From Funchal: Whales and Dolphin Adventure Tour

Madeira’s cetaceans are wild, and this small speedboat gets you out looking for them without a crowd of a hundred people between you and the sea. The chance of spotting whales or dolphins is advertised at 99 percent, but no sighting is guaranteed; if you see nothing, the operator offers another trip or, if weather prevents it, a voucher.

I like the 18-person limit and the chance to hear from a marine biologist such as Camila, who has explained local species and research to guests. The boat’s speed also helps it cover more ground than a slower vessel, while the island’s coastline provides a fine view on the way out.

The trade-off is a bumpy ride. A RIB can pitch through waves, and passengers have reported sore seats and seasickness, so this is not the best choice if you are sensitive to motion. Swimming is a possibility, not a promise, and only considered with common or spotted dolphins when the animals and sea conditions make it appropriate.

What to know before you go

• Small boat, open views: The custom speedboat carries up to 18 people, rather than the much larger groups common on catamarans.
• Two hours at sea: The tour leaves from Funchal’s new marina, searches for cetaceans, then returns to the same point.
• Wildlife sets the agenda: You may see dolphins, whales, both, or no animals. The operator offers a free return trip if there are no sightings.
• Swimming depends on the dolphins: A swim may be offered with common or spotted dolphins only, and only when animal behaviour and sea conditions allow.
• Bring a jacket and towel: Spray and wind can soak you on the speedboat; swimming gear is useful if a water entry is offered.
• Plan for a bumpy ride: The speed and smaller size make the trip lively, but those same qualities can bother people prone to seasickness.

A fast start from Funchal’s marina

The trip begins at the new marina in Funchal. Find the speedboat in front of door 4, the last door on the left when you are looking toward the sea. Arrive 20 minutes before departure so you have time to find the boat and meet the crew.

If you are driving, the Almirante Reis parking lot is a few minutes away. The Marina Park is private, so do not assume it is the place to leave your car. The operator also provides a short video with directions, which is worth checking before you set off if you are unfamiliar with the marina.

The boat ride lasts about two hours, so this is a compact outing that can fit into a day of exploring Funchal. Starting times vary, so check availability when choosing a date. The guide speaks English or Portuguese.

The speedboat changes the feel of the search

With a maximum of 18 people, this is a more personal outing than a large catamaran cruise. You are not sharing the view with a hundred people, and it is easier to keep sight of the water around the boat. The low, open seating also gives you a close-to-the-sea perspective, though it means you are more exposed to spray and wave movement.

The skipper can cover distance quickly, an advantage when animals are moving or sightings are reported farther along the coast. The crew searches rather than taking you to a fixed viewing point. That makes the trip feel like an actual wildlife expedition, but it also means the route and pace depend on where animals are found.

A speedboat is not automatically a smoother or more comfortable choice. The same power that helps it range farther can make the ride bouncy in choppy conditions. Some people find that part exciting; others report feeling seasick or sore after sitting through the bumps. If motion is a concern for you, consider that carefully before booking.

Looking for dolphins and whales

Once the boat leaves Funchal, the crew scans the water for signs of marine life. You might see dolphins travelling in a pod, whales surfacing, or other wildlife such as flying fish or a sea turtle. Sightings vary: some trips encounter dolphins soon after leaving the marina, while on others it can take most of the two hours to find animals.

The advertised sighting chance is 99 percent, but it is still an estimate, not a guarantee. These are free-ranging animals, and the crew cannot direct them to the boat or promise a particular species. Some trips see dolphins but no whales; others have encountered pilot whales or sperm whales. Even a brief glimpse of a whale can be memorable, but book for the experience of searching rather than a specific animal.

If the boat spots dolphins or whales, expect the guide to explain what you are seeing and answer questions. Marine biologists including Camila and other guides have shared information about the animals, their behaviour and the research their team conducts. The crew has also been praised for treating wildlife with care, allowing animals to approach rather than chasing them. That approach can mean you wait, or keep your distance, but it is the right way to watch wild animals.

The tour operates under animal-welfare rules developed in consultation with World Animal Protection. For me, that matters: the goal should be to observe wildlife on its terms, not to force a close encounter for a better photograph.

Swimming is an extra, not the main event

If conditions allow, the crew may offer you the chance to enter the water when the boat encounters common or spotted dolphins. The decision depends both on the animals’ behaviour and on sea conditions. A calm patch of water and the right species do not guarantee a swim; animals with young or showing signs that they want to move on may not be approached for this activity.

When a swim is allowed, it is a short, guided encounter, not a guarantee that dolphins will swim beside every person. The snorkeling mask and snorkel are included. Bring your own swimwear and towel, and follow the guide’s instructions about entering and leaving the water.

It is important to book this tour for the boat trip and wildlife watching, not on the assumption that you will swim. Many outings do not include a water entry, and the crew may decide against it even after finding dolphins. That can be disappointing if swimming was your main reason for booking, but animal welfare and safety should come first.

What the two hours feel like

The tour’s itinerary is simple: meet at the marina, cruise around Madeira’s coast while searching for wildlife, then return to the same starting point. There are no land stops or meals included. The experience is built around the open water, the changing coastline and the search for animals.

During the cruise, you can keep watch in every direction rather than trying to claim a spot at the rail. Take photos with your phone if you like, but keep it secure when the boat is moving. Some guides also take photographs that you can choose to purchase at the end; that is optional, and you can take your own pictures.

The island looks different from the sea, and the ride itself can be part of the pleasure. On a calm day, the water may be clear and the coastline striking. In rougher conditions, the ride can feel more like an adventure than a restful cruise. The weather can change quickly, so the operator may postpone a trip if conditions are not suitable.

Is $58 a fair price?

At $58 per person, the value rests on the small group, the specialist guiding and the chance to see marine life in the wild. You are paying for a two-hour outing with a speedboat that can cover ground, not for a guaranteed whale sighting or a swim. Compared with a large boat tour, the smaller capacity may be worth the price if you prefer a closer, less crowded experience.

The included mask and snorkel are useful if a swim is offered. Food is not included, though there is a café where you can buy something. For a short tour, that is easy enough to plan around: eat before or after, rather than expecting a meal on board.

There is also a meaningful safeguard if the search turns up no whales or dolphins. The operator offers another free trip, or, if weather makes another departure unavailable, a free trip voucher valid for two years. That helps reduce the risk of an empty wildlife outing, though it does not remove the possibility of a rescheduled trip or an inconvenient return visit.

Pack for spray, sun and changing weather

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen and a jacket. A raincoat is a sensible extra: the boat can throw spray over you, particularly when it is moving quickly through waves. You may dry off on the way back, but that is not much comfort if you are cold in the meantime.

There is no food served on the boat. Use the nearby café if you want to buy something, and keep in mind that the trip is only two hours. Anyone who gets seasick should be cautious. The speedboat is lively, and reports of bumpy conditions make it clear that this is not a smooth-water cruise every time.

The tour is not suitable for children under 10 or for pregnant women. It is weather-dependent, and sea conditions can change quickly, so leave some flexibility in your schedule if this is a must-do activity. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option lets you hold a spot without paying immediately.

Who will enjoy this most?

This outing suits you if you want an active, small-group search for wildlife and are happy with a bit of spray and motion. It is especially appealing if you value guides who can explain marine life and research, and if a respectful approach to animals matters as much to you as getting close.

It is less suitable if you need a smooth ride, want a guaranteed whale sighting, or are booking specifically to swim with dolphins. The water entry is conditional, and the sea can be rough. Families should also note the age restriction: children under 10 cannot join.

Should you book the Funchal speedboat tour?

I would consider booking if you are comfortable with an unpredictable wildlife search and want a small boat rather than a crowded cruise. The guide’s marine-life explanations, the open view from an 18-person boat and the chance to see dolphins or whales make the price reasonable for an active two-hour outing.

Choose another kind of boat trip if comfort is your priority, and do not treat swimming as part of the guaranteed package. If you go, arrive early, bring a jacket and towel, and give the animals room to decide how close they come. That is both the more respectful approach and the best way to set expectations.

FAQ

How long is the whale and dolphin tour?

The speedboat tour lasts two hours, including the cruise and wildlife search, and returns to its departure point at Funchal’s new marina.

Where do I meet the boat?

Meet the guide at the speedboat in front of door 4, the last door on the left when facing the sea. Arrive 20 minutes before departure.

What is included in the price?

The tour includes use of a snorkeling mask and snorkel. Food is not served, but there is a café where you can buy it.

Can I swim with the dolphins?

Possibly. The crew may offer a water entry with common or spotted dolphins when animal behaviour and sea conditions allow. It is not guaranteed.

What happens if no animals are spotted?

If no dolphins or whales are seen, you are offered another free tour. If weather prevents another trip, you can receive a free trip voucher valid for two years.

What should I bring, and who cannot join?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen and a jacket. The tour is not suitable for children under 10 or pregnant women.