A speedboat hunt for whales starts in Funchal. You’ll do a 2-hour Sea Safari with a certified marine biologist, plus 360° viewing from a 2023 rebuilt vessel designed to reach wildlife fast.

I love the small group setup (18 people on board) because it stays active and you don’t feel drowned out. I also love that the marine biologist and captain talk in real time about what you’re seeing, including how cetaceans behave around Madeira.

The main trade-off is that it can feel wet and bouncy if the sea is up. Also, it’s not suitable for people with back problems, heart problems, children under 6, or pregnant women.

Key things I’d prioritize before you book

• 2023 Sea Safari rebuild with twin 250hp engines for quick offshore reach
• Spotters from land use binoculars, then the boat heads straight to where animals are
• Only 18 guests on board, which makes the wildlife time feel more personal
• Live marine biologist commentary focused on Madeira’s cetaceans and ecosystem
• Dedicated wildlife watch: dolphins, whales, sea turtles, and oceanic birds
• If you miss dolphins and whales, you can return again for €10

Magic Dolphin check-in: the part that keeps the day on track

You start at Magic Dolphin in Funchal. Plan to arrive 30 minutes early so you can check in at the local partner’s kiosk, grab your boarding cards, and get settled before the boat crew starts boarding.

Boarding begins 15 minutes before departure, and the boat leaves on time. That matters because this trip runs on sightings; being late can mean missing the schedule, and late arrivals can’t be refunded.

One practical note: there’s no hotel pickup or drop-off included. If you’re staying outside central Funchal, give yourself extra buffer time to get to the meeting point.

The 2023 Sea Safari: why this boat changes the odds

This is not a big, slow-moving tour boat. The Sea Safari was completely rebuilt in 2023 and is powered by two brand new 250hp engines, which is built for covering more distance offshore than many alternatives.

The ride also feels more “close” than you’d expect. The speedboat sits low in the water, and when the captain finds a pod, you get the kind of sightlines that taller vessels often miss.

Inside, you get double cushioned seats and 360° views, which is handy because dolphins and whales do not stay in one spot for long. Life vests are included too, so you can focus on the water instead of packing gear you might not need.

Capacity is capped at 18 guests (plus the captain and marine biologist guide). In plain terms: fewer people, less noise, and more time to actually watch—not just crane your neck over shoulders.

Spotters + captain spotting: how you go from hoping to hunting

The “magic” here is the workflow. A team of cetacean spotters scans from land with binoculars, then relays where dolphins and whales are. After that, the Sea Safari heads directly to the sighting area.

That’s the difference between a cruise where you search randomly and a cruise where you target likely locations. And because the boat is quick, you’re not stuck waiting for the ocean to change its mind.

Once you’re out there, the captain and marine biologist guide keep you oriented. They also explain what you’re seeing—behavior, movement patterns, and how the local ecosystem ties into what animals do offshore.

This is also where the respectful approach matters. You’ll feel close, but the trip is still wildlife-focused, with the primary goal to avoid stressing animals or interfering with their normal routines.

What you’re really watching for offshore (and what shows up most)

The trip is dedicated to encountering whales and dolphins, plus sea turtles and oceanic birds. In other words, this is not only about mammals—your eyes should stay wide for birds skimming the water and turtles when conditions allow.

From the types of sightings people report, your best odds in Madeira often revolve around dolphins first. Expect a chance at bottlenose dolphins and pilot whales, and you might also see other species like Atlantic spotted dolphins, common dolphins, or mixed pods moving fast around the boat.

Whale sightings can range from smaller whales to larger, longer-surface-time animals. Reviews include pilot whales, sperm whales, and even one case of a humpback. There are also reports of several dolphins close to the boat and “pods” that stick around long enough for you to watch their rhythm.

And yes, you can get bonus surprises. One sailing reported a hammerhead shark at the end of the trip. That’s not something you can count on, but it shows the day can turn from routine spotting into a full ecosystem moment.

When the sea gets rough

Even when spotting goes well, the ride can feel active. Some people report getting soaked, and others mention a bumpy return if the sea is choppy during the trip. If you’re sensitive to motion, this is the part to take seriously.

The onboard science talk: what the marine biologist actually adds

You get live commentary from the marine biologist guide, and the captain plays a role too. The content is focused on cetaceans of Madeira and the marine environment and ecosystem around them.

Names you might hear (depending on the day) include Clara, Florine, Natasja, Natasha, Florienne, and guides like Ruben. Different personalities, same goal: keep the watch educational and grounded in respectful wildlife behavior.

The best part of this science angle is that it changes what you notice. Instead of only seeing animals, you start tracking behavior: how dolphins travel, how pods react to their surroundings, and why whales might appear in short windows.

It also makes the waiting periods feel less like waiting. When the guide is pointing out what to look for, you stay switched on during scanning time, not stuck staring at open water.

Comfort tips that make the difference on a fast speedboat

This is a speedboat with 360° viewing, cushioned seats, and a low profile. That’s great for wildlife spotting, but it does come with real-world comfort issues.

Plan for water

Some people describe being soaked on the way back. You might get splashed on stops, and front seats can take more spray. They provide ponchos (based on what people report), but I still recommend dressing like you might end up wet.

Bring:

• a waterproof jacket with a hood if you have one
• dry pants or shorts if you want a comfortable landing back on land
• something warm-ish if you run cold on the water

If you want photo or video, an action camera can help. A few people recommend waterproof gear like GoPro/Insta360-style cameras for underwater shots.

Watch motion sickness before the day starts

The ride can rock and wobble when the boat changes course or pauses near wildlife. If you’re the type who gets motion sickness easily, take precautions ahead of time.

Also remember who should skip this trip: it’s listed as not suitable for back problems, heart problems, children under 6, or pregnant women. That’s not a “might be fine” situation—follow the guidance.

Small group value: why $58 can feel fair (and when it won’t)

The price is listed at $58 per person for a 2-hour adventure. On paper, that’s not the cheapest thing in Funchal. In practice, you’re paying for three things that add up: a fast vessel, targeted spotting, and a live marine biologist guide.

You’re also paying for small scale. With only 18 guests, the wildlife time tends to feel more focused than on larger boats where you might spend half the trip trying to find a clear view.

Then there’s the built-in safety net for sightings. Sightings of either dolphins or whales are guaranteed, and if you see neither dolphins nor whales you can book again for €10 per person. That’s a meaningful value lever, especially if whales are your main goal.

Is it always perfect value? Not if you’re expecting a calm “sit and cruise” style. This is active, and you’ll want to feel comfortable in a moving boat. If you want a gentler format, choose accordingly.

Who should book this cruise in Madeira

This is a strong fit if:

• you love wildlife and want a guided, science-led experience
• you prefer a smaller boat over huge crowds
• you’re comfortable with a fast ride and possibly getting wet

It’s a weaker fit if:

• you’re dealing with back or heart issues
• you’re pregnant
• you’re traveling with a child under 6
• you hate bouncy boats or you cannot manage motion sickness

For couples, solo travelers, and groups of friends who want a real “ocean encounter” without spending the whole day in transit, this kind of speedboat safari is an efficient use of time in Funchal.

Should you book the Funchal Dolphin and Whale Watching Cruise?

If dolphins or whales are on your Madeira “must see” list, I’d book this. The combo of spotters, a 2023 rebuilt speedboat, and live marine biologist commentary makes it more than a generic cruise.

The biggest reason to go is simple: you’re targeting wildlife, not just hoping to pass it. And if your day ends up being a rare miss for dolphins and whales, the €10 rebook option helps soften the risk.

Just be honest about your comfort level with speed and water. Dress for spray, plan for motion, and you’ll get a front-row seat to Madeira’s offshore life.

FAQ

How long is the cruise?

The tour duration is listed as 2 hours.

Where do I meet for the tour?

You meet at Magic Dolphin in Funchal.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

What’s included in the price?

Round-trip cruise, a marine biologist guide, captain and crew, and life vests are included.

What if I do not see dolphins or whales?

Sightings of either dolphins or whales are guaranteed. If you see neither dolphins nor whales, you can book again for a reduced ticket price of €10 per person.

What language is the live guide in?

The live tour guide is available in English and Portuguese.

Who should not take this tour?

It is listed as not suitable for people with back problems, people with heart problems, children under 6, and pregnant women.