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Best Whale and Dolphin Watching Tours — Our Top 15

109 tours  ·  from $13 a head

Dolphins are resident in most of these waters; the whales are not, so the two-species trips live or die on the month. These 15 say which whales are realistic when, and what each boat does when nothing surfaces.

Tenerife: Eco-Yacht Whale and Dolphin Watching and Swimming - Meeting the Travelin Lady at Los Cristianos
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Tenerife: Eco-Yacht Whale and Dolphin Watching and Swimming

1.Eco-Yacht Whale and Dolphin Watching and Swimming

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 15,619 reviews · 1.5 hours · from $13Our pick

Set out from Los Cristianos aboard the Travelin Lady, a purpose-built eco-yacht with protected propellers, low emissions, and a steady ride. Ines and the multilingual crew explain local whales and dolphins without chasing them. Expect about 90 minutes at sea, the Cave of Love, and a short swim and snorkel stop if conditions allow.

“It was a great trip. And yes, we saw whales and dolphins. Thanks to the yacht team!”

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Los Cristianos Respectful No-Chase Whale and Dolphin Safari - Boarding at Puerto Los Cristianos
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Los Cristianos Respectful No-Chase Whale and Dolphin Safari

2.Los Cristianos Respectful No-Chase Whale and Dolphin Safari

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 12,782 reviews · 2 hours · from $29

From Puerto Los Cristianos, you board the Bahriyeli for a two-hour whale and dolphin safari. Government-certified guides speak Spanish, English, French, German, and Italian. The crew cuts the engine when animals are nearby and lets them choose the distance. Expect pilot whales, dolphins, and sometimes turtles, with no swimming stop.

“Nice activity, we were able to see dolphins from a close distance and whales from a bigger distance. Guides were amazing, speaking multiple languages and providing interesting facts. The location pin should be revised - the pick up place is next to the Beach. A bit expensive for what it offers.”

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From Funchal: Ecological Catamaran Dolphin Whale Watching - What happens during the three-hour cruise
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From Funchal: Ecological Catamaran Dolphin Whale Watching

3.Ecological Catamaran Dolphin Whale Watching

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

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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Funchal: Dolphin and Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise - Searching for dolphins, whales, and turtles
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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

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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Costa Adeje: Whale & Dolphin Eco-Cruise with Snacks & Drinks - Watching whales in the Teno-Rasca Whale Sanctuary
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Costa Adeje: Whale & Dolphin Eco-Cruise with Snacks & Drinks

5.Whale & Dolphin Eco-Cruise with Snacks & Drinks

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 5,096 reviews · 3 - 5 hours · from $52

From Puerto Colón’s Dock 8, White Tenerife takes you into the Teno-Rasca Whale Sanctuary aboard a fuel-efficient catamaran. Choose three or five hours, with pilot whales, dolphins, underwater audio, sandwiches, drinks, and a swim stop. The longer trip adds Los Gigantes and Masca Beach. English and Spanish commentary is provided.

“was amazing, we see dolphins & whales, the staff was so friendly and answered all our questions, as we was the only English on the boat they was always helping us out, they was always offering us drinks and snacks that was free, I would recommend this to anyone who would like a boat trip, we have been on a few boat trip few th e year this is in our top 10.👍🏻”

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Los Gigantes: Dolphin & Whale Watching Cruise with Swim Stop - The search for dolphins and pilot whales
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Los Gigantes: Dolphin & Whale Watching Cruise with Swim Stop

6.Dolphin & Whale Watching Cruise with Swim Stop

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 4,539 reviews · 2 hours · from $33

Join Flipper Uno at Los Gigantes Port for a two-hour cruise through the Teno-Rasca Whale Sanctuary. Look for pilot whales and dolphins, pass beneath the cliffs of Los Gigantes and Masca, enjoy one cold drink, then swim in Juan López, Masca, or Barranco Seco. Spanish is the listed language, though guide Alejandro has also received praise for his English.

“The best boat trip we’ve done and we’ve done a few! Definitely worth the trip up to Los Gigantes - amazing crew, saw so many dolphins and beautiful cove swim - would highly recommend”

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Morro Jable: Dolphin & Whale Watching Cruise, Drinks & Swim - How the wildlife search works
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Morro Jable: Dolphin & Whale Watching Cruise, Drinks & Swim

7.Morro Jable: Dolphin & Whale Watching Cruise, Drinks & Swim

★★★★★★★★★★4.1 · 4,158 reviews · 2 hours · from $58

Join the Magic Dolphin from Morro Jable for a two-hour search for dolphins, pilot whales, turtles, and flying fish. Guides such as Karol, Carmen, Nino, Luis, and Carolina explain the wildlife in Spanish, English, or German. Drinks, a toilet, and a swim stop in Jandía are included. Sightings are never guaranteed.

“We were picked up by the coach from our hotel and dropped right by the jetty leading to the boats. The guide was excellent (gave an introduction in about 8 languages!) The boat we were on was in contact with about half a dozen other boats and they let each other know if they find dolphins / whales which massively increases the chances of success. Our boat was the first to find dolphins (Atlantic Spotted) and they were playing with the boat. There were so many there was no way I could count but there must have been 100+ I think. They stayed for ages but eventually we moved on…”

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From Ponta Delgada: Whale and Dolphin Watching Trip - Catamaran or Zodiac: choose the ride that fits you
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From Ponta Delgada: Whale and Dolphin Watching Trip

8.From Ponta Delgada: Whale and Dolphin Watching Trip

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

Sail from Ponta Delgada with a marine biologist or nature guide to look for whales, dolphins, turtles, and seabirds. Choose a catamaran or Zodiac boat at booking. The three-hour outing includes a safety briefing, wildlife commentary, and a second tour if no animals are seen. Spring is best for migrating baleen whales, while dolphins and sperm whales appear year-round.

“it was a dream come true, we saw a group of 4 sperm whales and couple others and the rare thing we also saw striped dolphins”

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From Morro Jable: Dolphin and Whale Watching and Snorkelling - The speedboat ride is a real part of the attraction
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From Morro Jable: Dolphin and Whale Watching and Snorkelling

9.From Morro Jable: Dolphin and Whale Watching and Snorkelling

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 3,687 reviews · 1.5 hours · from $61

Join guides such as Maurizio, Cesar, and Cristina for a lively speedboat trip from Morro Jable. Search for dolphins and pilot whales, enjoy the island’s coast, stop for 30 minutes of snorkeling, and have a cold drink on board. Pickup and return transport are included from southern Fuerteventura.

“Great! Would do it again 😁 Thank you Hassan and the team!”

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Tenerife: Whale & Dolphin Watching Cruise with Swim Stop - What happens during the two hours
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Tenerife: Whale & Dolphin Watching Cruise with Swim Stop

10.Whale & Dolphin Watching Cruise with Swim Stop

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 3,227 reviews · 2 hours · from $29

Join the crew aboard Peter Pan from Los Cristianos for two hours of responsible whale and dolphin watching. You may see pilot whales, dolphins, and seabirds in open Atlantic waters, with live commentary in five languages. The trip ends with a 15 to 20 minute coastal swim, conditions permitting. Hotel pickup is available from selected points.

“Amazing experience. We loved the tour and they were up to their word and did not chase the whales. We watched the whales. Thank you.”

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Los Cristianos: Viking Cruise Whales & Dolphins Watching - The first 15 minutes: photos and settling in
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Los Cristianos: Viking Cruise Whales & Dolphins Watching

11.Los Cristianos: Viking Cruise Whales & Dolphins Watching

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 3,132 reviews · 2 hours · from $47

Board Ragnarok at Los Cristianos Harbour for a two-hour whale and dolphin cruise along Tenerife’s south coast. The English- and Spanish-speaking crew guides you toward pilot whales and dolphins, while the Viking design, shaded seating, onboard bar, music, and roomy deck keep the trip lively. Bring sun protection and allow time for parking.

“Excellent experience! What could be more fun than seeing a couple whales with the experienced crew and guide? Seeing 5 whales! And a spectacular view of the island from sea. Will probably go again next week.”

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Tenerife: Whale & Dolphin Watching with Drinks and Snacks - Searching for whales and dolphins off Southern Tenerife
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Tenerife: Whale & Dolphin Watching with Drinks and Snacks

12.Whale & Dolphin Watching with Drinks and Snacks

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 2,929 reviews · 3 hours · from $77

Sail from Puerto Colón for three hours with a small group of up to 11 people. Guides such as Guy and Maxi look for pilot whales and dolphins, then anchor in a quiet bay for swimming and snorkeling with turtles. Champagne, beer, soft drinks, sandwiches, fruit, and snacks are included.

“A great trip. Maxi, our skipper, was fantastic. Very informative, couldn’t do enough for us- a very enjoyable 3 hours”

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Whale and Dolphin Watching Catamaran with Transfer and Buffet - Leaving Puerto Colón on Monte Cristo Catamaran
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Whale and Dolphin Watching Catamaran with Transfer and Buffet

13.Whale and Dolphin Watching Catamaran with Transfer and Buffet

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,712 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $71Top rated

Set out from Puerto Colón on Monte Cristo Catamaran for about three hours of whale and dolphin watching. A crew of up to 24 helps you spot pilot whales and dolphins, serves tapas, snacks, beer, soft drinks, and champagne, then anchors for swimming and snorkeling. South Tenerife hotel transfers are available by request.

“An unforgettable experience! The crew was welcoming and knowledgeable, the tour was well-organised, and seeing whales so close was absolutely magical. A must-do for anyone who loves the ocean.”

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Funchal Bay: Dolphin & Whale Watch Luxury Catamaran Cruise - The first 45 minutes: open-water wildlife watching
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Funchal Bay: Dolphin & Whale Watch Luxury Catamaran Cruise

14.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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All Inclusive Whale and Dolphin Watching Luxury Tour - The first 45 minutes: searching the Atlantic
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All Inclusive Whale and Dolphin Watching Luxury Tour

15.All Inclusive Whale and Dolphin Watching Luxury Tour

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

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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New in Whale and Dolphin Watching Tours

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Where to see dolphins

Pick a coast, a boat or a swim.

From the deck

Dolphin CruisesWhales and DolphinsSunset SailingsCatamaransRIBs and Speedboats

In the water

Wild SwimsSnorkel TripsDolphin HouseWild EncountersKayak Trips

Smaller boats

Private ChartersSmall GroupsLuxury HullsUnder SailWith a Biologist

Other ways

Dolphins and ManateesEco TripsAquariumsTrips with LunchHalf-Day Trips