From Funchal: Whales and Dolphin Adventure Tour

Whales or dolphins without the big crowd, that is the point. This 2-hour RIB speedboat ride from Funchal is built around spotting cetaceans close to Madeira’s edge, with a stated 99% chance when conditions cooperate.

I really like how the experience stays intimate, with a maximum of just 18 people. I also like the animal-welfare approach, where the crew follows rules designed with World Animal Protection and keeps their distance so the animals set the pace. One thing to consider, it is weather-dependent, and that can affect both sightings and whether you get time in the water.

Key things that make this tour worth your time

• Small-group RIB (max 18), so you see more of the ocean and feel less packed in.
• Marine biologist guides, including names like Camila, Fernanda, and Natasha, who explain what you are looking at.
• Respect-first spotting, with rules in place so the team does not chase cetaceans.
• Optional dolphin swim when the right species and behavior show up, typically common or spotted dolphins.
• Snorkeling gear included (mask and snorkel), plus the chance to swim if sea conditions allow.

Getting on the water: Funchal’s new marina and a quick game plan

The tour starts right in the action, at the new marina of Funchal. You meet your guide at the speedboat at door 4, the last one on the left when you are looking at the sea. It is easy enough once you know where you are going, but give yourself time.

Do two practical things before you go:

• Show up 20 minutes early so you are not sprinting to the boat.
• Park at Almirante Reis parking lot, not the private marina parking.

On the day of your tour, you can treat the meeting time like a head start. The crew has to organize everyone, do safety talk, and still get you out to the best search zone. You will also want a couple of minutes to get comfortable with the small-boat setup before the ride starts.

Why a speedboat from Madeira beats the big-catamaran experience

This is not a slow cruise. The point of a speedboat is simple: you cover more water, faster. On a RIB, you can shift locations quickly when the crew spots signs of cetaceans, so you are not stuck watching only one stretch of sea.

The tradeoff is also real. Reviews mention the ride can be bumpy, especially when wind kicks up. You will often feel it more in a speedboat than a larger vessel. And yes, one person noted they ended up a bit seasick, with a bag provided. The tour operator also says it helps with motion sickness, but the honest takeaway is this: if your stomach gets cranky at sea, plan for that.

What you get in return is a boat where you see ocean in almost every direction. One guest loved that they could see all around the vessel, no awkward leaning or people-blocking. With a maximum of 18, that “view” factor matters, because spotting is half the fun.

The 2-hour route: searching the edge of Madeira like a marine detective

You are out for two hours total, and that time gets spent chasing the right kind of action. You are not on the boat just to travel. You are actively looking for whales or dolphins, then adjusting based on what the animals are doing.

Once you leave Funchal, the tour keeps moving around Madeira’s coastline edge, where cetaceans can show up. The highlights promise crystal-clear water during the ride, and that is the kind of detail that makes the whole trip feel special even when you are still searching. The ocean around Madeira can be stunning in broad daylight, and the speedboat approach helps you experience more of it in less time.

From what you can learn from guide stories and other guest accounts, the crew is constantly scanning. You might spot:

• dolphins like common, spotted, bottlenose, or pilot dolphins
• whales including pilot whales and, on rare luck days, sperm whales or Bryde whale
• sea life surprises such as turtles and Portuguese man-o-war

You should also understand the rhythm. Cetaceans do not sit for a photo. The crew may spend time looking, then suddenly you are watching a pod in front of you. Several reviews describe quick finding times, like dolphins appearing within minutes, while others note it can take a bit to locate them. That variability is not a failure. It is the nature of wildlife.

The animal-respect rules that make the difference

The biggest reason this tour earns strong praise is not only what you might see. It is how you see it.

The tour operates under animal-welfare rules created with World Animal Protection. In plain terms, the crew follows a no-chase mindset. Reviews repeatedly mention that they do not chase dolphins, and that the animals can come to the boat if they are curious.

That matters because it changes the feel of the outing. If a company is constantly chasing, you spend your energy on the spectacle. Here, you spend your energy on observing behavior. It is also part of why guides often come across as passionate rather than salesy. When you meet marine biologists like Camila or Fernanda, you are hearing explanations grounded in real study and real field guidelines.

It also means you may not get a guarantee of a swim every time. And that is good. The tour is set up so the team will only enter the water when the behavior and conditions make sense.

Optional dolphin swim: what you can expect and how to maximize your chances

One of the most exciting parts of this tour is the possibility of entering the water with dolphins. The plan is not random. When conditions allow and the animals act appropriately, you might be invited into the sea with common dolphins or spotted dolphins.

When the swim happens, it is typically controlled:

• You go in groups (reviews mention only four people at a time).
• There is a system involving a rope attached to the side of the boat so you hold on while the boat stays moving enough to keep the animals engaged.
• The water time is short, often around 5 to 10 minutes, depending on the dolphin’s behavior.

A few practical pointers for your body:

• Bring your towel and expect to dry off on the return ride.
• If you forget rain gear, you might still get through, but you will likely feel the wind and spray.
• If you are comfortable swimming with waves, you will enjoy it more.

Also, note the limits. One review said they could not swim because the right dolphins were present but the guides made a call not to stress them, especially when babies were involved. That kind of restraint is exactly why this trip feels like it respects the animals, even when it is not a perfect “every box checked” day.

Snorkeling gear and why sea conditions decide everything

Snorkeling equipment is included: mask and snorkel. That is a big value add, because it saves you from bringing your own and helps you get more out of the clear water.

But here is the honest part. Some days, the sea state makes a swim or snorkeling portion impossible. Reviews mention days where waves were too strong, so they could not do the swim. That does not mean the crew is cutting corners. It means safety and animal welfare win.

If snorkeling conditions are not right, the tour still functions as a whale and dolphin search plus boat viewing. You get close sightings from the boat itself, which is often the main event anyway.

Guides and crew: small details that change your whole day

This is where you see the difference between a generic wildlife outing and a real operation.

Many reviews name guides and captains, including Camila, Fernanda, Vlad, Mark, Marco, Agatha, Francisco, Florine, Natasha, and Ruben. You will hear marine facts, not just vague “isn’t nature cool” commentary. People highlight how guides answer questions and take time for the group.

Two things I think you will feel on board:

• The crew communicates the rules clearly before water activity.
• The search feels organized, with the captain and guide working together to find animals and then manage the viewing respectfully.

Some reviews also mention photo help. Guides take amazing photos, and there is an option to purchase photos at the end. You can also take your own on a phone. This is one of those little extras that turns sightings into lasting souvenirs without feeling like a gimmick.

Who should book this tour (and who should skip it)

This tour is not for everyone. It is listed as not suitable for:

• children under 10
• pregnant women

Beyond that, I would steer based on your comfort level at sea and your interests.

You should book if:

• you want a smaller group instead of a crowded boat scene
• you care about wildlife viewing that does not turn into an animal chase
• you are okay with the idea that the day could be dolphins instead of whales, or a swim instead of a swim depending on conditions

You might want to think twice if:

• you get motion sick easily, because the ride can be bumpy at times
• you need a guaranteed time in the water, because it depends on animal behavior and sea conditions

Price and value: is $58 a fair deal for 2 hours?

At about $58 per person for a 2-hour outing, this can feel like a bargain when it goes well. Here is why the value math works:

• You are paying for speed and chance. A fast RIB means more chances to locate multiple groups.
• The boat is small, max 18 people, which affects how much you see and how comfortable you feel.
• Snorkeling gear is included.
• The guides are marine biologists, and reviews mention they connect the trip to scientific research and conservation.

That last point matters. Some guests specifically loved knowing they were contributing to research and conservation work. When a tour is structured around observation and welfare rules, the money feels less like a ticket and more like support.

If you end up with no whales or dolphins spotted, the operator says you will be offered another free tour. If weather prevents it, there is a free voucher valid for two years. That is not a guarantee of results, but it does reduce the risk that you pay and get nothing.

What to bring so you enjoy the waves, not fight them

The tour gives you gear for snorkeling, but you still control comfort. Bring:

• swimwear
• a towel
• sunscreen
• a jacket

If you are the type who runs cold or dries slowly after water time, I would treat the jacket as mandatory. Reviews also suggest bringing a rain coat because you can get soaked through, especially on a bumpy speedboat ride. Even if you do not plan to swim, spray happens.

If you want the best chance to see dolphins below the surface, one practical tip from reviews is to sit in the front. You have more forward visibility and you are in a better position for the viewing moments when dolphins break near the surface.

Should you book the Funchal Whales and Dolphin Adventure Tour?

I think you should book it if you want the most “real ocean” version of wildlife watching in Madeira, with a smaller boat, marine biologist-led spotting, and a respectful approach to animal behavior.

Book it with clear expectations:

• Your day is weather-dependent.
• Whales are less predictable than dolphins.
• Dolphin swimming is possible, not guaranteed.

If your main goal is guaranteed entertainment with zero risk, you may feel frustrated. But if you are chasing authentic wildlife moments, and you like the idea of supporting conservation while you watch pods move naturally, this is a strong choice.

FAQ

Where does the tour depart from in Funchal?

The tour departs from the new marina of Funchal. Meet your guide at the speedboat in front of door 4, the last one on the left looking at the sea.

When should I arrive for the meeting point?

Meet at least 20 minutes before the departure time.

How long is the tour?

The tour lasts 2 hours.

Is dolphin or whale swimming included?

Swimming in the water is only possible if conditions allow and the animals’ behavior is suitable. The tour mentions it might be offered with common dolphins or spotted dolphins.

What snorkeling gear is provided?

Mask and snorkel are included.

What happens if no whales or dolphins are spotted?

If no whales or dolphins are spotted during the tour, you are offered another free tour. If it is unavailable due to weather conditions, you receive a free trip voucher valid for two years.