Madeira · DOLPHIN WATCHING
Bottlenose, spotted and common dolphins all work this coastline year round. These 15 trips are compared on boat type, how long you are out, whether swimming is included and what the operator does about a blank morning.
Cruise Madeira’s coast on a quiet hybrid catamaran, search for dolphins and whales, then swim beneath Cabo Girão for $40.
“It was a very nice atmosphere and we saw some bottlenose dolphins and commun dolphins during our trip. 100% recommend! Stuff was friendly and they give you a lot of informations about the dolphins you encounter.”
Search Madeira’s waters for dolphins and whales, cruise beneath Cabo Girão, and swim from a spacious catamaran for $41.
“Entire experience was amazing and all went as planned - we have been extremely lucky as we managed to watch whales and dolphins during the trip. Staff was helpful and also enjoyed watching with all the crew - we could see their happy faces. Wild life watching is seasonal and we picked the best time of the year.”
Cruise Funchal Bay by luxury catamaran, look for whales and dolphins, swim beneath Cabo Girão, and enjoy Madeira from the sea.
“Going on the catamaran was great fun! We saw the pilot whales which was great! The boat was very comfortable and very relaxing. The guides gave us some history and were very friendly. Really enjoyed it!”
Cruise Madeira’s coast on a small luxury catamaran with whale and dolphin watching, Cabo Girão swimming, local snacks, and unlimited drinks.
“Tour was fantastic. Crew was very kind and told a lot of interesting facts about dolphins and whales. We had a lot of snacks and drinks. It was right decision to pay more. It was a definitely VIP tour. Thank you so much!”
Cruise Madeira’s coast by eco catamaran, spotting dolphins and whales with expert guides, then enjoy Cabo Girão and Câmara de Lobos views.
“Well organised trip. We were on a cruise ship and walked to where the Magic Dolphin kiosk and boat are. All staff were very professional, particularly the staff on board. We saw pilot whales and common seals. Take a waterproof, as you may get very wet from sea spray on the return journey. You can purchase snacks and drinks on board although we didn’t take this up.”
Review of Funchal’s 3-hour luxury catamaran tour, with dolphin and whale watching, Cabo Girão views, swimming, expert guides, and small groups.
“It was a great experience sailing around the bay on a catamaran. We saw loads of dolphins, and had the opportunity to take lots of photos. The catamaran was comfortable and we sunbathed. The crew were friendly and knowledgeable. There were two stops for swimming - this was amazing. Worth every penny!”
Review of Funchal’s 3-hour sunset sailing tour with dolphin and whale watching, Cabo Girão swimming, snorkeling, drinks, and practical tips.
“We went on an afternoon sunset boat trip, and it was an unforgettable experience. The views were stunning as the sun dipped below the horizon, but the real highlight was our guide, Jose. He was absolutely brilliant — hilarious, friendly, and full of fun stories that kept everyone entertained. He created such a great atmosphere on board. And the Madeira wine? So good! It was the perfect touch to a relaxing, scenic cruise. Highly recommend this trip — especially if you get Jose as your guide!”
Search for dolphins and whales from Funchal, swim beneath Cabo Girão, and enjoy a spacious catamaran cruise with a free second trip if needed.
“I loved the openess of the catamaran! I've been on other excursions on different types of boats, but this was the best! I really valued the respect the crew had for the animals by adhering to the rules of time limits and distance from other boats. Great experience ~ definitely recommend!”
Sail from Funchal to Cabo Girão for dolphin and whale watching, swimming, snorkeling, coastal views, and drinks on a small-group yacht.
“The Skipper & Bruno were fantastic! Very safe , very knowledgeably & fantastic guides for the trip! We got to see dolphins , enjoyed the views of Maderia and stopped for a swim, a really great way to see more of the island and enjoy the beauty of it all”
Search for wild whales and dolphins from Funchal on a fast small-group boat with marine biologists, land spotters, and a free second trip guarantee.
“It was an unforgettable experience! We were lucky to spot so much wildlife—countless dolphins, two pilot whales, and as the grand finale, two magnificent sperm whales. The captain went above and beyond to give us the chance to see them, while the guide was friendly and explained everything in detail along the way. The crew also made sure to follow the rules, always prioritizing the safety of both the animals and everyone on board. I couldn’t recommend this tour more!”
Review of Madeira’s 2-hour speedboat whale and dolphin tour, with marine guides, small groups, wildlife tips, swimming rules, and practical advice.
“It was a great experience, we had the luck and watch a whale and we could see him up close. You also learn a lot about how whales live from the really nice guide. Unfortunately we didn't see any dolphins, but that's just how nature works. We went swimming anyway.”
Search for dolphins and whales off Madeira on a fast, small-group RIB tour from Calheta, with expert guides, coastal views, and free cancellation.
“Great experience, saw bottlenose and spotted dolphins. The whole family had a great time including the young children”
A small-group Madeira boat trip from Calheta with dolphin and whale watching, coastal views, swimming, snorkeling, drinks, and sunset options.
“Great communication from On Tales up through the morning of the cruise. Had about ten people on the boat during our 10:30 expedition - everybody fit more than comfortably. Beatriz and Bruno were friendly, knowledgeable and skilled and were very up front with the days conditions and expected sightings. Cruised off Calheta for a while chasing a few dolphins which we managed to see, although they were feeding at the time and not in a bigger school. Lovely ride across long, gentle waves along the scenic south coast. Stop near Porta Do Sol for some swimming and the place lived up to its name with the sun in full effect.…”
Watch Madeira’s dolphins and whales from a fast, small-group speedboat with a marine biologist, comfortable seats, and a €10 return option.
“lovely to see the dolphins and whales in their natural habitat.”
Review of Madeira’s 3-hour catamaran cruise from Funchal, with dolphins, whales, Cabo Girão swimming, onboard bar, and a free return trip if needed.
“The trip was a blessing, we saw orcas, dolphins and on the way back to the coast ., a manta ray approached the catamaran, wich is not happening very often on the coasts of Madeira. Captain and team are a perfect match and they did a great job. I would do the trip again, right away. Thanks for everything and stay calm with the crazy tourists. Muito obrigado Thanks a lot villmols Merci Dankeschön”
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