Portugal · DOLPHIN WATCHING IN MADEIRA
Good dolphin watching in Madeira fill up weeks ahead; the great ones go first. Below: the 15 to book early, what each includes and how they actually differ.
3-hour eco catamaran cruise from Funchal with hybrid-electric silent cruising for dolphin and whale watching in Madeira.
“Offering a complimentary water would be appreciated. Overall it was fun, appreciative of the guide helpfulness and they helped retrieve a lost backpack. I’d definitely recommend Magic Dolphin Boat tours, and will use them next time I come here.”
3-hour catamaran cruise from Funchal to Cabo Girão to spot dolphins, whales, and turtles, with panoramic views and a swim stop.
“It was a beautiful activity, we were fortunate enough to see dolphins! My only advisory for people is the chance of getting sea sick. It’s a long ride, so by the last hour i got sea sick. But one of the staff, Philip, was so kind and attentive with ensuring I was feeling okay.”
Luxury catamaran cruise from Funchal Bay in Madeira with snorkeling at Cabo Girão and chances to see dolphins and whales.
“Very nice boat. On the smaller side which is why I booked it. Friendly, helpful staff. We saw some dolphins which was nice. Each boat can only stay 10 minutes when there’s a sighting so it seems a lot of boats go to the same spot. There’s a bathroom on the boat that I did not use and drinks available to purchase. I thought the trip was worth the money.”
Luxury catamaran in Madeira for whales, dolphins, turtles and a swim at Cabo Girão, with unlimited drinks and snacks.
“It was such a lovely tour! The staf was amazing😊, funny, kind, and told a lot of interesting facts. The catamaran is a really comfortable boat, big, fast and there's enough space, you can easily change seats/places for the view. I really liked it that they don't let go a lot of people on the boat. The captain was so respectfull too the animals and did his ultimate best to fix the best spo Service was excellent! Drinks and delicatesses were served as much as you want and where brought to you. We did see a lot of short vinned pilot whales and a small group of bottled nose dolphins.…”
Eco catamaran cruise from Funchal to spot dolphins and whales, guided by land spotters and hybrid-electric sailing, plus Madeira coastline views.
“Best way to see dolphins and whales in Madeira in their natural environment, excellent boat tour respecting the wildlife and providing lots of information and getting as close as possible safely”
Luxury catamaran dolphin and whale watching from Funchal to Cabo Girão, with comfort, expert ocean talks, and possible swims.
“The most amazing experience! We were very lucky to see many bottlenose dolphins. And we were very near to killer whales and the crew done their best for us to get a sighting, I managed to see a glimpse of their fins from afar! Thank you!”
3-hour catamaran cruise from Funchal to Cabo Girão for dolphin and whale spotting, plus a possible free second trip, swim stop included.
“Saw some amazing dolphin sightings, two to three pods of dolphins in a small radius then jumping off and swimming in the sea near a very dramatic looking sea cliff! Catamaran was great fun :)!”
3-hour dolphin and whale watching sail from Funchal with snorkeling at Cabo Girão, drinks on board, and a small-group crew.
“We would definetly do it again! Oh was a super nice trip on the boat. You have a really nice view on the ocean of the city Funchal. We also saw a group of dolphins that were swimming with the boat. At the end we had the opportunitiy to swim. Also the crew is super nice and explains something about the dolphins. We really recommend it!”
Fast RHIB whale and dolphin watching from Funchal with marine biologists, small groups, possible dolphin swimming, and a free return if you miss.
“Excellent experience overall! The tour guide was very knowledgeable and we saw so many pilot whales. We would definitely recommend.”
2-hour RIB speedboat from Funchal for whales and dolphins, with a high spotting chance, clear-water views, and optional dolphin swims.
“We took off from Funchal marina and headed out to the sea. Not a long time and we did see some dolphins! Later we saw more dolphins even jumping. The Portuguese man-o-war was a great surprise. We did see several flying fish that was hunted by the dolphins. Sadly no whales but yet the tour was amazing. Our guide Camilla told us many interesting facts. Every extra penny paid goes for nature preservation. Highly recommend this tour. Somewhat bumpy ride so persons with sensitive stomach should consider taking this particular trip. Otherwise just perfect!”
Small-group whale and dolphin watch from Calheta, Madeira, with snorkel stops, warm water swims, and refreshments on a 2.5-hour yacht.
“Très bonne prise en charge par l’équipage. A l’écoute et donnant des explications sur le fond marin. Le petit plus sont les photos souvenirs reçues le soir même …. Pour parfaire le souvenir..”
Fast, respectful whale and dolphin watching from Funchal. Small-group RIB, marine biologists, land spotters, and ethical viewing in Madeira.
“Great and exciting trip on the speedboot, with a lot of information around the wales and delphins. We enjoyed it very much. Thanks you both.”
Funchal Madeira speedboat cruise with a marine biologist, 360° views, and fast offshore searching for dolphins, whales, turtles, and birds.
“The tour was great experience! At first, we could see a dolphin mother with her calf, which must have been born only a few days ago. Afterwards, we were lucky enough to see a pod of about 20 dolphins swimming around our boat! The guides (namely Natascha) really cared about not stressing out the animals and provided us with very informative facts. Don‘t miss out on this tour if you are on Madeira!”
3-hour Funchal catamaran cruise for dolphins and whales, with possible Cabo Girão swim and free return if no cetaceans.
“Boat had wayyyyy too many people on it so you didn’t have the opportunity to walk around. Unfortunately because it was so packed we were sat at a bench next to the ash tray and smelled cigarette smoke for 3 hours straight (we are not smokers). On a more positive note, we did get to see dolphins which was cool. The swimming stop was nice and the drinks on board were affordable to purchase. Would not recommend nor would I do again.”
2-hour whale and dolphin boat tour from Calheta, Madeira. Small groups, respectful crews, and excellent ocean views on a fast RIB.
“Amazing experience seeing whales and dolphins made even better by our amazing guide who was very passionate and respectful of sea life. She was very knowledgable and spoke to the group in both German and English to make sure everyone understood. I was nervous to go by myself but I’m so glad I did as everyone was very welcoming and it was such a magical experience. Definitely go for it if you have the chance.”
Every kind of day out, and the best of each.
