VipDolphins Luxury Whale Watching

This VIP Dolphins cruise is interesting because you get two kinds of fun in one smooth afternoon: whale and dolphin searching from a modern catamaran, then a swim stop at the bottom of Cabo Girao. I like the small group size, which keeps the vibe relaxed instead of crowded.

I also like the onboard “treat yourself” setup. You are served snacks, coffee or tea, and plenty of drinks, with towels and blankets ready when the sea air cools things down. One fair consideration: the water around Madeira can get choppy, so plan for some motion and bring any sea-sickness help you trust.

Key points before you go

• Maximum 17 passengers means better viewing and more personal attention
• Snacks, coffee/tea, and alcoholic drinks are included, plus sodas and bottled water
• Snorkeling equipment, towels, and blankets make the Cabo Girao break more comfortable
• Cabo Girao bottom swim stop is a standout, since there are limited beach options on the island
• Crew-led spotting and Q&A helps you understand what you are seeing out on the water
• Two WCs and extra onboard space add comfort for a 3-hour outing

Luxury that starts with the small-group catamaran

VipDolphins Luxury Whale Watching is built for people who want Madeira’s sea life without feeling like they are packed in like airline seats. With a maximum of 17 travelers, you get room to move, choose a spot for viewing, and still feel like the crew is focused on your group. On a catamaran, that space matters. You can shift positions as the action changes, instead of being stuck behind someone’s shoulder.

This is also a “VIP” trip in the practical sense. You get the modern comfort of a well-appointed boat, plus the little things that make time on the water better. Blankets and towels are part of the deal, not an optional extra. And after you swim, you are not left scrambling to dry off and figure out what to do next.

Where you meet in Funchal, and the 3-hour rhythm

You start at Praça do Povo in Funchal, and the activity ends right back at the same meeting point. The location works well if you are staying in town, since it is near public transportation. You’ll also use a mobile ticket, so you can keep things simple and not worry about printing.

The trip runs about 3 hours. The timing is straightforward: you sail out from the Marina of Funchal to search for dolphins and whales, then you head to the Cabo Girao area for your water break. It’s a compact format, so you spend most of your time doing the fun parts rather than waiting around.

Spotting dolphins and whales: how you actually get good views

This kind of cruise is always a mix of skill and luck. Still, what makes this one feel like better value is how the crew works the search and helps you see more than just random splashes.

When dolphins or pilot whales surface, you get quick help to understand what you are looking at. The crew also shares useful explanations about species and behavior, and that turns the trip from watching to learning. Multiple guides by name come up in real experiences, including Sheila, Liv, Chico, Maggie, Francisco, Nico, and Nick. Whoever is on your sailing, the common thread is clear: they answer questions and keep the group informed instead of going quiet while everyone scans the water.

A detail worth knowing for your expectations: there can be moments when the crew positions the boat so you get a short, close look, then you move on when regulations or local rules limit time near animals. That pacing is normal and, honestly, it helps everyone enjoy the sighting without it dragging out too long.

And you should know what sightings can look like. You might see dolphins and pilot whales, sometimes in groups. On rarer days, you could spot other types of whales, depending on what is out there. The real win is that the crew actively searches rather than just doing a slow scenic loop.

The Cabo Girao swim and snorkeling break you’ll talk about later

If you care about water time, the Cabo Girao stop is one of the main reasons to book this cruise. After whale and dolphin searching, you get a chance to swim in crystal-clear waters at the bottom of Cabo Girao. This is a big deal in Madeira. Beaches are not everywhere, and many visitors want a real swim without renting a car and building a whole plan around it.

What you get here is more than a quick splash. You are provided snorkeling equipment, plus towels and blankets to help you reset afterward. Some boats even have onboard options that make changing easier, and you can usually wash off after your swim with a small shower setup. There are also bathrooms onboard, and experiences mention two WCs, which is a relief when you are sharing a boat for a few hours.

Practical tip: swimming is the highlight, but climbing back onto a catamaran ladder can be a bit awkward. If you have any mobility concerns, go slowly, use the help offered by the crew, and give yourself a moment before you tackle the ladder. The crew is used to helping guests back on board, especially after people are wet and balancing on a moving surface.

Snacks, drinks, desserts, and why it feels worth $95-ish

At about $95.53 per person for roughly a 3-hour outing, you’re paying for three things: access to the water, the search for whales and dolphins, and the onboard hospitality. This is not a bare-bones boat trip where you buy everything separately.

You can expect a steady flow of included food and drinks. Snacks include variety, biscuits, and more than just chips, with many experiences praising that the snacks feel satisfying, almost like appetizers. Coffee and/or tea are included too, so you can keep warm if the sea air hits. Alcoholic beverages are part of the package, along with soda and bottled water. Champagne and cocktails are specifically mentioned among the included drinks, and desserts are also part of the onboard setup.

I like this style of inclusions because it removes decision fatigue. You are not budgeting each drink. You can focus on the sea. If you get lucky with a close-up dolphin moment, it’s nice to not have to pause enjoyment to go hunt for your wallet.

Comfort details that make a real difference at sea

This cruise gets praised for “less crowded” in a way that you can feel immediately once you’re on board. When there are only up to 17 travelers, the boat feels calmer. You can walk around for a better view without constantly bumping into people.

On top of that, comfort perks show up in the experiences people share. The catamaran is described as spacious, clean, and comfortable, with a choice of seating so you can find the angle you like. Toilets are available, including mention of two WCs, which helps when you are out on the water and not near shore.

You’ll also appreciate towels and blankets, because Madeira’s coast can feel cool when the sun disappears behind clouds or when the boat shifts course. Even if the day starts warm, plan for sea air.

Sea state reality check: the only drawback that matters

Here’s the honest part: don’t assume this will be a perfectly smooth ride. Madeira water can be rough even when the weather looks calm from the harbor.

Some experiences note a slightly rougher sail and recommend anti sea-sickness measures. Others mention the ride was very smooth despite a slight swell, which tells me the experience can vary by day. So your best move is to prepare like a realist:

• Bring motion support if you are prone to nausea
• Choose a seat that feels stable to you
• Stay hydrated, since drinks are included and it’s easy to forget water

Also, once you swim, you’ll be on a moving ladder back to the boat. Take your time. The crew helps, but your body still needs a second to get balanced again.

Price and value: what you’re getting for $95.53

Let’s talk value in plain terms. You’re not just buying a boat ride. You’re buying:

• A modern catamaran experience that searches for dolphins and whales
• Included snacks and drinks, including alcoholic options, plus coffee or tea
• A structured swim and snorkeling stop at Cabo Girao
• Practical extras like snorkeling gear, towels, blankets, and bathroom access

For many visitors, the swim stop is what makes the money feel justified. If you did the same day on your own, you would still have to solve transport, gear, and a safe place to swim. Here, those pieces come together in one trip.

It’s also worth noting the small group size. A bigger boat can still be fun, but you often lose viewing comfort and personal service. With only 17 passengers, you feel looked after. That can change the whole tone of the afternoon.

Who this tour fits best (and who should plan differently)

This is a strong pick if you want:

• Whale and dolphin watching with a higher comfort level
• A proper onboard snack and drink setup, not a cheap excursion
• A guaranteed water break with snorkeling equipment and towels
• A small group where you can ask questions and actually hear answers

It’s also a good family-style option for kids who are comfortable around boats, since the atmosphere tends to feel relaxed and well managed. Just note the age rule: children under 3 years old are not allowed.

One more consideration: wildlife sightings are never guaranteed. On a day with fewer animals, you might still enjoy the cruise and swim, but your main goal should be flexible. The best approach is to pick a day with good weather when the operator runs the tour.

Should you book VipDolphins Luxury Whale Watching?

I’d book it if you want a high-comfort whale and dolphin cruise that still includes the thing many Madeira trips miss, time in the water at Cabo Girao. The combination of small-group access, included snacks and drinks, and a structured swim with snorkeling gear makes this a strong value for the price.

Skip it only if you are very sensitive to rough water and you cannot take any motion precautions, or if your main goal is a guaranteed close-up whale encounter. The experience gives you the best shot, but nature decides what surfaces.

FAQ

Is pick-up included?

No. Pick-ups are not included.

What’s included on board?

You get snacks, coffee and/or tea, alcoholic beverages, soda, bottled water, snorkeling equipment, blankets, and towels.

Do I need to bring snorkeling gear?

No. Snorkeling equipment is provided.

How long is the trip?

The duration is about 3 hours.

How many people are on the boat?

The tour has a maximum of 17 travelers.

What if the weather is bad or the tour is canceled?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance.