Funchal on Madeira is a prime location for dolphin watching tours thanks to its clear Atlantic waters and abundant marine life. Whether you’re after an intimate, private experience or a lively group adventure, the waters off Funchal deliver. One of our favorites is the Private Dolphin and Whale Watching Tour in Madeira for its personalized service and front-row views—perfect if you want a private, relaxed outing without the crowds. On the other hand, the Guaranteed Whale or Dolphin Watching Tour offers a high success rate of spotting cetaceans, which makes it ideal for travelers who don’t want to leave without seeing something spectacular.
Madeira’s coastline is a hotspot for marine excursions, and the variety of tours here means there’s something for all—from quick half-hour trips to full-day adventures. Let’s look deeper into each of the top options to help you decide which suits your style and expectations.
1. Private Dolphin and Whale Watching Tour in Madeira
This private yacht charter promises a tailored experience, with your own skipper searching the open seas for dolphins, whales, and even sea turtles. The 2.5-hour trip is an intimate affair—up to five people—and offers the chance to snorkel and relax onboard a luxurious boat. The boat is equipped with refreshments, sparkling wine, and a shower, making it perfect for a comfortable, high-end outing.
Guests consistently rave about the personalized service and getting “front-row seats” to dolphin pods almost immediately after setting out. With flexible departures, you can plan your trip to suit your schedule, whether morning or afternoon.
Bottom line: If you’re after privacy, comfort, and a high chance of close encounters, this tour is worth every penny. Ideal for small groups and couples wanting a bespoke adventure.
2. Dolphin – Whale – Turtle – Bird Watching
This fast-paced tour uses a purpose-built speedboat with 500 HP engines, allowing you to cover large stretches of water quickly. It’s designed for wildlife enthusiasts eager to spot dolphins, whales, and even sea turtles in their natural habitat, all within just two hours. The small group size—only 18 people—ensures more personalized guidance from the two certified guides onboard.
What makes this tour stand out is the wildlife sighting guarantee: if you don’t see anything, you get a free trip. Guests appreciated the expert commentary and the smooth ride that minimizes motion sickness.
Bottom line: Perfect for active travelers who want assurance of seeing marine life and enjoy the thrill of a high-speed adventure.
3. Guaranteed Whale or Dolphin Watching Tour – Funchal
For around $58, this 2-hour trip offers a very high 99% chance of marine sightings, which is rare for wildlife tours. The small group (maximizing your chances of good views) departs from Funchal to explore the coastal waters teeming with cetaceans. It’s led by experienced guides who share insights about the animals’ behaviors.
Guests have seen pilot whales, bottlenose dolphins, and even sea turtles on this trip, with reviews highlighting the professional guides and the “amazing” experience.
Bottom line: If you want a high likelihood of marine encounters without breaking the bank, this tour is very reliable.
4. Magic Dolphin Celebrity
This 3-hour tour offers a delightful mix of land and sea experiences. Starting with a Jeep tour around Madeira’s mountainous terrain—visiting spots like Gabo Girao and Pico do Arieiro—you then hop onto a luxury catamaran to explore the coast and search for wildlife.
What sets this apart is the opportunity to see Madeira on land and sea in one day, with options to explore both the eastern or western sides of the island. The boat limits passengers to 25, ensuring a relaxed atmosphere, and the guides keep a keen eye out for whales and dolphins.
Guests describe the experience as “total relaxation” with a chance to swim in the Atlantic if visiting in summer.
Bottom line: Ideal for travelers who want a full day of sightseeing plus wildlife viewing, especially those who prefer a smaller, intimate boat.
5. Wines Tasting Experience and Skywalk with Dolphin Watching
This full-day tour combines wine tasting, scenic viewpoints, and a dolphin-watching boat trip. Starting with visits to the Sao Vicente Caves and Cabo Girao, it’s perfect for those wanting a well-rounded experience of Madeira’s landscapes and culture.
The highlight is the dolphin cruise, where you can spot marine life while enjoying the ocean views. The tour runs about 8 hours, with small groups, making it a leisurely way to soak in the island’s beauty.
Guests often mention the informative guides and the stunning views from the cliffs.
Bottom line: A great pick if you’re interested in combining land-based adventures with marine life encounters in a relaxed, scenic setting.
6. Arieiro Peak and Cristo Rei 4×4 Experience + Dolphins Watching
This full-day guided tour features a jeep ride to Madeira’s elevated spots like Pico do Arieiro and the Miradouro do Cristo Rei. After soaking up breathtaking panoramic views, visitors head out on a dolphin and whale-watching cruise.
The tour is perfect for those who want an efficient itinerary that combines mountain scenery with marine wildlife in one day. It includes hotel pickup and drop-off, making the logistics smooth.
Guests praise the spectacular views and the opportunity to see marine mammals in their environment.
Bottom line: Best suited for travelers eager to see multiple facets of Madeira—mountains, coastline, and marine life—in one trip.
7. Funchal: Whale Watching and Swimming with Dolphins Cruise
This 2.5-hour cruise combines whale and dolphin watching with the unique chance to swim with dolphins in their natural habitat. Led by a marine biologist, the tour emphasizes conservation and education.
Guests have the opportunity to jump into the water if animals are nearby, though note the review mentioning that dolphins may be cautious around swimmers.
It’s a good choice for active travelers who want a hands-on experience with marine mammals.
Bottom line: Perfect for those wanting an interactive trip, but keep in mind that swimming depends on animal behavior that day.
8. Guarantee Wild Dolphin & Whale Watching by RIB
This small-group RIB boat tour focuses on intimate wildlife sightings with a guarantee—if no animals are seen, you get a second trip free. The thrilling ride along Madeira’s south coast offers a quick, energetic experience, with snorkeling options available if animals are spotted.
Guests note the friendly crew and the personalized attention on the small boat. The tour makes a few scenic stops, including Cabo Girao.
Bottom line: Highly recommended for adventure seekers who want a guaranteed wildlife encounter and enjoy a lively boat ride.
9. Madeira: Whales and Dolphins Wooden Boat Excursion
This 3-hour voyage on a traditional wooden boat offers an authentic sailing experience combined with the thrill of spotting whales and dolphins. If you’re after a more traditional, eco-friendly outing, this is a lovely choice.
Reviews mention dolphins and whales seen, and the friendly, experienced crew ensures a smooth ride. The smaller vessel allows close-up views in a relaxed setting.
Bottom line: Suitable for travelers seeking a classic wooden boat trip with a focus on wildlife viewing in a more traditional vessel.
10. Whale and Dolphin Watching Tour in Madeira
This 2.5-hour tour emphasizes personalization with a small group and multiple departure times. It offers snorkeling, swimming, and marine watching opportunities, with a good chance to see bottlenose dolphins and sperm whales.
Guests appreciated the attentive crew and the flexibility of the trip to suit your interests.
Bottom line: An excellent choice for travelers wanting to combine marine life viewing with water activities.
$79.94 per person
How to Choose Your Perfect Dolphin Watching Tour
Picking the right tour depends on your budget, schedule, and interests. If privacy and luxury appeal, the Private Dolphin and Whale Watching Tour offers exclusivity. For a high success rate with a focus on marine conservation, the Guaranteed Whale or Dolphin Watching Tour is hard to beat.
Travelers on a budget or looking for a more active experience may prefer the speedboat tours, such as the Dolphin – Whale – Turtle – Bird Watching or the small-group RIB trips with a guarantee.
For those interested in a full-day adventure that combines land and sea, the Wines Tasting Experience and Skywalk offers cultural insights alongside wildlife viewing.
Lastly, consider the type of boat—traditional wooden boats, eco-friendly catamarans, or speedy RIBs—based on your preferences for comfort or adventure.
Final Thoughts
Funchal’s waters host a broad spectrum of dolphin watching tours that cater to different tastes and budgets. For a luxury experience, the private yacht is unbeatable. If you want guaranteed sightings and a more adventurous ride, the RIB tours deliver. For those who want to explore Madeira’s landscapes and marine life in a single day, tours like the Wines Tasting Experience and Skywalk provide great value.
Booking early is wise, especially in peak season, to secure your preferred time and tour. Whichever you choose, the memories of seeing dolphins leap and whales breach will make your Madeira trip truly special.