Funchal: Dolphin and Whale Watching Cruise

If you’re looking to see Madeira’s marine life in action, a dolphin and whale watching cruise is a must-do. While I haven’t personally been on this specific tour, reviews and details paint a pretty inviting picture. It’s a two-hour adventure that promises encounters with dolphins, whales, sea turtles, and seabirds—all in their natural habitat.

What really stands out about this experience is the focus on education and respect for wildlife. Led by marine biologists, the tours aren’t just about spotting animals—they’re about understanding and appreciating these creatures. Plus, the boat’s speed and navigation allow for close-up views, which many travelers love. But, a word of caution: if seasickness is a concern, you might want to prepare accordingly.

This tour especially suits those who appreciate small-group experiences and value knowledgeable guides. If you’re craving a quick, lively ocean adventure with a good chance of wildlife sightings, it could be perfect. Families with older children, wildlife enthusiasts, and anyone wanting a taste of Madeira’s oceanic beauty will likely find this trip worthwhile.

Key Points

• Expert Guides: Led by certified marine biologists and experienced captains, ensuring both safety and educational insights.
• Wildlife Guarantee: Sightings of dolphins or whales are assured, with options to rebook if you don’t see any animals.
• Close Encounters: The speedboat design allows you to get very near to wildlife without disturbing them.
• Informative Commentary: Guides share fascinating facts about marine species, enriching the experience.
• Small Group: Limited to 18 guests, making for a more personal and less crowded adventure.
• Value for Money: Cost is around $57 per person, with the option to rebook at a reduced rate if no sightings occur.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

What to Expect from the Tour

This two-hour speedboat adventure in Funchal takes you offshore to look for dolphins, whales, sea turtles, and oceanic birds. The boat, recently rebuilt in 2024, features two 250hp engines—meaning it’s fast and can cover more ground than many other local tours. The boat’s low profile and cushioned seats promise both comfort and an excellent 360° view, perfect for wildlife watching.

The crew’s main goal is to find animals using land-based binoculars and then navigating the boat directly to them. This means you’re not just passively hoping; you’re actively part of an exciting wildlife hunt. While the boat is close to the animals, the guides emphasize respecting their environment—no chasing or stressing wildlife, which is reassuring for those concerned about ethical viewing.

The Itinerary and What You’ll Encounter

The tour starts at the Magic Dolphin kiosk, where you’ll check in about 30 minutes before departure. Once onboard, you head out into the open sea, with the crew and marine biologist guiding you through the experience. The actual cruise lasts around two hours, and the boat returns to the same starting point.

During the trip, expect the thrill of seeing dolphins swimming alongside or jumping out of the water. Many reviews mention initial sightings within miles of the coast, with some lucky travelers catching glimpses of pilot whales, sperm whales, and even turtles. The guides’ enthusiasm and knowledge add an educational layer, as they share facts about each species you encounter.

From the Reviews

Reviewers consistently praise the expert guides and crew, who are described as knowledgeable, friendly, and passionate. One reviewer noted the crew took them 9 miles out, highlighting the effort to maximize wildlife sightings. Several travelers appreciated the informative commentary—not just about the animals but about the marine ecosystem as a whole.

The speedboat’s ability to quickly reach sightings is a clear advantage. As one traveler pointed out, the boat’s speed allowed them to cover nearly 50 km on the sea during their trip, increasing the chances of sightings. Multiple reviews mention the exhilarating ride and the close encounters with dolphins, often swimming right next to the boat, which is a favorite highlight.

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Wildlife Sightings and Guarantee

One of the standout features is the wildlife guarantee: if you don’t see any dolphins or whales, you can rebook for just $10 per person. This policy indicates confidence in their ability to find the animals and offers peace of mind, especially for wildlife enthusiasts worried about a non-sighting.

According to reviews, sightings are common. Travelers have seen multiple species, including bottlenose dolphins, pilot whales, and even sperm whales. Several reviewers mentioned specific memorable moments, like a dolphin mother with her calf or pods of over 20 dolphins swimming around the boat.

Practical Details and Value

At $57 per person, this tour offers a good value considering the small group size and the chance to see multiple marine species. The inclusion of life vests, a marine biologist guide, and the captain ensures safety and educational enrichment. As the boat is limited to 18 guests, there’s less crowding, and you’ll likely get more time to enjoy the animals up close.

Keep in mind, food and drinks are not included, so plan to bring snacks or water if needed. Also, since the trip involves being on the water, packing a light waterproof jacket or poncho might be wise, especially during breezy or slightly rough conditions.

Many reviews mention that seasickness can be an issue for some, with a few people feeling unwell. If you’re prone to motion sickness, consider taking preventative measures, as the ride can be bumpy, especially if the sea gets rough.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is well-suited for animal lovers and those interested in marine biology. It’s perfect if you want a more intimate encounter with wildlife than the large boat tours. The small group size and the personal attention from guides make it ideal for travelers who appreciate a more personalized touch.

It’s also great for adventure seekers who enjoy fast rides and close-to-nature moments. Families with children aged 6 and over can enjoy this, provided they are comfortable on boats and not prone to seasickness. The tour’s educational component makes it especially appealing to curious minds.

Final Thoughts

This dolphin and whale watching cruise in Madeira strikes a good balance between adventure, education, and wildlife appreciation. The speedboat design allows for quick, close-up sightings, which many reviews rave about. The guides’ enthusiasm and expertise make the experience engaging, and the wildlife guarantee offers comfort knowing you have a second chance if you don’t see animals initially.

While it’s not suitable for very young children or anyone with certain health issues, most travelers looking for a lively, authentic marine encounter will find this tour rewarding. The $57 price point feels fair considering the small group size and the quality of interaction with the environment and species.

If you’re hoping to tick off some memorable wildlife sightings while enjoying Madeira’s stunning coastline from the sea, this tour is definitely worth considering. Just remember to come prepared for the weather and potential seasickness, and you’ll likely walk away with stories to tell for years.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
Children over 6 are generally okay, but if your little one is sensitive to motion sickness or gets easily seasick, you might want to consider that before booking.

What happens if I don’t see any wildlife?
You can rebook for just $10 per person—the tour guarantees sightings, but if none are seen, they’re happy to give you another shot on a different day.

How long is the tour?
The cruise lasts about 2 hours, giving you plenty of time to spot animals and enjoy the sea.

Are food or drinks included?
No, food and drinks are not included, so bring some snacks if you like.

What should I wear or bring?
Bring a waterproof jacket or poncho, especially if the weather looks breezy, and consider wearing layers. Remember, your belongings may get wet, so don’t bring anything you can’t afford to get damp.

Is seasickness a common problem?
A few reviewers mentioned feeling seasick, so if you’re prone, take precautions like medication or seasickness bands.

What makes this tour stand out?
The small group size, expert guides, and wildlife guarantee make it a more personal and reassuring choice for wildlife lovers.

Can I take photos?
Absolutely—bring a waterproof camera or phone in a waterproof case to capture the action, especially since the boat’s speed and proximity make for great shots.

What animals are most likely to be seen?
Dolphins, pilot whales, and sometimes sperm whales are common sightings, with many travelers noting multiple species during their trip.

This Madeira dolphin and whale watching tour offers a fantastic combination of adventure, education, and marine wildlife encounters. Whether you’re a seasoned wildlife enthusiast or simply looking for a fun sea outing, it’s worth considering for a memorable day on the Atlantic.

You can check availability for your dates here: