From Funchal: Whales and Dolphin Adventure Tour

Madeira’s best wildlife encounters happen out in the open Atlantic, not behind glass. This two-hour speedboat trip gives you a real chance to see dolphins and whales in the wild, with a small group of no more than 18 people and guides such as marine biologists Camila and Fernanda. The fast boat can cover more water than a larger catamaran, which matters when animals may be several miles from Funchal.

I like two things here: the intimate boat makes it easy to look in every direction, and the crew takes animal welfare seriously. The possible swim with common or spotted dolphins is a rare bonus, not a promise. The main drawback is the ride itself. It can be very bumpy, and you may get soaked, so bring a jacket and expect a proper sea adventure rather than a gentle cruise.

Key points to know before booking

• Small RIB with room for 18: You get a much clearer view than on a boat carrying more than 100 people.
• Two hours on the Atlantic: The crew uses the speedboat to search a wide area around Madeira.
• Dolphin swimming is conditional: You may enter the water only with suitable dolphin species and safe sea conditions.
• Guides add real marine context: Camila, Fernanda, Vlad, and other guides have been praised for clear explanations and research work.
• The sea can be rough: Several people describe the ride as exhilarating, but it is not ideal if you are prone to seasickness.
• Wildlife is never guaranteed: The operator advertises a 99 percent sighting chance and offers a free return trip if nothing is seen, subject to availability and weather.

Leaving Funchal on a fast, open sea boat

Your tour begins at the new marina in Funchal. Meet the crew 20 minutes before departure at the speedboat in front of door 4, the last door on the left when you are facing the sea. That extra time matters. The marina can be easy to miss if you arrive in a hurry, and the boat will not be waiting while you search for the right entrance.

If you drive, use the Almirante Reis parking lot. Do not use Marina Park, which is private. The supplied Google Maps point is the most useful way to find the departure spot, and the operator also provides a short directions video.

Once aboard, you are in a compact RIB rather than a broad sightseeing boat. That gives you a better sightline across the water. You do not have to run from one side to the other when a fin appears, and the smaller group feels more personal. The tradeoff is comfort. A fast, low boat responds to every wave, and several accounts describe sore backsides and a bumpy ride.

The boat carries up to 18 people, a major advantage over a catamaran carrying more than 100. You get less crowding, quicker boarding, and more space to follow the guide’s instructions. On the other hand, the boat’s speed and open seating mean wind and spray are part of the deal. Wear swimwear under your clothes, pack a towel, and bring a waterproof jacket or raincoat. You may get wet even when the weather looks fine from shore.

Searching Madeira’s Atlantic waters for wildlife

The first part of the trip is not a set route with fixed stops. The captain and guide search the water, using reports and their own experience to find active pods. This flexible approach is important because dolphins and whales are wild animals, not scheduled performers.

The speedboat’s strong engines let the crew cover a larger area than a slower boat. That improves your chances of finding several groups, and it keeps the trip from becoming a short ride around the harbor. The tradeoff is that more speed also means more impact from waves. If you want calm seating and a steady view, a catamaran may suit you better. If you want an active search with a little adrenaline, the RIB is the stronger choice.

Sightings can include bottlenose dolphins, common dolphins, spotted dolphins, pilot whales, sperm whales, and other whale species. You might also see sea turtles, flying fish, or Portuguese man-o-war, as some trips have. A large pod can fill the water around the boat, while a whale sighting may be shorter and more distant. Even a few dolphins near the end of the outing can be worthwhile, but you should set your expectations around wildlife rather than a guaranteed show.

The operator gives a 99 percent chance of seeing whales or dolphins. That is a strong promise, but nature still controls the result. If no cetaceans are seen, you are offered another free trip. If weather prevents a return visit, you receive a voucher valid for two years. The policy reduces the risk, though it cannot recreate the lost time in your holiday.

Guides who make the sightings mean more

The guide is a big part of this experience. Several crew members have received especially warm praise, including Camila, Fernanda, Vlad, Agata, Natasha, Florine, Francisco, Marco, and Ruben. Names and crew combinations vary, but the pattern is clear: the best part is not only finding an animal, but understanding what you are seeing.

Camila has a marine biology background and has combined guiding with research work. Fernanda has been praised for her warmth and clear explanations, while Vlad has worked alongside guides to keep the trip friendly and informative. Natasha has also been singled out for explaining species, answering questions, and setting clear rules around contact with wildlife.

I like that the guide’s role is more than pointing toward a fin. You may learn how to tell dolphins apart, why some groups approach a boat, and why the crew may stop a swim even when the right species is present. The animal’s behavior comes first.

The company says its operating rules were created with World Animal Protection. In practical terms, the crew does not chase animals that show no interest, and swimming is only considered when the species and conditions are suitable. This is especially important when pods include young dolphins. A pod with babies may be left alone rather than used for a swim encounter.

The possible dolphin swim, and why it may not happen

Swimming with wild dolphins is the feature that sets this tour apart from a standard viewing cruise, but you should treat it as an extra chance, not the main product. The possibility applies to common or spotted dolphins, and only when the sea is safe and the animals’ behavior supports it.

When a swim goes ahead, the crew controls the process. Past outings have used small groups of about four people at a time, with each group entering gently and holding a rope attached to the boat while it continues moving slowly. The dolphins choose how close they want to come. You do not touch, feed, or direct them.

Some people have had a few minutes in the water with dolphins nearby. Others have seen the correct species but could not swim because of strong waves, animal behavior, or the presence of young dolphins. That is not a failure of the tour. It is the responsible decision, though you should not pay for this outing solely because you expect to swim.

The water around Madeira is often clear enough for a memorable look below the surface, but conditions vary. Bring a swimsuit and towel, and use the supplied mask and snorkel if the crew allows a swim. You do not need to bring your own snorkeling equipment.

What two hours feels like on the water

Two hours is enough time to leave Funchal, search open water, watch wildlife, and return without taking over your entire day. It also means the pace can be brisk. You may spend long stretches scanning the sea, then suddenly shift attention as the captain changes direction toward a pod.

The boat trip itself is part of the activity. You get views back toward Madeira’s coast and a close feel for the island’s position in the Atlantic. On calm days, the ride can feel light and exciting. On windy days, the same speed can make the trip rough, with spray coming over the sides.

The company describes the speedboat as a way to avoid motion sickness, but that claim needs a practical qualification. A smaller boat can get to wildlife quickly, yet several people found the ride bumpy, and one person specifically advised caution for anyone with a sensitive stomach. If you are concerned, sit where the crew directs you, keep your eyes on the horizon when possible, and bring any medication you normally use. A sick bag is available.

There is no food served on the boat. A café near the departure point sells food, so eat beforehand if you need something substantial. Pack only what you can keep secure and dry. Your phone is useful for photos, but a waterproof case is a smart choice.

How much value do you get for $58?

At $58 per person, this is reasonably priced for a small-group marine wildlife outing from Funchal. You are paying for a two-hour search aboard a purpose-built speedboat, not a guaranteed whale performance. The value improves if you care about having fewer people around you and want the possibility of a dolphin swim.

A larger boat may offer more room to move, a steadier ride, and a more relaxed pace. This trip gives you speed, closer viewing positions, and a better chance to scan the full horizon. For many people, that difference matters more than onboard comfort.

The price also includes mask and snorkel use, along with guiding in English or Portuguese. Food is not included, and any photos taken by the crew may be available to purchase separately. You can take your own photos and videos, but keep your phone protected from spray.

A free return tour if nothing is seen adds useful protection, though availability and weather still apply. The flexible booking terms also let you cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund or reserve now and pay later.

Who should book this Madeira whale tour?

I would choose this trip if you want an active outing with a small group and do not mind getting wet. It suits couples, friends, and families with children aged 10 or older who can handle a fast boat and follow safety instructions.

It is also a good fit if you care about marine conservation. The guides place clear limits on encounters, and extra money from some trips has supported nature preservation and research. You get a more thoughtful experience than simply chasing animals for photographs.

I would think twice if you are pregnant, since pregnant women are not accepted. I would also avoid it if you strongly dislike bumpy rides, have serious motion sensitivity, or need a calm, accessible boat setting. The tour is not suitable for children under 10.

Book early enough in your Madeira schedule to allow for weather changes. One outing was canceled twice before conditions finally allowed the boat out, and the eventual trip produced six sperm whales. Keeping a spare morning or afternoon available gives you a better chance of using the free rebooking option without losing another planned activity.

Should you book the Blue Safari Madeira speedboat?

Yes, if your idea of a good day at sea includes a fast ride, open water, and the chance to see wild dolphins or whales from a small boat. The strongest reasons are the 18-person limit, the enthusiastic marine guides, and the clear effort to avoid disturbing the animals.

Book with realistic expectations. You may see several pods, pilot whales, or even swim briefly with spotted dolphins. You may also spend much of the trip searching, see only a few animals, or find the sea too rough for a swim. That uncertainty is part of wildlife watching.

For $58, I think the balance is good. Bring a raincoat, protect your phone, arrive early, and keep a flexible day available. If you want Madeira’s marine life in a lively, personal setting rather than from a crowded catamaran, this is one of the better choices from Funchal.

FAQ

Where does the whale and dolphin tour depart from?

It departs from the new marina in Funchal. Meet the guide at the speedboat in front of door 4, the last door on the left when looking toward the sea.

How early should I arrive?

You should arrive 20 minutes before the scheduled departure time.

How long does the activity last?

The boat tour lasts two hours.

How many people can join the speedboat?

The speedboat takes a maximum of 18 people.

Can I swim with the dolphins?

Swimming may be offered if the animals are common or spotted dolphins and the sea and animal behavior make it safe. It is not guaranteed.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Mask and snorkel use are included when conditions allow water entry.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a jacket. A raincoat is a sensible extra because spray can reach the boat.

What happens if no whales or dolphins are seen?

You are offered another free tour. If weather makes another trip unavailable, you receive a free trip voucher valid for two years.