Dolphin – Whale – Turtle – Bird Watching

Discover the Marine Wonders of Madeira with a Speedboat Dolphin, Whale, Turtle, and Bird Watching Tour

Imagine zipping across the Atlantic on a powerful speedboat, your hair whipping in the wind, eyes peeled for the flash of a dolphin or the sight of a whale surfacing. That’s exactly what this two-hour marine safari offers in Funchal, Portugal. Priced at just under $58 per person, this tour delivers a close-up encounter with some of the ocean’s most captivating creatures, all led by guide Natasha or other passionate wildlife experts from Magic Dolphin.

We love how intimate and personalized this trip feels. With a small group of only 18 people, you won’t be lost in a crowd behind a tower of bodies. The high-powered 500 HP engines mean faster, smoother rides, allowing guides to cover more ground in less time — increasing your chances of spotting whales and dolphins. Plus, the guaranteed wildlife sightings policy provides peace of mind: if you don’t see anything during your first trip, they’ll send you out again, free of charge.

One possible consideration is the weather — since the tour is dependent on good conditions, poor weather might cause cancellations or rescheduling. Also, if you’re sensitive to motion sickness, a swift ride on the open water can be a bit bumpy, though many reviews mention the smoothness of the craft.

This tour suits travelers who love wildlife, stunning scenery, and a bit of adventure. Whether you’re a family seeking a memorable outdoor activity, a couple wanting a romantic ocean outing, or a solo traveler eager to connect with nature, this experience offers value and authenticity in equal measure.

Key Points

• Personalized experience with small group size and expert guides
• High-speed boat for faster, more dynamic wildlife sightings
• Wildlife sighting guarantee, with free re-try if no animals are seen
• Diverse marine life, including dolphins, whales, and turtles
• Informative guides who share insights on Madeira’s environment and history
• Perfect for animal lovers and those seeking an active outdoor experience

The Itinerary: What to Expect on Your Marine Safari

Start at Magic Dolphin’s meeting point in Funchal, where you’ll board a purpose-built speedboat. The vessel is equipped with 500 HP engines, which means you’ll be zipping across the water at speed — a big plus for those who dislike slow boat rides and want to maximize their wildlife viewing time. Only 18 guests are allowed onboard, ensuring comfort and personal attention from your two certified guides.

First stop: Wildlife hunting. The guides have land-based spotters providing directions, so you’ll head to where the marine life is active. According to reviews, it’s common to see two or three species of whales and multiple pods of dolphins within the two-hour window. Whether it’s pilot whales, bottlenose dolphins, or Atlantic spotted dolphins, you’ll get an up-close look without disturbing their natural behavior. The experience is often described as intimate and exciting, with guides sharing insightful commentary about the animals’ habits and Madeira’s marine environment.

Second stop: Scenic cruise along Funchal’s coast. After spotting the wildlife, the boat comes closer to the shoreline, offering stunning views of Madeira’s rugged coast, lush landscapes, and iconic Camara do Lobos fishing village. This small fishing village has a history of attracting artists like Winston Churchill, who enjoyed painting there. You’ll get a chance to see it from the water, which many reviews find particularly memorable.

Optional: Bird Watching and Turtle spotting — while the main focus is marine mammals, some trips also offer sightings of sea turtles and seabirds, adding to the diversity of your experience.

The tour concludes back at the original meeting point, with plenty of time to reflect on your close encounters with marine life.

What Sets This Tour Apart?

The speedboat design is a major perk, allowing you to venture farther and faster than larger, slower vessels. This means more time with animals, which many reviews praise as “a well-organized trip, with plenty of wildlife”. The small-group format ensures you get more attention from guides like Clara and Natasha, who are lauded for their knowledgeable, friendly, and passionate approach.

The wildlife guarantee is a real selling point. Several reviewers, including one who said they saw “three pods of dolphins and a sperm whale”, appreciated the certainty of their marine encounters. Even those who saw fewer animals still enjoyed the thrill of being out on the water and the scenic beauty.

How the Experience Feels

Expect a fast-paced, exhilarating ride that’s both fun and educational. The guides provide live commentary, sharing facts about the animals and Madeira’s natural history, which adds depth to the experience. Many reviews mention guides like Clara and Natasha as being enthusiastic and informative, making the trip not just a wildlife hunt but also a learning opportunity.

The two hours may seem brief, but most travelers find it enough to see multiple species, especially with the speed of the boat. Some reviews highlight the “exciting” experience of the waves, though a few mention feeling seasick, so consider your tolerance for motion if you’re prone to that.

The Value for Money

At $57.93, the tour offers excellent value. It includes local taxes, live commentary, and a wildlife sighting guarantee. For the chance to see dolphins, whales, turtles, and get a taste of Madeira’s coast, many believe it’s money well spent, especially given the small-group intimacy and personalized service.

The fact that you can rebook for free if no animals are seen enhances the experience’s fairness, making it a risk-free adventure. Multiple reviews praised the guides’ knowledge, calling the experience “very good” and “excellent”.

Authentic Experiences and Realistic Expectations

While many travelers do see impressive wildlife — dolphins swimming alongside the boat, whales surfacing nearby — it’s important to remember that animal sightings depend on nature’s mood. Several reviews mention seeing dolphins, whales, and even a turtle, but a few also report not spotting much or only glimpses. This unpredictability is part of wildlife excursions, but the wildlife guarantee significantly mitigates disappointment.

The scenic part of the trip, cruising along the coast of Funchal, is universally praised. Multiple reviews mention how beautiful and memorable it is to see the island’s coastline from the water, especially with the guides’ insights on Madeira’s fauna, flora, and history.

Practical Details: What You Need to Know

• Duration: Around 2 hours — enough for a quick but immersive experience.
• Price: $57.93 per person offers good value, considering the personalized service and wildlife guarantee.
• Group size: Limited to 18 travelers — ideal for those who dislike crowded boats.
• Meeting point: Magic Dolphin at Praca do Povo, Funchal. It’s near public transportation, simplifying logistics.
• What to bring: No high heels allowed; dress in comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing. Expect to get wet, especially if the weather is windy.
• Child policy: Children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult.
• Weather dependency: Tours run only in good weather; cancellation or rescheduling is possible if conditions aren’t suitable.
• Cancellation: Free up to 24 hours in advance, making it flexible for last-minute plans.

Authenticity and Who Will Love This Trip?

This tour offers an authentic, up-close look at Madeira’s marine environment, driven by passionate guides who love sharing their knowledge. It’s perfect for wildlife enthusiasts, families, and anyone craving adventure on the water. If you’re a traveler who values personalized attention, a small-group feel, and the chance to see dolphins and whales in their natural habitat, this is a solid choice.

While it’s not a guarantee of sightings every time, the wildlife guarantee and knowledgeable guides give you excellent odds. Plus, the scenic coast and the chance to learn about Madeira’s environment make it a well-rounded outdoor activity.

FAQs

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 2 hours, giving you enough time to enjoy wildlife sightings and scenic cruising without feeling rushed.

What’s included in the price?
Your fare covers local taxes, live commentary, and a wildlife sighting guarantee. Food, drinks, and transport to and from your hotel are not included.

Can I cancel if the weather is bad?
Yes, the tour is weather-dependent. If conditions are poor, your trip might be canceled, and you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

What if I don’t see any wildlife?
The wildlife guarantee means they will offer you a second trip for free if no animals are spotted during your first outing.

Is it suitable for children?
Yes, children can participate but must be accompanied by an adult. Keep in mind it’s a boat ride, so young kids should be prepared for a bit of wind and motion.

How many guests are on each trip?
A maximum of 18 travelers, ensuring a more intimate, less crowded experience.

What should I wear?
Dress comfortably and in layers; bring waterproof clothing if it’s windy or rainy. No high heels are allowed.

Where do I meet the tour?
At Magic Dolphin, Praca do Povo, Funchal. It’s accessible via public transportation and close to central Funchal.

Will I see turtles or seabirds?
While the main focus is marine mammals, some trips also offer sightings of sea turtles and seabirds, adding to the diversity.

To sum it up, this dolphin and whale-watching tour from Funchal offers a fantastic combination of adventure, education, and scenic beauty. The small-group setting, knowledgeable guides, and wildlife guarantee make it a dependable choice for wildlife lovers and outdoor explorers. Expect an exhilarating ride, memorable animal encounters, and a stunning view of Madeira’s coast — all for a reasonable price that reflects good value for such an intimate and authentic experience.

Whether you’re chasing dolphins, hoping for whales, or simply want to enjoy the Atlantic breeze and spectacular scenery, this tour is well worth considering for your Madeira itinerary.