The 11 Best Funchal Whale Watching Tours

1.Madeira Dolphin and Whale Watching on a Ecological Catamaran

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,957 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $42Our pick

Set out from Funchal on Magic Dolphin’s 2022 hybrid-electric catamaran for a 2.5 to 3-hour search for dolphins and whales. Shore-based spotters guide the captain toward wildlife, while certified guides explain the species you see. The return route passes Cabo Girão, Câmara de Lobos, Reid’s Hotel, and Madeira’s coast.

“We have always wanted to go on a trip to see whales and dolphins and we were not disappointed. We firstly saw two Rough-Toothed dolphins, which apparently are very rare around Madeira, they were swimming side by side. Later on, we came across a family of Pilot Whales which were just chilling and every now and again they would come to the surface, you could even hear the noise of them blowing when they surfaced for air. The Magic Dolphin boat was very spacious and had a friendly and knowledgeable team that respected the wildlife. We would definitely recommend this trip.”

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2.VipDolphins Luxury Whale Watching

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,709 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $95Top rated

Sail from Funchal with a small group of up to 17 people aboard a polished catamaran. The crew, including guides such as Sheila, Liv, Maggie, Francisco, and Nico, serves drinks, local snacks, and desserts while helping you spot dolphins and whales. You’ll also stop to swim and snorkel below Cabo Girao.

“We have been on whale/dolphin watching cruises before with varying degrees of success, but this was by far the best. Liv, Sheila and Chico (I hope I’ve got the names right) were attentive throughout and kept us well supplied with freshly prepared food and drink. They also were quick to identify the dolphins and whales when they surfaced and to explain more about them. The ride was very smooth despite a slight swell and we were very lucky with the warm sunshine. All in all a wonderful experience.”

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3.Whale and Dolphin Watching Tour in Madeira

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,192 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $83

Meet the On Tales team at Calheta Marina for a 2.5-hour yacht trip along Madeira’s southwest coast. Captains such as Emanuel, Beatriz, and Bruno combine wildlife searches with swimming and snorkeling near sunny bays. The boat carries up to 12 people, with towels, equipment, drinks, a shower, toilet, and cabin included.

“It was great. We didn’t see any dolphins/whales though, but honestly it didn’t matter. The crew were both lovely, attentive etc, and was very comfortable. Very relaxing too, drove around for 2.5 hours, had a couple of drinks, saw Madeira from a different perspective and got to swim —Surprisingly warm!! Would definitely book again, thank you so much!!”

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4.Private Dolphin and Whale Watching Tour in Madeira

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 539 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.)

Join On Tales at Calheta Marina for a private 2.5-hour motor-yacht cruise along Madeira’s coast. Guides such as Emanuel, Luca, Chiara, and Béatrice explain the island and marine life while you search for dolphins and whales, stop to snorkel, and enjoy drinks, towels, photos, and sparkling wine. Sightings are never guaranteed.

“Alles perfekt jederzeit wieder...tolles Erlebnis...liebe Versorgung und Service..ein paar Stunden auf Wasser und Bilder gab es auch noch...inklusive...”

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5.Dolphin – Whale – Turtle – Bird Watching

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 350 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $60

Leave Funchal Marina on a 500-horsepower RIB with no more than 18 people and two certified guides. Look for dolphins, pilot whales, sperm whales, turtles, and birds, then cruise past Funchal Bay and Câmara de Lobos. Guides such as Clara and Natasha have led trips, though the team may vary.

“The biologist and captain were professional and charismatic and cheerful, we had a great time and were lucky enough to see some dolphins and whales! Trip took 2 hours and it’s truly amazing!”

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6.Whales and Dolphins wooden boat excursion

★★★★★★★★★★4.1 · 247 reviews · 3 hours · from $41Best value

Join Bonita da Madeira in Funchal for a three-hour English-language trip focused on wild whales and dolphins. Crew members such as Miguel, Oriana, and Ana welcome you aboard, serve Madeira wine, and share local information. You may also swim near Cabo Girão, though wildlife sightings and swimming time depend on sea conditions and the animals.

“Excellent trip. Crew were all friendly and helpful. Had to travel a little further to see the animals, but were rewarded with Dolphins and Whales a great experience. There was no time for swimming but everyone onboard wanted to see Whales so we were all happy.”

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7.Responsible Whales and/or Dolphins Watching Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 237 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $59

Set out from Gate 4 at Funchal Marina aboard Blue Safari, a custom-built speedboat carrying up to 18 people. Marine biologists such as Fernanda and Camila explain Madeira’s cetaceans while the skipper searches for dolphins and whales. Expect about two hours at sea, fresh wind, possible choppy water, and a 99% stated chance of seeing wildlife.

“Muito boa e divertida a viagem. Com boas dicas e explicações. Pretendo voltar novamente e tentar outra experiência”

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8.Whale Watching and Swimming with Dolphins Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 111 reviews · 2.5 hours · from $94

Set out from Funchal with Rota dos Cetáceos on a 2.5-hour search for wild whales and dolphins. A marine biologist explains local sea life while land lookouts help locate animals. You may swim with dolphins or turtles when conditions and permitted species allow. Boats carry 18 or 36 people, and guides speak Portuguese, English, and French.

“I couldn’t go as I had food poisoning the night before and was feeling to ill to go on the trip Contacted the tour 2 hours before the trip to say the situation and to see if I could change for a few days later but it was to short notice I thought they could of changed the date as I couldn’t help getting food poisoning”

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9.Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour and Catamaran Whale & Dolphin Watching

★★★★★★★★★★3.5 · 53 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $55

Use a 48-hour Yellow Bus pass to explore Funchal by open-top bus, from the Old Town and farmers’ market to Pico dos Barcelos and Lido. Add a catamaran cruise along Madeira’s coast, with chances to spot dolphins, whales, turtles, and seabirds. English audio commentary, wine tasting, and discounts are included.

“The hop on hop off busses are a great way to get around an unfamiliar city and find important sights and landmarks”

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10.Hop-on Hop-off Bus & Whale & Dolphin boat Excursion

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 41 reviews · 2 days · from $54

Spend two days seeing Madeira from two angles. Ride the 48-hour hop-on hop-off bus through Funchal and Câmara de Lobos, then join a VMT catamaran for dolphin and whale watching, a swim and snorkeling stop at Fajã do Cabo Girão, and broad Atlantic views. Wine tasting and an embroidery factory visit are included.

“communication needs to be clearer, we thought start time referred to start of 48 hours but apparently it was the catamaran, so we nearly missed it. but the catamaran trip was lovely and we saw lots of dolphins close up so that was a bonus”

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11.Guarantee Wild Dolphin&Whale Watching by RIB

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 28 reviews · 2.5 hours · from $70

Join a small-group RIB boat from Funchal for 2.5 hours of fast coastal cruising and wildlife searching. An English- or Portuguese-speaking guide explains the safety rules and helps you watch for dolphins, whales, and occasional turtles. The optional dolphin swim costs €20 only if conditions and species allow it.

“Fantastische activiteit, hele fijne gids en stuurman, heel veel respect voor de dieren, en veel dolfijnen met baby's gezien! Gids hielp ons heel prettig bij zeeziekte, echt een hele gave en fijne ervaring”

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