Funchal: RIB Whale Watching Cruise and Optional Dolphin Swim

Off Funchal, the coast drops behind you as a fast RIB heads into open water in search of dolphins and whales. The ride is part of the appeal: you are low to the sea, close to the action, and moving between possible sighting spots rather than watching the water from a large boat.

I like the small-group format, which makes it easier to see the animals from close range, and the guides’ clear attention to wildlife welfare. Guides including Anna, Paulo, and Mark have shared useful details about marine life and the island. One thing to weigh: the boat can be bumpy and exposed to wind, and the optional swim is brief and never guaranteed.

• Fast, small RIB: A compact boat can move quickly between reported wildlife sightings and gives you an open-water view close to the surface.
• Strong chance of seeing cetaceans: The operator reports a yearly average of 99% of trips with at least one cetacean sighting, though no wildlife encounter is certain.
• A conditional dolphin swim: The €20 add-on is charged only if you are allowed to enter the water. The swim is usually just one to two minutes per person.
• Cabo Girão from the sea: The route includes a scenic look at Madeira’s steep coastline and a photo stop near the cliff.
• A wildlife-first approach: You may get close to dolphins or whales, but the crew must follow local rules and animal behavior, not a schedule.
• Bring a warm layer: Wind can pick up offshore, and a windbreaker or waterproof jacket is useful even when the day starts sunny.

A fast start from Funchal’s harbor

The trip begins at the marina, where you board the RIB, hear a safety briefing, and put on a lifejacket. The meeting point can vary by booking option, so check the exact location before setting out. One practical wrinkle: the jetty entrance can be hard to spot, and there is not always clear signage. Follow the map pin and look for the boarding point by the jetty door.

Once underway, you leave the harbor and head along Madeira’s south coast toward open water. The coastline stays in view for much of the ride, offering a fine contrast between the island’s steep slopes and the wide Atlantic. The RIB’s speed adds a dash of fun, but it also means wind and spray are part of the deal.

This is a small-group outing rather than a large, slow cruise. That helps keep the experience personal and makes it easier to shift position for a view. The trade-off is less shelter and less room to move around. If you prefer a steady ride with indoor seating, a RIB may not be your best fit.

Searching the Atlantic for dolphins and whales

Finding wild animals is not a set-piece show. The crew searches for signs of life, and there can be stretches when you are simply scanning the water. The operator says its annual average is 99% of trips with at least one cetacean species sighted. That is encouraging, but it is a past average, not a promise for your date.

When the search pays off, you may see dolphins, pilot whales, sperm whales, or other species. Turtles are also possible, though less common. Sightings can happen at more than one location, and the crew may move quickly between them. The open, low-sided boat gives you a close view of the water, but it does not guarantee that every person will have the same clear angle.

The guides help make the time at sea more rewarding. Anna, Paulo, and Mark are among the crew members who have explained animal species, marine life, and aspects of Madeira. That context matters: it turns a passing fin or a distant blow into something you can understand, rather than just a photo opportunity.

I also value the crew’s reported care around the animals. The boat should not chase wildlife simply to get closer. One crew even stopped to collect a piece of plastic from the sea, a small act that fits the spirit of a nature-focused trip. Your best view may be from a respectful distance, and that is the right measure of success.

The RIB ride is part of the outing

The boat is not just a taxi to the wildlife. Its speed makes the journey itself lively, especially when it cuts across waves on the way to a sighting area. Several people have found the ride enjoyable even when the dolphins or whales were not the only highlight. On the return, the boat may hug the coast, giving you views of the southern shore and its cliffs and caves.

That speed and closeness to the sea come with a comfort cost. Conditions can make the ride bumpy, and it can feel cold once the wind rises. Take a windbreaker, sunglasses, a sun hat, and sunscreen. For winter months, bring a warmer waterproof jacket. Check the forecast and dress for the sea, not just the temperature on land.

If you are prone to motion sickness, keep in mind that one person found the RIB easier on the stomach than a larger boat, but that is not a guarantee. The ride can be rough, and your experience will depend on the day and your own tolerance. If a bumpy trip would spoil the outing, consider that before booking.

Cabo Girão and the coast from the water

The route includes a scenic pass and photo stop at Cabo Girão, one of Madeira’s dramatic coastal landmarks. Seen from the sea, the cliffs are a different proposition from a viewpoint on land: you get a sense of the steep shoreline rising above the water. It is a chance to take a breath between wildlife searches and enjoy the island’s scale.

The stop is part of a boat outing, not a land visit. Do not expect time to explore the cliff area on foot or to spend a long stretch at a lookout. The pleasure is in seeing the coastline from the water and taking a few photographs before the boat continues.

The dolphin swim is short, conditional, and special

The optional swim costs €20 per participant, but the fee is charged on site only if the crew can legally and safely let you enter the water. The animals must be behaving in a suitable way, and the swim is allowed only when the crew spots common dolphins or Atlantic spotted dolphins. If those conditions are not met, you pay only the standard trip price.

When a swim is possible, you use a mask and snorkel and hold onto a rope attached to the boat. The boat moves slowly enough for a brief look at dolphins in the water, but you are not swimming freely alongside them. Expect around one to two minutes in the water per person, not a long snorkeling session.

That short duration is deliberate. The crew must follow local animal-protection rules and avoid frightening or disturbing the dolphins. Some people find the experience exciting and well worth the extra cost; others may decide the boat-based encounter is enough. I would book the option only if you are comfortable with the possibility that you will not enter the water at all.

What the price includes, and what it does not

At $61 per person, the standard fare covers the boat trip, required safety equipment, applicable fees, taxes, and fuel surcharges. For a 2.5-hour trip with a small group, a guide, and a chance to see wildlife from the water, the price can represent good value, especially if you enjoy the ride as much as the sightings.

The dolphin swim is not included in that base price. It is a conditional €20 add-on, paid only if an allowed swim takes place. Drinks, snacks, and parking are also extra, so plan ahead if you will need refreshments or are driving to the marina.

A private boat is available for groups of up to 18 passengers. That can make sense for a family or a group of friends who want the boat to themselves, though the trip still depends on wildlife conditions and the rules for approaching animals. For a solo traveler or a couple, the standard small-group trip is likely the more sensible choice.

Who will enjoy this trip most

This outing suits you if you want a close-to-the-water view, enjoy a brisk boat ride, and are willing to treat wildlife watching as a search rather than a performance. It is also a good choice if you like learning about marine life from the crew while seeing Madeira’s coast from a different angle.

Families have taken the trip with children, and the mix of a fast ride and wildlife can keep older children engaged. But the open boat, wind, and bumpy water may not suit every child or anyone who needs a calmer ride. Bring warm layers for everyone and be realistic about the conditions.

You may want a different kind of cruise if you need shelter, dislike rough water, or expect a long, relaxed swim. The dolphin option is tightly limited, and the wildlife is wild. The boat can take you to likely sighting areas, but it cannot promise a particular species or a close encounter.

A few practical points before you book

The tour lasts about 2.5 hours, with at least two hours spent out on the water before the return to Funchal. English and Portuguese are the listed guide languages. Check the meeting point for your chosen option, since it may vary, and use the supplied map pin to find the jetty entrance.

The operator offers a free return trip within one year if no cetacean species is sighted. The repeat visit depends on availability and cannot be transferred. That softens the risk of a quiet day, though it does not help if you are only in Madeira for a short stay.

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and the booking option allows you to reserve now and pay later. Check available start times before choosing, and bring a jacket even if the harbor feels warm. At sea, the weather can change the feel of the trip quickly.

Should you book the Funchal RIB cruise?

I would book this trip if you want a lively, small-group wildlife search and are happy to trade comfort for speed and closeness to the water. The crew’s care for the animals, the coastal views, and the chance to see dolphins or whales make the outing worthwhile even when the optional swim is not possible.

Choose another boat style if you want a sheltered, smooth ride or a guaranteed swim. For most people who enjoy the sea and can handle a bumpy ride, this is a good-value way to spend a half-day on Madeira’s Atlantic coast. Book the swim option only if you are content with a short, conditional encounter.

FAQ

How long is the cruise?

The activity lasts about 2.5 hours. The boat spends at least two hours out at sea before returning to Funchal.

What wildlife might I see?

The crew searches for dolphins and whales, and turtles are sometimes seen. The operator reports a yearly average of 99% of trips with at least one cetacean sighting, but sightings are not guaranteed.

Is swimming with dolphins included in the $61 price?

No. The swim is an optional €20 add-on. You are charged only if it is possible to enter the water under the applicable rules and conditions.

How long do you spend in the water?

If the swim takes place, each participant is usually in the water for around one to two minutes. You wear a mask and snorkel and hold a rope attached to the boat.

What should I bring?

Bring a windbreaker, sunglasses, a sun hat, sunscreen, and a jacket. The sea can quickly feel windy, and a warmer waterproof jacket is advised in winter.

What happens if no cetaceans are seen?

You are invited to join another trip free of charge within one year, subject to availability. The repeat trip is non-transferable.

Is a private tour available?

Yes. A private boat can take up to 18 passengers.