Portugal · DOLPHIN WATCHING

The 15 Best Dolphin Watching Tours in Portugal

73 tours  ·  from $34

Good dolphin watching tours fill up weeks ahead and the great ones go first. Below: the 15 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.

Albufeira: 2.5-Hour Benagil Caves & Dolphin Watching - São Rafael, Castelo, Galé, and Salgados
Algarve Tours, Benagil Cave Tours, Dolphin & Whale Watching, Dolphin & Whale Watching in the Algarve, Dolphin Watching, Tour Reviews

Albufeira: 2.5-Hour Benagil Caves & Dolphin Watching

1.2.5-Hour Benagil Caves & Dolphin Watching

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 10,710 reviews · 2.5 hours · from $40Our pick

Set out from Albufeira Marina on a 2.5-hour speedboat cruise with guides such as Christian, Danny, or Johnny. See beaches, arches, and Benagil Cave, pause for a swim if conditions allow, then search for wild dolphins with a marine biologist on board.

“An interesting experience. I especially enjoyed the return trip, visiting hidden caves and sailing up to the cliffs. I enjoyed that the most. I recommend it.”

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Albufeira: Benagil Caves & Dolphin Watching Speed Boat Tour - Setting out from Albufeira Marina
Algarve Tours, Benagil Cave Tours, Boat Tours in the Algarve, Cruises & Boat Tours, Dolphin & Whale Watching, Dolphin & Whale Watching in the Algarve, Dolphin Watching, Tour Reviews, Tours

Albufeira: Benagil Caves & Dolphin Watching Speed Boat Tour

2.Benagil Caves & Dolphin Watching Speed Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 6,316 reviews · 2 - 2.5 hours · from $40

Cruise from Albufeira along 18 kilometers of Algarve coast to Benagil, with a short swim stop and dolphin search. Guides such as Ana and skippers including Ruben add local insight and confident boat handling. Choose a shared small-group or private departure.

“brilliant loved it got to see loads of dolphins 🐬 😀”

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From Funchal: Ecological Catamaran Dolphin Whale Watching - Choosing the Best Place on the Catamaran
Boat Tours in Madeira, Cruises & Boat Tours, Dolphin & Whale Watching, Dolphin & Whale Watching in Madeira, Dolphin Watching, Madeira Tours, Sailing, Tour Reviews, Whale Watching

From Funchal: Ecological Catamaran Dolphin Whale Watching

3.Ecological Catamaran Dolphin Whale Watching

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 5,771 reviews · from $40

From Funchal Marina, you’ll sail offshore on Magic Dolphin’s 2022 hybrid-electric catamaran, guided in English or Portuguese. Look for dolphins, whales, turtles, and seabirds, then pause near Cabo Girão for a swim before cruising back along Madeira’s cliffs.

“I didn't think I would see the dolphins that close, it was a magical moment, I would highly recommend!”

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Funchal: Dolphin and Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise - Three hours of searching Madeira’s blue water
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Funchal: Dolphin and Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise

4.Dolphin and Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 5,697 reviews · 3 hours · from $41

From Funchal Marina, you’ll spend three hours scanning Madeira’s coast for dolphins, whales, turtles, and flying fish aboard the spacious Seaborn Catamaran. A live guide speaks English and Portuguese, and summer trips usually include a swim stop beneath Cabo Girão. Drinks and snacks cost extra.

“It was amazing! We got to see dolphins and then we got to swim the water was perfect amd the guides very a very fun and nice bunch! I didnt get their names but it was one of the 3pms tour 👌🏾🥳”

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Albufeira: Dolphin Watching and Benagil Cave - Entering Benagil Cave by Boat
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Albufeira: Dolphin Watching and Benagil Cave

5.Dolphin Watching and Benagil Cave

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 5,658 reviews · 2.5 hours · from $34Best value

Set out from Albufeira Marina with a multilingual XRide crew for a 2.5-hour coastal cruise. You will search for wild dolphins, visit Benagil and other sea caves, hear coastal commentary, and may swim from the boat if conditions allow. Bring layers, sunscreen, a towel, and a jacket.

“The guides were really funny and friendly. Very informative and knowledgeable.”

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Dolphins Search and Benagil Caves from Albufeira - The dolphin search: exciting, but never certain
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Dolphins Search and Benagil Caves from Albufeira

6.Dolphins Search and Benagil Caves from Albufeira

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 4,814 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $36Top rated

Set out from Albufeira Marina on a semi-rigid boat with up to 18 people. Your crew searches for wild dolphins, guides you into Algarve caves including Benagil, and may stop for a swim. Guides such as Diogo, Dani, Johnny, and Daniel are known for humor and clear coastal commentary.

“This experience was phenomenal 👌 Dani and Diogo the crew staff were beyond funny, helpful and completely mindful of everyone on board. Me my partner and my 3 boys had the most fun and greatest time whilst on the boat thanks to Dani and Diogo.”

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From Ponta Delgada: Whale and Dolphin Watching Trip - Starting at Portas do Mar in Ponta Delgada
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From Ponta Delgada: Whale and Dolphin Watching Trip

7.Whale and Dolphin Watching Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 4,109 reviews · 3 hours · from $82

Leave Ponta Delgada with Futurismo Azores Adventures for a three-hour search for whales, dolphins, turtles, and seabirds. A marine biologist explains Azorean sea life and respectful viewing rules. Choose a catamaran for comfort or a Zodiac for a closer, faster ride. English and Portuguese tours are available.

“The tour was amazing. Because I captain decided not to stop at the dolphins we got the chance to see a curious sperm whale up close all by ourselves. The male came to about half a meter to our boat and looked at us curiously. What a thrill. After that we saw two more sperm whales, one sei whale, Atlantic spotted dolphins and common dolphins.”

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Portimão: Benagil Caves & Dolphins Watching with Biologist - Leaving Portimão Marina with a marine biologist
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Portimão: Benagil Caves & Dolphins Watching with Biologist

8.Benagil Caves & Dolphins Watching with Biologist

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 3,795 reviews · 2.5 hours · from $47

Set out from Portimão Marina for a 2.5-hour coastal cruise with a marine biologist. You’ll visit Benagil and other sea caves, hear about limestone, fossils, and marine life, stop for a swim if conditions allow, then head into the Atlantic to look for dolphins and possible whales.

“What a great activity and value for money. very informative and great fun. Highly recommend to anyone. s a w loads of dolphins”

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Lisbon: Tagus River Cruise to the Ocean & Dolphin Watching - Finding Estação Fluvial Sul e Sueste
Boat Tours in Lisbon, Cruises & Boat Tours, Dolphin & Whale Watching, Dolphin & Whale Watching in Lisbon, Dolphin Watching, Lisbon Tours, River Cruises, River Cruises in Lisbon, Tour Reviews

Lisbon: Tagus River Cruise to the Ocean & Dolphin Watching

9.Tagus River Cruise to the Ocean & Dolphin Watching

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 3,019 reviews · from $38

Cruise from Estação Fluvial Sul e Sueste along the Tagus and out to the Atlantic with a live guide in English, French, or Portuguese. You’ll pass Belém Tower, Christ the King, Bugio Fort, and beaches near Cascais while searching for wild dolphins. Drinks are included, but sightings are never guaranteed.

“everything went Well. Guide was very friendly and told us a lot about lisbon history also. we saw dolphins, which can't Be guaranteed in trips like These, but we were lucky. would reccommend!”

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Albufeira: Dolphin Watching and Benagil Cave Boat Cruise - Along the Algarve cliffs, beaches, and rock formations
Algarve Tours, Benagil Cave Tours, Boat Tours in the Algarve, Cruises & Boat Tours, Dolphin & Whale Watching, Dolphin & Whale Watching in the Algarve, Dolphin Watching, Tour Reviews

Albufeira: Dolphin Watching and Benagil Cave Boat Cruise

10.Dolphin Watching and Benagil Cave Boat Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 3,008 reviews · from $38

Set out from Albufeira Marina on a semi-rigid boat with a skipper and marine biologist. Search for wild dolphins, enter coastal caves when sea conditions permit, admire Alfanzina Lighthouse, and stop to swim if conditions are safe. Guides speak English and Portuguese.

“Got to see dolphins! Guide was informative and funny, highly recommended”

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Funchal Bay: Dolphin & Whale Watch Luxury Catamaran Cruise - Checking in at Atlantic Pearl’s Funchal marina berth
Boat Tours in Madeira, Cruises & Boat Tours, Dolphin Watching, Madeira Tours, Sailing, Tour Reviews, VIP, Whale Watching

Funchal Bay: Dolphin & Whale Watch Luxury Catamaran Cruise

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

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 2,684 reviews · 3 hours · from $47

Sail from Funchal’s New Marina aboard the Atlantic Pearl, a comfortable catamaran with covered seating, hammocks, bathrooms, and a bar. Your English or Portuguese-speaking crew searches for dolphins and whales, then stops beneath Cabo Girão for swimming before the coastal return.

“Terrific , good access to the boat, good seating. Great staff and we were lucky and saw both sperm whales and dolphins.”

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All Inclusive Whale and Dolphin Watching Luxury Tour - The Secret Stop and Madeira Snacks
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All Inclusive Whale and Dolphin Watching Luxury Tour

12.All Inclusive Whale and Dolphin Watching Luxury Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 2,573 reviews · 3 hours · from $93

Sail from Funchal aboard a spacious luxury catamaran with a small group, crew such as Liv, David, Bruno, and Maggie, and a welcome glass of sparkling wine. Look for whales, dolphins, and turtles, then swim beneath Cabo Girão with local snacks and unlimited drinks included.

“Wonderful morning out on the water. Top notch service from this Crew. Highly recommend”

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Lagos: Combo Dolphin and Benagil Tour with Marine Biologist - Searching for dolphins with a marine biologist
Algarve Tours, Benagil Cave Tours, Dolphin Watching, Tour Reviews, Tours

Lagos: Combo Dolphin and Benagil Tour with Marine Biologist

13.Combo Dolphin and Benagil Tour with Marine Biologist

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 2,352 reviews · 2.5 hours · from $63

Ride the Hurricane speedboat from Lagos Marina with an English or Portuguese-speaking marine biologist. Search for wild dolphins, then cruise the Algarve coast to Benagil Cave and other sea caves. Expect fast open-water travel, spray, changing conditions, and about 2.5 hours at sea.

“It was amazing. My kids were impressed to see dolphins so close in their natural habitation. Also the cave was beautiful and all the way along the coast as well. It was 100 % worth it.”

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Madeira Dolphin and Whale Watching on a Ecological Catamaran - How the land-based spotters improve your chances
Boat Tours in Madeira, Cruises & Boat Tours, Dolphin & Whale Watching, Dolphin & Whale Watching in Madeira, Dolphin Watching, Madeira Tours, Sailing, Tour Reviews, Whale Watching

Madeira Dolphin and Whale Watching on a Ecological Catamaran

14.Madeira Dolphin and Whale Watching on a Ecological Catamaran

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,957 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $42

Join Magic Dolphin in Funchal for a 2.5 to 3-hour cruise aboard a 2022 hybrid-electric catamaran. Certified guides explain Madeira’s dolphins, whales, and ocean ecology while land-based spotters guide the boat toward wildlife. The return route passes Cabo Girão and Câmara de Lobos.

“Best way to see dolphins and whales in Madeira in their natural environment, excellent boat tour respecting the wildlife and providing lots of information and getting as close as possible safely”

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Lisbon: Dolphin Watching with Marine Biologist - Meeting the boat at Doca de Santo Amaro
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Lisbon: Dolphin Watching with Marine Biologist

15.Dolphin Watching with Marine Biologist

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 1,853 reviews · 3 hours · from $76

Join SeaEO Tours at Doca de Santo Amaro for a three-hour RIB boat trip led by marine biologists such as Bart, Sara, Sid, or Cidonio. Look for dolphins, porpoises, sunfish, seabirds, and other wildlife, then return past Belém Tower, Jerónimos Monastery, and the Discoveries Monument.

“Extremly good value for your money!!! Everything was perfect. We saw a lot of dolphins, it was amazing!”

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New in Dolphin Watching

★ 4.72-Hour Dolphin Watching Boat TourFrom $5342 reviews
★ 4.8Dolphin Route Boat TripFrom $5398 reviews
★ 4.1Olhão: Dolphin ObservationFrom $41127 reviews
★ 4.8Dolphin-Watching Boat TourFrom $43213 reviews
★ 4.9From Calheta: Whale and Dolphin Watching RIB Boat TourFrom $70298 reviews
★ 4.6RIB Whale Watching Cruise and Optional Dolphin SwimFrom $61273 reviews
★ 4.72.5-Hour Whale and Dolphin-Watching CruiseFrom $81198 reviews
★ 4.8From Calheta: Madeira Whale and Dolphin Watching Boat TourFrom $67573 reviews
★ 4.8Guaranteed Whales or Dolphins Watching TourFrom $55428 reviews
★ 4.8Dolphin Watching Catamaran CruiseFrom $38197 reviews
★ 5.0Dolphins Expedition with biologist guide on boardFrom $8275 reviews
★ 4.9Dolphin Watching & Benagil Tour with Biologist GuideFrom $76188 reviews
★ 4.9Horta: University Startup Whale and Dolphin RIB Boat TripFrom $101225 reviews
★ 4.2Fuzeta: Dolphin Observation TourFrom $3565 reviews
★ 4.5Whale Watching and Swimming with Dolphins CruiseFrom $94111 reviews

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