Portugal · WHALE WATCHING
This is the shortlist you would send a friend: 15 whale watching tours worth the money, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the one thing to know before you commit.
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!”
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 👌🏾🥳”
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.”
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.”
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”
From Vila Franca do Campo Marina, join Terra Azul’s biologist-led search for whales, dolphins, turtles, birds, and fish. Guides such as Frida, Sanne, and Alexandra explain local species while the RIB covers open water, then circles the volcanic Princess Ring Islet. Bring water, sunscreen, and seasickness tablets.
“Fantastic. Knowledgeable guides who follow an ethical approach. Lots of fun, exhilarating and educational. Was perfect for the whole family.”
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”
Join Magic Dolphin Atividades Maritimas for a three-hour catamaran cruise from Funchal. Portuguese and English-speaking guides explain Madeira’s whales, dolphins, birds, and turtles as you sail toward Cabo Girão. Choose shaded indoor seats or outdoor nets, with a welcome drink and seasonal swim stop included.
“Absolutely loved this trip, the chap speaking to us about the wildlife found off the coast was incredibly knowledgeable. Really good value for money. And we saw a group of dolphins up close! You also get a free drink included which was a nice touch. Would definitely go back to this company again!”
Sail from Funchal with a maximum of 17 people aboard a modern catamaran. The crew, which may include Sheila, Liv, Maggie, Francisco, Nico, or Chico, serves drinks, snacks, and local treats while you look for dolphins and whales. Finish with swimming and snorkeling beneath Cabo Girao.
“Fantastic afternoon, well worth doing. The drinks flowed the nibbles we're lovely the staff were Fabulous & couldn't do enough & the dolphins were so amazing.”
Sail from Funchal in a small yacht carrying up to 20 people, looking for dolphins, whales, and sea turtles up to 3 miles offshore. Stop near Cabo Girão for swimming or snorkeling, then enjoy the sunset with an onboard drink. Guides may include Bruno, Roberto, José, or Marco.
“Great experience! We wanted to try sailing boat instead of catamaran and it was a great choice. The sail was quite swinging, but that was exactly what we were looking for. We saw dolphins, we swam in the ocean near the cliffs of Cabo Girão. Timing was also great, cause you have opportunity to swim in the golden hour and see sunset as well. Unfortunately it was cloudy so we didn't see the sun at all, but obviously it's impossible to guarantee beautiful weather. Nevertheless we enjoyed it and we wouldn't chose different company. Thank you! J&KRead more”
Sail from Funchal Marina for three hours of dolphin and whale watching with English or Portuguese commentary. You’ll cruise past Madeira’s south coast, pause to swim below Cabo Girão in summer, and enjoy seating, sun decks, toilets, and a bar.
“Loved the trip, the only thing I was waiting to see was dolphins, but didn’t get to see them”
Join Gaviao Madeira in Funchal for a three-hour small-group yacht trip with guides such as Bruno and Joseph. Watch for dolphins, whales, and sea turtles offshore, then swim or snorkel beneath Cabo Girão. Drinks are included, but wildlife sightings depend on nature.
“We really enjoyed our trip! Very friendly staff. Beautiful swimming spots!”
Set out from central Funchal on a semi-rigid boat with up to 18 people. Marine biologists such as Carolina, Catarina, and Rachel explain the species and work with land-based spotters to find them. Expect open-water wildlife viewing, a lively ride, and possible swimming.
“This trip is realny suprising a d you will never belive how fast is the speedboat.”
Set out from Funchal’s new marina on a fast RIB boat with up to 18 people. Guides such as Camila, Natasha, and Fernanda share marine-life facts while you search for dolphins, pilot whales, sperm whales, turtles, and flying fish. Swimming with common or spotted dolphins is possible when conditions and animal behavior allow.
“Hugely enjoyed our trip and we were very lucky to find 2 dolphin groups/pods one of which was quite rare during the tour. The professional skipper and very enthiusiastic and informative marine biologist made the experience even better.”
From Calheta, you’ll spend about two hours aboard a fast RIB boat, using reports from a shore-based spotter to find dolphins and whales. A crew of up to 12 explains the species, respects the animals, and shares Madeira’s coast from the water. Expect a lively, bumpy ride.
“Great experience, saw bottlenose and spotted dolphins. The whole family had a great time including the young children”
Pick a coast, a cellar or a cliff.
