2nd tripDolphin and whale watching
Three hours on a catamaran from Funchal marina, looking for dolphins and whales. If no cetaceans are seen, a second trip is offered.
- 3 hours
from€40 per person
The trips
Six trips, each with its duration, price and real departure times.
2nd trip
Wed & SatDesertas Islands
Nine hours, Wednesdays and Saturdays, from May to October. It leaves Funchal marina, lands on the beach, and includes paddle, snorkelling and a buffet lunch.
- 9 hours
from€90 per person
May–OctSunset catamaran
A three-hour sunset sail from Funchal marina, 1 May to 31 October. If no cetaceans are seen, a second trip is offered.
- 3 hours
from€40 per person
from age 6Kayak on the Funchal coast
A guided two-hour kayak along the Funchal coast, every day, from 6 years old, with snacks and a bar.
- 2 hours
from€40 per person
privatePrivate big-game fishing
Seven private hours on Wahoo I, for up to 10 people plus 2 crew. The boat is €1,000, with snacks, drinks and lunch.
- 7 hours
- Up to 10 guests
31 DecNew Year in the bay
On 31 December, from 23:00 to 00:45, in Funchal bay, with sparkling wine and an open bar.
- 1 h 45
from€150 per person
At sea
How the whale trip goes
- 1
The kiosk
Check in 30 minutes early at Funchal marina.
- 2
The sea
Three hours looking for dolphins and whales.
- 3
A swim
When the weather allows, a swim below Cabo Girão.
On board
Sea, cliffs and sunset
Meeting point
The kiosk at Funchal marina
From Praça do Povo, walk down toward the sea. The VMT kiosk is in the marina. Check-in ends 30 minutes before departure.
Open in Google MapsWhat if we see no dolphins or whales?
On whale watching and the sunset trip, a second trip is offered. There is no refund, the ticket is not transferable, and if you cannot use it during your stay a ticket valid for one year can be issued with ID. From June to 15 September that courtesy trip depends on availability.
Where is check-in?
At the VMT kiosk in Funchal marina. From Praça do Povo, walk down toward the sea. Check-in ends 30 minutes before departure.
Can I change the date?
A regular trip can move, free of charge, at least 24 hours before, if there is space. New Year and special events need 72 hours.
How does the family pack work?
On the 3-hour trips (dolphins and whales, sunset) and the 9-hour Desertas trip: 2 adults and 2 to 4 children aged 5 to 12. The pages show €100, or €250 for Desertas.
Is the yellow bus included?
Only on dolphin and whale watching and the sunset trip. One way, from Yellow Bus stop 14 to stop 22 at the marina. Bring the voucher and the ticket.
What if the weather is bad?
VMT may cancel for bad weather or safety. If you cannot rebook, the refund is made the way you paid.
Funchal bay, from the catamaran
Cliffs, dolphins and, when the weather allows, a swim below Cabo Girão.