From Funchal: Whales and Dolphin Adventure Tour

Madeira’s best whale and dolphin tours get you away from the harbor quickly, and this 18-person speedboat is built for exactly that. You cover more sea than a large catamaran, with open views on every side and a real chance of finding dolphins, pilot whales, sperm whales, turtles, and flying fish.

I like the small group and the marine biology focus. Guides such as Camila, Natasha, and Fernanda explain what you are seeing, while the crew follows animal welfare rules instead of chasing wildlife for a close photograph. The advertised sighting rate is 99 percent, but nature still makes the schedule.

The main catch is the ride itself. A fast RIB boat can be thrilling, but it can also be wet and bumpy, and swimming with dolphins is never guaranteed. Bring a jacket and accept that a good wildlife trip may mean watching patiently rather than getting in the water.

Key points to know before booking

• Small RIB boat: The boat carries a maximum of 18 people, giving you a clear view around the whole vessel.
• Two hours at sea: Powerful engines help the crew search a wider area than a slow sightseeing boat.
• Marine biology on board: Guides including Camila, Natasha, and Fernanda explain animal behavior and local species.
• Swimming is conditional: Entering the water may be offered with common or spotted dolphins only when sea conditions and animal behavior make it suitable.
• Wildlife comes first: The crew does not chase animals, and the tour follows welfare rules developed with World Animal Protection.
• Prepare to get wet: Wear swimwear, pack a towel, use sunscreen, and bring a waterproof jacket.

Leaving Funchal on a fast, open-sided boat

The tour begins at Blue Safari Madeira in Funchal’s new marina. You meet the guide beside the speedboat, in front of door 4, the last door on the left when you face the sea. Arrive 20 minutes before departure. That extra time matters because the marina has several entrances, and arriving at the last minute can turn a relaxed start into a hunt for the right boat.

If you drive, the useful parking choice is the Almirante Reis parking lot. The Marina Park is private, so do not assume it is the same place. The operator also provides a short video showing how to find the boat, which is worth checking before you leave your hotel.

Once everyone is aboard, the boat heads out from Funchal and along Madeira’s coast. The ride is part of the attraction. You get broad views of the island, the open Atlantic, and the clear water, but this is not a gentle harbor cruise. The RIB moves quickly and can hit the waves hard.

That speed has a practical purpose. Dolphins and whales are not waiting beside the marina, and the crew may need to cover a large area before finding a group. The powerful engines let the captain move between likely locations faster, leaving more of the two-hour outing for searching and watching.

Searching the Atlantic for dolphins and whales

The central part of the trip is simple: the captain and guide scan the sea, communicate with people on shore, and move toward signs of wildlife. The small boat helps here because you can look in every direction without competing with a crowd for a railing or viewing spot.

You might see bottlenose dolphins, spotted dolphins, pilot whales, sperm whales, or other cetaceans. The sightings recorded on this trip have ranged from scattered dolphins near the end of the outing to large groups, including a pod of around 150 dolphins. Other memorable encounters have included six sperm whales, a Bryde’s whale, pilot whales, turtles, Portuguese man-of-war, and flying fish pursued by dolphins.

That range also explains why you should not treat the 99 percent figure as a promise of a particular animal. Seeing something is much more likely than seeing a whale, and a dolphin sighting may last several minutes or only a few seconds. One outing can produce several pods, while another may involve a long search followed by a brief encounter.

The guides add value by explaining the animals rather than simply pointing at fins. Camila, who is a marine biologist, has been praised for explaining species behavior and linking the trip to scientific research. Natasha has also been noted for answering questions clearly and setting out the rules for entering the water.

I especially like the crew’s stated approach to wildlife. If dolphins are not curious, the boat does not chase them. If a group includes babies, or if the sea is too rough, the crew may keep everyone on board even when dolphins are nearby. That can be disappointing in the moment, but it is the right standard for a wild-animal encounter.

What the speedboat feels like on the water

The boat’s small size is its biggest advantage and its main drawback. With up to 18 people, you are not looking over a hundred heads, and there is no need to race from one side of a wide catamaran to the other. You can usually keep your eyes on the water and react quickly when the guide spots movement.

The tradeoff is comfort. The ride can be bumpy, especially when the wind is up. Several people have found it exciting, while others have reported sore bottoms or seasickness. A bag is available if you need one, but I would still consider taking your usual motion-sickness precautions if you are sensitive.

You can also get wet. The bow may cut through spray, and waves can splash over the boat. A raincoat or waterproof jacket is more useful than an ordinary light sweater. Bring a towel, even if you are unsure about swimming, because the ride itself may leave you damp.

Wear practical clothing rather than your best holiday outfit. Swimwear, sunscreen, and a jacket are specifically recommended. Keep phones and cameras protected, especially if you plan to film the dolphins from the side of the boat.

The boat gives you a more active outing than a traditional catamaran cruise. You are not simply sitting back with a drink while someone else handles the sightseeing. You scan, listen, hold on, and move through the water at speed. For an adventure-minded visitor, that is a big part of the $58 price.

The chance to swim with dolphins

Swimming is possible only under specific conditions. The dolphins must be common dolphins or spotted dolphins, their behavior must be suitable, and the sea must be calm enough for the crew to operate safely. The decision belongs to the guide and captain, not to the booking calendar.

When a swim is allowed, only four people enter at a time. You hold onto a rope attached to the side of the boat while it continues moving slowly, giving the dolphins the chance to remain interested rather than being surrounded by swimmers. The available time in the water can be brief, sometimes around five to ten minutes.

This is not a dolphin-petting session. You do not call the animals over, feed them, or force contact. You may see them a few meters away at the surface or below you, but they can leave whenever they want. That uncertainty is part of what makes a wild encounter special.

There are practical limits. Strong waves have stopped the swim on many outings, and the presence of babies may lead the crew to avoid putting anyone in the water. You might also see the right species but lose the opportunity because the animals move away.

For that reason, book this as a whale and dolphin watching trip with a possible swim, not as a guaranteed swimming excursion. If entering the water is your main goal, you may leave disappointed. If you would be happy watching wild dolphins from the boat, the swim becomes a wonderful extra rather than the measure of success.

The snorkeling mask and snorkel are included. The description does not promise a long snorkeling session or a particular underwater view, so pack your expectations along with your towel.

Guides who add meaning to the sightings

A strong wildlife guide can turn a quick glimpse into a useful lesson. This company uses English and Portuguese, and guides named in the trip details include Camila, Natasha, Fernanda, Vlad, Agata, Francisco, Marco, Ruben, and Florine.

Camila’s marine biology background is especially useful if you want more than a photograph. She has explained the animals, answered questions, and connected the trip with research carried out by the team. Fernanda has also been praised for combining clear information with humor, while Natasha has been noted for her enthusiasm and care in explaining when a swim is appropriate.

The captain matters just as much. Names such as Marco, Ruben, and Vlad appear in connection with safe, skilled boat handling and communication with the shore team. Searching for wildlife is a team effort: the guide watches behavior and identifies species, while the captain positions the boat without crowding the animals.

You should also expect a good deal of time spent actively looking. One guide chose to keep the boat moving and the group focused on the sea rather than stopping for long talks. That may suit you if your priority is finding animals, though it means the educational side is woven into the ride instead of presented as a formal lecture.

Optional photographs may be available to purchase at the end. You can also use your own phone, but protect it from spray and keep a firm grip. A waterproof camera is useful if you hope to record a swim.

How the two-hour itinerary works

The tour is short and focused. After boarding at the Funchal marina, you leave the harbor and travel around the edge of Madeira while the crew searches for cetaceans. There are no separate land stops, meal breaks, or long visits to a second port.

That makes the tour easy to fit into a busy Madeira schedule. You can pair it with a morning or afternoon in Funchal, but remember to leave breathing room around the booking in case the sea conditions change or you need extra time to reach the marina.

The first stretch is often a fast ride out toward open water. It gives you island views and lets the captain reach areas where animals may be feeding or moving between locations. The middle section is the main search, with the guide calling out sightings and sharing facts. The final stretch returns to Funchal after the crew has used the available time at sea.

A two-hour trip will not give you unlimited time to wait. If the animals are far away or slow to appear, much of the outing may be spent traveling and scanning. That is normal for wildlife watching, but it is worth knowing before you compare this with a longer catamaran cruise.

Is $58 a fair price?

At $58 per person, the tour costs about $29 per hour. That is not the cheapest way to get on the water in Madeira, but price alone misses the important point. You are paying for a small boat, fast travel, a crew focused on finding wildlife, and the possibility of a carefully managed dolphin swim.

The small group gives this outing a different feel from catamaran trips carrying more than 100 people. You have a better chance of seeing from the side of the boat, hearing the guide, and responding quickly when animals surface.

Food is not included. There is a café where you can buy something, so eat beforehand or plan to purchase food separately. The included snorkeling equipment helps keep the extra costs down, but the trip does not include a meal or a guaranteed photograph package.

The strongest value comes if you enjoy active wildlife watching and accept uncertainty. A brief dolphin encounter can feel worth the price, especially when the crew handles it respectfully. If you want a guaranteed swim, a full lunch, calm seating, or a long leisurely cruise, another boat may suit you better.

Weather, cancellations, and smart planning

Madeira’s sea conditions can change quickly. Trips have been postponed because of bad weather, and one outing only went ahead on the third attempt before the group found six sperm whales. That is a useful reminder that patience can pay off, but your schedule needs some flexibility.

The operator offers a free second tour if no whales or dolphins are spotted. If weather makes another trip impossible, you receive a free trip voucher valid for two years. It is still wise to book earlier in your Madeira stay rather than on your final morning, especially if seeing wildlife is high on your list.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before departure, and the reserve-now, pay-later option keeps your plans flexible. Check the available start times when booking, since the exact departure schedule can vary.

Children under 10 and pregnant women should not book this activity. The age rule and the rough ride make the tour better suited to older children, teenagers, and adults who can handle a fast boat in open water.

Who should book this Madeira whale tour?

I would choose this trip if you want a close, active encounter rather than a slow cruise. It suits you if you enjoy speed, can tolerate spray and bumps, and care about seeing animals in the wild without forcing contact.

It is also a good choice for anyone who wants an educational layer. Guides with marine biology experience can explain species and behavior, and the company’s connection with research and conservation adds purpose to the outing.

You may want to think twice if you are prone to seasickness, need a stable ride, or have limited flexibility for weather changes. The swim is not guaranteed, and even dolphin sightings can be brief. You should also avoid booking it solely because you expect to see whales, since dolphins are the more realistic target and wildlife does not follow a timetable.

Should you book the Blue Safari Madeira speedboat tour?

For most active visitors to Madeira, yes, I would put this high on the list. The $58 price is reasonable for a two-hour trip on a small, fast boat, especially when the crew finds multiple dolphin groups or whales and gives you a real chance to swim with suitable dolphins.

Book it for the sea, the search, and the possibility of a wild encounter. Do not book it expecting a guaranteed whale, a calm ride, or a dolphin performance. Bring a waterproof jacket, arrive 20 minutes early at door 4, leave room in your schedule for weather changes, and you will be prepared for the experience this tour actually offers.

FAQ

Where does the whale and dolphin tour leave from?

It leaves from the new marina of Funchal. Meet the guide at the speedboat in front of door 4, the last door on the left when looking toward the sea.

How early should I arrive?

Arrive 20 minutes before the scheduled departure time. If driving, use the Almirante Reis parking lot, not the private Marina Park.

How long does the tour last?

The boat trip lasts two hours, including the ride from Funchal, wildlife search, possible swimming activity, and return to the marina.

Is swimming with dolphins guaranteed?

No. Swimming may be offered only with common or spotted dolphins when the animals’ behavior and sea conditions are suitable. Strong waves, the presence of babies, or dolphins moving away can prevent the swim.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a jacket. A waterproof jacket is especially useful because the speedboat can send spray over the sides.

What happens if no whales or dolphins are seen?

You are offered another free tour. If weather prevents a replacement trip, you receive a free trip voucher valid for two years.