Our trips take 3 hours and during this period we can observe dolphins, whales, turtles or other types of cetaceans. We stop for a swim and return along the coast to Funchal.
The boat trip was excellent although it would have been have been useful for the captain to give us some idea of the places on land were passing. Pointing out the various large buildings, hotels, et cetera.
We had a lovely afternoon with the company who had this boat the staff was so attentive and could not do enough for everyone on the trip we even managed to see some sperm whales which was so special and we would definitely recommend to anyone thinking of booking this.
We didn’t feel the vessel travelled very far - in fact we walked further. We did see dolphins. The operator did offer a free trip If no dolphins or whales were seen.
We spotted ten dolphins and had an amazing time with the fantastic staff. We danced, enjoyed delicious wines and had a relaxing swim.
We got to see dolphins and whales. The trip was amazing. The crew were lovely and helpful, and the ride lasted 3 hours, without feeling rushed - we took the morning trip, and the sea was calm. We absolutely recommend it
This was really good fun, the boat was clean and the guides were clear and fair with everyone. We were really lucky and saw loads of dolphins, even baby ones, and the weather was perfect, still waters and slight cloud so not too hot- so that does bias my review! I would say this company was really good and would use again.
Just a bit rushed, would rather have had more time looking for the animals than swimming and the whole trip was 2.5 hours
It was generally ok. But they advertised stopping for a swim at a nice spot but they never did, although the weather was perfect. So don't count on that.
Totally worth it, nice boat. Not too many people. We saw dolphins and a whale, went for a great swim and saw some beautiful scenery from the sea. Can’t beat the experience for 40 euros.
Nice and very comfortable catamaran, very roomy + clean bathrooms. The 2 person crew on board were very nice and provided lots of information. We saw lots of dolphins but not whales. Highly recommended!!!!!
Terrible experience, booked in advance then showed up on the day at the time of the excursion and they had told me they were already full booked despite already paying €100 for the trip so they would not let us on it. Would not recommend booking this company as ruined our plans for the day.
I really can’t leave a review because upon checking in on the dock, we learned that the “luxury catamaran” we booked had failed an inspection and so our ticket had been transferred to the Santa Margarita boat, which is a large wooden ship. We were blended in with a much larger group where there almost wasn’t room for everyone to sit, the crew seemed annoyed by the passengers, and the water got so choppy on the way back I was afraid the boat would split in two. Definitely not the experience that we booked.
Upon checking in at the dock we were told that the catamaran had failed a safety check by the coast guard and so was not available. They put us on another boat which was a large wooden ship and definitely not the experience we had booked, but I have to say if the wooden ship was seaworthy and the catamaran was not, I am worried about what that says about the catamaran.
Told we would probably sail but didn't because of the high number of people on the upper deck. Saw no dolphins, although the captain did try and find them. Deckhand was friendly, but the rest of the crew were not in communication. No local information given. No welcome drink, although it was advertised.
Went out on this boat yesterday. The guy at the booth was dishonest and said we would sail (I mean put the sails up, as opposed to just motoring) but as soon as we got on the boat we were told we would not sail even though it was perfect sailing weather. No communication during the trip.
Really special boat and trip. The crew literally seemed to be calling the dolphins to us so we could have this special experience. I booked this boat carefully and it exceeded our expectations. Only a small number of people so loads of room and more special. All the other boats we saw were packed ! So very pleased we chose this one ! Thank you
Interestingly we booked on a catermaran for maximum 18 passengers but when we arrived, there were only 6 passengers so we were transfered to a larger boat with about 30. However, the experience was still great. We saw pilot whales and a large school of dolphins. The crew were very pleasant and hospitable.
First, the good news. We saw pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins. However, the skipper and crew seemed more interested in turning the boat into a disco (and in trying to amuse a group of female passengers) than providing information about the locality, points of interest along the coast, or details of the mammals we were viewing or other sea creatures in the vicinity. No tannoy was in use and so on the few occasions the crew tried to address the passengers, little could be heard above the music from the local radio station played over a loudspeaker. And when buying our tickets, we were told that a maximum of eighteen passengers would be on board, there were 24+
Edgar was a fantastic tour guide. We took the 5 hour tour to the north and west of Madeira. Edgar’s knowledge of Madeira and pride in / enthusiasm for Madeira was infectious. I highly recommend a tour with Edgar. You won’t be disappointed!
Unfortunately the crew were more interested in smoking and chatting to each other then focusing on the people paying for the pleasure or non pleasure, No way can be called luxury, very limited drinks, no snacks, no history about the island etc, just a tip pot waiting to be filled at the end, surprisingly no one tipped
Weve been in Maderia for 12 days and have loved every minute. We took a dolphin trip last week with a different company VMT and had a lovely trip, plenty of knowledge and insight into the island, helpfull staff, full bar, snacks, coffee, snorkels for snorkeling and the usual things you would expect on a boat trip. So Atlantic Pearl LUXURY catamaran were crap, none of the things VTM offered. VTM even offer a life time guarantee if you don't see a dolphin which we didn't and they gave us and everyone on the boat a freetrip brilliant!!. DONT USE ATLANTIC PEARL save your hard earn't money and spend it with VMT , read there reviews!
The tour was a lot of fun and the captain made sure we saw some dolphins! Sightseeing was fantastic and great views from the water.
What an experience, we were lucky enough to see dolphins. Please avoid the big boats, this only allows up to about 18 guests which is perfect. The value for money was amazing. Easily my best experience while in Funchal.
The boat looked really nice and we took off at 15.00. (Afternoon route). We've got the best views from the boats roof top, spoted some whales (for about 5 min) and had to swim away quicly as other boats were waiting to see them too. Stopped for a swim,but it was too cold so no one went in. Unfortunately the weather wasn't pleasant. It was very cold breeze and loads if clouds. We were quite disappointed with the crue entertainment what was... 0! We red on the advertising that you can purchase some beverides but no prices or drinks were shown. You had to play a guess game and ask for some if there were any. No music was played,I even fall asleep sleep. Very plane trip I would say. Wouldn't go again...
We’ve done a lot of boat trips I think this was one of the worst for value . €40 each Booked the day before and met the Captain who said plenty of whales and dolphins to see. On going out found a pod of dolphins but not that close. That was it straight to swimming point then back. Saving grace was some lovely views of the coast line. It wasn’t even 3 hours as stated. Cost of a small Water €2.
I believe I went on this catamaran on the 15/6/25 with a company called Just You. Whilst I didn't see any dolphins etc. I enjoyed the boat trip. It was well organised by the crew . Enjoyed watching those that could , swimming at the scheduled stop . What really impressed me the most . Was the confidence I felt in the young woman and man who helped me step from the boat , both in uniform on to the moving peir . Without any fuss or drama.
Loved this experience! There wasn’t too many people on here , so it was awesome to see the views. Our captains had a lot of experience! We were able to see the landscape of Madeira, whales, and swam in the ocean. Was incredible and would highly recommend.
We really enjoyed our trip on the catamaran and were fortunate enough to see a large pod of dolphins with their babies. We also spotted a turtle. The vessel was spotless, so well kept and the crew could not have been better they were so happy to have found the dolphins to share the experience with us. I would recommend this trip.
Horrific death trap I am an experienced sailor ( working in the yacht industry.) The crew told the owner they did not think it was safe to leave the marina, he forced them. We where the only yacht out, we later found out all where cancelled. Everyone was sick, the weather and waves where horrific!! We spent 2 hrs in hell with our 3 year old and could easily have died. I intent to sue!! I have a video and will keep for Portuguese authorities. DO NOT USE THIS COMPANY! NO REFUND.
The boatdriver and the guide were very nice and informativ..and we were lucky to see 6 dolphins around our boat 🤗
Nice ride to see the island by water and dolphins too. The crew were nice but not informative about what the itinerary was. The description of the tour was stopping for swimming and snorkeling but we didn’t stop and they didn’t even mention it. The advertisement for this trip shows snacks being served but there were none. The wine and beer were available for purchase but pricey and the wine was sour.
We took this tour because we arrived just after 10.30 (and the other operators had left) and this tour left at 11.00. Mistake! This is a ‘domestic’ catamaran which is not designed to take groups of tourists. The outside viewing area is poor if there is any more than a few tourists. The inside area (if there is wind or poor weather) is very small with almost no visibility outside, and most of the space is taken up with a galley and dining table (there are 2 bedrooms below decks). The craft is also quite small in size (compared to other operators) so is very susceptible to the motion of the sea. We have been on a dolphin watching trip each time we have visited Madeira and this trip was the worst by far. Far better are the Sea Born snd Magic Dolphin boats which are designed for tourist trips and provide good visibility (and better stability). They are also cheaper than this trip! Any good points? Yes, the crew were friendly.
We went on the three hour whale and dolphin watching trip with our two young children. Check in and the welcome were excellent and the ship is small enough for even with two other groups to feel like a private charter thanks to the various outdoor seating options. We sat at the front of the ship and despite some slight rough conditions on the run out the part of the trip running parallel to the shore and run back in were good. We didn’t see any whales but had the once in a lifetime experience of being joined by two pods of dolphins one with young, who both travelled with and under the ship for twenty minutes. The last part of the journey across the shore line gave a great way to see the sights of the island. Highly recommended
Captain and crew were fabulous. Sightseeing was memorable. Tour was right on time. Boat was very comfortable
Fantastic trip. Lovely boat and great crew. Saw whales and swam in the ocean. The crew were very mindful of conservation. Couldn’t recommend them more highly😃
Lovely to see a group of dolphins enjoying themselves near the boat. Catamaran had very good facilities on board.
It was good value for money, a lovely trip out, but the catamaran used was no where near as nice as the one we previously booked with Viator when we booked in January 2023
A great overall experience, being both very relaxing and fun. We had stopped halfway through to swim for 20minutes. This was very refreshing and allowed for more time to take in the scenery. Very much a couples experience but a group of friends would also enjoy!
Lovely knowledgeable and funny crew - we were so lucky to be guided towards a family of pilot whales. We also saw flying fish but it would have been fabulous without any sightings. Fabulous swim in crystal clear, warm water before heading back close to the shoreline and a look over the beautiful camara de lobos. A real highlight of our stay.
Surprise for my wife. I booked the whole boat for the two of us and never regretted it. Easy to find in the marina. Captain and crew member treated us great and with all their hearts. Treat as King and Queen. Drinks and snacks on board. We saw whales and went snorkelling close to shore. Absolutely worth the trip.
This was a really nice trip out from Funchal into the whale watching zone (based on the other boats there) and then back along towards the sea cliff. It's a smaller boat, which felt more comfortable, and the crew were friendly. We also liked the opportunity for a swim in the sea. I'd understood that we'd get to see the tall sea cliff but that was only at a distance, perhaps because we'd managed to see some whales and that had taken some of the time? Overall, I can recommend this trip.
Nice boat trip with lots of space to move around and get some peace. There wasn’t a lot of commentary and the swim time didn’t happen when the collective group decided to try to spend the 15mins looking for dolphins (which sadly we didn’t see). Would recommend for couple and family groups who were like looking for a calmer boat experience than the larger options
Loved the boat. The crew was very friendly and professional. Unfortunately we didn't see any wildlife. Courtesy drinks on board were nice and cold. I would recommend this trip but maybe in the morning, so you could see some dolphins.
Didn’t see any sea life but the boat was very nice and not too crowded. We got a glass of wine or beer and went to a secluded part of the island to swim for about 20 minutes. Overall very fun and relaxing.
Beautiful way to spend a few relaxing hours in Madeira. The staff on the catamaran were knowledgeable, friendly, and passionate about their work. They pointed out dolphins and whales, stopped to point out multiple view points on the island from the water, and gave us some interesting facts about the island. We also had a chance to swim in the water which was lovely and enjoyed a refreshing, complimentary drink while onboard. They also had a menu of drinks and snacks available to order if you didn't pack your own. Remember to pack a towel so you can dry off after your swim. Great value for the money -- book this excursion!
Beautiful boat which was immaculate. The crew were very bubbly yet professional. We were lucky to see a pod of pilot whales and a turtle. The crew didn’t disturb either for long which was good to see.
Fantastic time, John was a great host, not able to see whales but that’s the luck of the draws. Only negative, advertised as snacks but only one mini roll each which we had to ask for
Excellent trip with lovely staff and beautiful boat. We saw dolphins who played with our boat for several minutes. Drinks wee lovely and the cove was fab for swimming.
Very relaxing time! Saw a school of dolphins and gorgeous views of the island. Boat was comfortable and staff was friendly.
The boat ride was so beautiful with wonderful views. It was also really nice to be on a less crowded boat especially compared to others which seemed to have hoards of people on them. This boat has about 20 people max. We saw a few dolphins at the start but when other boats came close we left. This I completely understand as to not scare the dolphins. However, the rest of the trip felt more like a boat trip with a set course rather than a trip to spot sea life. The other reviews are true, they do offer one drink and a small piece of sweet bread. The trip was really beautiful with dramatic coastlines and calm waves. Book this if you want a less crowded boat trip along the Madeiran coast!
Monday through Friday 9 am to 7 pm EST
Reach us by phone
Reach us by email