Your guide makes the ocean feel close.

This whale and dolphin adventure out of Funchal is built around finding cetaceans quickly, then watching them respectfully in Madeira’s clear coastal waters. I love the small RIB boat setup (up to 18 people) because you can actually see the ocean on all sides, not just one side of a crowded catamaran, and the guides like marine biologist Camila (and other teams such as Fernanda and Vlad/Marco) explain what you’re seeing as the search unfolds.

I also like that the company follows animal-welfare rules designed with World Animal Protection, so it’s not chase-and-snap-photo tourism. The main drawback to keep in mind is that it’s weather-dependent, and the chance to swim with dolphins only happens when conditions and the animals’ behavior line up.

Key highlights you’ll care about

• Small RIB boat (max 18), so sightlines stay great and the vibe stays personal
• 2 hours on the water with a fast, purposeful search for whales or dolphins
• Snorkeling gear (mask & snorkel) included for when you get a swim moment
• Dolphin entry may happen if you encounter common or spotted dolphins and conditions allow
• Respect-first approach based on animal-welfare rules developed with World Animal Protection
• If wildlife is elusive, you get another free tour or a weather voucher

A fast, focused Madeira search: why this RIB feels different

Madeira’s ocean can look calm from shore, but once you’re out on the water you realize how much depends on timing: current, wind, swell, and where animals choose to surface. That’s why I like the format here. You’re on a speedboat-style RIB that can cover more ground quickly, so you’re not stuck waiting in one spot like some slower cruises.

The boat size matters too. With up to 18 people, you don’t spend the trip pressed against railings or turning your head every time someone stands up. You get a wider view of the water and a better chance of spotting that first telltale flick of a fin or a burst of movement near the surface. In Madeira terms, that’s the difference between hearing about dolphins and actually meeting them.

And yes, you may still see whales—but your day is ultimately about cetaceans in their own rhythm. Even when the ocean hands you a bumpy ride, the crew keeps the focus on respectful watching, not performing.

Funchal meeting point: getting on the boat without stress

This tour leaves from Funchal’s new marina. Meet your guide directly at the speedboat, in front of door 4, which is described as the last one on the left when you’re looking at the sea.

Two practical tips:

• Show up 20 minutes before departure. This is a real-life activity, not a show-up-late situation.
• Parking: you can use Almirante Reis parking lot (not the private Marina Park), which is just a few minutes from where you need to be.

If you like certainty, use the provided Google Maps pin to get your bearings fast, especially if this is your first time navigating the marina area.

The 2-hour cruise: how your time on the water is used

You’re on the water for about 2 hours, and the schedule is simple: you cruise around the edge of Madeira, then spend that time actively watching for whales and dolphins.

Here’s what makes that 2 hours feel worthwhile:

• You’re traveling while scanning for wildlife, so the time doesn’t “feel wasted” in the way some tours can when animals are far away.
• When cetaceans appear, the guides switch from search mode to education and observation mode—telling you what you’re likely seeing and how these animals move and feed.

The ocean itself is part of the experience. One of the best descriptions of this trip is the crystal-clear water views as you travel. Even when animals are a few minutes apart, the surrounding coastline and the sheer clarity of the sea keep the trip visually rich.

You might also spot other surprises along the way—things like sea turtles, flying fish, and even marine life that pops up because predators are active nearby. In other words: when the food chain is going, the ocean tends to show off.

What you’re really hunting for: whales, dolphins, and the best moments to watch

The core promise is simple: spot whales or dolphins in their natural habitat. The tour is marketed with a 99% chance of seeing these animals, but the honest version is that sightings are still up to wildlife behavior. What you can control is your mindset and your readiness to watch, not just take photos.

Based on what this operator’s crews tend to report in the field, you might encounter:

• Common dolphins and spotted dolphins (including situations where swimming is possible)
• Bottlenose dolphins and pods that show up quickly, sometimes close to the boat
• Pilot whales (a favorite reported sighting)
• Rare whale sightings, including sperm whales in some cases

When dolphins show up, timing and patience matter. The best moments often come after you’ve been scanning for a while—then suddenly the water starts “writing a story” with surface movement: a group appearing, then another pod nearby, then a few individuals weaving in and out.

The respect-first rules: how the crew keeps it wild

This is one of the tours where the guidelines are more than marketing language. The operator states they work under animal welfare rules created in consultation with World Animal Protection, which is exactly what you want to see when your activity depends on animals choosing to be near you.

What that means in real terms:

• The crew doesn’t just race after animals.
• The focus stays on letting the animals set the terms—if they’re curious and close, you watch closely; if they’re not, you keep searching without aggressive behavior.

In the reviews behind the scenes, you’ll see the same theme: guides and captains emphasize respectful distance and behavior, plus explanations of why the guidelines matter. Even if you come just for a thrill, it changes the whole mood. You end up feeling like you’re witnessing wildlife, not consuming it.

Snorkeling gear and the dolphin swim option (when conditions allow)

You’re not going out empty-handed. Mask and snorkel equipment is included. That matters even when the dolphin swim doesn’t happen, because you might still want to be ready for a water moment when the crew offers it.

The dolphin swim itself is conditional. When conditions allow—meaning the animal behavior and sea conditions both cooperate—you may be able to enter the water with dolphins if you encounter:

• Common dolphins
• Spotted dolphins

A key practical detail: this isn’t a guaranteed “yes.” Some days the sea won’t be friendly enough, or the dolphins might not be the right group for a swim moment. You can still have an unforgettable trip if you only watch from the boat, but your best plan is to bring your expectations in a flexible direction.

Also bring a towel and plan for the fact that if you do get in the water, you’ll come back soaked. The boat ride can involve splashes and spray even when you’re not swimming.

Comfort on a speedboat: seasickness, rain, and what to pack

Speedboats can be thrilling—and sometimes a bit wet. The trip is described as having adrenaline (because it’s fast and you’re cutting across open water), and a few people specifically note that the ride can be bumpy when the wind kicks up.

So pack like you’re expecting:

• Wind + spray
• Potential rain or choppy water
• A return trip where you’ll dry off, not change back into dry clothes on the spot

What to bring (these are the tour’s own recommendations):

• Swimwear
• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Jacket

If you get seasick easily, plan accordingly. Even though the operator describes the speedboat as a good option for those who don’t want a lot of motion sickness, the reality of open water is still open water. I’d rather you prepare than tough it out.

Price and value: is $58 worth it in Madeira?

At $58 per person for a 2-hour outing, the value comes from a few things that stack together:

1. Time on the water is concentrated. Two hours is long enough to locate animals and enjoy the watching, but short enough that you’re not stuck offshore forever.
2. Boat size is small. Maximum 18 people is a real upgrade versus mass-market cruises. Less crowding usually means better wildlife viewing.
3. You get gear included. Mask and snorkel being part of the price helps.
4. You’re paying for a wildlife search, not just scenery. The operator’s approach is about improving odds through speed and targeted searching.

You should also factor in the potential “win” if dolphins appear close enough to swim with you. That single moment can turn a nice tour into a core memory.

On the other hand, food isn’t included. There’s a café available to buy something, so you may want to eat before you go or plan a snack afterward.

If you don’t spot whales or dolphins: your backup plan

Wildlife days don’t always cooperate. If no dolphins or whales are spotted during the tour, you’re offered either:

• another free tour, or
• if it becomes unavailable due to weather, a free trip voucher valid for two years

That’s a meaningful safety net. It keeps you from feeling like you paid and then got unlucky with animals. It also nudges you to book on a day when you have flexibility.

Who this tour fits best (and who should skip it)

This is a great match if you want:

• Wildlife watching in open water, not behind glass
• A fast-paced boat ride with a good chance of sightings
• A small-group experience with marine biologists leading the conversation

It’s not suitable for:

• Children under 10
• Pregnant women

If you fall into either group, it’s worth looking for other Madeira activities that don’t involve open-water speedboat conditions.

Should you book this whale and dolphin tour from Funchal?

I’d book it if you want the best odds of seeing cetaceans without crowding, and you’re excited by the possibility of a dolphin swim when conditions allow. The combo of a small RIB, included snorkel gear, and a respect-first approach under World Animal Protection-style welfare rules makes this feel like a smarter wildlife choice in Madeira.

Skip it—or at least adjust expectations—if:

• you strongly need a calm, gentle boat ride every moment, or
• you’re the type who struggles with the idea that wildlife timing is out of everyone’s control.

If you can be flexible and you pack for spray and sun, this is the kind of Madeira day that often becomes a highlight—because the ocean doesn’t do rehearsals, and that’s the point.

FAQ

Where does the tour start in Funchal?

It departs from the new marina of Funchal. Meet your guide directly at the speedboat in front of door 4 (the last one on the left looking at the sea).

How early should I arrive before departure?

Arrive at the meeting point 20 minutes before departure.

How long is the tour?

The duration is 2 hours.

What does the tour cost?

The price is $58 per person.

What animals might I see?

The tour focuses on spotting whales or dolphins in their natural habitat.

Is snorkeling gear included?

Yes. Mask and snorkel are included.

Can I get into the water with dolphins?

If conditions allow and dolphins are encountered, you may be able to enter the water with common dolphins or spotted dolphins.

Is the tour guaranteed to include dolphin or whale sightings?

No. It depends on animal behavior and sea conditions. If no whales or dolphins are spotted, you’ll be offered another free tour or, if weather prevents it, a voucher valid for two years.

Is food included?

No food is served on the tour, but there is a café where you can purchase it.

Who shouldn’t book this tour?

The tour is not suitable for children under 10 years and for pregnant women.