Dolphin trips · WHALE AND DOLPHIN WATCHING TOURS IN PORTUGAL
Good whale and dolphin watching tours in Portugal 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”
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 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”
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.”
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 H2O Madeira in Calheta for a roughly two-hour RIB boat trip along Madeira’s south coast. A land-based spotter helps the crew find dolphins and whales, while your guide explains the species and local sea life. Expect a small group of up to 12, open-water views, and a bumpy ride.
“Really fun watching the dolphins playj and the boat ride was a nice way to see the beautiful coast from another perspective (even tho the seas were really rough). Exxcellent guide and crew. Sounds like the odds of seeing Whales are really low all year round so would probably make that clearer.”
Set out from Calheta Marina aboard a comfortable yacht for about 2.5 hours of coastal views, wildlife spotting, and a swim stop. Captains such as Emanuel and crew members including Thiago explain Madeira’s sea life, provide snorkel gear and towels, and may share photos afterward. Sunset departures include swimming and sparkling wine, but no whale watching.
“Let me start with the positive, friendly staff and crew on board that’s trying to make a living in these difficult times. But the whole concept from start to end is a hoax. Viator is just a greedy provider exploiting small tour companies. We booked the whale tour🤣🤣and couldn’t get information about time because.... ohhh the weather? Wells the weather happened to be the same all day at sea, from early morning to dusk. A gentle breeze or even less than that... 2-3 second meter wind. Anyway was the morning 10 am trip not available because of weather conditions 🤔 No the truth is that it was most likely sold…”
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!”
Pick a hull, pick the water you want to be in, or decide whether you want them wild.
