REVIEWED · CATAMARAN WHALE & DOLPHIN WATCHING

Best Catamaran Whale & Dolphin Trips — Our Top 15

49 cruises  ·  from $21 per person

A wide, quiet hull gets closer without spooking anything, which is why Madeira and the Canaries run catamarans for this. These 15 say what the sighting record is, how long the boat stays out and who guarantees a second trip.

From Funchal: Ecological Catamaran Dolphin Whale Watching - Searching the Open Water for Dolphins and Whales
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From Funchal: Ecological Catamaran Dolphin Whale Watching

1.Ecological Catamaran Dolphin Whale Watching

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

Cruise from Funchal for three hours aboard Magic Dolphin, Madeira’s purpose-built hybrid-electric catamaran. Land-based spotters help locate dolphins, pilot whales, sperm whales, turtles, and seabirds. Certified guides explain the wildlife, while the spacious decks, viewing nets, toilets, and shaded areas make this a comfortable choice for most visitors.

“It was fantastic trip. Safe vessel and cruise, professional crew, we saw dolphins, everything went great.”

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Funchal: Dolphin and Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise - Searching for dolphins, whales, and turtles
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Funchal: Dolphin and Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise

2.Dolphin and Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise

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

Set out from Funchal Marina on a three-hour Seaborn catamaran cruise with English and Portuguese-speaking crew. Watch for dolphins, whales, turtles, flying fish, and seabirds, then stop beneath Cabo Girão for a summer swim. The boat has shaded seating, open decks, front nets, and a bar selling drinks and snacks.

“We were lucky to see both dolphins and whales. Staff were great! ,they interacted with everyone, pleasant, friendly and very informative about the sea life.”

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Gran Canaria: Catamaran Dolphin Watch Cruise with Snorkeling - Two hours searching the Atlantic
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Gran Canaria: Catamaran Dolphin Watch Cruise with Snorkeling

3.Catamaran Dolphin Watch Cruise with Snorkeling

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 4,761 reviews · 3.5 hours · from $44 per person

Sail from Puerto Base near Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria for up to two hours of dolphin and whale watching, with underwater viewing panels and English or Spanish commentary. Then stop in a coastal bay for swimming, snorkeling, and the onboard slide. Soft drinks and water are included during the swim stop. Hotel pickup is optional.

“Loved this trip! We saw a big group of dolphins and flying fish. The bus was easy to find and the ride very smooth. The guides were fantastic with their knowledge of the island. Would do it again!”

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Shell Island Snorkel and Dolphin Catamaran Cruise with Island Time - Shell Island gives you room to choose your own pace
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Shell Island Snorkel and Dolphin Catamaran Cruise with Island Time

4.Shell Island Snorkel and Dolphin Catamaran Cruise with Island Time

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 4,362 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $57 per person Top rated

Sail from Panama City Beach to Shell Island aboard a roomy catamaran with a captain and deck crew. Watch for wild dolphins, snorkel in St. Andrews Bay, collect shells, paddle board, or use the waterslide. The crew, including names such as Emma, Sarah, Heath, and Clay on some trips, keeps the outing lively and easygoing.

“It was a stunning trip and they went out of their way to make sure everyone had a unique and fun experience. Everyone on board was kind and welcoming. You could truly tell how much they love their job and the people they are surrounded by. 10/10 and would absolutely book again. One of the highlights of our trip”

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Costa Adeje: Whale Watching Catamaran Tour with Drinks - Watching Tenerife’s resident pilot whales
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Costa Adeje: Whale Watching Catamaran Tour with Drinks

5.Whale Watching Catamaran Tour with Drinks

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 3,653 reviews · 2 - 3 hours · from $41 per person

From Puerto Colon, sail with Eden Catamaran toward Tenerife’s resident pilot whales. Guides such as Lucy, Dani, Tony, and Lucia share clear facts about the animals, while the crew serves water, soft drinks, beer, and sometimes sandwiches. Choose two hours for wildlife watching or three hours for a swim and snorkel stop at Playa Espagueti.

“Anto and Dani were super nice and welcoming. Loved the cruise”

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Funchal Bay: Dolphin & Whale Watch Luxury Catamaran Cruise - Leaving New Marina and finding your sea legs
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Funchal Bay: Dolphin & Whale Watch Luxury Catamaran Cruise

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

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

Sail from Funchal’s New Marina aboard the Atlantic Pearl, a comfortable catamaran with outdoor hammocks, covered seating, bathrooms, and a small bar. Your Portuguese or English-speaking crew watches for dolphins and whales, then anchors below Cabo Girão for swimming. Groups are limited to about 20 people.

“Great value for money. We were lucky to see a pod of pilot whales, which was amazing. The two hosts were really knowledgeable and good fun. The onboard drinks good value - large red wine and a beer was only 6 euros! Highly recommend.”

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Dolphin Catamaran Snorkel and Sail with Open Bar - The Antilla shipwreck stop
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Dolphin Catamaran Snorkel and Sail with Open Bar

7.Dolphin Catamaran Snorkel and Sail with Open Bar

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,291 reviews · from $69 per person

Sail Aruba’s Dolphin catamaran for about three hours, with snorkeling at the Antilla shipwreck and Boca Catalina Bay. Guides share local nature and history while you enjoy wraps, fruit, drinks, music, a rope swing, and a spinning water slide. Check in with Olga or John at Delphi Watersports, in front of the Hyatt Regency.

“The boat crew was super welcoming and nice. They were always smiling and you can definitely tell that they do it all with love . I was afraid the boat would move a lot but it was fine because it goes slow. Overall it was a great experience and I would definitely do it again!”

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Barbados Catamaran Turtle and Shipwreck Snorkeling Cruise - Second stop: a shipwreck turned fish habitat
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Barbados Catamaran Turtle and Shipwreck Snorkeling Cruise

8.Barbados Catamaran Turtle and Shipwreck Snorkeling Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,175 reviews · from $85 per person

Sail Barbados’ west coast aboard El Tigre, a spacious 60-foot catamaran limited to 36 people. You’ll snorkel with turtles, explore a shipwreck, enjoy unlimited drinks, and, on the five-hour trip, eat lunch onboard. Crew members Glen and Wayne have earned praise for helping less confident swimmers.

“This was amazing. Me my wife and our 8 year old girl went on this and could not recommend it enough.”

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Waikiki Catamaran Snorkel Sail with Lunch: Turtles Guaranteed - Turtle Canyon Is the Reason to Book
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Waikiki Catamaran Snorkel Sail with Lunch: Turtles Guaranteed

9.Waikiki Catamaran Snorkel Sail with Lunch: Turtles Guaranteed

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,109 reviews · 2 to 3 hours (approx.) · from $134 per person

Sail from Kewalo Basin to Turtle Canyon aboard the Honu Lani, a power catamaran limited to 40 people. You get premium snorkel gear, a guide in the water, turtle sightings guaranteed by a free re-ride, and lunch with beer, wine, and cocktails on the midday trip. Crew members have included Chris, Natalie, Greta, and Captain JoJo.

“It was amazing, from start to finish. The catamaran trip, the instructions, the snorkeling, the various turtles and types of fish, the attention of the crew and the good conversations. I highly recommend it!”

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Luxury Catamaran Whale Watching Cabo San Lucas - From your hotel to the Cabo marina
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Luxury Catamaran Whale Watching Cabo San Lucas

10.Luxury Catamaran Whale Watching Cabo San Lucas

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,107 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $129 per person

Cruise from Los Cabos on a double-decker catamaran with guides such as Jacob and Marco, listening to whales through an onboard hydrophone. You’ll pass the Arch, sea lion colonies, and Lovers Beach while the crew serves drinks and snacks. Pickup is offered, but transportation costs $10 per person and the boat may be difficult for anyone with limited mobility.

“Wonderful experience. The boat was very comfortable, clean and the staff was exceptional. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and made the experience very fun!”

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Turtle Cove Catamaran Snorkel and Sail at Little Buck Island STT - Turtle Cove and the Little Buck Island stop
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Turtle Cove Catamaran Snorkel and Sail at Little Buck Island STT

11.Turtle Cove Catamaran Snorkel and Sail at Little Buck Island STT

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,100 reviews · from $119 per person

Spend three hours aboard The VI Cat, a 54-foot catamaran sailing from Marriott Frenchman’s Cove to Little Buck Island. The crew, including captains Serena or Dave and guides such as Isaac, Nick, Anders, and Porscha, provides gear, safety help, snacks, and drinks. Expect sea turtles, reef fish, a relaxed sail, and a pirate tattoo.

“This was a great experience with unbelievable views and ocean encounters. The staff was absolutely amazing and they made the entire trip unforgettable and awesome. Would highly recommended this excursion to anyone who comes to St. Thomas.”

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Madeira Dolphin and Whale Watching on a Ecological Catamaran - What the Guides Add to the Cruise
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Madeira Dolphin and Whale Watching on a Ecological Catamaran

12.Madeira Dolphin and Whale Watching on a Ecological Catamaran

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,957 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $42 per person

Join Magic Dolphin in Funchal for a 2.5 to 3-hour cruise aboard a 2022 hybrid-electric catamaran. Land-based spotters help the captain find dolphins and whales, while certified guides explain Madeira’s sea life. The return trip passes Cabo Girão, Câmara de Lobos, Reid’s Hotel, and the coast near Funchal. Bring warm layers and waterproof clothing.

“Great experience. We saw lots of dolphins. First time and would do it again. Well worth the money. Go for it.”

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Sunset & Dolphin Catamaran Cruise with Island Time - Key points to know before you sail
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Sunset & Dolphin Catamaran Cruise with Island Time

13.Sunset & Dolphin Catamaran Cruise with Island Time

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,867 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $57 per person

Spend about two hours sailing from 5201 N Lagoon Drive through Grand Lagoon and past St. Andrews State Park. Look for dolphins, watch the sunset, enjoy music, and buy drinks from the onboard bar. The crew, including Captain Clay on some departures, may help with photos, dolphin viewing, games, and dancing when the boat returns to the dock.

“Crew was extra nice and fun especially blonde guy cannot remember his name tho must’ve been the drinks lol it was a good time!”

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Funchal: Dolphin and Whale Watching by Luxury Catamaran - Watching for dolphins and whales off Madeira
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Funchal: Dolphin and Whale Watching by Luxury Catamaran

14.Dolphin and Whale Watching by Luxury Catamaran

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

Set out from Funchal Marina on a spacious catamaran with indoor seating, sun beds, and trampoline nets. Your Portuguese or English-speaking crew watches for dolphins, whales, turtles, seabirds, and other marine life, then sails to Cabo Girão for a swim on most summer trips. A drink is included, and groups are kept small.

“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…”

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Waikiki Turtle Snorkel and Sail on Hawea Catamaran - What the 2.5-hour schedule feels like
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Waikiki Turtle Snorkel and Sail on Hawea Catamaran

15.Waikiki Turtle Snorkel and Sail on Hawea Catamaran

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,655 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $89 per person

Meet at the Duke Paoa Kahanamoku Statue for a 2.5-hour Hawea catamaran trip to Turtle Canyon. Snorkel in shallow reef water with green sea turtles, tropical fish, octopus, and starfish, then sail past Waikiki. Guides such as Jenna, Julia, Dez, Claire, and Kapono help with safety and marine life.

“Amazing experience, got the full package. Pretty up close Whale sightings, so many fish and sea turtle sightings. As well as dolphins swimming with the boat. Recommend to anyone who loves the ocean and its inhabitants!”

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