Dolphin trips · MADEIRA
Good madeira dolphin tours sail early and fill up weeks ahead. Below: the 15 to book first, what each includes and how they differ.
From Funchal Marina, Magic Dolphin’s 3-hour cruise uses Madeira’s only hybrid-electric whale-watching catamaran. Look for dolphins, pilot whales, sperm whales, turtles, and seabirds with help from land-based spotters, then return past Cabo Girão and Câmara de Lobos.
“we were lucky and sow bottleneck dolphins, common dolphins and pilot whales. it s all about luck”
Spend three hours aboard Catamaran Seaborn, searching Madeira’s waters for dolphins, whales, turtles, and flying fish with an English or Portuguese guide. The trip includes a stop beneath Cabo Girão for swimming in summer, plus space to relax on deck and drinks for purchase.
“Great trip where we saw at least 59 dolphins in a big group. No whales but that would have been a bonus! Nice choice of swimming spot, right beneath the cliffa”
From Funchal’s New Marina, you’ll sail aboard the Atlantic Pearl with a Portuguese or English-speaking guide, scan the open sea for dolphins and whales, and stop beneath 580-meter Cabo Girão for swimming and snorkeling. The small-group boat has shaded seating, hammocks, bathrooms, and drinks for purchase.
“Great time. Saw dolphins and pilot whales and went to a nice cove for a swim. Guides were funny and nice”
Sail from Funchal with a welcome glass of sparkling wine, then search for whales, dolphins, and turtles aboard a spacious catamaran. Crew members such as Liv, David, Bruno, Maggie, and Nico have been praised for attentive service. The trip includes local snacks, unlimited drinks, and a swim beneath Cabo Girão.
“We had a wonderful trip out. We were extremely well looked after by the crew especially Nic the captain and Maggi . Despite being a little choppy we felt very safe . The crew were very knowledgeable and extremely considerate of the marine life . The catamaran was first class and immaculate . We enjoyed the local wines and snacks that were served to us . It was so enjoyable to be in small group , plenty of room to sit wherever we wanted , or move around . Thank you. Will definitely recommend your tour”
You’ll sail from Funchal Marina on a spacious catamaran with indoor seating, sunbeds, and nets over the water. The crew, including captain Fabio on some departures and marine specialists such as Clara and Natasha, watches for dolphins and whales, explains Madeira’s sea life, and stops at Cabo Girão for swimming when conditions and season allow.
“Staff are very knowledgable and friendly! They also clearly work so hard to create the best experience!”
Sail from Funchal with a small group of up to 20 people, searching for dolphins, whales, and sea turtles before stopping near Cabo Girão for swimming and snorkeling. Guides such as Bruno, Roberto, José, and Marco are known for warm hosting. Drinks, gear, and sunset views are included.
“Definitely would recommend! Marco was an amazing guide and we had some truly spectacular views!”
Spend three hours aboard a spacious catamaran from Funchal Marina, searching for dolphins, whales, and turtles with English or Portuguese commentary. In summer, swim below Cabo Girão. The crew, including Vin, Alex, Sin, and Viet on some departures, explains the animals and local coast.
“Loved the trip, the only thing I was waiting to see was dolphins, but didn’t get to see them”
Join Gaviao Madeira for a three-hour sailing trip from Funchal with guides such as Bruno and Joseph. Watch for dolphins, whales, and turtles offshore, then swim or snorkel near Cabo Girão. The small yacht, relaxed crew, and included drinks make this a gentler choice than a large catamaran.
“It was a beautiful experience, the captains talked with us and were very friendly. The group was limited to a maximum of 20 people to ensure enough space and a pleasant atmosphere. Thank you very much for a lovely day at sea!”
From Funchal, ride a fast 18-seat RIB with a marine biologist and land-based spotters searching for wild dolphins, pilot whales, sperm whales, and more. Expect lively sea conditions, useful wildlife facts, and a real chance to see cetaceans, with a free second trip if none appear.
“Carolina and Pedro were great, they really tried to find whales and dolphins for us. The boat ride was really good.”
Set out from Funchal’s new marina on a two-hour RIB tour limited to 18 people. Guides such as Camila, Fernanda, and Vlad share marine facts while the boat searches for dolphins, pilot whales, sperm whales, turtles, and flying fish. Swimming is possible only with suitable dolphin species and sea conditions.
“The trip was AMAZING!! It was SO interesting and fun – truly the best experience we had during our stay in Madeira! Our guide Fernanda and the captain Marco were absolutely wonderful. Fernanda was incredibly knowledgeable and shared so many fascinating stories and facts throughout the trip. She was warm, engaging, and made the whole experience even more special. We were lucky enough to see both whales and dolphins swimming right next to our boat – it was SO MUCH FUN! Highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Madeira – unforgettable!”
Join Blue Safari Madeira for a two-hour small-group speedboat trip from Funchal. Marine biologists such as Camila and land-based spotters help find dolphins, pilot whales, sperm whales, turtles, and seabirds while the crew keeps a respectful distance.
“If I could give 11/10 rating, I would. Great guides with amazing stories. You could really tell they were super passionate about whales and dolphins and about the conservation of those species. During our trip we saw both whale and dolphin species, although you'll soon learn they're all whales;)! Highly recommend!”
Join a maximum of 18 passengers aboard Magic Dolphin’s rebuilt Sea Safari for two hours offshore from Funchal. A captain, marine biologist, and land-based spotters help locate dolphins, whales, turtles, and seabirds. Guides such as Clara, Natasha, and Florienne are praised for their lively, careful explanations.
“We were beyond excited to see a whale within the first 20 minutes. Unfortunately that was the only mammal we saw however the fun of being in a speed boat and the whale mde it all worth it.”
Set out from Funchal Marina on a 3-hour catamaran cruise along Madeira’s south coast. A trained crew searches for dolphins and whales, explains the marine life, and may stop for a swim below Cabo Girão when conditions allow. Drinks and toilets are available on board.
“I enjoyed the whale watching tour and got as promised, beautiful sighting of wales near Madeira island! There was two main stops, one for wales and one for a dip in the ocean on the other side of the island. It would’ve been nice to add a third stop/ a welcome drink for the price. Some notes for guests… There is a place to buy drinks and snacks/ food on board. The water was quite choppy at times so if you get sea sick bring some medicines and stay on the top deck for a smoother ride. The operator is VMT, not magic dolphin! Overall I am glad I chose…”
From Calheta Marina, join a two-hour speedboat trip with Lobosonda, guided in English or German by crew such as Hannah, Paula, or Pedro. Expect open-water searching, coastal views, and possible sightings of dolphins, sperm whales, pilot whales, turtles, seabirds, jellyfish, and flying fish.
“We booked this trip as a family activity. We didn't spot any whales or dolphins, which we knew can happen. And they gave us discount on our next trip. But the crew is very knowledgeable about wildlife and preservation and taught us lots of new facts. The ride itself was huge fun and the kids have loved it.”
From Funchal Marina, you’ll spend 2.5 hours on a fast, small-group RIB with an English- or Portuguese-speaking guide, land-based spotters, and a skipper who knows where to look. Expect close-to-water views, possible splashes, Madeira’s dramatic coast, and a free second trip if no cetaceans appear.
“Francisca, Filipe, and the spotter (I can’t remember their name!) were all excellent. We saw a few different species of animals and multiple spottings. Francisca talked us through the animals, about the species, what they looked like, any special features to look out for, and (most importantly) which direction to look at. The team seemed to care about the animals and the ocean - we stopped for a minute to collect a large piece of garbage that was floating. Depending on the animal, some may be further away from the boat and some may get up close. Either way, I recommend trying to watch the animals with your eyes vs…”
Pick a hull, pick the water you want to be in, or decide whether you want them wild.
