Dolphin trips · PORTUGAL
Common dolphins off the Algarve cliffs, deep water at Madeira and the Azores, and a resident bottlenose group in the Sado estuary. These 15 are priced and timed, with a note on which ones take the Benagil caves as well.
Join Dream Wave Algarve for a 2.5-hour speedboat trip from Albufeira Marina. Guides such as Christian, Diego, Danny, and Johnny explain the coast and marine life while you visit Benagil, search for dolphins, and swim if sea conditions permit.
“It was great - we saw dolphins and the cave was beautiful. Christian was really knowledgable and Jesus was a great captain!”
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”
Cruise 18 kilometers of Algarve coast from Albufeira with a skipper and live guide, entering Benagil Cave for a few minutes, pausing to swim when conditions allow, and searching for dolphins. Ana, Ruben, and Diogo are among the crew members frequently assigned to this lively 2 to 2.5-hour outing.
“Thoroughly enjoyed every second of the trip Ana was very informative and interesting We were lucky enough to find a pod of dolphins which was great. Unfortunately, weather conditions prohibited entry into the caves but was still enjoyable and definitely worth the money”
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 Albufeira Marina, XRide takes you along the Algarve coast toward Carvoeiro and Benagil Cave. Expect multilingual guides, a safety briefing, dolphin spotting, cave visits, and a possible swim stop. Guides such as Raul, Victor, Hugo, and Dominic are known for lively commentary and careful attention on board.
“we booked for dolphin watching and Benagil Cave to see, the staffs were very friendly and nice, we saw many dolphins. when I got sea sickness they took care of me very professionally and I am so thankfull”
Set out from Albufeira Marina for 2.5 hours aboard a semi-rigid boat limited to 18 people. Guides such as Diogo, Dani, Johnny, and Daniel share coastal facts, search for wild dolphins, enter Algarve caves, and may stop for a swim when sea conditions allow.
“Able to see all the caves …. Great maneuvering, scenery, and sense of humor. We didn’t see dolphins, but they definitely tried.”
From Albufeira Marina, ride a fast semi-rigid boat 18 km along the Algarve coast with a skipper and marine biologist. Search for wild dolphins, visit Benagil Cave when sea conditions permit, view Alfanzina Lighthouse, and swim at sea. Expect splashes and a chilly breeze.
“Thomas made our activity really memorable. He had knowledge that he shared with us all and he even took the time to speak to everyone individually. Thank you Thomas for making it a great experience for us”
Spend three hours off São Miguel searching for whales and dolphins with Futurismo Azores Whale Watching. A marine biologist explains local species, safety, and respectful viewing. Choose a steadier catamaran or an exciting Zodiac, with a second trip offered if no animals are seen.
“The tour was amazing. Because I captain decided not to stop at the dolphins we got the chance to see a curious sperm whale up close all by ourselves. The male came to about half a meter to our boat and looked at us curiously. What a thrill. After that we saw two more sperm whales, one sei whale, Atlantic spotted dolphins and common dolphins.”
From Portimão Marina, a multilingual marine biologist guides you toward Benagil, Marinha Beach, and nearby caves before the boat heads offshore for dolphins. Expect fast cruising, live geology and wildlife commentary, a possible swim stop, cushioned seating, and a 90 to 95 percent cetacean sighting chance.
“Absolutely wonderful experience. We did a combo tour (Benagil cave + dolphin watching with a marine biologist). The weather was perfect, they took us first in search of dolphins quite deep into the sea. The boat ride itself was fun and our marine biologist (Elena) was quite knowledgeable and knew how to read the signs. After about 15 min of sailing, we spotted dolphins and it was WOW 👌 We 👀 100s, maybe even 1000s of them. They are extremely playful and love the currents created by the boat. We stayed in the waters for about 20 min and enjoyed watching the dolphins. Then, we sailed back to the coast…”
Cruise from Estação Fluvial Sul e Sueste past Lisbon’s landmarks and out toward the Atlantic in search of wild dolphins. Guides such as Anna, Barbara, and Telma add local stories and marine insight. The $38 fare includes a 2.5-hour cruise and open bar, but dolphin sightings are never guaranteed.
“everything was well organised. the meeting point and the whole experience in general. the beer and sangria was EXCELLENT!! The staff were friendly and professional (max 2 people outside at the front of the boat for example) would have been great to see dolphins but again we know they are wild animals so there is no guarantee. we appreciate the effort that the crew made to try and find them for us. overall, it's an activity that we would do again.”
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”
From Lagos Marina, you’ll spend 2.5 hours searching for wild dolphins with a marine biologist, then cruise the Algarve coast to Benagil Cave and other sea caves. The Hurricane speedboat is fast, wheelchair accessible, and fitted with twin hydrojet systems designed to avoid harming marine life.
“Great fun trip and we got to see dolphins and a porpoise 😬 and beautiful caves/coastline. Friendly and helpful guides. Very enjoyable trip. Would recommend.”
Cruise Madeira’s southern coast aboard Magic Dolphin’s 2022 hybrid-electric catamaran. Shore spotters guide the captain to dolphins and whales, while certified guides explain the species and ocean ecology. Allow 2.5 to 3 hours, bring warm layers and waterproof clothing, and expect possible spray.
“Got to see dolphins, sperm and pilot whales. Also opportunity to learn more about them and the area. Plenty of room on board with helpful staff making sure you got to see the wildlife.”
Set out from Doca de Santo Amaro with SeaEO Tours for a three-hour dolphin search led by a marine biologist. Expect a fast RIB ride, wildlife lessons, seabirds, and views of Bugio Lighthouse and Belém. Guides such as Sid, Bart, Sara, and Cidonio are praised for clear, caring commentary.
“The trip was amazing! We saw lots of dolphins. Our captain and the guide, who is a marine biologist, were both very friendly. They shared a lot of interesting information interacted with the participants and made the whole experience engaging. The entire tour is conducted with great respect for the dolphins — you can observe them in their natural environment. It was definitely worth the price. Everything was well organized and I felt very safe. I enjoyed it very much!”
Pick a hull, pick the water you want to be in, or decide whether you want them wild.
