Responsible Whales and/or Dolphins Watching Tour

Madeira has recorded more than 20 whale and dolphin species in its waters, so this two-hour trip offers more than a quick spin along the coast. You head out from Funchal in a purpose-built speedboat, with a skipper and marine wildlife crew scanning the sea for signs of life.

I like two things in particular: the chance to learn from marine biologists involved in research, and a boat small enough for a more personal outing than a large sightseeing vessel. The fast ride also gives you a fresh view of Madeira from offshore.

The trade-off is the ride itself. A speedboat can feel rough in choppy seas, especially toward the front, and wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, even with the tour’s stated 99% chance of seeing whales or dolphins.

At a glance

• Madeira’s wildlife: More than 20 whale and dolphin species have been recorded in the surrounding waters.
• A small-group boat: The tour has a maximum of 18 people, with more room for skipper and guide attention than a large vessel.
• Marine biology on board: Guides such as Fernanda and Camilla explain animal behavior and the conservation work connected to the trips.
• Two hours at sea: Long enough to search for wildlife and enjoy the ride, but still manageable within a day in Funchal.
• A fast, open-air ride: The speedboat makes for exciting travel, but wind and waves can make the journey bumpy.
• A strong, not certain, sighting record: The tour advertises a 99% chance of seeing whales or dolphins, but sightings vary.

Leaving Funchal Marina for open water

The meeting point is Blue Safari Madeira at Marina do Funchal, Gate 4. The tour ends back there after roughly two hours. The marina is near public transportation, but the exact gate can be hard to locate, so arrive early enough to find the departure point without rushing.

Once everyone is aboard, the skipper heads away from the harbor toward waters where whales and dolphins are often seen. The trip is not built around a list of fixed stops. Wildlife moves, and the crew’s job is to search and adjust course as conditions allow.

That search is part of the outing. You get views of Funchal and Madeira from the sea, then spend time watching the water for movement or other signs of animals. The boat’s speed can make the outward ride feel like an attraction in its own right, though the ride back may be lively too.

A fast boat, with a real trade-off

Blue Safari uses a custom-built, high-speed vessel intended for small groups. Compared with a larger boat, this setup can feel more direct and close to the water, and the crew can give the group more attention. The small size also makes it easier to hear the guide’s explanations.

But speed and open sea come with a cost: the boat can bounce over waves. One passenger described a very painful back injury after a rough outing, while others enjoyed the bumpy ride and found the trip comfortable. That contrast is worth taking seriously. If you have back problems or are sensitive to jolts, ask about sea conditions before boarding and consider whether a speedboat is right for you.

Seat position matters too. The front can take more of the impact when the boat hits waves; the back may feel gentler for some passengers. One person who was prone to seasickness preferred sitting at the rear. There is no guarantee that any spot will be smooth, so think of this as a practical choice, not a promise.

The boat is limited to 18 people. That is small compared with a large sightseeing vessel, but it is not a private charter, and it may feel crowded when full. One account expected a maximum of 12, but the stated limit for this tour is 18. If having more personal space is important, confirm the group size when booking.

Searching for whales, dolphins, and other marine life

Madeira is a notable place for cetacean watching, with more than 20 species recorded in its waters. The tour’s advertised sighting chance is 99% for whales or dolphins combined. That is not a guarantee of seeing a particular species, or even of seeing whales specifically.

Pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins feature in many outings, and groups have also seen other dolphin species, false killer whales, sea turtles, and jellyfish. Still, nature sets the schedule. Some trips find several animals close to the boat; others may see only a few dolphins briefly, or no whales at all. A June outing, for example, found only a small number of dolphins, while another trip in October saw dolphin families but no whales.

The key distinction is between whale and dolphin watching and whale watching. If your main goal is to see any marine wildlife, the tour’s combined sighting rate may make it appealing. If you will feel let down without a whale sighting, keep that uncertainty in mind.

The crew searches for wildlife and gives the animals space. When sightings come, the boat may pause or reposition so you can observe. The guides can explain behavior as it happens: for instance, when a whale raises its tail, it is heading beneath the surface and may not return for a while. That kind of detail helps you read what you are seeing instead of treating every appearance as a photo opportunity.

Learning from the marine biologist and crew

A standout part of this trip is the chance to have a marine biologist on board. Guides including Fernanda and Camilla have explained dolphin behavior, family life, and how animals care for their young. The company says its tours work with marine biologists and local researchers to monitor cetacean behavior, migration, and health.

That research connection gives the trip a useful purpose beyond spotting wildlife. You are not just looking for fins and tails; you can learn how scientists observe animals and why respectful viewing matters. The quality of the explanations can vary by guide, so don’t expect a formal lecture. The best guides make room for questions and connect what you see to the animal’s behavior.

The skipper matters just as much. Captains named in past outings include Francisco, Vlad, and Thiago. The skipper handles the boat and helps locate wildlife, while the guide shares information and keeps the group oriented. When the crew works well together, the search feels purposeful rather than like a fast ride with occasional sightings.

The responsible approach is a meaningful reason to choose this trip. The company describes its work as conservation-focused, and passengers have seen crew members retrieve abandoned trash from the sea and keep their distance from whales. Wildlife viewing still involves boats approaching animals, so no operator can make it impact-free. But a crew that follows protection rules and explains why space matters is a better choice than one focused only on getting close.

What the two-hour outing feels like

The first part is the departure from the marina and the ride out to open water. You’ll feel the wind and see the coastline recede. Bring a jacket, even if Funchal feels warm on shore, because the speed and sea air can make the ride chilly. A hat may blow away, and bringing water is sensible.

Once the crew begins searching, the pace can change. You might spend time scanning the sea, then have a brief burst of activity when animals appear. One trip took more than an hour to find dolphins, but the group then saw them in numbers. Patience is part of the deal, and the two-hour limit means the crew has a defined window to search.

Sightings can be especially rewarding when dolphins swim near the boat or when you see a family group. But keep your camera ready without watching the whole trip through a screen. Wildlife may appear briefly, and the boat can move as the skipper follows the animals at a respectful distance.

The return ride brings you back to the same marina meeting point. Some skippers open up the engines on the way back, making the final leg another lively part of the outing. If you hoped for a calm cruise, this may not be your style. If you enjoy a brisk ride over waves, it can be part of the fun.

Is $59.28 good value?

At $59.28 per person, the price includes all fees and taxes, plus life jackets. Hotel transfers are not included, so you’ll need to make your own way to the marina. For a two-hour trip, the value rests on three things: the small-group format, the chance of seeing wildlife, and the guide’s biological insight.

You are paying for more than a boat ride, but the value depends on what you want from the outing. If you see dolphins or whales and get a thoughtful explanation of their behavior, the price feels reasonable for a memorable half-day activity. If wildlife is scarce, the same fare buys a fast ocean ride and a view of Madeira from offshore, which may or may not be enough for you.

I’d compare it with larger boats by asking what matters most. A larger vessel may feel more stable, while this speedboat offers a smaller group and a more energetic ride. The tour’s maximum of 18 is still a group experience, but it is a more contained outing than a high-capacity boat.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. The trip depends on good weather and a minimum number of participants; if the operator cancels for either reason, you’ll be offered another date or a refund.

Who should book this trip?

This tour suits you if you enjoy being out on the water, can handle a brisk and potentially bumpy ride, and want a guide who can explain marine life rather than simply point it out. It is also a good fit if you’re happy to see dolphins even when whales do not appear.

Families and curious nature lovers may appreciate the explanations, though the ride itself is a factor to weigh for anyone sensitive to motion or jolts. The tour says most people can participate, but that does not mean every passenger will find the boat comfortable in rough conditions.

If you have back concerns, get seasick easily, or strongly prefer a stable ride, consider those limits before paying. You can ask about sea conditions, but the information provided does not promise a smooth crossing. On the day, sit toward the rear if you want to reduce the impact of bumps, and dress for wind.

Should you book it?

Book this if you want a wildlife search with a small crew, marine biology insight, and a lively speedboat ride, and if you can accept that nature may not deliver whales on cue. The best reason to go is the combination of a close-knit group, an experienced skipper, and guides who care about how animals are observed.

Skip it if you need a calm sea, have a vulnerable back, or would consider the trip a failure without seeing a whale. For everyone else, it is a good-value way to get offshore from Funchal and learn something about the life moving through Madeira’s waters. Bring a jacket, arrive early to find Gate 4, and let the crew do the searching.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

The trip lasts about two hours and returns to the meeting point at Funchal Marina.

Where does the tour start?

It starts at Blue Safari Madeira, Marina do Funchal, Gate 4, 9000-055 Funchal, Portugal. It ends at the same meeting point.

How many people can join?

The tour has a maximum of 18 participants.

What is included in the price?

All fees and taxes and life jackets are included. Hotel transfers are not included.

Is a whale or dolphin sighting guaranteed?

No. The tour advertises a 99% chance of seeing whales or dolphins, but sightings are not guaranteed, and you may see one kind of animal without the other.

What language is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

Can I cancel for a refund?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience starts. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the start time are not refunded.

What happens if the weather is poor?

If poor weather causes the tour to be canceled, you’ll be offered another date or a full refund.