The full experience of a three-hour journey that begins in Funchal and invites us to see the sea through new eyes.

We arrived at Funchal harbour around 2:30 PM, with the sea breeze already hinting at the kind of afternoon we were about to have. The SeaBorn catamaran — spacious, white and gleaming in the sun — was ready for the 3:00 PM departure. We boarded early, claimed a sunbed at the front, and settled in with sun cream, sunglasses, and that quiet excitement only the ocean brings.

On deck, the atmosphere was relaxed and open. There were families, couples, and a few solo travellers like me — all soaking in the warmth. Next to us, a French family told us they’d been on this same tour two years earlier. “Back then we saw sea turtles,” they said. “This time, we’re hoping for whales.” 

As we drifted away from the port, the Funchal skyline slowly faded, replaced by a horizon of endless Atlantic blue. The wind picked up gently, and voices softened — until someone at the bow shouted, “Look!” 

And there they were. 

Dolphins. A whole group of them, arcing playfully through the waves, just metres from the boat. We rushed forward — everyone did — caught between filming and just being present. For a few minutes, it felt like time had paused. 

Later, when we were further out at sea, a hush fell over the group. Another movement — slower this time, heavier — and suddenly, a whale surfaced in front of us. Majestic. Massive. Silent. It moved with such grace and calm that it took a few seconds for the reality to sink in. A wild whale, in the open ocean, metres from our boat. 

The French family were ecstatic. “That’s it — we’ve seen it all,” they laughed. 

The surprises weren’t over. As we approached the towering cliffs of Cabo Girão, the boat anchored. The water below was crystal clear, inviting and cool — a perfect stop for a swim. Cabo Girão is one of the highest sea cliffs in the world, but from down here, floating beneath it, it felt like another planet. 

On the way back, the bar served cold drinks — a small but welcome luxury. I had only packed water, but that post-swim beer hit the spot. 

Three hours after we’d left, we returned to the harbour with salt on our skin, sun in our hair, and something else — that quiet joy that comes from an unexpected encounter with nature. 

Practical Info: 

Duration: 3 hours
Departure: Funchal Marina
Daily tours: 10:30–13:30 | 15:00–18:00
Includes dolphin and whale watching + swimming stop at Cabo Girão
Bar service onboard 

Bring sunscreen, swimwear, towel and a hat
Sunset cruise and New Year’s Eve tour also available
More details on seaborncatamaran