From Funchal: Whales and Dolphin Adventure Tour

Wildlife rarely follows a script. From Funchal, this two-hour speedboat trip gives you a lively chance to see dolphins and whales in the open Atlantic, with a small group of up to 18 people rather than a large catamaran crowd. I like the fast RIB boat, which can cover more water, and the strong focus on respectful animal encounters led by marine guides such as Camila, Fernanda, and Natasha.

I also like the chance to enter the water with common or spotted dolphins, if the sea is calm and the animals show suitable behavior. The main catch is simple: wildlife is wild, and the ride can be rough. You might see several pods, whales, turtles, and flying fish, or only a few dolphins near the end.

Key things to know before you book

• Small boat, maximum 18 people: You can look across the whole sea instead of racing from one side of a crowded vessel to the other.
• A fast search area: Powerful engines help the crew reach more distant groups during the two-hour outing.
• Swimming is possible, not promised: The crew may allow water entry only with common or spotted dolphins and only when conditions are safe and respectful.
• The guides add real value: Marine biologists and trained guides explain animal behavior, local species, and conservation work as you search.
• Expect spray and bumps: Bring a jacket or raincoat, even on a warm day. The small boat can send plenty of seawater your way.
• Wildlife sightings are backed by a practical policy: If you see no whales or dolphins, you can receive another tour or, if weather prevents that, a voucher valid for two years.

Leaving Funchal Marina on a compact RIB

Your trip begins at the new marina in Funchal. Meet the crew 20 minutes before departure at the speedboat in front of door 4, the last door on the left when you face the sea. The Almirante Reis parking lot is the recommended nearby option. Marina Park is private, so do not confuse the two.

That early arrival matters. The marina can be easy to reach once you know the correct door, but it is not the place to arrive at the last second while hunting for the boat. A location video is available from the operator if you want to check the route before leaving your hotel.

The boat holds no more than 18 people. That number is small enough to keep the outing personal, and it gives you a good view from nearly every seat. On a large catamaran, you may spend half the trip trying to see around other people. Here, the open layout makes it easier to follow a dolphin pod or a whale surfacing off the other side.

The tradeoff is comfort. A RIB boat is built for speed and access, not for a soft, shaded ride. Several people enjoyed the bouncing and spray, but you should think twice if you have a sensitive stomach or dislike fast boat travel. One useful detail: the crew has provided sick bags when needed.

Two hours of searching the Atlantic

After leaving Funchal, the captain uses the boat’s speed to cover a broad area around Madeira. The point is not simply to cruise along the coast. The crew communicates with people on shore and keeps watch for signs of cetaceans, including dolphins and several whale species.

The two-hour format works well for a holiday schedule. It is long enough to give the crew time to search, but short enough to fit beside a morning market visit, a cable-car ride, or an afternoon in Funchal. You will spend much of the time looking out over open water, with Madeira behind you and the chance of animals appearing at any moment.

That uncertainty is part of the appeal, but it can also test your patience. On one outing, dolphins appeared within five minutes. On another, the boat searched for a long time before finding a pod near the end. The crew cannot manufacture a sighting, and a distant glimpse is still possible even when the search is carefully managed.

The operator gives a stated 99 percent chance of seeing whales or dolphins. Treat that as a strong expectation rather than a promise. The company offers another tour if neither appears, or a two-year voucher if weather makes a replacement trip impossible. That policy lowers the financial risk, but it does not guarantee the same conditions or the same animals on a later date.

What you might see around Madeira

Dolphins are the most common success story on this trip. You might see bottlenose dolphins, common dolphins, spotted dolphins, or pilot whales. Groups can be small and scattered, or large enough to fill the view in several directions.

Past outings have included pods with young dolphins, multiple groups appearing during the same trip, and a large group estimated at about 150 animals. Dolphins have also been seen chasing flying fish. These small side moments are worth watching for because the Atlantic can offer more than the animal you first set out to find.

Whale sightings vary. Pilot whales, sperm whales, and less common species have appeared, including a Bryde’s whale and a rare whale sighting described by the guide as unusual. A few people have seen six sperm whales on a weather-delayed trip. Others saw only a brief whale glimpse or no whale at all.

You may also spot sea turtles, flying fish, or Portuguese man-of-war. These are not guaranteed extras, but they add interest while you scan the water. The trip is best approached as a search for wild marine life, not a scheduled animal display.

The guides explain what you are seeing and why the boat changes direction. Camila has received especially warm praise for combining marine biology with clear explanations and good photography. Fernanda, Natasha, Agatha, Florine, Vlad, Marco, Francisco, and Ruben have also been singled out for friendly, careful work. Guide names can change, of course, but the pattern is clear: the crew is an important part of the experience.

The possible dolphin swim

Swimming with dolphins is the most exciting feature, but it needs careful explanation. The crew may offer water entry only if you encounter common or spotted dolphins, the sea is suitable, and the animals’ behavior allows it. You will not automatically swim with every dolphin species or every pod.

The crew puts animal welfare first. If dolphins have young, if the waves are too strong, or if the animals do not show interest, the swim may not happen. That is the right call, even if it leaves you disappointed. Several outings had suitable dolphin sightings but no swim because the sea was rough or the conditions were not right.

When it does happen, the setup is controlled. One account describes groups of four entering at a time, holding a rope attached to the boat while it moves slowly enough for the dolphins to remain interested. The water time may be brief, sometimes around five to ten minutes, but it can be extraordinary to see wild dolphins moving nearby in clear Atlantic water.

Do not book this trip on the assumption that swimming is included in the price. Book it because the possibility adds a thrilling bonus to an already worthwhile wildlife trip. There is no partial refund if the swim does not happen, and that condition is made clear before you go.

Bring swimwear and a towel. Even if you never enter the water, the ride itself may leave you wet. A raincoat or waterproof jacket is more useful than a light sweater on a breezy day. Sunscreen remains important because there is little protection from the sun once you are out on the water.

Respectful wildlife watching, not a chase

The best part of this experience is the crew’s stated approach to animals. The boat does not chase dolphins simply to force a close encounter. Guides explain that the animals must choose to approach, and the boat backs off when their behavior suggests discomfort.

This matters in practical terms. You may not get the perfect photograph or the longest swim, but you are seeing animals on their own terms. The operator says its rules were created with World Animal Protection, and some of the extra money supports research and conservation work.

That approach also makes the guides more than spotters. A good guide helps you understand why a pod changes direction, why a mother and young dolphin may require extra distance, or why the crew chooses not to enter the water. Natasha and Camila have been particularly praised for explaining marine life while keeping the mood friendly and fun.

You can take your own photographs and videos. The crew may also take photographs that you can purchase afterward. Keep your phone secure and protected from spray, since the boat can be wet even when the sky is clear.

Price, value, and what is included

At $58 per person, the trip is reasonably priced for a two-hour wildlife outing from Funchal, especially given the small group size and the use of a fast boat. You are paying for an active search across a wider area, not just a short coastal cruise.

The value is strongest if you care about the quality of the encounter. A small boat gives you broad sightlines, less crowding, and a better chance of hearing the guide. It also creates a more energetic ride, which some people find thrilling and others find tiring.

Snorkeling equipment, including a mask and snorkel, is included. Food is not included, though there is a café where you can buy something before or after the trip. Eat beforehand if you need a proper meal, since the tour itself is only two hours and does not serve food.

The free repeat tour or two-year voucher policy adds useful protection when nature refuses to cooperate. Still, you should leave room in your Madeira schedule if you want to use a replacement trip. Bad weather can cancel a departure, and sea conditions can change quickly.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. The tour is offered in English and Portuguese.

Who will enjoy this speedboat tour?

This trip suits you if you want an active, close-to-the-water experience rather than a calm boat ride. It is especially good for couples, families with older children, and anyone excited by the chance to see dolphins in open water.

The minimum age is 10, and the trip is not suitable for pregnant women. The rough ride also makes it a poor choice if you are prone to seasickness, have back problems, or prefer a stable boat. The operator does provide sick bags, but a bag is not a substitute for a comfortable ride.

You should also be comfortable with uncertainty. A guaranteed animal performance is not possible here. The best outings may include several dolphin pods, pilot whales, a turtle, and a swim. A quieter trip may bring a few brief sightings and excellent views of Madeira from the sea.

My verdict: book it for the wild encounter

I would recommend this tour if you want a small, energetic boat and care about respectful wildlife watching. The marine guides, compact group, and strong animal welfare rules give it more substance than a simple sightseeing cruise.

Book it early in your Madeira stay if possible. That leaves room for a weather delay or a second attempt, and it gives you a better chance of fitting the experience into your plans. Bring a raincoat, accept that the ride may be bumpy, and treat swimming with dolphins as a rare privilege rather than a promised feature.

Skip it if you need a quiet, perfectly smooth outing or if you would be unhappy seeing only a few animals. For everyone else, $58 buys a lively two hours, a genuine chance to meet Madeira’s Atlantic wildlife, and a crew that appears to put the animals before the photograph.

FAQ

Where does the whale and dolphin tour depart from?

The tour departs from the new marina in Funchal. Meet the guide at the speedboat in front of door 4, the last door on the left when looking toward the sea.

How early should I arrive?

You should arrive 20 minutes before the scheduled departure time.

How long is the boat trip?

The tour lasts two hours, including the boat cruise and the search for whales and dolphins.

How many people can join the speedboat?

The custom speedboat carries a maximum of 18 people.

Is swimming with dolphins guaranteed?

No. Swimming may be offered only with common or spotted dolphins and only when the sea, animal behavior, and safety conditions are suitable.

What happens if no whales or dolphins are seen?

You can be offered another free tour. If weather conditions make another trip unavailable, you can receive a free voucher valid for two years.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a jacket. A raincoat is also a smart choice because the speedboat can produce a lot of spray.

Is the tour suitable for children and pregnant women?

The tour is not suitable for children under 10 or for pregnant women.