The 15 Best Dolphin and Whale Trips in Madeira

1.Ecological Catamaran Dolphin Whale Watching

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 8,204 reviews · 3 hours · from $41Our pick

Cruise from Funchal Marina aboard Magic Dolphin, Madeira’s purpose-built hybrid-electric whale-watching catamaran. Land-based spotters help locate dolphins and whales, while certified English and Portuguese guides explain the wildlife. Enjoy two decks, large viewing nets, toilets, shaded seating, and coastal views toward Cabo Girão and Câmara de Lobos.

“I was with a group of 8 women and we really enjoyed the trip. The boat was very clean the staff was very good and knowledgeable. We saw sperm whales and other ones and the captain did a great shop explaining and showing us. The sea was a little bit rough but the had water on board. The staff was so helpful. Very good.”

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2.Dolphin and Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise

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

Set out from Funchal Marina on a three-hour Seaborn catamaran cruise with an English or Portuguese-speaking crew. Search for dolphins, whales, turtles, and flying fish, then stop beneath Cabo Girão for a seasonal swim. The spacious boat has shaded seating, sun decks, front nets, and a bar. Sightings are never guaranteed.

“A truly great time had. A comfortable amount of people onboard the Catamaran. Seats under the canopy, seats in the sun, two large areas to sit or lay on the netting area, large areas to sit with your legs hanging over the edge to really enjoy the ocean. We felt lucky to have seen a few whales, which made our trip so worth while. We stopped & were all permitted to climb down the ladder, jump/dive into the sea at a specific location - below cliffs on the opposite side of Funchal. Drinks & snacks were available. Crew were all very friendly, knowledgeable & helpful. A wonder family friendly experience.”

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

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

Board the Atlantic Pearl at Funchal’s New Marina for a three-hour cruise with Portuguese and English-speaking guides. Watch for dolphins and whales, then stop beneath the 580-meter Cabo Girão cliffs for swimming and snorkeling. Expect a smaller boat, covered seating, outdoor hammocks, onboard toilets, music, and drinks for purchase.

“Both staff were absolutely quality, good laugh and a great tour! Saw pilot whales and dolphins at first spot and had a great swim in the beautiful waters! All the best with the new baby captain!”

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4.All Inclusive Whale and Dolphin Watching Luxury Tour

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

From Funchal’s new marina, you’ll sail on a spacious catamaran with a small group, guided in English, Portuguese, or Spanish. Look for dolphins, whales, and turtles, then swim below Cabo Girão, Madeira’s 586-meter sea cliff. Liv and David are among the crew members praised for warm service, with snacks, towels, snorkels, and drinks included.

“The crew were incredibly considerate and helpful. The small group size made the experience feel personal and well-managed, with clear environmental awareness throughout. It was a genuinely customer-focused experience from start to finish. Thank you so much for doing your job so well.”

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5.Dolphin and Whale Watching by Luxury Catamaran

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,709 reviews · 3 hours · from $47

Join Magic Dolphin Atividades Maritimas for a three-hour catamaran trip from Funchal Marina. Watch for dolphins, pilot whales, turtles, seabirds, and other marine life while guides explain Madeira’s ocean ecology. You’ll also sail beneath Cabo Girão, with time to swim on most tours. Indoor seating, sun beds, restrooms, and a welcome drink are included.

“Amazing staff! I loved the boat trip and we also saw the dolphins. Just amazing day to celebrate my birthday! I definitely recommend it!❤️”

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6.Dolphin and Whale Watching Sunset Sailing Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,642 reviews · from $63

Join Gaviao Madeira in Funchal for a three-hour sunset sailing trip with up to 20 people. Guides such as Bruno, Roberto, Marco, and José search for dolphins, whales, and sea turtles, then stop near Cabo Girão for swimming and snorkeling. Drinks, equipment, coastal views, and a return to the marina are included.

“Worth it even if you don't see the creatures :) With the right weather the trip is exciting, and the views simply stunning. Our guide, Bruno, is funny and knowledgabe so made you feel at ease and safe. We stopped for a swim in the ocean (amazing) and there was an open bar with local specialties. Couldn't recommend more :D”

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7.Madeira Dolphin and Whale Watching Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 1,444 reviews · 3 hours · from $47

Cruise Madeira’s south coast from Funchal on a spacious catamaran, looking for dolphins, whales, and turtles with live commentary in English or Portuguese. In summer, stop beneath Cabo Girão for swimming and snorkeling. The boat has shade, sunbathing nets, toilets, and a bar. If no dolphins or whales appear, you receive a free second trip.

“I’ve done this trip twice. The first time I went, unfortunately the weather wasn’t great and we didn’t see any animals. But VMT gave me a second trip for free and this time we were so lucky! We’ve got to see dolphins twice and we saw a big group of pilot whales. It was absolutely amazing, everybody was speechless. VMT is also very respective of nature and the rules around watching these animals. Big plus from me too!”

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8.Dolphin and Whale Watching Sailing Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 1,325 reviews · 3 hours · from $47

Sail from Funchal Marina with Gaviao Madeira for three hours of wildlife watching near Cabo Girão. Guides including Bruno, Joseph, and other crew members share facts about dolphins and whales, then stop for swimming and snorkeling. Small groups, complimentary drinks, and a relaxed yacht make this a pleasant alternative to a crowded catamaran.

“We didn't see any whales or dolphins, but felt we were taken good care of as the guide was friendly and helpful, so we had a good time. It was fun swimming in the ocean with this spectacular scenery.”

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9.Whale and Dolphin Watching

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,313 reviews · 2.5 hours · from $56

From Funchal, join a marine biologist and captain on a 2.5-hour search for wild whales and dolphins. Small semi-rigid boats carry up to 18 people, while land-based spotters help locate animals. Expect a fast, wet ride, useful wildlife facts, and possible swimming time when conditions allow.

“We can fully recommend the tour. We’ve seen the dolphins and had a real fun when sailing by speedboat. Staff members where really nice and helpful, the captain was fun and told us much about the species that we saw.”

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10.Whales and Dolphin Adventure Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 1,235 reviews · 2 hours · from $58

Set out from Funchal’s new marina on a two-hour RIB speedboat trip with a small group of up to 18 people. Guides such as marine biologist Camila explain the animals and support research. You may see dolphins, pilot whales, sperm whales, turtles, or flying fish. Swimming is possible only with suitable dolphins and safe sea conditions.

“LOVED that I was on a smaller boat. I could see the entire ocean on all sides. No need to rush to the other side of the boat to be able to see. Our guide Camila was very knowledgeable and took AMAZING photos! You can purchase the photos at the end if you want but can of course take as many as you wish with your own phone. We saw a large pod of bottle nose dolphins with two babies and a group of pilot dolphins. Bring a rain coat! Because of the small size of the boat and crashing through the waves, I would have been soaked all way…”

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11.Responsible Whales and/or Dolphins Watching Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 1,184 reviews · 2 hours · from $56

Set out from Funchal’s new marina on Blue Safari’s fast RIB with a marine biologist or naturalist guide. Land-based spotters help locate dolphins and whales, while the crew keeps a respectful distance and records sightings for research. Expect about two hours at sea, with possible turtles, seabirds, flying fish, or monk seals.

“If I could give 11/10 rating, I would. Great guides with amazing stories. You could really tell they were super passionate about whales and dolphins and about the conservation of those species. During our trip we saw both whale and dolphin species, although you'll soon learn they're all whales;)! Highly recommend!”

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12.Dolphin and Whale Watching Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 844 reviews · 2 hours · from $58

Set out from Funchal aboard an 18-seat Sea Safari speedboat with a captain, crew, and marine biologist guide. You may spot bottlenose and spotted dolphins, pilot, sperm, or humpback whales, turtles, and seabirds. Guides such as Clara, Natasha, and Florine have led recent trips. Expect close wildlife viewing, sea spray, and a lively ride.

“Great activity good amount of time and saw a lot of marine life”

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13.Dolphin and Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise from Funchal

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 645 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $48

Join VMT Madeira Catamaran for a 3-hour cruise from Funchal Marina along Madeira’s south coast. The crew searches for dolphins, whales, and other marine life, then may stop for a swim below 580-meter Cabo Girão when conditions allow. A bar, toilets, and a free repeat trip if no cetaceans appear add practical value.

“Amazing boat trip on a lovely Catamaran. The crew were very friendly and informative and we saw a lot of Dolphins! Amazing experience which I would highly recommend.”

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14.From Calheta: Madeira Whale and Dolphin Watching Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 573 reviews · 2 hours · from $67

Join a small speedboat crew at Calheta Marina for two hours of whale and dolphin watching around Madeira. Guides such as Paula and Hannah explain the animals in English and German, while the crew approaches wildlife carefully. You may also see turtles, flying fish, seabirds, jellyfish, and the island from the water.

“Amazing! The guide and driver were perfect. We loved seeing whales and dolphins in their natural habitat and learning about the species and ecology.”

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15.Whale and Dolphin Watching Speed Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 526 reviews · 2.5 hours · from $56

From Funchal Marina, you’ll spend 2.5 hours on a small speed boat with up to 18 people, guided in Portuguese or English by a marine biologist and skipper. Land-based spotters help locate cetaceans, while the boat covers ground quickly. Expect wildlife, cliff views, ocean spray, and a guarantee of a free second trip if no cetaceans are seen.

“Great experience, everything was organised very well. We especially appreciated marine biologist, Dominique, who accompanied us and explained what species we see and what is interesting about them. We saw 3 groups of dolphins, very exciting!”

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