Funchal: RIB Whale Watching Cruise and Optional Dolphin Swim

Imagine cruising along Madeira’s dramatic south coast in a speedy RIB boat, with the wind in your hair and the chance to see dolphins, whales, and even turtles in their natural habitat. For around $59 per person, this 2.5-hour adventure from Funchal promises an intimate encounter with marine wildlife, guided by passionate local experts. Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast or simply craving a splash of adventure, this tour offers a lively, up-close look at the ocean’s most charismatic creatures.

We love how small group sizes mean fewer crowds and a more personalized experience — you get to ask questions, spot animals with expert help, and even get into the water if conditions allow. The speed of the boat makes the ride exhilarating, and the possibility of seeing multiple species of dolphins and whales enhances the thrill. On the flip side, since wildlife sightings depend on chance, a bit of patience might be needed if the sea isn’t cooperating on the day.

This tour is ideal for families, couples, or groups who appreciate nature and want a more eco-conscious experience, as it emphasizes respecting the animals’ wellbeing. If you’re someone who loves a quick, active trip with lots of chances to see marine life, this is a fantastic pick.

Key Points

• Small Group Experience: More personal and closer wildlife encounters.
• High Success Rate: About 99% of trips see dolphins or whales.
• Flexible Options: Add-on swim with dolphins, private groups available.
• Expert Guidance: Guides are knowledgeable and sensitive to marine life.
• Beautiful Coastal Views: Enjoy Madeira’s scenic coastline during the cruise.
• Wildlife and Conservation: Respectful approach and legal protections in place.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive into the RIB Whale Watching Tour

What Is It and Why Is It Special?

This tour offers a quick but intense 2.5-hour ride along Madeira’s southern coast. The small group size—typically around 7 to 8 people—means you’re not just one of many, but part of a tight-knit adventure. From the moment we boarded, the crew’s professionalism was evident, with a briefing on safety and wildlife laws. Their goal is not just to show animals but to respect and protect them, which makes the experience feel more authentic and ethical.

The Itinerary Breakdown

The tour kicks off at either XpointMadeira or Funchal marina, depending on your booking. After a safety briefing and donning life jackets, the boat heads out into the open ocean. You’ll be amazed by the panoramic views of Madeira’s coastline, a backdrop that’s just as impressive as the wildlife.

As you cruise, the crew actively searches for cetaceans, using land-based spotters and fast-moving boats to locate pods of dolphins and whales. This is where the expert guides shine—they’re passionate, informative, and committed to animal welfare. Their knowledge adds a lot of value, as they share fun facts about the marine species and Madeira’s ocean ecology.

Wildlife Encounters: What You Can Expect

According to reviews, the chances of seeing dolphins and whales are exceptionally high—around 99%. Several travelers, including Jack and Sándor, noted seeing bottlenose dolphins, pilot whales, and sperm whales up close, sometimes just a boat’s length away. The guides are adept at finding wildlife, thanks to land spotters and quick boats.

The tour isn’t just about spotting animals—it’s about respectful observation. As one guest put it, the crew is “really informative and sensitive to the animals’ welfare,” which is comforting for eco-minded travelers.

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The Optional Dolphin Swim

For those who opt for the “Swim with Dolphins” add-on, the experience becomes even more memorable. As long as the dolphins are behaving appropriately under Portuguese law, you’ll get a chance to snorkel and swim briefly with the animals, attached to the boat by a rope. Most swims last only 1-2 minutes per person—enough for a quick, unforgettable encounter without stressing the animals.

However, this add-on is contingent on wildlife behavior and legal guidelines, so it’s not guaranteed. Several guests, like Emma, appreciated the careful approach—they valued that the guides prioritize the dolphins’ wellbeing while still offering the chance to interact directly.

What Else Is Included?

Your ticket covers all necessary safety gear, fuel, taxes, and fees. As the tour is designed for value, it’s a competitive price for the quality of experience and the chance for close wildlife sightings. You’ll want to bring essentials like sunscreen, sunglasses, a sun hat, windbreaker, and a jacket—especially if the weather turns windy or cooler out at sea.

Duration and Flexibility

Most trips last between 2.5 and 3 hours, including time for wildlife searches and scenic cruising. If the weather isn’t ideal or no animals are spotted, the company offers a free return trip within a year, which adds peace of mind. This flexibility enhances the value, ensuring you’re not just paying for a single chance.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience suits nature lovers, families, or groups who want a personalized marine adventure. It’s especially appealing if you enjoy speedy rides and are patient enough to wait for wildlife sightings. The small group size and expert guides make it a comfortable, informative outing. It’s also a great choice for those concerned with animal welfare, since the guides are attentive and respectful.

Practical Tips for Your Trip

• Book in advance to secure your spot, especially during peak season.
• Check the weather forecast—windy days can make the ride bumpier but also more exciting.
• Wear appropriate clothing, including a windbreaker or waterproof jacket in winter months.
• Don’t forget sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat—the sun and wind can be strong.
• If you’re interested in swimming with dolphins, reserve the add-on early to ensure availability.
• Arrive at the meeting point on time; signage could be improved, but your guides will be waiting.

The Experience in Context

What makes this tour stand out is the combination of expert guidance, respectful wildlife watching, and a fun, fast-paced ride. The almost certain chance of sightings adds to its appeal, especially if you’re eager to see marine mammals in their natural environment.

The small group format means you won’t feel lost in a crowd, and the scenic cruise along Madeira’s coast offers a bonus of incredible views and photo opportunities. The speed of the boat ensures you cover more ground and reach good wildlife spots quickly, which reduces the frustration if animals are elusive on some days.

Why It Offers Good Value

For $59, you’re getting more than just a boat ride—you’re investing in an educational, memorable encounter with Madeira’s rich marine life. The option to swim with dolphins adds a special thrill, especially since most other tours don’t offer such intimate contact. The free rebooking policy further enhances the value, making it a low-risk choice.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re a wildlife enthusiast looking for a small, focused experience, this tour hits the mark. Families with kids who enjoy boats and animals will find this a fun, engaging outing. Eco-conscious travelers will appreciate the guides’ respectful approach, while adventure-seekers will love the speedy RIB and scenic ocean cruise.

However, if you’re very sensitive to motion sickness or prefer a more relaxed boat ride, this fast-paced tour might be bumpy at times, especially on windy days. Also, those seeking guaranteed sightings might need to keep expectations flexible, as wildlife is unpredictable.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts about 2.5 hours, including wildlife searching and scenic cruising.

Where does the tour depart from?
The starting point varies depending on your booking, either XpointMadeira or Funchal marina.

What’s included in the price?
Your ticket covers safety equipment, taxes, fuel, and fees. Additional options like swimming with dolphins are extra.

Can I swim with dolphins?
Yes, you can book the dolphin swim add-on. It’s limited by wildlife behavior and legal regulations, so it’s not guaranteed but often available.

What should I bring?
Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, a sun hat, windbreaker, and a waterproof jacket—the weather can change quickly at sea.

Is this suitable for children?
Most reviews suggest it’s great for families, especially since the boat is small and guides are attentive, but check if your kids are comfortable on a fast boat.

What if I don’t see any wildlife?
If no animals are spotted, the company offers a free rebooking within a year, making the experience more flexible and less disappointing.

The Sum Up

This small-group RIB whale watching tour in Madeira combines adventure, education, and a respectful approach to wildlife. With high success rates, passionate guides, and options to swim with dolphins, it offers an engaging, authentic marine experience for anyone eager to connect with the ocean’s creatures. Its scenic coastal cruise adds extra value, giving you stunning views of Madeira’s cliffs and caves.

It’s best suited for wildlife lovers, families, and adventure seekers who want a personalized, quick trip that delivers plenty of excitement and memorable sightings. The flexible rebooking policy provides peace of mind, and the small group setting ensures a comfortable and intimate experience.

If you’re looking for a fun, fast-paced marine adventure that respects the animals and offers real chances of sightings, this tour hits the mark. It’s a worthwhile addition to any Madeira itinerary, especially for those who want to combine wildlife with scenic beauty.

You can check availability for your dates here: