15 Funchal Dolphin Watching Tours Worth Flying For

1.Madeira Dolphin and Whale Watching on a Ecological Catamaran

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

Cruise from Funchal aboard Magic Dolphin’s 2022 hybrid-electric catamaran for about three hours. Shore-based spotters guide the captain toward dolphins and whales, while certified guides explain Madeira’s sea life. Expect coastal views of Cabo Girão, Câmara de Lobos, Reid’s Hotel, and Madeira Airport. Bring layers and waterproof clothing for wind and spray.

“Close to the cruise port or 10e in a taxi. Whilst the sea journey was very choppy, to see Bottle nose Dolphins and Pilot whales was an amazing experience. I highly recommend this company, great communication and a fabulous tour. Highly recommended.”

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2.VipDolphins Luxury Whale Watching

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,709 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $95Top rated

Sail from Funchal Marina on a modern catamaran limited to 17 passengers. The crew, sometimes including Sheila, Liv, Maggie, Francisco, or Nico, serves drinks, local snacks, and desserts while you search for dolphins and whales. Afterward, swim and snorkel below Cabo Girao with towels and equipment provided.

“This was an amazing trip. The crew were super friendly and helpful - we had Maggie, Francisco and Nico our captain. They couldn't do enough for the guests and when we saw whales and dolphins they gave us loads of interesting information about the species, their habits, and their habitat. A small boat with a small number of guests was perfect to see things and not feel left out. Would highly recommend!!!”

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3.Whale and Dolphin Watching Tour in Madeira

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,192 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $83

Sail from Calheta Marina aboard Miranda for about 2.5 hours with a small group, watching for dolphins and whales along Madeira’s southwest coast. Swim and snorkel in a sheltered bay, enjoy drinks, towels, and sea views, and hear local insight from crew such as Emanuel, Beatriz, Bruno, or Thiago. Sunset departures include swimming and sparkling wine, but not whale watching.

“It was great. We didn’t see any dolphins/whales though, but honestly it didn’t matter. The crew were both lovely, attentive etc, and was very comfortable. Very relaxing too, drove around for 2.5 hours, had a couple of drinks, saw Madeira from a different perspective and got to swim —Surprisingly warm!! Would definitely book again, thank you so much!!”

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4.Private Dolphin and Whale Watching Tour in Madeira

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 539 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.)

Set out from Calheta Marina on a private 2.5-hour yacht for up to five people. The crew searches for dolphins and whales, shares island and marine-life facts, and stops for snorkeling when conditions allow. Towels, drinks, sparkling wine, a shower, toilet, and cabin are included. Sunset departures focus on swimming and scenery, not whale watching.

“Amazing experience! Everyone that works at On Tales is so helpful and friendly. Fantastic communication. They arranged transport, provided towels and drinks on the day. The crew were great and gave us lots of information about Maderia and the wildlife that we saw. We also enjoyed the snorkelling 🤿 Was so nice to receive the photos the next day that the crew had taken for us.”

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5.Dolphin – Whale – Turtle – Bird Watching

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 350 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $60

Join Magic Dolphin in Funchal for a two-hour sea safari aboard a 500-horsepower RIB limited to 18 people. Two guides, including marine biologists such as Clara and Natasha, search for dolphins, whales, turtles, and seabirds before returning along Madeira’s coast and Câmara de Lobos. Wildlife sightings are promised, with a repeat-trip policy if nothing appears.

“My teen daughter and I absolutely loved this! One of the best experiences we’ve ever had. Our guides were kind and very knowledgeable. We spotted Bottlenose dolphins, Common dolphins, and Pilot whales. The speedboat was so much fun!”

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6.Whales and Dolphins wooden boat excursion

★★★★★★★★★★4.1 · 247 reviews · 3 hours · from $41Best value

From Pier 8 in Funchal, Bonita da Madeira takes you out for three hours of whale and dolphin watching, with an English-speaking crew and a welcome glass of Madeira wine. The boat has shaded areas, a toilet, and beanbags below deck. If sea conditions and wildlife timing allow, you will stop to swim beneath Cabo Girão.

“Excellent trip. Crew were all friendly and helpful. Had to travel a little further to see the animals, but were rewarded with Dolphins and Whales a great experience. There was no time for swimming but everyone onboard wanted to see Whales so we were all happy.”

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7.Responsible Whales and/or Dolphins Watching Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 237 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $59

Set out from Funchal Marina aboard Blue Safari, a custom high speed boat limited to 18 people. Marine biologists such as Camila, Camellia, or Fernanda explain cetacean behavior while the skipper searches Madeira’s productive waters for dolphins, pilot whales, and other species. Expect a fast, bumpy ride and about two hours at sea.

“We had a tour with Camilla and Thiago manning the boat. Both were extremely nice and helpful and we got to see two species of whale and dolphins. The trip is carried out by experts who help to protect these beautiful creatures and this is welcome.”

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8.Whale Watching and Swimming with Dolphins Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 111 reviews · 2.5 hours · from $94

Join Rota dos Cetáceos in Funchal for a 2.5-hour small-group trip aboard a fast semi-rigid boat. Marine biologists explain whale and dolphin behavior, while land-based lookouts help the crew find wildlife. You may swim with dolphins and turtles, but sightings and swimming are never guaranteed.

“Ogladaliśmy z bliska dwa gatunki waleni, łacznie 4 stada. Niestety tym razem nie udało się przeprowadzić pływania z delfinami. Mimo to, zecydowanie polecam, świetny kapitan i doskonała Pani przewodnik która szczegółowo opowiedziała grupie masę ciekawostek na temat morskich ssaków.”

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9.Magic Dolphin Celebrity

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 77 reviews · 2 to 3 hours (approx.) · from $48

From Funchal, Magic Dolphin Celebrity takes up to 25 people along Madeira’s coast for roughly three hours. A multilingual crew watches for dolphins and whales, explains the wildlife, and may stop near Cabo Girão for swimming in summer. Some booking options also pair the catamaran with a Jeep tour of Madeira’s east or west.

“The staff were great… friendly and kept us updated through the trip…. We didn’t see any animals but that’s nature for you! They did offer our next trip at just €10 each which I thought was really good!”

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10.Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour and Catamaran Whale & Dolphin Watching

★★★★★★★★★★3.5 · 53 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $55

Use the Yellow Bus pass to explore Funchal at your own pace, from the Old Town and farmers’ market to Pico dos Barcelos and Lido. An audio guide adds local context, while a catamaran cruise offers a chance to spot whales, dolphins, turtles, and seabirds. A Madeira wine sample and discounts are included.

“The hop on hop off busses are a great way to get around an unfamiliar city and find important sights and landmarks”

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11.Hop-on Hop-off Bus & Whale & Dolphin boat Excursion

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 41 reviews · 2 days · from $54

This two-day Madeira pass combines a 48-hour hop-on hop-off bus route with one catamaran trip from Funchal. You will see Funchal, Câmara de Lobos, viewpoints, gardens, the coast, and major sights, then look for dolphins, whales, turtles, and seabirds. Wine tasting and embroidery-factory entry are included.

“communication needs to be clearer, we thought start time referred to start of 48 hours but apparently it was the catamaran, so we nearly missed it. but the catamaran trip was lovely and we saw lots of dolphins close up so that was a bonus”

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12.Amazing Skywalk, Wine Tasting & 4×4 Adventure + Dolphin Watching

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 40 reviews · 8 hours (approx.) · from $106

You’ll spend the morning in a small 4x4 group visiting Boca dos Namorados, Boca da Corrida, Cabo Girão, and local tasting stops before joining a three-hour catamaran cruise from Funchal. Expect steep mountain roads, a €5 Cabo Girão fee, possible summer swimming, and no hotel drop-off after the boat trip.

“We were collected from our hotel at Cabo Girao at the advised time and met our fellow travellers - there were 7 of us in our 4WD vehicle plus the guide and driver and joined a convoy of approximately 8 vehicles. Our guide was knowledgeable on the area and gave us a good commentary of local information. We were taken up some very steep roads that would not have been accessible without 4WD! We stopped at a few locations to see the sights and take photographs, this also included a stop at a coffee shop where we were able to enjoy some delicious homemade cake. After the jeep tour we…”

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13.Wines Tasting Experience and Skywalk with Dolphin Watching

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 34 reviews · 8 hours (approx.) · from $130

Spend the morning in a small 4x4 group visiting São Vicente, vineyards, and Cabo Girão’s glass skywalk, then join a three-hour dolphin and whale cruise. Guides such as Rui, Paulo, and David are praised for humor and local insight. Wine tasting includes six wines, while the boat trip has limited commentary.

“Our trip was Sky walk+ vineyards+ vine tasting+ dolphin watching. It was such a great day all together. Rui our guide could answer all the questions, it was a lot of fun during the 4×4 trip. At the vineyards Leticia explained everything about the wines and we got to taste 6 of them. The view at the vineyards is fantastic it was such a pleasure to taste wine while enjoying it. And at the end of the tour we get to see a Fin whale the second largest whale in the world. We were there in the April but for even better experience at the vineyards September would be the…”

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14.Guarantee Wild Dolphin&Whale Watching by RIB

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 28 reviews · 2.5 hours · from $70

Join Xpoint Madeira for a 2.5-hour RIB trip from Funchal, searching for wild dolphins, whales, and occasional turtles along Madeira’s coast. Expect a safety briefing, open-ocean views, and a lively ride in a small group. A €20 swim-with-dolphins option is charged only if local rules allow it.

“Easy to book. Punctual, informative, educational. Hair raising in an adrenaline fix fun way. So lucky to see wild animals and we appreciate the opportunity to do so.”

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15.Arieiro Peak and Cristo Rei 4×4 Experience + Dolphins Watching

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 13 reviews · from $105

You’ll travel with a professional guide by 4x4 to Pico do Arieiro, Nun’s Valley viewpoints, and Cristo Rei, then board a catamaran from Funchal Harbor for dolphin and whale watching. Pickup is included in central Funchal and at the port. The private format keeps the day focused, but boat drop-off is not included.

“We saw many dolphins and even a tropical whale - amazing views and memories !”

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