The 15 Catamaran Cruises in Portugal That Earn Their Price

1.From Funchal: Ecological Catamaran Dolphin Whale Watching

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 8,204 reviews · 3 hours · from $41Our pick

Set out from Funchal Marina aboard the 2022 Magic Dolphin, Madeira’s purpose-built hybrid-electric whale-watching catamaran. Land-based spotters help locate wildlife, while certified guides explain the species you see. Look for dolphins, pilot whales, sperm whales, turtles, and seabirds, then return past Cabo Girão and Câmara de Lobos.

“A lovely afternoon and highly recommended. The highlight was seeing pilot whales 🐋”

Check availability →Read our full review

2.Funchal: Dolphin and Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 5,697 reviews · 3 hours · from $41

From Funchal Marina, you spend three hours scanning Madeira’s open waters for dolphins, whales, and turtles aboard the stable Seaborn catamaran. The crew shares information in English and Portuguese, then heads toward Cabo Girão for coastal views and, in summer, a swim stop. Drinks and snacks cost extra, and wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.

“Our cruise was from 6pm-8:30. It was an ideal time as the sun was not too strong at that time and we also got to see the sunset on our way back. We saw quite a few dolphins but not any whales. We also made a stop at Cape Girao for a quick swim.”

Check availability →Read our full review

3.Albufeira: Coastline and Benagil Caves Tour by Catamaran

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 4,077 reviews · 2.5 hours · from $35

Cruise from Albufeira Marina to Benagil with multilingual guides such as Filipe and Tomas. Expect a clean, modern catamaran, music, coastal stories, a bar, toilets, and a roughly 10-minute swim stop when sea conditions allow. The boat views the Benagil Cave entrance and may enter the cave if conditions are safe.

“Highly reccomending to everyone, great catamaran, great views, worth all the money! if You think to Reserve just do it, this attraction is must do! Beautiful catamaran, super music, highly reccomending!”

Check availability →Read our full review

4.Sunset Catamaran Boat Tour with Music and Drinks

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 2,834 reviews · 1h 30m · from $26Best value

Spend 90 minutes on the Tagus aboard a catamaran from Doca de Santo Amaro. Choose the open nets or covered deck, enjoy one welcome drink, listen to music, and watch the sunset near Belém Tower, Cristo Rei, and the 25th of April Bridge. This is a scenic, unguided cruise, not a history tour.

“Very relaxing trio and stunning views of the sunset.”

Check availability →Read our full review

5.Funchal Bay: Dolphin & Whale Watch Luxury Catamaran Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 2,684 reviews · 3 hours · from $47

Board Atlantic Pearl at Funchal’s New Marina for a three-hour cruise with Portuguese and English-speaking crew. Watch for dolphins and whales, stop to swim beneath Cabo Girão, and enjoy covered seating, hammocks, bathrooms, and drinks for purchase. The boat carries a smaller group, with a relaxed feel rather than a party-boat atmosphere.

“Great staff we saw half a dozen pilot whales at least very interesting nice bouncy sail back into port once the waves got up ! Would recomend this trip”

Check availability →Read our full review

6.Ponta da Piedade Caves Kayak Tour from Catamaran

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 2,015 reviews · 2 hours · from $37

From Lagos Marina, you’ll cruise by catamaran to Ponta da Piedade, slide into a double kayak, and paddle for about 75 minutes through arches, grottoes, and narrow passages. Guides such as Bruno, Ricardo, and Alfonso keep the group safe and entertained. Afterward, swim or use the boat slide before returning to Lagos.

“the guides were fun and informative, we very much enjoyed the good vibes on the water and the well organized trip. did not expect we could swim in the sea in november and were pleasantly surprised! big recommend!!”

Check availability →Read our full review

7.Funchal: Dolphin and Whale Watching by Luxury Catamaran

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,709 reviews · 3 hours · from $47

Join Magic Dolphin Atividades Maritimas for a three-hour catamaran trip from Funchal. You’ll watch for dolphins, whales, turtles, birds, and other sea life while guides explain Madeira’s ocean ecology. The boat has indoor seating, shaded areas, sun beds, and trampoline nets. Summer trips usually include a swim near Cabo Girão.

“Absolutely loved this trip, the chap speaking to us about the wildlife found off the coast was incredibly knowledgeable. Really good value for money. And we saw a group of dolphins up close! You also get a free drink included which was a nice touch. Would definitely go back to this company again!”

Check availability →Read our full review

8.Piedade Caves & Coastline – Catamaran

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,694 reviews · 2h 30m · from $34

Set out from Lagos Marina on a stable catamaran for a 150-minute cruise past Ponta da Piedade, Dona Ana, Camilo, and Porto de Mós. Near Praia da Luz, you can swim, use paddleboards, or relax on the sun deck. English and Portuguese guides, onboard Wi-Fi, a bar, and a maximum of 80 passengers make this an easy coastal outing.

“It was one of the best moments of our trip! The crew was very friendly and made the trip so much fun! Highly recommended”

Check availability →Read our full review

9.Dolphins & Caves – Catamaran

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 1,512 reviews · 2.5 hours · from $58

From Marina de Lagos, you’ll cruise offshore with a marine biologist and crew members such as Nadja, Diogo, and Larissa. Watch for dolphins and other cetaceans, then stop near the Algarve cliffs for swimming, jumping, and the catamaran’s inflatable slide. A fruit and cookie snack is included.

“We loved the tour. It was very informative and we saw lots of dolphins! Also had a lot of time do swim and jump from the boat. Super fun! Our female guide (Nadja) was very friendly and knowledgeable.”

Check availability →Read our full review

10.Albufeira: Caves and Coastline Catamaran Cruise to Benagil

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 1,385 reviews · 3 hours · from $35

From Albufeira Marina, cruise west along the Algarve coast aboard a spacious catamaran. Your multilingual crew points out São Rafael, Praia da Marinha, Albandeira, Benagil, and other landmarks, with time for a supervised ocean swim. The three-hour outing ends with a complimentary cup of champagne.

“Fun. The crew were excellent and patient in our search for dolphins and we spotted a couple. They also helped take gorgeous photos of us at the caves. Loved it!”

Check availability →Read our full review

11.From Faro: 4 Stops, 3 Islands in Ria Formosa Catamaran Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 1,129 reviews · 5 hours · from $47

From Faro, cruise the Ria Formosa with a multilingual guide such as João, Pedro, or Juan. Stop at Ilha Deserta for swimming, Ilha do Farol for the lighthouse, Hangares for oyster farming, and Culatra for a long village visit and optional seafood lunch. Snorkel gear and life jackets are provided.

“4 stops, 3 islands, one unforgettable day on the catamaran. Pedro was more than a guide, he brought the Ria Formosa to life with his stories and local knowledge. This is not just a boat tour, you will be walking a lot, exploring and really experiencing each place. The first stop was Ilha Deserta, peaceful and untouched with long walks and endless views. The second stop was Ilha da Culatra, colourful houses and paths towards the lighthouse. The final stop was Culatra village, the highlight of the day. An amazing lunch with fresh seafood and slow island time. Great weather, great company and new friends made along the way. Finished…”

Check availability →Read our full review

12.Faro: Deserta Island and Farol Island Catamaran Boat Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 955 reviews · 3 hours · from $47

Spend three hours aboard a comfortable catamaran from Faro Marina, cruising Ria Formosa with a live guide in English, French, Portuguese, or Spanish. Stop for an hour on Farol Island and up to 30 minutes on peaceful Deserta Island. Expect birdwatching, lighthouse views, white-sand beaches, swimming, and a fast but satisfying taste of the Algarve islands.

“Great excursion and highly recommended. You can tell Pedro is passionate about the conservative of the area. Be inquisitive and the opportunity to learn about the ecosystem is a huge bonus. If you're just looking for a boat trip, this may not be for you.”

Check availability →Read our full review

13.Kayak Tour of Ponta da Piedade Caves on Catamaran

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 905 reviews · 2 hours 15 minutes (approx.) · from $48Top rated

From Lagos Marina, a purpose-built catamaran carries you to Ponta da Piedade, where you launch in a double kayak. Guides such as Ricardo, Jaime, Andre, and Bruno may lead the group through caves and around the cliffs. After about two hours on the water, you reboard for swimming, a possible slide, and a coastal cruise back.

“A wonderful guide…professional, fun, and friendly. The tour is amazingly beautiful and informative. A must do in Lagos.”

Check availability →Read our full review

14.Albufeira: Catamaran Cruise with BBQ & Open Bar on the Beach

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 685 reviews · from $76

From Albufeira Marina, you cruise west along the Algarve coast toward Benagil, Galé, and Carvoeiro. The crew explains the caves and rock formations, then takes you by dinghy to a beach for a BBQ, drinks, swimming, and sun. Bring your ID and towel, and expect to get wet.

“Highly recommend this trip.. we had the best day on the boat. Followed by a beautiful bbq in the beach and its views were sensational!!”

Check availability →Read our full review

15.Benagil Caves Catamaran Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 520 reviews · 2.5 hours · from $47

Cruise from Lagos with a Portuguese or English-speaking guide past Pintadinho, Paradise, and Carvoeiro beaches to Benagil Cave. The catamaran has shade, a toilet, stroller storage, and a front viewing platform. Guides such as Antonio, Enrique, Laura, Diogo, and Gabriel have led trips. A swim stop may follow if sea conditions allow.

“I have fantastic catamaran trip to Benagil caves. All was well organized and weather was favourable. Recommend the extrusions for future customers.”

Check availability →Read our full review