Funchal: Guarantee Wild Dolphin&Whale Watching by RIB

Wild dolphins can make a boat trip unforgettable. This 2.5-hour RIB excursion from Funchal combines fast open-water cruising, close views of Madeira’s coast, and a strong chance of seeing dolphins or whales in the wild. I like the small-boat setting, which brings you closer to the action than a large sightseeing vessel, and I like the clear wildlife policy behind the optional dolphin swim. The main thing to consider is that sightings are never fully guaranteed, and the ride can feel windy and rough on the open sea.

I also like the practical safety approach. You receive a briefing and life jacket before leaving the marina, and the crew keeps searching rather than simply cruising along the coast. The boat operator reports a yearly success rate of 99 percent for spotting at least one cetacean species, but you should still pack patience, a windbreaker, and realistic expectations.

Key points before you book

• Wildlife comes first: Dolphins and whales are searched for in their natural surroundings, with no fixed guarantee about which species you will see.
• A quick RIB ride: The small rigid inflatable boat adds speed and excitement, but wind and spray can make the trip less comfortable.
• Strong sighting record: The operator reports successful cetacean sightings on 99 percent of trips over a typical year.
• Dolphin swimming costs extra: The optional 20 euro add-on is charged only if entering the water is possible under local protection rules.
• Cabo Girão appears from the sea: The cruise includes scenic views toward Madeira’s famous cliff and the island coastline.
• Private boats are available: A private trip can carry up to 18 passengers, useful for families or groups of friends.

Leaving Funchal marina by RIB

Your trip begins at Xpoint Madeira, although the exact meeting point can vary with the option you choose. Allow time to find the correct departure spot, since both the starting and ending location information lists Xpoint Madeira and the meeting point may change.

Before boarding, you receive a safety briefing and put on a life jacket. This is not just routine paperwork. A RIB sits low on the water and moves quickly, so listening carefully helps you understand how to sit, hold on, and respond to the crew.

Once the boat leaves Funchal harbor, the trip becomes part sightseeing cruise and part wildlife search. Madeira’s coastline provides the backdrop, with broad views toward the island and the water around Funchal. The boat heads out toward the open ocean, where the crew begins looking for signs of cetaceans.

The RIB format matters. A smaller boat can approach the search area more directly and gives you a more personal view than a large vessel with many rows of passengers. You also feel the movement of the sea more clearly. For some people, that is the fun. For anyone prone to motion sickness, it is the main concern.

Two and a half hours with the sea as your guide

The standard trip lasts 2.5 hours, with at least two hours spent out on the water. That gives the crew a reasonable amount of time to search, rather than rushing back after a short coastal ride.

Wildlife watching is not a show with a scheduled start. The boat may slow down, change direction, or wait while the crew checks the water. At other times, the RIB may move quickly to another area. You need to accept that rhythm if you want the best chance of seeing animals behaving naturally.

The operator reports a 99 percent yearly average for spotting at least one cetacean species. That is an unusually strong figure and makes the 70 dollar price easier to justify, particularly if seeing dolphins or whales is a high priority during your Madeira visit. Still, an annual average is not a promise for your particular departure. Weather, sea conditions, animal behavior, and luck all matter.

One rating of 4.8 from 28 reviews supports the general appeal of the trip. The strongest praise centers on the guides and skipper, the large number of dolphins seen on some outings, and the respectful approach to the animals. One recent account described dolphins and pilot whales with babies, while another praised the active search itself as an exciting part of the experience.

Dolphins, pilot whales, and occasional turtles

The main targets are dolphins and whales, but turtles are also possible. You might see one cetacean species or several, and the trip can change quickly if the crew locates a pod.

Common dolphins and Atlantic spotted dolphins are especially important if you have paid for the swim option. Local animal protection law allows people to enter the water only when the animals are behaving appropriately, and only when one of those two dolphin species has been identified.

That rule is worth taking seriously. The swim is not a guaranteed part of the excursion, and it is not simply added whenever dolphins appear. The crew must judge the animals’ behavior and follow local regulations. If the conditions are right, the swim or snorkel generally lasts around one or two minutes per participant, with you attached to the boat and using a mask and snorkel provided by the operator.

The extra option costs 20 euros per participant, but it is charged on site only if entering the water is possible. If the rules or animal behavior prevent the swim, you pay only the standard trip price. This makes the add-on less risky financially, though you should not book it expecting a long water session.

The short duration also matters. This is primarily a wildlife boat trip, not a full snorkeling outing. If the swim happens, treat it as a brief chance to be in the water near dolphins, not as the main event.

The Cabo Girão view from offshore

Cabo Girão is one of Madeira’s best-known coastal sights, and the route includes scenic views of the cliff on the way. From the water, you see the island from a different angle than you would from a road or lookout.

The boat cruise is not presented as a stop at Cabo Girão. You should expect a view from the sea rather than time on land. That distinction matters if you want to visit the famous viewpoint itself, since this excursion will not replace a separate land visit.

Still, the coastal scenery gives the wildlife search some value even during a quiet spell. If the animals stay out of sight for a while, you are not simply staring at featureless open water. Madeira’s steep shoreline and changing coastal views help fill the gaps.

The thrill and the tradeoff of a small boat

The boat is one of the best reasons to choose this outing. A RIB feels lively and direct, and the fast ride adds an adrenaline kick that a large, slow sightseeing boat usually cannot match. One strong account described the trip as hair-raising in a fun way, which gives you a good idea of the tone.

The same feature can be a drawback. Conditions can become windy quickly offshore, and the ride may feel bumpy. The operator specifically advises bringing a windbreaker or warmer waterproof jacket during winter, along with sunglasses, a sun hat, and sunscreen.

Dress for the sea, not just Funchal’s marina. Madeira can feel pleasant in town while the open water feels much cooler and windier. Secure loose items and protect your eyes from glare. Drinks and snacks are not included, so bring what you need unless you plan to go without refreshments for the duration.

Motion sickness is another practical concern. One account praised the guide for helping with seasickness, which suggests the crew is attentive when someone feels unwell. Even so, you should not assume the water will be calm. If you are sensitive to boat movement, consider eating lightly beforehand and choosing clothing that keeps you warm without restricting movement.

What the crew adds to the experience

The tour includes a live guide in English or Portuguese. The guide’s role is more than pointing at animals. You receive the safety instructions, help with the wildlife search, and guidance about how to behave around the animals.

The most positive impressions focus on the guide and skipper working well together. That partnership matters on a wildlife trip. The skipper handles the boat and positioning, while the guide can help you understand what is happening and where to look.

The operator also emphasizes respect for the animals. That is especially important for the swim option, where local rules control when anyone can enter the water. A good wildlife experience is not only about getting close. It is also about allowing the animals to decide how much contact is appropriate.

The trip can be booked as a shared small-group outing, and a private boat is available for up to 18 passengers. Private hire may suit a family celebration or a group of friends who want the boat to themselves. The supplied information does not give a standard passenger count for the shared departure, so do not assume every trip has the same group size.

Is 70 dollars good value?

At 70 dollars per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend a morning or afternoon in Funchal. The price includes the boat trip, required safety equipment, taxes, fees, and fuel surcharges. It does not include food, drinks, parking, or the possible dolphin swim add-on.

The value depends on what you want from the outing. If you mainly want a calm coastal cruise, a RIB may be more speed and sea motion than you need. If you want a focused search for wild dolphins and whales, the price is more reasonable because the trip gives you 2.5 hours on the water and a reported 99 percent yearly sighting rate.

The wildlife is also genuinely wild. You are paying for the chance to find animals in their own environment, not for a staged performance. That means the trip can feel thrilling when a pod appears, but less satisfying if the animals remain distant or scarce.

The free repeat-trip promise adds some protection. If no cetacean species is seen, the operator invites you to join another trip within one year, subject to availability. The offer is non-transferable, so it helps only if you expect to return to Madeira and can fit another departure into your plans.

Who should book this Madeira boat trip?

I would recommend this experience to you if you enjoy active excursions, have a strong interest in marine life, and do not mind a little uncertainty. It is also a good choice if you want to see Madeira from offshore and prefer a small, fast boat to a large cruise vessel.

Families and friend groups may prefer the private option, which can accommodate up to 18 passengers. Couples and solo visitors may like the shared trip for its more social feel, although the standard group size is not specified.

The outing is less suitable if you need a smooth, quiet ride or dislike wind and spray. It may also disappoint anyone expecting a long swim with dolphins. The optional water session is brief, conditional, and available only with Common Dolphins or Atlantic Spotted Dolphins behaving in a legally acceptable way.

Plan around the weather. You can cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund, and you can reserve now while paying later. Check the starting time and meeting point before you go, since availability and departure details depend on the option selected.

Should you book it?

Book this RIB trip if your Madeira plans include a serious attempt to see wild dolphins or whales, and you enjoy the excitement of a fast, small boat. The high reported sighting rate, strong praise for the guides and skipper, and respectful animal policy make it a solid choice at 70 dollars.

Skip it if you want guaranteed close contact, a long snorkeling session, or a gentle ride. For the best chance of enjoying it, bring warm waterproof clothing, protect yourself from the sun, expect a two-hour wildlife search rather than a nonstop show, and treat the dolphin swim as a possible bonus.

FAQ

How long does the Funchal dolphin and whale tour last?

The full experience lasts 2.5 hours. At least two hours are spent out on the boat before returning to Funchal marina.

What animals might I see?

The trip searches mainly for dolphins and whales. Turtles are also sometimes seen, and pilot whales have been reported on some outings.

Is seeing dolphins or whales guaranteed?

No sighting can be guaranteed for a specific departure. The operator reports a yearly average of successful sightings of at least one cetacean species on 99 percent of trips.

What happens if no cetaceans are seen?

You are invited to join another trip free of charge within one year, subject to availability. The offer is non-transferable.

Does the tour include swimming with dolphins?

No. Swimming or snorkeling with dolphins is an optional 20 euro add-on. The charge is collected only if entering the water is possible under local animal protection rules.

How long is the dolphin swim?

When permitted, the water time is usually around one to two minutes per participant. You may enter the water only with Common Dolphins or Atlantic Spotted Dolphins displaying behavior that meets legal requirements.

What should I bring?

Bring a windbreaker or warmer waterproof jacket, sunglasses, a sun hat, and sunscreen. Drinks and snacks are not included, and parking is not included.