Vipdolphins Luxury Whale Watching

We paid a little extra for this experience and it was worth every penny! We booked through Trip Advisor and availability was good despite two cruise ships in and it was school holidays. There is a maximum of 17 on the boat and after seeing the long queues and busy boats of operators, we were thrilled to have booked this. There was lots of space and we were able to sit on the front of the boat. They offered blankets as well. The wine and drinks flowed throughout the trip and the crew really looked after you. We saw pilot whales and dolphins. Throughout the trip the crew took photos and they will be emailed after a few days. The trip was also a good way to see the coastline from the sea and we stopped for a swim, towels provided. It was worth the extra euros as the small numbers, the service, the boat and the hospitality made it feel like excellent value for money.

It was a lovely boat trip out to sea from the marina. The sea was calm and weather sunny. We all had to walk around the boat barefoot as the deck had to be protected against harsh shoes. Crew were very friendly and helpful. They cleaned the boat very well, even putting our shoes out together at the end of the trip as they knew who's shoes were who's! It was not a crowded boat as there were only 16 of us plus crew. We sat on our own at the rear table away from the others as it felt more private. They were either up front at the bow section or above us in a seating area on the flying bridge. Eventually, fins were seen in the water ahead of the boat and we all went forward to look. Unfortunately, thats all we saw. Just a few fins in the distance. None came close to the boat and none popped any heads up either. So a bit disappointing really. The food was ok, freshly made but not that much and it was handed out by the crew from a plate to each person. It wasn't a buffet. We had nothing to wipe our hands on to clean them first before picking the food off the plates except a dry napkin, as there was no proper cutlary. We felt the need to clean our hands as we needed to hold onto many things when moving around the boat as it did rock a bit even in a calm sea. Once the dolphin hunt part of the trip had ended we headed back towards a huge cliff, (the biggest in Europe, apparantly), and dropped anchor just offshore. Then our little area became over-crowded as all the other passengers came back to dive in and swim in the sea. We didn't go in ourselves but moved into a corner away from a suddenly crowded group of half naked wet people jumping in and out. (Couldn't sit up front away from them as it was too hot on deck.) All in all, a good day out to sea with a very nice, friendly and helpful crew, but the dolphin part didn't really meet all our expectations.

If you're visiting Madeira as a couple and fancy a little luxury, some spectacular scenery and the chance to meet a few locals who don't speak Portuguese (but are considerably better swimmers than most of us), then VIPDolphins Luxury Whale Watching is an absolute must! Yes, this experience costs a little more than some of the other whale and dolphin watching trips, but trust us, it's worth every euro! Firstly, the catamaran itself is fabulous — modern, fast, spacious and extremely comfortable. Better still, passenger numbers are limited to just 17, so there's no fighting for seats, no elbows in your ribs and no need to perform gymnastics to get a decent photograph. Just plenty of room to relax, enjoy the scenery and feel suitably important. And VIP really does mean VIP! From the moment we stepped aboard, the crew made us feel incredibly welcome. They were friendly, attentive, knowledgeable and genuinely enthusiastic about ensuring everyone had a wonderful time. The hospitality was equally impressive, beginning with a welcoming glass of sparkling wine, followed by an open bar offering cocktails, beer, wine and other refreshments, accompanied by plenty of tasty snacks. Frankly, we were beginning to wonder whether we'd accidentally booked ourselves onto a billionaire's private yacht! But then came the real stars of the show... The bottlenose dolphins! 🐬🐬🐬 What an absolutely magical experience! We were privileged to encounter these magnificent creatures swimming alongside and in front of our catamaran, seemingly putting on a private performance just for us. We were particularly impressed by the crew's respectful approach to the dolphins. The boat was carefully manoeuvred to minimise disturbance, allowing these wonderful animals to approach and interact entirely on their own terms. And what a reward we received! The dolphins were magnificent, providing countless opportunities for photographs and videos. Quite honestly, they were such enthusiastic performers that we half expected one to swim alongside holding a sign saying, "Don't forget to leave us a five-star review!" As if that wasn't enough, on our return journey we stopped in beautiful, crystal-clear waters for the opportunity to enjoy a refreshing swim. A lovely way to round off an already unforgettable experience. So, is VIPDolphins worth the extra cost? Without a shadow of a doubt! The beautiful catamaran, limited passenger numbers, exceptional crew, excellent hospitality and breathtaking wildlife encounters combine to create something genuinely special. For couples visiting Madeira who want to treat themselves to an unforgettable experience, we really cannot recommend VIPDolphins highly enough. A truly five-star, once-in-a-lifetime experience! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A huge thank you to the wonderful crew for making us feel like genuine VIPs — and, of course, to the dolphins for turning up, stealing the show and posing so beautifully for the cameras! We'll treasure those memories for years to come. 🐬🥂❤️

Well worth the money, the staff were amazing, very friendly and helpful, we were not over crowded like some of the other tours that passed us, we got to see dolphins and pilot whales. 100% recommend this experience

The catamaran experience was excellent ! The boat was wonderful and the crew went out of their way to make the trip super fun. We saw some really playful dolphins!!

It was an extraordinary experience. My husband and I really enjoyed. Even if we hadn’t seen dolphins, it would have been amazing. Thanks to the team.

We were treated like celebrities on this yachtlike experience. The crew was perfect, catering to our every need and the captain told us many interesting things about boating and whale watching in Madeira. More than enough to eat and to drink (glasses were never empty) and the views were stunning from the water. Even got to see Cabo Girao (viewpoint with glass tiles) from the water which we visited a day before. Unfortunately we didn't get to see much wildlife but we received beautiful pictures of the wildlife that was spotted earlier so we did get to enjoy that.

In the past we have been on other bigger dolphin and whale watching catamarans in Madeira, and although we have enjoyed them found that there were too many people on-board for our liking. So this time we chose VIP Dolphins because of its smaller size and maximum or 17 guests. The experience was wonderful. Throughout the 3 hour cruise the crew were very informative and friendly, we saw at close quarters around a dozen pilot whales, we were able to swim off the boat near Cabo Girão, and throughout the cruise we were served drinks and Portuguese snacks. It was a great afternoon which we plan to repeat next year.

This was a glorious trip, we were aided by sunny weather and calm waters, but it was the best trip we did on the island. The boat was lovely, food and drink plentiful and the crew were fantastic. It would have been a great trip without seeing any wildlife but we were lucky enough to see some pilot whales. I would highly recommend VIP Dolphins and wouldn't hesitate to do the trip again.

Had a wonderful trip on the VIP catamaran and got to see a pod of dolphins which was found by their spotters. Swimming opportunity under the skywalk with snacks & drinks served constantly by the attentive crew. The 3 hour trip flew by.

Elegant boat, wonderful and knowledgeable staff, great experience all around

Brilliant experience from start to finish from arrival at the quayside ‘kiosk’ to receiving all of the photos taken by the crew a day or two after the trip. Could not fault the staff, the crew, the spotless and spacious catamaran, the food and drink, the knowledgable commentary. There isn’t one thing I would change. Well done, keep up the great work 👍🏻

We had such a fantastic time! The crew was wonderful—fun, funny, kind, and so accommodating. The boat never felt crowded, which made the whole experience feel relaxed and special. We saw both dolphins and whales, and even got to swim off the back of the boat! The drinks were great, and while the food was fairly simple, it was good and there was plenty to enjoy. We had a little rain along the way, but it didn’t dampen the experience at all. Between the wildlife, swimming, beautiful views, great crew, and laid-back atmosphere, it was such a memorable afternoon. We would absolutely recommend this trip!

Highly recommend. Very friendly crew with a very good knowledge. Delicious snacks and drinks served. And most importantly - we did see dolphins and pilot whales - amazing trip. Also very relaxing. Loved it.

Faultless and if you can afford this trip, take it as they run a small group with wonderful staff. Boat was in great condition, plenty of drinks and snacks, take your trunks/cozzie as a swim is well worth it. They provided towels and somewhere to change, there was also a freshwater shower to use. We did see a good number of Pilot Whales but honestly, that become secondary for me on what was a brilliant trip. Thank you!

Our trip was fabulous from start to finish. The crew were lovely, couldn’t do enough for us. The drinks flowed, good selection of snacks. Curried brioche sandwiches, cod bites and of course pastel de natas. We were lucky to see some pilot whales swim right by us and later were able to have a swim. There was plenty of space to relax and change into swim wear. I would do this trip again tomorrow if I could.

From start to finish this was an exceptional experience. The boat was very well maintained and comfortable - and the number of guests was limited to a maximum of 17 (but there were less on our trip), so that there was space for everyone, whether you wanted to be outside or under cover. The crew were very attentive, informative and professional - both with information on what we were seeing, and also in serving food and drinks (all of which were included). We saw a large group of pilot whales - which was fantastic. There was an option to swim in the ocean (which we didn't take them up on - but many did). The small number of guests, as well as included drinks/snacks, did mean it was more expensive than other trips - but it was worth every cent! We intend, when we are next in Funchal, to go out with them again - highly recommended!

Great afternoon on the water, we picked VIP as they only have 12-14 guests per trip unlike some of the Goliath catamarans. Top service no guarantee of sightings obviously but we saw a huge pod of pilot whales which was fantastic. Crew explained all about them and how they (boats) only stay for 10 minutes so not to affect them and at a fixed distance. Great experience followed by some swimming near shore at an old village. Snacks and refreshments served throughout. Top trip

Fantastic experience, beautiful scenery, large group of whales, friendly staff, full service. It was an unforgettable day. :)

Great tour , on a boat with max 17 people ( we were 14 when I did the tour). We got lucky and saw a lot of Common dolphins, 2 turtles ( one that we saved from the rubbish in the ocaan) The Crew was very friendly and professional !

This was a fantastic trip. The boat felt very luxurious and the crew were knowledgable and friendly, nothing was too much bother for them. The 3 hours felt just the right time, not rushed but equally didn't drag. They could fit a lot more people on the obat but clearly intentionally keep it to small numbers to increase the VIP feeling. Met some lovely people, there were couples and friends or all ages which created a nice atmosphere . I felt it was very reasonably priced for what you got and really did feel VIP. Highly recommend.

This was one of the highlights of our honeymoon in Madeira! We booked the luxury dolphin and whale watching excursion in Funchal, and we were so impressed from start to finish. We loved that the experience was limited to a small group, which made the entire excursion feel very personal and relaxed. We were welcomed by the captain and two crew members, who were all incredibly friendly, enthusiastic, and knowledgeable. They shared so much information with us and made the experience both educational and fun. We were also pleasantly surprised by the level of service throughout the trip. There was a wonderful selection of food and drinks provided, and the boat itself was incredibly spacious and comfortable. They even took professional photos for us and send them after the trip. It truly felt like a luxury experience rather than just a typical boat tour. And, of course, seeing whales in the wild was absolutely amazing! After whale watching, we headed to a beautiful spot where we were able to get in the water and swim, which was the perfect addition to the day. We did have a small mishap with the boat during our excursion, but I have to give a lot of credit to the crew. They remained calm, professional, and collected, quickly worked through the issue, and still made sure we had an amazing experience. Their attitude really stood out to us and showed how committed they were to making the most of our day. We would highly recommend this experience to anyone visiting Madeira. It was such a memorable part of our honeymoon, and we would absolutely love to do it again!

The most amazing experience, very small personal group, fantastic attention to detail. The thing we liked most was the consideration given to the wildlife we saw unlike the so called eco tour company who chased the pod of dolphins, our crew were amazing and thoughtful.

Could not have asked for a better experience … we saw whales, dolphins, amazing sunset, and rising full moon over Funchal. The crew was fantastic and created a relaxed fun atmosphere whilel providing a lot of useful information.

Small group, nice experience and friendly staff. If you plant to visit Madeira, I suggest you to reserve it in advance, absolutely worth it!

A very pleasurable experience with friendly and knowledgeable staff, plenty of room on the catamaran as it is for small group, we went upstairs for a better view, however the first part of the trip was very windy and we struggled a bit to down our drinks of which there was a huge choice including a very nice Portuguese sparkling wine. We also enjoyed the little snacks both savoury and sweet. We were amazed to see how the staff coped with the swell, we were not so good but personally I tought it was hilarious! Importantly we saw quite a lot of pilot whales and managed to take a few pictures. Recommended

If you want a great trip, on a super boat, uncrowded, friendly, professional and fantastic value for money then I cant rate this any higher. The attention to detail, the food and drink service is one of the best ive experienced. Pay a few more £ and get a trip worth every penny. Thanks you VIP Dolphins team, when we next come to Madeira were coming back.. awesome well done.

A relaxing afternoon, drinks free flowing and crew very attentive.

Very nice experience, clean boat, very educated staff and breathtaking views all along the way!

Amazing boat and service. Loved it.

All was perfect, on the highest level of service We left just on time, saw dolphins, the boat is wonderful Recommend!

Hands down one of the best catamaran sails we have ever done. Other boats pack people onboard; maybe you have somewhere to sit; a speaker might blare some information. On this boat, there was a very limited number of people. Comfy cushions to sit on are everywhere. There was soft music piping into the speakers. The crew bringing you snacks and drinks. And we saw loads of dolphins and the scenery was fantastic. Amazing experience

The whole experience is fabulous. I cannot recommend them highly enough.

From start to finish, this trip was truly a VIP experience. The staff was friendly, professional, knowledgeable, and welcoming. Even before the trip began, the online instructions were clear, organized, and extremely easy to follow, making the entire process stress-free. Once on board, there was plenty of space for everyone to relax and enjoy the experience comfortably. The crew was always available whenever we needed anything, but they also knew when to step back and allow us to simply enjoy the day. That balance of attentiveness without being intrusive made a real difference. The experience itself was unforgettable. We saw pilot whales, had the opportunity to swim in the ocean, and enjoyed outstanding food and service throughout the trip. Every detail seemed well thought out, and the professionalism and kindness of the entire team stood out from beginning to end. This team could teach other companies a great deal about how to provide a truly top-tier customer experience. They combined professionalism, knowledge, hospitality, and genuine kindness in a way that made us feel like VIPs throughout the entire trip. I cannot recommend this experience highly enough. It was an exceptional day and one that I will always remember as one of the best travel experiences I have ever had.

Absolute brilliant time on this whale watching trip. I didn’t have high expectations for spotting much marine wildlife and really just thought at worst it would be a nice afternoon on a boat but within 15/20 mins of being onboard we spotted our first pod of whales. The whole afternoon was superb. The crew were knowledgeable, attentive and friendly. Steady stream of food and drinks were offered - all of which was delicious. The boat was modern and clean with plenty of space for all. Very much enjoyed the swim stop too. By the end of the trip we had seen rough nosed dolphins and beluga whales. The animals were quite happy to have us near them and the whole thing was really well managed. Definitely an ethical tour company. 110% would recommend to anyone.

Excellent experience, saw Atlantic spotted dolphins. Crew and catamaran were really good, drinks and snacks most enjoyable. Definitely better to go on a cruise with only limited guests, a much more personal experience. Planning another holiday in Madeira next year and would definitely be planning another VIP Dolphin cruise.

Sunset dolphin watching, amazing experience

Our second time doing this trip, and once again it was fantastic. The crew were incredibly friendly and welcoming, and with only 13 passengers onboard, there was plenty of space to relax and enjoy the trip without feeling crowded. The open bar and selection of local snacks kept flowing throughout, which was a lovely touch. We were also lucky enough to see both dolphins and pilot whales during the trip. When my partner became unwell with motion sickness, the crew were absolutely amazing. They regularly checked in on him, made sure he was okay and did everything they could to make him feel more comfortable. A really relaxed, enjoyable experience with a fantastic crew. We’d definitely do it again!

Absolutely amazing, great that they only allow a few people per trip, makes you feel like a real VIP! Such a lovely day. Sadly no Whales on this occasion, but plenty of Dolphins. Great crew, attentive and knowledgeable. Plenty of drinks and snacks. A great swim stop, very welcome on a hot day. Would definitely recommend. 10/10

We booked an evening trip for Monday the 7th of Sept .What a fantastic trip the crew were outstanding and the vibe of the trip was chilled relaxed and very informative .Yes the trip was slightly more expensive but it was great value for money we saw Pilot Whales ,Flying fish and Bernardo and Carletta had a surprise for us as they released Loggerhead turtles back to the ocean truly a fantastic experience .If you only book one Whale watching trip book VIP as you won1t be disappointed .

Best boat trip I’ve been on! Spacious, comfy, food and drink unlimited. Only disappointed to not see any whales, but that’s not their fault. Saw loads of dolphins though. Helpful crew as well. Very informative

Excellent customer service. Really enjoyed!!!

We had a wonderful experience, the crew (Captain Felipe, Bernardo and Izzy) was very professional, friendly and efficient, the vessel is beautiful and clean, and not crowded. It is certainly a must do activity if you’re visiting Funchal. We saw many whales and learned a lot about the island and the sea animals. Don’t miss it!

Fantastic value trip with VipDolphins - yes, the ticket price is slightly higher than some alternatives, but it's worth every penny. Just 17 of us on the board, so much more relaxed than the hundred or so that appeared to be on the super large cats alternatives. The crew were brilliant throughout, and we had incredibly close views of two whale species plus dolphins. Genuinely one of the best excursions we've done - can't recommend it highly enough.

Excellent relaxing fun experience. The crew were very attentive and full of knowledge. Would go again

The yacht was a good size and with only 17 people you have space to move about anywhere. It really felt like a luxurious cruise, drink flowing and canapé type of food, it was better than we expected. We saw plenty of dolphins and had a swim, sadly no whales, but nothing is guaranteed. It was a really great afternoon. We all felt it ended too soon and wish we had done a full day.

Brilliant boat trip. We saw bottle-nosed dolphins. Worth the little bit extra to enjoy a little bit of luxury, individual attention and comfort not to mention the lovely refreshments provided. The crew are so efficient, friendly and knowledgeable. It's the second time we have done this trip with VIP Dolphins

We had an excellent trip. The crew were friendly and knowledgeable and the boat immaculate. The number of people on the boat, only 17, made for a really pleasurable trip. Great refreshment choice throughout the trip. The trip was made even more memorable by seeing both dolphins and pilot whales. Would certainly recommend and would not hesitate to book on our next visit to Madeira.

Ezzy and crew were great, no dolphins or whales but great hospitality, would recommend