Dolphin – Whale – Turtle – Bird Watching

If you’re heading to Funchal and love the idea of seeing wild dolphins, whales, and maybe even a turtle or two, this tour catches your eye. It promises a quick yet exciting two hours on a speedboat, with promises of close-up wildlife sightings and knowledgeable guides. We’ve checked out what makes this experience stand out—and what might make some travelers think twice.

What immediately draws us to this tour is its small group size and guaranteed wildlife sightings. You’re not just a face in the crowd here; with only 18 people max, the guides can give more personalized attention. Plus, the promise that if you don’t see anything on your first trip, you’ll get a second ride free, is pretty reassuring. On the flip side, some reviews mention that wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, and nature can be unpredictable. But if you’re a wildlife lover or just eager for a quick adventure on the water, this tour could be a great fit.

This experience is best suited for travelers who want a fast-paced, intimate boat trip with a focus on marine life. It’s perfect if you’re after a high-energy, fun outing with a good chance of seeing dolphins and whales in their natural habitat. Keep in mind, it’s not a laid-back cruise—this is about getting out there and actively searching, which adds to the thrill.

Key Points

• Small group size offers a more personalized experience.
• Wildlife sighting guarantee or you get a second trip free.
• Fast and energetic speedboat covers large distances quickly.
• Expert guides share insights into the local marine environment.
• Ideal for wildlife enthusiasts seeking an active adventure.
• Two-hour duration balances excitement without overcommitting.

A Closer Look at the Tour Experience

The Itinerary Breakdown

This tour is designed specifically for wildlife lovers and those eager to see sea creatures in their natural setting. The vessel, Magic Dolphin, is purpose-built with 500 horsepower engines, making it one of the fastest boats in Funchal Marina. This means you won’t waste precious time, and you’re more likely to cover larger stretches of water in the limited two hours.

Starting point is Praca do Povo, right in Funchal. Once onboard, the guides and spotters on land help direct the boat toward areas where whales and dolphins are likely hanging out. This pre-departure intelligence helps increase your chances of spotting something special.

The Experience on the Water

Once underway, you’ll notice the boat’s smooth ride thanks to the powerful engines—crucial for preventing seasickness and keeping the trip comfortable. Up to 18 guests can join each trip, ensuring that it doesn’t feel crowded or chaotic. With two certified guides onboard, the focus is on providing personalized insights and making sure everyone gets a good view.

The main goal? Wildlife sightings. Expect to see dolphins—possibly common, bottlenose, Atlantic spotted dolphins, and even pilot whales. The reviews are filled with excitement about close encounters. For instance, travelers have observed dolphins swimming right alongside the boat, sometimes even under it, which makes for unforgettable photos and memories.

The Scenic Return and Camara do Lobos

After a good wildlife chase, the tour offers a relaxing scenic cruise along the Funchal coast, providing stunning views of Madeira’s coastline. You’ll get a close-up look at Camara do Lobos, a charming fishing village famous for its connection to Winston Churchill. The guides point out the village from the sea, giving you a different perspective of this picturesque spot.

The Importance of Expert Guides

From reviews, we see that guides like Clara and Natasha are passionate and well-informed. They don’t just point out whales and dolphins—they share interesting details about their behaviors and habitats, making the trip both fun and educational. This adds real value, especially for those curious about the marine environment.

The Guarantee and What It Means for You

Nature is unpredictable. Some trips might not see whales or dolphins, which can be disappointing. However, this tour’s wildlife sighting guarantee means if you don’t spot anything on your first try, you get a second trip free. Several reviewers have praised this policy, describing it as reassuring and fair.

The Price and Value

At approximately $58 per person, this tour offers good value. Given the small group size, expert guides, and the likelihood of spotting multiple species, it’s a reasonable price for such an immersive experience. The two-hour duration means you get a concentrated dose of marine adventure without feeling rushed or overextended.

The inclusion of local taxes, live commentary, and guiding services makes this a straightforward package. Food, drinks, or hotel transfers aren’t included—so plan those separately if needed—but the focus on wildlife is the main attraction.

The Reviews Speak Volumes

Most travelers agree it’s worth the cost. Many mention seeing dolphins, whales, and even a turtle. One reviewer exclaimed, “In 2 hours, we saw 5 different pods of dolphins and 3 species. Fantastic day out.” Others appreciated the passion of guides and the less crowded, more personal feel compared to larger catamaran tours.

A few less fortunate reviews note that wildlife sightings aren’t guaranteed, which is a reminder that nature can be unpredictable. But overall, the consensus is that this tour offers a thrilling, memorable, and educational experience.

The Practicalities: What to Expect

• Duration: About 2 hours—just enough time for a quick yet impactful marine safari.
• Group size: Limited to 18 travelers, ensuring a comfortable, close-up experience.
• Price: Around $58, representing good value given the personalized service and wildlife guarantee.
• What’s included: Live commentary, local taxes, and a focus on wildlife viewing.
• What’s not: Food, drinks, transportation, or hotel pickup—so plan accordingly.
• Meet-up point: Magic Dolphin, Praca do Povo, in Funchal.

Tips for a Better Experience

• Dress in layers and bring a jacket, especially if the weather is windy.
• Wear comfortable shoes and avoid high heels—these aren’t suitable for the boat.
• Bring a camera or binoculars if you have them, for closer wildlife viewing.
• Be prepared for the possibility of choppy seas; the boat’s stability helps, but some might still feel seasick.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This experience is best suited for wildlife lovers, adventure seekers, or anyone wanting a quick escape on the water. It’s ideal if you’re traveling with friends, a partner, or even solo—small groups mean more attention and better chances to see marine life. It’s also perfect if you want an activity that combines nature, scenery, and a bit of speed.

It’s a good fit for those who value guides with passion and knowledge, and who understand that wildlife sightings depend on conditions. If your main goal is to see dolphins and whales in their natural environment, and you’re okay with some unpredictability—this trip checks all the boxes.

FAQs About the Dolphin and Whale Watching Tour

Is this tour suitable for children?
Children are welcome, but they must be accompanied by an adult. This tour’s energetic pace and boat ride are generally suitable for kids comfortable on the water.

How long is the tour?
It lasts about 2 hours, offering a compact but exciting wildlife safari.

What is the maximum group size?
Only 18 travelers are allowed per trip, making it more personal and less crowded.

Do I need to bring anything?
Bring a jacket, camera, and possibly binoculars. No mention of food or drinks included, so plan to bring water or snacks if you want.

Can I cancel if the weather is bad?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

What if I don’t see any wildlife?
You’ll be offered a second trip at no extra cost, thanks to the wildlife sighting guarantee.

Is transportation provided?
No, you need to meet at the Magic Dolphin office in Funchal. No hotel pickups are included.

How much does it cost?
Approximately $58 per person, which is a fair price considering the personalized experience and wildlife guarantee.

Final Thoughts

This speedboat wildlife safari in Madeira packs a punch. It’s a lively, intimate way to see dolphins, whales, and other marine creatures, with guides who are clearly passionate and knowledgeable. While nature can be unpredictable—meaning sightings aren’t always guaranteed—the tour’s guarantee and small group size make it a solid choice for those eager for an active marine adventure.

If you’re interested in close encounters with marine life, enjoy scenic boat rides, and appreciate expert guidance, this experience is worth considering. It’s especially good for travelers who want a quick, fun, and educational outing that makes the most of Madeira’s abundant waters.

For anyone craving a memorable day on the ocean, this tour offers just that—plus the reassurance of a second chance if the wildlife doesn’t cooperate the first time. It’s a straightforward, enjoyable way to connect with nature and add a special highlight to your Madeira trip.