Funchal: RIB Whale Watching Cruise and Optional Dolphin Swim

Wildlife sightings come with a fast ride. This 2.5-hour RIB cruise leaves Funchal for open water, where you search for dolphins, whales, and sometimes turtles from a low, nimble boat. I like the small-group setup, which keeps you close to the water, and the use of land-based spotters to help the crew find marine life. The listed price is $61 per person, a fair deal for a boat trip that also includes coastal scenery and a possible Cabo Girão photo stop.

I also like the crew’s clear respect for animal welfare, especially around the optional dolphin swim. You may enter the water only with Common Dolphins or Atlantic Spotted Dolphins, and only when their behavior allows it under Portuguese law. The main drawback is that wildlife is never fully predictable, and the ride can get bumpy, windy, or wet. The dolphin swim is also brief, usually just one or two minutes per person, and is not guaranteed.

Key points to know before you book

• Small RIB groups: The boat gives you a close-to-the-water view and a more personal feel than a large catamaran.
• Strong sighting record: The operator reports a yearly average of successful cetacean sightings on 99 percent of trips, but nature still makes the final call.
• Dolphin swim is conditional: The 20 euro add-on is charged only if entering the water is possible and legally permitted.
• Fast, lively ride: The RIB is part wildlife trip and part speedboat outing, with a particularly bumpy return possible.
• Cabo Girão views: The route includes a scenic look toward Madeira’s dramatic south coast and this famous cliff area.
• Bring warm layers: Windbreakers, jackets, sunglasses, sun protection, and sensible sea clothing matter even on a sunny day.

Leaving Funchal on a small, fast boat

The meeting point is at Xpoint Madeira, though the exact boarding spot can vary with the option you book. Finding the jetty door may take a little patience. Clearer signage would help, so use the supplied map pin and allow extra time to get your bearings before departure.

The trip begins with a safety briefing and lifejacket fitting. The crew speaks English and Portuguese, and the briefing matters because this is an open RIB rather than a sheltered sightseeing boat. You sit close to the sea, with little between you and the wind, spray, and movement of the boat.

Once you leave Funchal harbor, the city begins to fall behind and Madeira’s south coast opens up. This is one of the best parts of the trip even before the first fin appears. You get a broad view of the island’s steep shoreline, sea cliffs, caves, and coastal villages from a position that keeps you close to the water.

The RIB is not simply transportation to a whale-watching area. Its speed is part of the fun. Several passengers have especially enjoyed the lively ride between sighting areas, while others found the return journey very bumpy. If you like a little motion, this adds energy. If you prefer a smooth, quiet cruise, a larger catamaran may suit you better.

How the wildlife search works

The crew works with spotters on land to locate dolphins and whales. That gives the boat a useful head start, but it does not turn the ocean into a scheduled show. You may spend time moving slowly, waiting, and scanning the horizon before the captain changes course.

That patience is part of a responsible wildlife trip. The aim is not to chase animals at high speed or crowd them with boats. The crew explains the different species and keeps a respectful distance, while still getting close enough for a good view when conditions allow.

Possible sightings include Common Dolphins, Atlantic Spotted Dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, pilot whales, sperm whales, and sea turtles. The exact mix changes from day to day. Some outings have produced several species in different locations, while other trips may offer a smaller sighting.

The operator reports a yearly average of 99 percent of trips seeing at least one cetacean species. That is an encouraging figure, but you should still treat the trip as a wildlife search rather than a guarantee. If no cetacean species appears, the company offers another trip free within one year, subject to availability and with the booking remaining non-transferable.

What you can expect from dolphin and whale sightings

A RIB puts you close to the waterline, which can make animals easier to watch than from a high-sided boat. You may see dolphins approaching the boat, cutting through the water in groups, or surfacing near the bow. The low position also gives you a strong sense of the animals’ speed.

Whales require more patience. Pilot whales and sperm whales have been seen on this route, sometimes along with dolphins. A whale surfacing near the boat is a powerful sight, but it may last only a few seconds. Keep your eyes moving, listen to the guide, and do not spend the whole trip trying to capture everything through a phone screen.

The crew members most often praised for their guiding include Anna, Paolo, Mark, Marc, and Paulo. Their job is not only to point out animals. They also explain species behavior, identify what you are seeing, and add information about Madeira and the ocean around it.

The most useful quality is their attitude toward the animals. The crew has been careful about approach distances and has even stopped to remove plastic from the sea. That small action says a lot about the kind of experience this is meant to be: exciting, but not careless.

The optional dolphin swim, with strict limits

The dolphin swim costs an additional 20 euros per participant, but you pay it on site only if entering the water is possible. That is an important detail. You are not paying the add-on simply for the chance to swim. If the animals do not meet the required conditions, you pay only the standard boat-trip price.

The swim is allowed only when the animals are Common Dolphins or Atlantic Spotted Dolphins and their behavior is suitable under local protection rules. Pilot whales, sperm whales, and other species do not qualify for this activity.

If the swim goes ahead, you receive a mask and snorkel and enter the water while attached to a rope connected to the boat. The usual time in the water is only one or two minutes per person. You are not taking a long, independent swim with a dolphin pod. Instead, you hold on while the boat remains part of the setup and dolphins move nearby.

That may feel more controlled than a normal snorkel outing, and it can also be physically demanding. You need to hold the rope while the boat moves, so the experience is not passive. One participant described it as hard work, but worthwhile. Calm sea conditions make a big difference, and not everyone will be able to enter the water even if dolphins are present.

I appreciate the limits here. They reduce the chance of turning a wildlife encounter into a chase or disturbance. You should book the swim only if you are comfortable with a short, conditional experience, not if you expect a long session in the water.

Cabo Girão and the return along Madeira’s coast

The cruise itinerary includes a photo stop and sightseeing around Cabo Girão. This area is known for its dramatic cliff scenery, and the boat gives you a sea-level view that differs from seeing the cliffs from land.

The coastal section helps balance the wildlife search. Even if the animals stay shy, you still spend time looking back at Madeira’s steep south coast, caves, and rocky shoreline. On the return, the captain may make the trip lively and quick, particularly when the boat is running along the coast.

The ride can be rough. One particularly useful detail from past outings is that some people prone to ordinary sea sickness found the RIB easier because it does not move like a slow boat. That will not be true for everyone. The boat’s speed and bouncing may help some passengers, while the jolts make others uncomfortable.

Sit securely, follow the crew’s instructions, and bring a jacket even if Funchal feels warm at the harbor. Conditions can change quickly once you are offshore.

Group size, comfort, and the private option

The standard trip is designed around a small group, which is a major advantage for wildlife viewing. A smaller boat means fewer people blocking your view, less distance between you and the guide, and a more intimate feel when dolphins approach.

One outing had only seven people aboard, making it easy to move your gaze from one side of the boat to the other. The exact group size can change, so do not assume every departure will be that quiet.

A private boat is also available for groups of up to 18 passengers. This makes sense for a family group or a set of friends who want the boat to themselves. The private option gives you more privacy, but it does not change the basic wildlife rules or guarantee a sighting.

The RIB is best for people who enjoy an active boat ride. It is less suited to anyone wanting padded comfort, a quiet lounge, or a dry indoor cabin. You should expect exposure to wind and possibly spray.

Is $61 a fair price for 2.5 hours?

At $61 per person, the trip offers solid value if you want more than a basic harbor cruise. Your price includes the RIB trip, safety equipment, applicable fees, taxes, and fuel surcharges. You also get a guided search for dolphins and whales, coastal views, and the possibility of a Cabo Girão stop.

The value improves if you see more than one species. Several outings have included combinations such as dolphins and pilot whales, or dolphins and sperm whales. Still, the price should not be judged only by the number of animals seen. You are also paying for the boat, crew, local search knowledge, and the chance to experience Madeira from offshore.

The dolphin swim is separate. The 20 euro add-on is not automatically charged, which keeps the financial risk modest. Just remember that the add-on does not buy a guaranteed swim.

Drinks, snacks, and parking are not included. Bring your own water and a small snack if needed, though keep belongings secure and protected from spray.

What to wear and bring

Madeira’s shore weather can be misleading. A warm afternoon in Funchal may feel much cooler once the RIB reaches open water.

Bring:

• A windbreaker or waterproof jacket
• A warmer jacket in winter
• Sunglasses
• A sun hat
• Sunscreen
• Water and any snack you need
• Clothing that can handle spray and wind

You should also think carefully about loose belongings. A fast boat and open water are not a good place for unsecured phones, hats, or cameras.

Wear practical clothing rather than your best holiday outfit. The crew provides safety equipment, but you remain exposed to the elements for much of the trip.

Who will enjoy this RIB cruise most?

I would choose this trip if you want close views of marine life, a small group, and a spirited ride. It suits couples, families with older children, and friends who would rather feel the boat move than sit on a large, slow platform.

It also suits visitors who care about responsible wildlife watching. The rules around the dolphin swim are strict, and the crew appears to put animal welfare ahead of forcing an encounter.

Families should consider the boat’s motion and exposure to wind. Children may love the speed and the close view of dolphins, but the ride is not calm or sheltered. Anyone sensitive to rough water should think carefully before booking.

The private option is useful for up to 18 people, especially if you want a shared family outing without strangers around you. For a solo visitor or couple, the standard small-group departure should offer the better price.

Booking is flexible, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and a reserve-now, pay-later option. The trip runs for about 2.5 hours, with at least two hours spent out on the boat.

Should you book the Funchal RIB whale-watching trip?

Book it if you want a fast, close-to-the-water wildlife outing rather than a gentle cruise. The small boat, land-based spotters, strong sighting record, and careful approach to animal welfare make this a good choice for seeing Madeira from a different angle.

Treat the dolphin swim as a possible extra, not the main reason to go. The water time is short, the animals must meet strict conditions, and you may have to hold the rope while being pulled along by the boat.

I would skip it if you need a sheltered, smooth ride or dislike uncertain wildlife searches. For everyone else, $61 is a reasonable price for a lively half-day on the Atlantic, especially when the trip delivers several dolphin and whale species along with Madeira’s dramatic coast.

FAQ

How long is the Funchal RIB whale-watching trip?

The activity lasts about 2.5 hours. The boat remains out on the water for at least two hours before returning to Funchal marina.

What animals might I see?

Possible sightings include dolphins, whales, and sometimes sea turtles. Species seen on outings have included Common Dolphins, Atlantic Spotted Dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, pilot whales, and sperm whales.

Is seeing dolphins or whales guaranteed?

No. Wildlife sightings depend on nature and sea conditions. The operator reports a yearly average of successful sightings on 99 percent of trips. If no cetacean species is seen, you may join another trip free within one year, subject to availability.

How much does the trip cost?

The listed price is $61 per person. The dolphin swim is a separate 20 euro add-on, charged on site only if entering the water is possible.

Is swimming with dolphins guaranteed?

No. You may enter the water only if the animals are Common Dolphins or Atlantic Spotted Dolphins and their behavior meets local animal protection requirements.

How long do I stay in the water?

The water time is usually about one to two minutes per participant. You use a mask and snorkel and hold a rope attached to the boat.

What languages does the guide speak?

The live tour is available in English and Portuguese.

Can I book a private boat?

Yes. A private boat can carry up to 18 passengers. The meeting point may vary depending on the option selected.

What should I bring?

Bring a windbreaker, sunglasses, sun hat, sunscreen, and a jacket. The operator advises checking the weather because it can become windy at sea, especially in winter.