Portugal · SAILING
A catamaran buys you shade, a swim ladder and a flat deck, which matters more on the Atlantic than it does in a bay. The 15 below compare the Lisbon sunset sails, the Algarve coast runs and the Madeira crossings on price and group size.
Cruise Madeira’s coast on a hybrid electric catamaran, spot dolphins and whales, swim near Cabo Girão, and enjoy responsible wildlife viewing.
“Great crew. Friendly, knowledgeable and communicative. They did a good job finding some Sperm whales and Atlantic Spotted dolphins. Boat was comfortable and it was a pleasant 3 hours on the water.”
Search Madeira’s coast for dolphins, whales and turtles, then swim beneath Cabo Girão on a relaxed three-hour catamaran cruise from Funchal.
“Really enjoyable experience. Well organised and all the staff were very friendly and enthusiastic. We did get to see dolphins very close to the boat, which was lovely to experience. The boat is an excellent craft, quite exciting to travel on, especially on the rig at the front. Special thanks to the crew member who taught me how to dive off the boat, he was very patient and explained everything really well.”
Cruise from Albufeira to Benagil on a comfortable catamaran with cave views, local guides, music, and a sea swim stop.
“We had an amazing time! The guide was great, they had good music playing in the boat at a respectable volume. We got to jump off the boat for a swim half way into the tour. Lots of room on the boat to bring a bag and sit comfortably. Definitely recommend this tour!!”
Sail Lisbon’s Tagus River past Belém Tower, the 25 de Abril Bridge, and Alfama on a small-group cruise with a drink.
“I did the sunset cruise, it was very relaxing and beautiful. Both crew men (Andrè and Vasco) were very nice, checking in with everyone throughout the journey as well as adding history facts along the way.”
Watch Lisbon’s sunset from a Tagus catamaran with bridge and Belém views, music, a welcome drink, nets, blankets, and a relaxed onboard bar.
“Music was really amazing and made this nice journey unforgettable. Aperol spritz — was just the best in my life. Absolutely beautiful views. Super calm and friendly. Thanks to the team ❤️”
Cruise Funchal Bay on a small luxury catamaran, watch for whales and dolphins, then swim beneath the cliffs of Cabo Girão.
“Both staff were absolutely quality, good laugh and a great tour! Saw pilot whales and dolphins at first spot and had a great swim in the beautiful waters! All the best with the new baby captain!”
Sail Lisbon at sunset from Belém, with Portuguese wine, landmark views, skipper commentary, and a small group of up to 12 people.
“It's so worth doing it's a great experience and the crew are really nice well done to all involved..”
Sail Lisbon’s Tagus past Belém Tower, the Discoveries Monument, and Christ the King, with a drink, snacks, and sunset options.
“We had an amazing time! The crew was really nice, we felt welcomed & would 100% recommend!”
Cruise Porto and Gaia by sailboat, sip Port wine, watch the sunset, and reach the Douro estuary on this relaxed two-hour outing.
“The whole activity was amazing! The guide was knowledgeable and spread the love he has for his city. The boat was top quality and the port wine was delicious. The sun came out too so it was perfect.”
Review of Madeira’s 3-hour eco catamaran cruise from Funchal, with dolphins, whales, coastal views, practical tips, and honest drawbacks.
“I already did the west side but I did not mind doing it again as it was very enjoyable experience, I am also glad visiting the east side asI always wanted to walk above the clouds not just on airplanes! The views were like a dream come true, Both guides were excellent in describing everything.”
Sail from Funchal on a small luxury catamaran, watch for dolphins and whales, and swim beneath the towering Cabo Girão sea cliff.
“This was excellent. Loved every minute. Really chilled out trip. The guides were amazing, made us feel really welcome and looked after. Made us all feel at home. the boat was spacious and plenty of seats anywhere on the boat or under the canopy in the shade if needed. One free drink and then very inexpensive to buy another £2.50 for a beer. The whole thing was great. The guides did their very best to get us to see the dolphins which were mostly quite a few meters from the boat but we got quite close at one point with 3 swimming directly in front of the boat. Actually the…”
Watch for dolphins and whales, swim beneath Cabo Girão, and sail into a Madeira sunset with drinks included on this relaxed Funchal cruise.
“We had a great time on this cruise. we did not see any wildlife, but the captain did his best to try and find some. it is nature, so nothing can be guaranteed. the sunset was beautiful and the views of the shore and the sea were spectacular. it is a relatively small boat that felt private. it has seating on the outside and a some interior spaces, bathroom included. we did have to take off our shoes while on the boat, not to mark up the deck. they served us unlimited drinks and the staff was very attentive. nice relaxing evening sail.Read more”
Watch wild dolphins, learn from marine biologists, and enjoy a catamaran swim stop with a slide along the Algarve Coast from Lagos.
“This was an unforgettable trip. Exciting and moving, we watched so many dolphins swimming and jumping. The crew were professional and knowledgeable and kind. The snack was delicious and the sea swim was exhilarating (especially the slide into the sea!)”
Cruise from Lagos to Ponta da Piedade and Praia da Luz for cliff views, swimming, paddle boarding, sunbathing, and a relaxed catamaran ride.
“This was an awesome experience! My friend and I had so much fun sunbathing on the boat and taking the paddle boards out. We loved it.”
Paddle through Ponta da Piedade caves from a catamaran, then swim or use the onboard slide in Lagos. A practical two-hour Algarve review.
“We all had a fantastic time - 3 in for the price of one : (boat ride / kayak / swim).”
Pick a coastline, a cellar or a cave.
