Funchal: RIB Whale Watching Cruise and Optional Dolphin Swim

Madeira’s best wildlife outing is not just about spotting a fin. From a small RIB, you sit close to the water, move quickly between sightings, and get a fine view of Funchal’s coast on the way out and back. Dolphins, pilot whales, sperm whales, turtles, and other cetaceans are possible, with a reported yearly success rate of 99 percent for seeing at least one cetacean species.

I like the small groups, which make the experience feel more personal than a large catamaran trip. I also like the crew’s clear respect for the animals, including the careful rules around swimming with dolphins and the guides’ explanations of Madeira’s marine life.

The main drawback is that this is a lively, open-sea ride, not a gentle cruise. The RIB can bounce hard, the boarding point may be tricky to find, and the dolphin swim is never guaranteed, even if you pay for the option.

Key points at a glance

• Fast RIB with close-to-water views: You are near the sea surface, which can make dolphins and whales easier to see than from a taller boat.
• Small-group setting: The boat carries a limited number of people, and a private version is available for groups of up to 18.
• Strong wildlife focus: The crew searches for dolphins, whales, and sometimes turtles, using land-based spotters to help locate animals.
• Strict dolphin-swim rules: The water option is allowed only with Common Dolphins or Atlantic Spotted Dolphins and only when their behavior meets local protection rules.
• Cabo Girao scenery: The return route includes views toward Madeira’s famous sea cliff and south coast.
• Good weather planning matters: Wind can rise quickly offshore, so bring a windbreaker or waterproof jacket, even on a warm day.

Leaving Funchal in a small, lively boat

The trip begins at Xpoint Madeira in Funchal, though the exact meeting point can depend on the option you book. Allow time to find the jetty. A few people have had trouble locating the boarding door, and simple signage appears to be limited. Follow the supplied map pin carefully and wait by the jetty entrance if the location is not obvious.

Before departure, the crew gives a safety briefing and helps everyone put on a life jacket. The necessary safety equipment is included, but you should arrive dressed for wind rather than for a sunny walk through town.

Once the RIB leaves the marina, the ride itself becomes part of the outing. You get broad views of Madeira’s south coast, with the island rising sharply behind Funchal. The boat’s low position gives you a direct view across the water, while its speed helps the crew reach possible wildlife areas without spending the whole trip in transit.

I would not choose this boat if you want a quiet, steady platform for taking photographs. The ride may be bumpy, especially on the return journey. On the other hand, the motion is part of the fun, and several people have found the fast ride more exciting than a slower catamaran excursion.

Searching the water for dolphins and whales

Wildlife watching always involves patience and luck. Even with a strong sighting record, the animals are free-ranging, and no operator can promise a particular species or a close approach. The crew may spend time scanning the water, changing direction, and waiting for a good opportunity.

The company works with spotters on land to help locate marine life. That matters in Madeira, where the coastline gives observers a wide view of the sea. A fast RIB can then move toward likely areas more quickly than a slower vessel.

Dolphins are among the most likely animals to see. Common Dolphins and Atlantic Spotted Dolphins may approach the boat, and Bottlenose Dolphins are also possible. Pilot Whales and Sperm Whales have been seen on these trips, along with other whale species and occasional sea turtles.

The low seating position is useful here. You are close to the water rather than looking down from a high deck, so an animal surfacing near the boat can feel remarkably near. You still need to keep your eyes moving. A whale may show only its back or blow before disappearing again.

The guides explain the different species and share information about Madeira and the ocean. Names associated with the crew include Anna, Ana, Paulo, Paolo, Mark, and Marc. The exact team can vary, but the important point is that the trip combines wildlife watching with interpretation rather than leaving you to guess what you have seen.

I also appreciate the ecological attitude built into the outing. The boat keeps a respectful distance, and the crew pays attention to animal behavior. One particularly telling detail is that the guides have stopped to remove plastic from the water. That kind of small action says more about their approach than a long promise about conservation.

What the dolphin swim really involves

The dolphin swim is an optional add-on priced at 20 euros per participant. The charge is made on site only if entering the water is possible. If the conditions are not right, you pay only for the regular boat trip.

That arrangement is sensible because a swim cannot be treated as a standard part of the schedule. Portuguese animal protection law limits the activity to encounters with Common Dolphins or Atlantic Spotted Dolphins. The dolphins must also be behaving in a way that allows the crew to enter the water responsibly.

If approved, each participant usually spends only about one to two minutes in the water. You wear a mask and snorkel and hold onto a rope attached to the boat while you are pulled gently along near the animals. This is not a free-swimming session where you follow a dolphin underwater at your own pace.

You should understand the physical side of it before paying for the option. Holding the rope while the boat moves can be tiring, and the water time is short. Still, seeing dolphins from the water can be a memorable extra, especially when a calm sea and cooperative animals make it possible.

Some trips will not offer the swim at all. That is not a failure of the excursion. It is the result of the rules and the animals’ behavior, and the crew’s decision to skip the water entry is the correct one. You can still have a full wildlife outing without swimming.

The Cabo Girao coast on the return

The itinerary includes a scenic stop or viewing opportunity near Cabo Girao Cliff. This is one of Madeira’s most recognizable coastal sights, where the island drops dramatically toward the Atlantic.

The exact amount of time devoted to the stop depends on the wildlife search and sea conditions. Think of it as part of the coastal route rather than a separate land visit. You will be viewing Madeira from the water, with opportunities for photographs of the cliffs, shoreline, and sea caves along the south coast.

The return can be especially energetic. The RIB may take a quick route back toward Funchal, and one account describes the ride as very bumpy but fast, with attractive coastal views along the way. If you are prone to motion sickness, the open-air setting and short duration may suit you better than a long enclosed boat ride, but you should still prepare carefully.

Sit where the crew directs you, hold on firmly, and keep your hat and loose belongings secure. A windbreaker, sunglasses, sun hat, sunscreen, and jacket are all sensible. For winter or unsettled weather, use a warmer waterproof jacket.

How much value do you get for $61?

At $61 per person, the standard trip is fairly priced for a 2.5-hour small-group wildlife outing in Madeira. The cost includes the boat, safety equipment, fuel surcharges, taxes, and other applicable fees. Drinks, snacks, and parking are not included.

The value comes from the combination of wildlife search, a fast boat, guide commentary, and coastal scenery. You are not paying only for transport from Funchal. You get a focused attempt to find wild animals, with a crew that uses spotters and stays out for at least two hours, often longer than the minimum outing time.

The price also compares well if you prefer an active experience. A catamaran may offer more room to walk around, but the RIB puts you closer to the water and can move quickly between possible sightings. If you want a relaxed boat day with space to stretch out, the RIB may feel cramped or too lively. If you want speed and a close view of the sea, it is a strong choice.

The dolphin swim requires a separate 20 euro add-on, but you are charged only if the crew can legally and safely allow entry. That makes it less risky than paying in advance for an activity that may not happen.

A private boat is also available for up to 18 passengers. This can make sense for a family group or friends who value privacy, though the standard price given here is for the regular shared experience. A private trip may also suit people who want to keep the outing within their own group, but you should check the private rate before deciding.

Who should book this RIB trip?

I would recommend it to you if you enjoy being outdoors, want a good chance of seeing marine life, and like a little speed. Families with older children and teenagers can have a great time, especially when dolphins surface close to the boat. The small group also helps the trip feel less crowded and makes it easier to hear the guide.

It suits photographers who value proximity and scenery, though the bouncing boat makes sharp wildlife pictures difficult. Bring a secure camera or phone and expect to miss some shots. The experience is more about watching the sea and reacting quickly than setting up a tripod-style photograph.

It is also a good fit if you have already seen Madeira from land and want to understand the island from the ocean. The cliff views, caves, harbor departure, and open-water route add a useful second angle to your visit.

I would think twice if you dislike fast boats, have difficulty climbing aboard, or want a guaranteed swim. The dolphin option is controlled by law and animal behavior, and the ride can become rough. You should also check the forecast and dress for a sudden change in wind.

The activity is offered in English and Portuguese. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Madeira plans depend on weather. Meeting points may vary, so confirm the location for your selected option before setting out.

The wildlife guarantee and what it means

The operator offers a free repeat trip within one year if no cetacean species is seen, subject to availability and with the booking not transferable. That is a useful safety net, but it is most practical for someone staying in Madeira long enough to try again.

The guarantee does not mean you will see whales, dolphins, or turtles on every outing. It refers to at least one cetacean species, and it does not promise a certain number of animals or a dolphin swim. Keep that distinction in mind when choosing the trip.

The reported yearly success rate of 99 percent is encouraging, especially alongside the land-based spotters and the boat’s speed. Still, I would book this for the quality of the search and the sea experience, not as a promise of a particular wildlife encounter.

My practical verdict

I would book this RIB cruise if you want Madeira wildlife watching in a small group and prefer an active ride to a slow, spacious boat. The strongest features are the close-to-water view, fast access to sighting areas, caring approach to the animals, and the chance to see several species in one outing.

Add the dolphin swim only if you understand the limits: one to two minutes per person, rope-assisted movement, and permission only for certain species and behavior. If you want a calmer trip, choose another boat style. If you want a brisk, personal search for dolphins and whales with fine views of Madeira’s coast, this is a very good use of 2.5 hours.

FAQ

How long is the Funchal RIB whale watching trip?

The activity lasts 2.5 hours. The boat remains at sea for no less than two hours before returning to Funchal marina.

How much does the standard boat trip cost?

The listed price is $61 per person. Safety equipment, taxes, fuel surcharges, and applicable fees are included.

Is swimming with dolphins included?

No. Swimming or snorkeling with dolphins is an optional 20 euro add-on. You are charged on site only if the crew can legally and safely allow the water entry.

How long do participants spend in the water?

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

Which dolphins allow the swim option?

The crew may enter the water only when Common Dolphins or Atlantic Spotted Dolphins are present and their behavior meets local animal protection rules.

What happens if no whales or dolphins are seen?

If no cetacean species is seen, you are invited to join another trip free of charge within one year, subject to availability. The repeat trip is not transferable.

What should I bring?

Bring a windbreaker, sunglasses, sun hat, sunscreen, and a jacket. Offshore conditions can turn windy quickly, so a warmer waterproof jacket is wise during the winter months.