VipDolphins Luxury Whale Watching

Funchal’s waters come alive with the presence of whales and dolphins, and VipDolphins Luxury Whale Watching offers an elegant way to see them. Priced at $91.07 per person, this 3-hour tour departs from Praça do Povo in Funchal and features a modern, spacious catamaran equipped for comfort and luxury. With a rating of 5.0 based on over 1,390 reviews, it’s clear that this experience consistently delights visitors. The tour includes Champagne, cocktails, soft drinks, snacks, and desserts, making it perfect for those who appreciate a touch of elegance at sea. Expect a small group size of up to 17 travelers, ensuring personalized attention, relaxing views, and plenty of space to enjoy the ocean.

While the experience is praised for its knowledgeable crew, high-quality amenities, and memorable wildlife sightings, travelers should be aware that pick-up services are not included, and it’s recommended to arrive at least 30 minutes early. This tour appeals most to those seeking a luxurious, comfortable way to observe marine life with the added bonus of swimming or snorkeling at Cabo Girao—a scenic spot known for its crystal-clear waters.

Key Points

• Luxury whale and dolphin watching aboard a spacious, well-equipped catamaran
• Price of $91.07 per person, with 3 hours of ocean adventure
• Includes drinks, snacks, desserts, and snorkeling gear, with no additional costs for amenities
• Small groups capped at 17 people for a personalized experience
• Excellent reviews, with a 5.0 rating from over 1,390 reviews, highlighting professionalism and memorable wildlife encounters
• Meeting point is at Praça do Povo in Funchal, with no included transportation

Starting Point at Praça do Povo for a Seamless Departure

The tour begins at Praça do Povo in Funchal, a location that’s easy to reach near public transportation. From here, guests board the VipDolphins catamaran, a vessel described as beautiful, clean, and spacious. This convenient starting point means no additional transit arrangements are necessary, and you can arrive relaxed and ready for the adventure ahead. The check-in process is smooth, with confirmation received at the time of booking.

Because the tour is limited to 17 participants, the group remains intimate, which enhances the overall enjoyment and allows for attentive service. No pick-up service is provided, so plan to arrive at the meeting point at least 30 minutes early to avoid missing the departure.

The Luxurious Onboard Experience and amenities

The catamaran itself is praised for its cleanliness, comfort, and spaciousness. It features blankets and towels for comfort during the trip and offers a relaxed, elegant atmosphere. On deck, guests find a calming environment to enjoy breath-taking views of the ocean while sipping Champagne, cocktails, soft drinks, or water—all included in the ticket price.

The crew is recognized for their professionalism, friendliness, and extensive knowledge. They serve local snacks and biscuits throughout the tour, and some reviews highlight the deliciousness of the snacks and drinks, including a noteworthy Poncha, a traditional island drink. The attentive staff also provide insights into Madeira’s maritime history and local wildlife, enriching the experience with informative commentary.

Wildlife sights: Dolphins and whales close-up

The core of this tour is marine wildlife spotting, and the boat’s crew is highly skilled at locating whales and dolphins. Dolphin species such as bottlenose and common dolphins are commonly seen. The whale sightings are equally impressive, with sperm whales and pilot whales often spotted during the trip.

Many reviews describe encounters where dolphins swim playfully alongside the boat, sometimes jumping clear out of the water. Sightings of pilot whales are also common, with some reports noting how unbothered the whales are by the boat’s presence, allowing for close, unobstructed views. The small group size and professional crew contribute to a more personal, less crowded wildlife experience.

Swimming and Snorkeling at Cabo Girao

After wildlife viewing, the tour offers the opportunity to stop for a swimming and snorkeling break at Cabo Girao, a location famous for its crystal-clear waters and stunning cliffs. Snorkeling equipment is provided, allowing guests to enjoy the aquatic scenery up close. The water is described as beautifully clear, and the scenic backdrop of the cliffs makes this added activity a highlight for many.

This stop offers a chance to cool off and relax while taking in spectacular views of the coast. Because the boat docks near the shore, access for swimming and snorkeling is straightforward.

Food and Drink on Board

The food and beverage offerings are consistently praised across reviews. Guests enjoy a variety of snacks and biscuits served during the trip, along with hot drinks like coffee and tea. The alcoholic beverages, including champagne and cocktails, are available free of charge, making the experience feel indulgent.

Many reviewers mention the quality of the snacks and highlight the Poncha, a local drink that stands out as especially delicious. The service is described as attentive and friendly, with crew members often going above to make sure everyone’s needs are met, including providing blankets and towels for comfort.

The Crew’s Expertise and Service Style

The crew on this tour is frequently singled out for their warmth, professionalism, and extensive knowledge about Madeira’s marine life and local history. Guides such as Maggie, Pedro, Carina, Michaela, Nico, and Valerio are mentioned for their friendly demeanor and helpful insights.

Guests appreciate how the staff work hard to make the trip memorable, offering great explanations about the wildlife and making sure everyone is comfortable and well looked after. The crew’s attention to detail is reflected in reviews describing the experience as “classy” and “exceptional.”

Group Size and Atmosphere

The tour’s small group size of 17 ensures a relaxed and intimate atmosphere. Many reviews contrast this with larger, more crowded whale-watching boats, emphasizing the more comfortable, less rushed environment. This smaller group also means more opportunity for close wildlife encounters, personalized service, and unobstructed views.

Some reviews note that the boat does not get overcrowded, which enhances the overall experience, especially when watching playful dolphins or majestic whales.

Timing, Pacing, and Practical Tips

The 3-hour duration strikes a good balance between ample wildlife viewing and comfort. Most reviews suggest arriving at least 30 minutes early for check-in, as timing is important for a smooth experience. The tour operates with good weather conditions, and poor weather can lead to cancellations or rescheduling, which is handled with full refunds or alternative dates.

A practical tip from reviews is to take Dramamine if prone to motion sickness, as boat rocking can be significant depending on conditions. The crew is attentive and aware of guest comfort, so notifying them of any discomfort is encouraged.

Comparing VipDolphins to Other Tours

This tour is often praised for its luxury and exclusivity, especially compared to more crowded or less well-maintained options. The gorgeous, clean vessel and friendly, knowledgeable crew stand out. Guests highly recommend booking in advance, as the tour is popular, with average bookings made 25 days ahead.

Some reviews mention that the experience is slightly more expensive than other options, but many agree that the quality of service and wildlife sightings justify the price. The small group size and premium amenities make this tour a worthy choice for those seeking comfort and a more refined experience.

VipDolphins Luxury Whale Watching: A Well-Rounded Marine Adventure in Funchal

The VipDolphins tour offers a luxurious, comfortable way to see whales and dolphins in Funchal’s waters. The modern catamaran, combined with delicious snacks, drinks, and snorkeling, makes for a memorable day on the sea. The small group size ensures personalized attention and closer wildlife encounters, which many reviews highlight as a key advantage.

While no transportation is included, the meeting point is easily accessible, and early arrival is recommended to ensure a smooth start. This tour suits families, couples, or wildlife enthusiasts who want a relaxing, upscale experience with the chance to swim in crystal-clear waters and see sperm whales, pilot whales, and playful dolphins.

The high praise from over 1,390 reviews underscores its reliability, professionalism, and quality, making it a top choice for a luxury marine adventure in Madeira.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included in this whale watching tour?
No, transportation is not included. Guests should plan to arrive at the Praça do Povo meeting point themselves.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 3 hours.

What wildlife can I expect to see?
Common sightings include bottlenose and common dolphins, as well as sperm whales and pilot whales.

Are drinks and snacks included?
Yes, Champagne, cocktails, soft drinks, snacks, and desserts are all included in the ticket price.

Can I snorkel during the tour?
Yes, snorkeling equipment is provided, and there is a swimming stop at Cabo Girao.

What is the group size?
The maximum number of travelers per tour is 17, ensuring an intimate experience.

Is this suitable for children?
Children under 3 years old are not allowed.

What should I bring?
Guests should arrive at least 30 minutes early, and it’s advisable to bring sunscreen, a hat, and perhaps a light jacket for comfort.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour operates in good weather; poor weather may lead to cancellation, with a full refund or rescheduling.

How do I book this tour?
It can be booked online in advance, with most bookings made 25 days ahead on average.

Is there a refund policy?
Yes, full refunds are available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled start.