Whale & Dolphin Watching in Madeira: The 15 Best Trips

From Funchal: Ecological Catamaran Dolphin Whale Watching - Choosing your place on the catamaran

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 5,771 reviews · from $40Our pick

Set out from Funchal on a purpose-built catamaran with hybrid-electric engines, certified guides and land-based whale spotters. The 2.5 to 3-hour trip looks for dolphins, whales, turtles and seabirds, then follows Madeira’s south coast past Cabo Girão and includes a swim stop. Bar service, toilets, shaded seating and open viewing areas are on board.

“At first we had that "doomed to see nothing" feeling but three large schools of whales later, we were very happy.”

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Funchal: Dolphin and Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise

2.Dolphin and Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 5,697 reviews · 3 hours · from $41

From Funchal Marina, sail for three hours along Madeira’s coast aboard a spacious catamaran, watching for dolphins, whales and turtles. The crew speaks English and Portuguese and shares information about marine life. In summer, the trip may include a swim stop beneath Cabo Girão. Drinks are sold onboard; wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.

“Entire experience was amazing and all went as planned - we have been extremely lucky as we managed to watch whales and dolphins during the trip. Staff was helpful and also enjoyed watching with all the crew - we could see their happy faces. Wild life watching is seasonal and we picked the best time of the year.”

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Funchal Bay: Dolphin & Whale Watch Luxury Catamaran Cruise

3.Dolphin & Whale Watch Luxury Catamaran Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 2,684 reviews · 3 hours · from $47

Set sail from Funchal aboard the Atlantic Pearl for a three-hour coastal cruise with a crew speaking Portuguese and English. Watch for whales and dolphins, then stop near Cabo Girão for a swim or snorkel. The boat has covered seating, outdoor lounging areas, a bathroom and a bar where you can buy drinks.

“Despite not seeing any animals on the trip (obviously not the fault of the experience provider), we had such a great time. We chose the luxury catamaran as we wanted a more quieter experience, rather than a party boat and we got exactly what we paid for. We will cherish this memory! Thank you to the crew for the beautiful experience.”

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All Inclusive Whale and Dolphin Watching Luxury Tour

4.All Inclusive Whale and Dolphin Watching Luxury Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 2,573 reviews · 3 hours · from $93

From Funchal’s new marina, sail with a small group to look for whales, dolphins and turtles, then stop to swim beneath Cabo Girão. The three-hour trip includes sparkling wine, local snacks, unlimited drinks and snorkels. Crew members such as Liv, David and skipper Bruno have been praised for their attentive hosting, though wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.

“Excellent staff very friendly and knowledgeable. Great variety of drinks and snacks. Unfortunately no dolphins or whales!”

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Madeira Dolphin and Whale Watching on a Ecological Catamaran

5.Madeira Dolphin and Whale Watching on a Ecological Catamaran

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

Sail from Funchal aboard a purpose-built catamaran, watching for dolphins and whales guided by spotters on land. Certified guides explain the marine life, and hybrid-electric engines allow quieter cruising near cetaceans. The roughly three-hour outing may also pass Cabo Girão, Câmara de Lobos and Reid’s Hotel on the return.

“Well organised trip. We were on a cruise ship and walked to where the Magic Dolphin kiosk and boat are. All staff were very professional, particularly the staff on board. We saw pilot whales and common seals. Take a waterproof, as you may get very wet from sea spray on the return journey. You can purchase snacks and drinks on board although we didn’t take this up.”

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Funchal: Dolphin and Whale Watching by Luxury Catamaran

6.Dolphin and Whale Watching by Luxury Catamaran

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,709 reviews · 3 hours · from $47

From Funchal Marina, sail aboard a comfortable catamaran toward Cabo Girão while the crew helps you spot dolphins, whales, birds, and turtles and explains Madeira’s marine life. Choose shade indoors or a sunny spot on deck. Most trips last three hours and include a welcome drink; July and August early-morning departures last 2.5 hours and skip the swim stop.

“Very helpful, informative guides. We had a great day out, didn't happen to see whales but plenty of dolphins and a beautiful morning out on the water (and a dip in as well) cannot be disappointing EVER. Recommend !”

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VipDolphins Luxury Whale Watching

7.VipDolphins Luxury Whale Watching

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

Sail from Funchal’s marina on a modern catamaran with a maximum of 17 passengers. The three-hour trip searches for dolphins and whales, then pauses for a swim and snorkeling near Cabo Girao. Snacks, drinks, towels, and snorkeling gear are included. Crew names vary, with Sheila and Liv among those praised for attentive service.

“Great start views of the coast were incredible, snack and drinks provided. All questions answered and recommendations given. Highlight of trip was the pilot whales swimming close to us. Thank you Nick and crew I’m sure we will be back. Maggie thanks for info on where to visit.”

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Funchal: Dolphin and Whale Watching Sunset Sailing Tour

8.Dolphin and Whale Watching Sunset Sailing Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,642 reviews · from $63

Set out from Funchal with a live guide and a group of up to 20, watching for dolphins, whales, and sea turtles before a swim or snorkel stop beneath Cabo Girão. You get snorkeling gear and drinks on board, plus a sunset at sea. Guides Bruno, Roberto, Marco, and José are among the crew names praised for their warm, attentive hosting.

“Loved the experience. We were able to spot pilot whales, dolphins. Special mention to our captain and sailor Mr Roberto and Mr Bruno for their energy.”

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From Funchal: Madeira Dolphin and Whale Watching Tour

9.Madeira Dolphin and Whale Watching Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 1,444 reviews · 3 hours · from $47

Sail from Funchal Marina for three hours along Madeira’s south coast, searching for dolphins, whales and turtles with live commentary in English or Portuguese. In summer, the boat stops near Cabo Girão for a swim. Crew names vary; one recent outing named Vin, Alex, Sin and Viet.

“Loved the trip, the only thing I was waiting to see was dolphins, but didn’t get to see them”

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Funchal: Dolphin and Whale Watching Sailing Trip

10.Dolphin and Whale Watching Sailing Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 1,325 reviews · 3 hours · from $47

Sail three hours from Funchal with a captain and guide, watching for dolphins, whales, and turtles offshore. The small yacht heads toward Cabo Girão for a swim and snorkel stop, weather and conditions permitting. Drinks and snorkel gear are included; crew members such as Bruno and Joseph have helped make the outing personal and relaxed.

“Very professional staff, it was a wonderful day! :) There were big waves, it was an experience. I saw dolphins too. It was a wonderful 3 hours on the water. The beer is delicious ;)”

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From Funchal: Whale and Dolphin Watching

11.Whale and Dolphin Watching

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,313 reviews · 2.5 hours · from $56

From central Funchal, join a marine biologist and captain aboard a fast semi-rigid boat for a 2.5-hour search for whales and dolphins. Land-based spotters help direct the crew, and the small boats carry up to 18 people. Bring a windbreaker: spray and rough seas are possible. If no cetaceans are seen, the company promises a free second trip.

“Really enjoyable! Got to see both dolphins and whales”

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From Funchal: Whales and Dolphin Adventure Tour

12.Whales and Dolphin Adventure Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 1,235 reviews · 2 hours · from $58

Join Blue Safari Madeira for a two-hour speedboat trip from Funchal, with a maximum of 18 people and guides speaking English or Portuguese. Guides including marine biologist Camila explain the wildlife and research, while the skipper searches for dolphins and whales. Swimming with common or spotted dolphins may be possible, but depends on animal behaviour and sea conditions.

“Very professional guides with great consideration for the animals!”

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Whale and Dolphin Watching in Calheta, Madeira Island

13.Whale and Dolphin Watching in Calheta, Madeira Island

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,228 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $72

From Calheta, join H2O Madeira for an approximately two-hour ride in a small RIB, with space for up to 12 people. A spotter on land scans for cetaceans and guides the crew toward them. Expect coastal views and live commentary, but remember that sightings depend on wild animals and sea conditions.

“Great experience. The boat was very small, but ideal for viewing the dolphins. We saw two different types of dolphins; there were numerous sightings of each type. We saw them jumping out of the water and swimming next to and below the boat. The staff were highly knowledgeable and very friendly. They were also keen to ensure that the dolphins weren’t disturbed by the boat. I can thoroughly recommend the tour.”

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Whale and Dolphin Watching Tour in Madeira

14.Whale and Dolphin Watching Tour in Madeira

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

Set out from Calheta Marina with On Tales for a 2.5-hour coastal cruise, wildlife search, and a swim or snorkel stop when sea conditions allow. The crew provides masks, fins, towels, and drinks. Wildlife is never guaranteed, and sunset departures are for sunset, swimming, and sparkling wine, not whale watching.

“Seeing the island from the sea was an amazing experience as well as watching the dolphins jump in the water. Emanuel was a great captain, so knowledgeable and a lot of fun.”

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Funchal: Dolphin and Whale Watching Cruise

15.Dolphin and Whale Watching Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 844 reviews · 2 hours · from $58

Set out from Funchal on a two-hour speedboat trip with a captain and marine biologist guide. Land-based spotters use binoculars to locate wildlife, then direct the boat offshore. Expect close sea views, commentary on Madeira’s cetaceans and a lively ride. The boat carries up to 18 people, and you can rebook for €10 if you see neither dolphins nor whales.

“Amazing experience now for the second time for me. Knowledgeable, caring and friendly guide and pilot. Saw a large pod of Atlantic Spotted Dolphins and two sperm whales. Highly recommended. I would do this time and time again...”

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