop near Cabo Girao.

What I like most is the small max-17-guest setup, which makes it feel relaxed and lets the crew share info without shouting over a big crowd. The one drawback to plan for: the sea around Madeira can get choppy, so if you’re prone to motion sickness, bring something to help.

Key highlights you’ll care about

• Max 17 passengers means more space, easier views, and a more personal vibe
• Drinks and snacks included: cocktails, champagne-style options, coffee/tea, soda, bottled water, plus desserts
• Real crew attention: helpful, quick whale/dolphin spotting and clear explanations (names spotted in reviews include Liv, Sheila, Nico, Francisco, Chico, and Maggie)
• Snorkeling gear + towels + blankets so you’re not scrambling for basics
• Cabo Girao swimming break with a wash-down setup after you get back aboard
• Two WCs on board (rare on smaller trips and a big quality-of-life win)

Leaving Funchal on a modern catamaran (and what that feels like)

VipDolphins runs a 3-hour whale- and dolphin-watching cruise out of the Marina of Funchal. The meeting point is at Praça do Povo, 9000-900 Funchal, Portugal, and the tour ends back at the same spot. There’s no pick-up, so you’ll want to arrive ready to board and not rely on a transfer.

The catamaran is modern and well appointed, and the experience is built around comfort. With a maximum of 17 travelers, you’ll usually find space to move around and pick a spot for viewing, rather than getting stuck where you can wedge in. Reviews also mention two WCs, plus bathroom and changing areas, which matters more than you’d think once you’re on the water for a few hours.

Also, plan for real sea conditions. Several reviews point out the sail can be rough even when the day seems calm. So if you’re the type who gets a little seasick, take that seriously before you go out.

Drinks and snacks: why the included “luxury” matters at sea

This is not just a boat ride with a token snack. Food and drinks are a major part of the value here, and that changes how you experience the hunt for marine life.

On board you’ll get:

• Alcoholic beverages plus soda/pop and bottled water
• Coffee/tea
• Snacks (including biscuits and multiple snack options)
• Desserts, with reviews describing the variety as more than basic nibbling
• Blankets and towels for comfort later in the trip

In practical terms, this turns the time on the water from waiting into hanging out. When you’re chasing dolphins and whales, you can’t control animal behavior. What you can control is whether the trip still feels good if sightings are slow. Here, the flow of drinks and snack service helps the whole afternoon stay upbeat.

One more smart detail: the crew is active and engaged. Reviews mention staff staying attentive, answering questions, and keeping guests well supplied. If you’re the kind of traveler who likes explanations while you watch, this format works.

The whale-and-dolphin search: expect pilot whales and quick spotting help

The goal is straightforward: sail out from Funchal to look for dolphins and whales. You might see common dolphins, pilot whales, and other whale types depending on the day and where the animals move.

The best part is not just the chance at a sighting, it’s how the crew handles it:

• They identify what you’re seeing quickly after the animals surface.
• They share context about species and behavior while you’re still watching.

You’ll also see how the trip balances rules and experience. One review references a short, regulated window for getting close to whales (stated as about 10 minutes), which is exactly the kind of thing that makes wildlife viewing feel respectful instead of chaotic.

What I’d tell you to manage expectations: sightings aren’t guaranteed. In the reviews, most people rave about seeing dolphins and/or pilot whales, but at least one person reports no sightings during their outing. The upside is that the overall experience stays enjoyable because the boat is comfortable and the swim stop gives you a second “wow” moment.

Cabo Girao swim and snorkeling stop: the fun break that makes the tour feel complete

After the whale/dolphin search, the cruise adds a swim and snorkeling break at the bottom of Cabo Girao. This is one of the biggest reasons the tour feels like more than a one-dimensional wildlife trip.

What you get with this stop:

• Use of snorkeling equipment
• Towels and blankets
• Space to change after you’re done (reviews specifically mention changing areas)

There’s also a wash-down touch. One review mentions a small shower to rinse off after swimming. That’s not just nice, it’s practical if you don’t want saltwater clinging to you for the rest of your day.

The one real consideration is the reboarding. At least one review says the ladder can be tricky to climb back up. So go slow, hold what you need to hold, and don’t treat this like a casual backyard pool. If you have mobility concerns, you may want to think carefully before planning on snorkeling and swimming.

Small-group comfort on the water: seats, bathrooms, and the VIP feel

A lot of “luxury” tours say it in marketing. This one backs it up with how it runs.

With a max of 17 passengers, you don’t feel jammed together. Reviews praise:

• Plenty of seat choices around the boat
• A calmer atmosphere compared to packed catamarans
• Easy conversation with the crew without constant crowding

There’s also thoughtful onboard comfort. People call out the boat’s cleanliness, bathrooms, and the fact that it doesn’t feel cramped even during the active parts of the trip.

If you’re traveling with family, this matters even more. Reviews describe a relaxed, safe feeling and mention kids enjoying the experience. The tour notes that children under 3 aren’t allowed, so if you’re planning with very young toddlers, you’ll need to look at other options. For families with older kids, this small-group setup tends to work well because attention is easier to give.

Crew energy and local know-how (names you may hear on board)

One reason the ratings are so high is how the crew performs once you’re underway. Reviews repeatedly highlight staff who are:

• Friendly and attentive
• Knowledgeable about marine life
• Quick to spot dolphins and whales
• Comfortable answering questions without turning the cruise into a lecture

Several guide names show up in reviews: Liv, Sheila, Nico, Francisco, Chico, and Maggie. You might not get the exact same crew each time, but the consistent theme is clear: the team is engaged and proactive.

If you’re the type who wants to understand what you’re seeing (not just take photos), this is a big part of the value. And because the group is small, the crew can actually tailor the conversation to what’s happening on the water.

Price and value: is $95.53 fair for 3 hours?

At about $95.53 per person for an approximately 3-hour cruise, the question is whether you’re paying for the boat only—or for the full package.

Here’s what you’re getting that supports the price:

• A modern catamaran experience
• Snacks, coffee/tea, soda, bottled water
• Alcoholic beverages included
• Desserts included
• Snorkeling equipment included
• Towels, blankets, and a more comfortable post-swim setup (changing/wash-down mentioned in reviews)

Also, the small group means you’re more likely to feel like you’re buying a better experience rather than just paying for a seat on a big vessel.

Two practical notes affect value:

• There’s no pick-up, so the trip is best if you can easily make your own way to Praça do Povo
• The tour needs good weather. If the sea is too rough, you may be offered a different date, and that can affect your schedule

If you want a wildlife cruise that still feels like a fun afternoon even if sightings are limited, this package pricing makes sense.

Who should book this cruise (and who should think twice)

I think this tour fits best if you want:

• A comfortable catamaran with a small group
• A mix of marine viewing + a swim/snorkeling break
• An included food-and-drink setup that keeps the day relaxed
• A crew that gives you more than silence while you watch the horizon

It’s also a good pick if you’re visiting Madeira and swimming is hard to arrange from shore. Reviews mention that snorkeling and swimming are a highlight because beaches in Madeira aren’t always easy to use for this kind of stop.

You might think twice if:

• You get seasick easily and don’t plan ahead
• You’re not comfortable climbing back onto a boat via a ladder
• You need a pick-up service (this starts at the marina area)

Should you book VipDolphins Whale Watching?

Yes, if you want a small-group, comfort-first whale and dolphin cruise with real included perks. The combination of drinks and snacks, plus the swim stop at Cabo Girao, makes it feel like two experiences in one afternoon. If you’re hoping for pilot whales and dolphins, the chances are good on many days, and the crew’s spotting help increases your odds of enjoying the trip even when animals don’t show up right away.

Book it especially if you like the idea of:

• asking questions without shouting
• choosing your seat and staying comfortable
• having a backup plan built in (swim + snorkeling) rather than betting everything on a single sighting

If you’re sensitive to choppy water, do yourself a favor and prepare for motion. With that handled, this is the kind of Madeira outing that tends to leave you talking about the day long after you’re back on land.

FAQ

How long is the VipDolphins whale and dolphin cruise?

It lasts about 3 hours (approx.).

What’s included in the price?

Snacks, coffee and/or tea, alcoholic beverages, soda/pop, bottled water, snorkeling equipment, blankets, and towels are included.

Is hotel pick-up included?

No. There is no pick-up listed, and the tour meets at Praça do Povo, 9000-900 Funchal.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at VipDolphins Catamaran Whale Watching, Praça do Povo, 9000-900 Funchal, Portugal and ends back at the same meeting point.

Do you get snorkeling gear?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included for the swimming and snorkeling break at Cabo Girao.

Are bathrooms available on board?

Yes. Reviews mention two WCs and also mention bathrooms and changing areas.

Are children allowed?

Children under 3 years old are not allowed.

What happens if weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.