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MadeiraDolphin & whale watching

Our most recommended Madeira Dolphin & whale watching

From Funchal: Dolphin and Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise

1. From Funchal: Dolphin and Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise

Go green with the premier dolphin and whale watching Eco-experience on Madeira Island! Book your cruise on our 2022 purpose-built Eco-friendly catamaran and enjoy a comfortable tour along the southern coast of Madeira Island. Watch out for wonderful whales and dolphins jumping and splashing nearby. When sea life arrives our electric engines engage for silent, emission free cruising which helps keep the cetaceans very happy! On this tour we will cruise a few miles out of Funchal looking for all kinds of wildlife such as dolphins, whales, turtles and oceanic birds. We have one of the best sightings records in Funchal thanks to our spotters from land monitoring the ocean and directing the boat to the dolphins and whales. Our certified guides will provide you with an informative commentary and fun facts about the cetaceans and marine species that you may find on your trip from Funchal. On our way back, we sail close to the coast passing by many points of interest such Cabo Girão where you will enjoy stunning views of one of the highest sea cliffs in the world! Camara de Lobos Bay – a traditional fishing village; the world famous Reid’s Hotel where Winston Churchill used to stay during his visits to Madeira Island and much more! You will be able to relax comfortably enjoy the beautiful views of the south coast of Madeira Island from our flagship vessel. Magic Dolphin Eco is the only purpose built dolphin & whale watching catamaran in Madeira Island with hybrid-electric engines. It was specially developed to assure our passengers a safe, comfortable and exceptional tour. Its hybrid-electric engines reduce noise and emissions making it the best experience not only for our guests, but also for our beloved cetaceans! Bar service (2x) with drinks and snacks available; Toilets (2x) on deck wheelchair accessible; Two decks for better sightseeing; Fantastic upper deck providing 360° panoramic views; Great bridge deck shade area; Large nets and sea life observation area; Seating for everyone inside and out; Fast Catamaran – up to 20 knots; Modern safety construction 2022; Stable and comfortable cruising. We are all about responsible dolphin and whale watching, and love sharing our knowledge with you! Join us and observe sealife the right way, in the wild! Note: Madeira is a world class destination for dolphin and whale watching. But as they are wild and free, it is simply not possible to guarantee seeing cetaceans on every tour. We encounter cetaceans every day and we always do our best to find them. But if your tour is one of the very few unlucky ones we will do our best to make you happy! Note: Please arrive to our office in Funchal Marina 30 minutes before departure. In respect to all of our guests the boat leaves on time. If you miss the boat, you will be not be issued a refund. Note: Cancellations/Booking Changes must be made 24h prior to departure time.

Funchal: Dolphin and Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise

2. Funchal: Dolphin and Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise

Discover the natural beauty of Madeira coastline and look for marine life on this catamaran cruise from Funchal. Look for dolphins while sipping on a drink purchased from the onboard bar. See dolphins, whales, and turtles playing in their natural habitat. Throughout the year Madeira has different aquatic mammals journeying through its blue waters. Whether you come in summer or winter, the chances are high you’ll see one of these amazing creatures. Stop for a swim during the summer season or catch a glimpse of the world beneath the waves with the provided snorkeling equipment. Relax on deck with a refreshing drink from the onboard bar.

Funchal Bay: Dolphin & Whale Watch Luxury Catamaran Cruise

3. Funchal Bay: Dolphin & Whale Watch Luxury Catamaran Cruise

Spot the dolphins and whales that call Funchal Bay home on this catamaran cruise from Funchal. Snorkel in the crystal-clear waters under Cabo Girão and learn more about the majestic creatures from your expert crew. Arrive at New Marina - Funchal and board a luxury catamaran. Receive some safety information from the experienced crew. Choose to sit in the luxurious interior with comfortable seating and protection from the sun, and lounge chairs or outdoor hammocks. Afterward, sit back and relax as you sail towards the open sea. Although sightings of marine species can not be guaranteed, dolphins and whales are often found in the waters around Funchal. Keep an eye on the movements in the water whilst the crew answers any questions about the variety of species. Continue up to the high cliffs of Cabo Girão, which rise 580 meters above sea level. Anchor the boat at Cabo Girão and immerse yourself in the refreshing waters to explore underwater marine life. Then, sail at a leisurely pace around the Marina of Funchal, and marvel at the fantastic views of Madeira's landscapes. Return to Funchal New Marina for a quick landing process and continue to enjoy your day after the tour.

All Inclusive Whale and Dolphin Watching Luxury Tour

4. All Inclusive Whale and Dolphin Watching Luxury Tour

Your 3-hour luxury catamaran tour begins at the docks of the new marina of Funchal. Board the catamaran and enjoy a glass of sparkling wine before setting off. Sail into the ocean to find dolphins, whales, and turtles. Spot these creatures in their natural habitat. After sailing around spotting dolphins, whales and turtles enjoy a 30 minute stop next to Cabo Girão, the 1920 foot (586m) seaside cliff. Here you have a change o go swimming in the crystal clear waters. After a quick swim, you will get back on the boat where you can relax and enjoy the views of the coast of Funchal as you head back to the marina.

Funchal: Dolphin and Whale Watching Sunset Sailing Tour

5. Funchal: Dolphin and Whale Watching Sunset Sailing Tour

Get the chance to see dolphins, whales, and sea turtles on this relaxing sailing trip up to 3 miles from the coast. With some luck, you will see lots of native wildlife in its natural environment. Swim, snorkel or sit back and admire the views, and enjoy a complimentary adult beverage. Your journey begins at the marina in Funchal, where you will board the sailing yacht with a group of up to 20 people. There will be a stop to go swimming and snorkeling at Cabo Girão. Here, you can see the highest sea cliff in Europe, which towers 1,903 feet (580 meters) above the sea. If you don't want to swim, you can simply admire the beautiful coastal landscapes from the boat. You will be offered one complimentary drink on board and be able to admire the beautiful sunset over the sea.

Funchal: Dolphin and Whale Watching Cruise

6. Funchal: Dolphin and Whale Watching Cruise

Join us for an ocean adventure as we head offshore exploring for whales, dolphins, sea turtles and oceanic birds in their natural environment. Completely rebuilt in 2023 the Sea Safari is powered by two brand new 250hp engines, so you can expect to cover a greater distance than any other boat in Funchal. Double cushioned seats ensure a comfortable adventure with amazing 360° views while you enjoy the best opportunity to see marine wildlife. Our team of cetacean spotters use powerful binoculars from land to find the dolphins & whales and then sends the Sea Safari directly to them. The speed boat sits low on the water so you feel very close to the whales and dolphins, but remember, it is wildlife, and the primary goal is to be respectful of their habitat. Listen to informative commentary about the cetaceans of Madeira, as your captain and marine biologist guide make sure you have a great time whilst learning about the marine wildlife, marine environment and ecosystem. This trip is dedicated to encountering whales, groups of dolphins, sea turtles and oceanic birds. We love to share these marine wildlife adventures and our observations with you while we explore offshore Madeira and its amazing biodiversity.

From Funchal: Madeira Dolphin and Whale Watching Tour

7. From Funchal: Madeira Dolphin and Whale Watching Tour

Climb aboard a comfortable catamaran for a relaxing trip along Madeira's south coast from the Marina do Funchal. Look for dolphins and whales (and even turtles) playing in the cold waters of the sea. Be on the lookout for dolphins and whales as you tour Madeira's south coast on a catamaran cruise. During the summer months, stop to swim below the cliffs of Cabo Girão, one of the highest sea cliffs in the world. A qualified crew will provide detailed information in various languages about the species of cetaceans (dolphins and whales) you see. Also get historical and technical information for a truly unique experience. In the event, you don’t spot any whales or dolphins you will be offered a complimentary second trip. However, if you only see dolphins but not whales, no refund will be offered.

Funchal: Dolphin and Whale Watching Sailing Trip

8. Funchal: Dolphin and Whale Watching Sailing Trip

Hit the waters near Cabo Girão in search of dolphins and whales on a cruise trip from Funchal. Learn amazing facts about the animals from your guide. Take a dip in the water and use the snorkel provided, or relax with a drink in your hand before your sailboat docks back at the Funchal Marina. Set sail from the marina in Funchal, where you will board the yacht. Search for dolphins, whales, and sea turtles up to 3 miles from the coast. With some luck, you will see lots of native wildlife in their natural environment.  As you keep an eye out for local wildlife, make a stop for snorkeling. Swim in the sea or use the snorkeling gear at Cabo Girão, the highest sea cliff in Europe at 1,903 feet (580 meters) above the sea. Alternatively, admire the towering cliffs and the scenic coastal landscapes from the boat while sipping on a complimentary drink served on board.

Madeira: Flag Ship Tour of Santa Maria de Colombo

9. Madeira: Flag Ship Tour of Santa Maria de Colombo

Have a unique experience and climb aboard a convincing replica of Christopher Columbus’s original vessel the Santa Maria, built right here on lush Madeira Island. Enjoy a time-travelling journey back to the 15th century, and walk along the southern coast of the island before reaching Cabo Girão. There, stop for a refreshing swim in the azure waters off the coast. Keep your eyes open for possible sightings of dolphins and whales peeking above the blue waves as you walk along the Atlantic coastline.

From Calheta: Whale and Dolphin Watching RIB Boat Tour

10. From Calheta: Whale and Dolphin Watching RIB Boat Tour

Discover magnificent marine creatures in their natural habitat with this boat tour. After boarding your boat, set off on a 2-hour journey of discovery as you venture into the Atlantic ocean and get close to some of the most amazing animals on the planet.  Aboard the "rib" boat, you can quickly reach where the animals are, and increase your chances of seeing more species on your trip. With the help of an experienced spotter, you can make the most of your experience with up-to-date information about where the whales and dolphins are. During the boat trip, you will be accompanied by an experienced crew, who will inform you about the marine life around Madeira island. From the boat, you can also take in fantastic views of Madeira island. 

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Frequently asked questions about Madeira Dolphin & whale watching

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What people are saying about Madeira

Overall rating

4.8 / 5

based on 25 reviews

We were greeted well and directed to the boat, staff were very knowledgeable and friendly on board. Refreshments and toilets were available. The sightings whales and domphins were amazing, something my children will never forget. Stafg also pointed out in a book which species we had seen on our trip with information about each. Would definately book again as such value for money!

Excellent crew, they are very informative all around the trip. Love that they respect the wild animals so much. Had a windy day on the trip but the skippers did his job like a pro. Thanks to the marine biologist Sara who told us exactly what dolphin we saw and prepared us the best they could for the rough ride. Overall, amazing experience ❤️

We start a bit later and in a rain, but just few minutes later we were seeing dolphins and some amazing cliffs. Crew was very friendly and professional. Highly recommend!

Fantastic experience. Super knowledgeable and nice guides. Saw lots of wildlife in a natural and sustainable way. Great value for money

Amazing experience. Lucky to watch the pilot whales