Funchal: RIB Whale Watching Cruise and Optional Dolphin Swim

Dolphins and whales, fast and close. This small-group RIB cruise from Funchal is built for intimate wildlife viewing, and I like the way the crew pushes for sightings along Madeira’s coast instead of doing a slow, generic loop. The optional dolphin swim is also tightly controlled by local rules, which helps it feel respectful rather than gimmicky, but the sea can get windy and choppy, so you should dress for it.

You also get a clear, structured outing: safety briefing, lifejackets, then heading out into open water to search for dolphins, whales, and even turtles when conditions line up. If you add the swim, you’re talking about a short in-water moment, usually 1-2 minutes, with masks and snorkels on hand. The drawback to weigh is that the swim only happens if the dolphins show predictable behavior under local animal protection law.

Lastly, this trip is designed for value. For about 2.5 hours, you’ll cruise multiple viewpoints, often in several wildlife-spotting locations, with a photo stop near Cabo Girao on the way back. If cetaceans are not spotted on your trip, you can join another outing free within a year (availability applies), which takes some of the pressure off the whole day.

Key things to know before you go

• Small-group RIB format means you’re closer to the action than on bigger boats.
• Spotters and quick relocation help the crew move fast to where dolphins and whales are likely to be.
• Optional swim has legal limits and only happens if you see Common Dolphins or Atlantic Spotted Dolphins behaving appropriately.
• Water time is brief (often around 1-2 minutes), so plan on a quick, memorable moment rather than a long swim.
• Cabo Girao photo stop adds a scenic Madeira break during the ride back toward Funchal.
• If no cetaceans are seen, you get an invite to join another trip free within 1 year, if there are spots.

Entering Funchal aboard a small-group RIB, with real safety first

The tour starts in Funchal at a meeting point that can vary by option. What matters most is that you show up early enough to find the jetty area, because at least once, people have struggled to locate the exact boarding spot on the quay. My advice is simple: use the provided Google pin, then wait by the jetty door and look for the crew.

Once you’re onboard, expect a straightforward flow: boarding, a briefing, then lifejackets and a quick rundown of what you should do while searching for wildlife. This matters more than it sounds. On a fast RIB, safety and positioning affect how comfortable you feel when the boat changes direction, and how well you can watch when dolphins or whales appear.

From the guide side, names like Anna and Paulo and Mark and Marc show up repeatedly in the experience stories tied to this operator. You’ll hear practical info about the animals you might see, plus context about Madeira’s marine environment and the coastline as you head out.

Out past the harbor: how the crew searches along Madeira’s coast

The fun part begins once you leave Funchal’s harbor. The boat heads into open ocean while keeping constant views of Madeira’s coastline. That visual connection is a big deal on an island cruise. You’re not staring at nothing, you’re watching cliffs, coves, and the rugged shoreline while the crew scans for wildlife.

Wildlife spotting is a mix of patience and luck, and the operation frames this honestly. At the same time, the success rate here is high, with an indicated yearly average close to 99 percent for seeing at least one cetacean species. That’s not a guarantee for every single trip, but it signals that this is not a first-draft “hope we see something” outing.

Where the experience really improves for you is speed and location strategy. This isn’t just “stay on the same route and watch.” The crew uses a system that includes land spotters, then moves quickly when they know pods are near. That means when dolphins or whales show up, you can actually see them before they disappear into distance.

What you might spot depends on the day, but the types mentioned in real experiences include:

• Common dolphins and Atlantic spotted dolphins, often close enough for great viewing
• Pilot whales (including very exciting, close encounters)
• Sperm whales, including mentions of multiple whales
• Sometimes other marine life like sea turtles

If you’re sensitive to sea motion, you’ll likely appreciate the RIB style. One review notes that on a rib you can feel less of the usual sea-sickness motion than on slower boats. I’d still bring your own basic sea-sickness plan, but the general “fast boat, quick positioning” approach helps.

The dolphin and whale viewing style: close, but governed by animal welfare

Here’s the balance I like: you get the thrill of proximity, but the crew’s behavior stays focused on animal welfare. You’ll see this in how they talk about approach distances and why the boat doesn’t just charge toward wildlife.

A key point for you is that the crew aims to keep sightings intimate on a small boat. That means fewer people, less chaos, and more time actually looking at behavior rather than just hoping you’ll catch a fin somewhere in the distance. People describe seeing pods that come close to the boat, and also seeing whales as close as a RIB can reasonably manage without stressing animals.

Also pay attention to what you learn about how dolphins behave. The operator ties the swim rules to local animal protection law, which means you’re not simply paying for access. You’re paying for a controlled, responsible opportunity when the animal behavior lines up.

Cabo Girao photo stop: a scenic reset during the ride back

About partway through the day, you get a break from scanning the ocean. You’ll head to Cabo Girao Cliff for a photo stop and sightseeing.

This stop works because it gives you something steady to look at while you’re resetting after the intensity of wildlife searching. It’s also a good moment to slow down, catch your breath if the RIB ride has been bouncy, and get a classic Madeira viewpoint.

Keep expectations realistic: the main event is still the ocean. Think of Cabo Girao as a high payoff “on the way back” moment, not a full sightseeing tour. If you love dramatic cliffs and want a quick landmark win without extra transportation, it’s a nice fit.

Optional swim with dolphins: how it works, what’s provided, and what to wear

This is the add-on that turns a wildlife cruise into a hands-on memory, but it’s handled with clear boundaries.

What you’re paying for

The swim option costs 20€ per participant. Here’s the key detail that helps your decision: the price is only charged on-site if it’s possible to enter the water with the dolphins. If you requested the option but the crew cannot meet the legal conditions, you still pay the standard trip price only.

When you might get in the water

The crew can only place you in the water if they spot Common Dolphins or Atlantic Spotted Dolphins behaving appropriately under local law. If conditions allow, you may get a short swim or snorkel attached to the boat.

How long it lasts

In most cases, time in the water is around 1-2 minutes per participant. That’s brief, but it’s also realistic. You’re not trying to run a long swim session. You’re taking a short, controlled moment to be in the dolphins’ world while they’re nearby.

What equipment you get

They provide masks and snorkels for the water moment. Also, you’ll be attached to the boat by a rope, which keeps you from drifting and helps the crew manage safety and animal interaction.

Practical tips before you go in

Bring a windbreaker and expect spray. Even if the water moment is short, getting in and out can feel colder and windier than you’d expect once you’re wet. Wear sunscreen, bring sunglasses, and consider a hat. In cooler months, a warmer waterproof jacket is a smart call because the sea breeze can hit fast.

Price and value: is $61 worth it, plus the possible 20€ swim?

At around $61 per person for a 2.5-hour RIB cruise, you’re mostly paying for three things: the boat format, the wildlife-search strategy, and the small-group intimacy.

A RIB doesn’t just mean speed. It means:

• You can reposition faster when spotters signal a likely encounter
• You get closer viewing angles on dolphins and whales
• The experience feels more active, especially when multiple locations are used during the outing

Now add the swim option. The 20€ add-on sounds like extra cost, but the on-site charging rule protects your wallet. You’re not paying for a guaranteed swim that might never happen due to animal welfare rules. You’re paying for a chance to enter the water when local conditions and dolphin behavior allow it.

One more value point: the itinerary includes a Cabo Girao photo stop, and the day is built around Madeira’s coastal views from the water. That’s time well spent for a half-day style outing that still feels like a real experience, not a quick “check the box” sightseeing trip.

If you can handle bouncy boat rides, this is strong value for the thrill factor plus the wildlife focus.

Who should book this RIB whale watching cruise from Funchal

This tour fits best if you want action, not a passive ride.

You’ll probably love it if:

• You want close dolphin and whale viewing from a small boat
• You like quick pacing, with the crew aiming for multiple spotting locations
• You want the option to snorkel briefly with dolphins if conditions allow
• You prefer English and Portuguese guided commentary rather than a self-guided boat trip

You might think twice if:

• You get uncomfortable in wind or choppy water. The operator specifically flags that it can get windy at sea.
• You need a very calm, low-motion experience. RIB rides can be fun, but they are still boats on open water.

Families can also work well here. More than one experience notes good enjoyment for children, especially because you get repeated chances to see marine life and because the viewing can be close even when the boat is moving.

If you’re traveling with family or friends and want private time, there’s also a private boat option. One detail to know: private bookings can take up to 18 passengers, which can be a strong setup for groups who want the same wildlife search without sharing the boat with strangers.

Should you book it: my practical take

Book it if your top priority is the chance to see dolphins and whales up close from Funchal. The combination of small-group RIB viewing, a fast wildlife-search method using spotters, and an optional dolphin swim that follows local rules makes this a smart way to spend a half-day in Madeira.

Don’t book it if you’re only after guaranteed swimming. The swim is conditional, and your time in the water is short by design. Also, dress for wind and sea spray, because the boat is out long enough for weather to matter.

If you’re okay with that tradeoff, this is a high-likelihood, high-impact Madeira experience. And if your day doesn’t produce cetaceans, the included offer to join another trip free within a year (subject to availability) makes the whole deal less risky than it first appears.

FAQ

How long is the RIB whale watching cruise?

The duration is about 2.5 hours, with time spent out on the water and a return to Funchal to disembark.

What is included in the price?

The tour includes the boat trip, all necessary safety equipment, and any applicable fees, taxes, and fuel surcharges.

Is the dolphin swim included in the standard ticket?

No. The swim with dolphins is an add-on option. It costs 20€ per participant, and it is only charged on-site if the crew can enter the water with the animals under the applicable rules.

What animals can you realistically expect to see?

The crew looks for wild dolphins and whales, and sometimes sea turtles. The in-water swim option is only possible when Common Dolphins or Atlantic Spotted Dolphins show appropriate behavior.

What should I bring for the trip?

Bring a windbreaker, sunglasses, a sun hat, sunscreen, and a jacket. Conditions can get windy quickly out at sea.

What if no cetaceans are spotted on my trip?

If no cetacean species are sighted, you’ll be invited to join another trip free of charge within 1 year, as long as availability allows and it is non-transferable.