Madeira’s ocean feels close and wild here. This small-group RIB trip puts you right on the water for a serious chase of wild dolphins and whales off Funchal, with time to soak in the coastline and even a short photo stop at Cabo Gírao.

What I like most is the scale of the experience. You’re not packed onto a big boat, so when dolphins or whales show up, the viewing feels more intimate and less chaotic. The other big win is the way the crew talks about wildlife and follows animal welfare rules, including when the optional swim is allowed.

One thing to consider: the dolphin swim add-on is not guaranteed. You pay the 20€ option on-site only if local laws allow you to enter the water at that moment, and the swim time is brief and governed by animal behavior.

Key things that make this cruise worth your time

• Small-group RIB viewing for close contact without the big-boat crowding feeling
• High sighting odds, with an average of 99% of trips seeing at least one cetacean species
• Optional dolphin swim that follows local animal-protection rules and only happens when permitted
• Action + scenery loop: open-ocean wildlife search plus a Cabo Gírao photo stop
• Real crew expertise: guides like Anna and Paulo (and also Mark, Marc, and Ana in various tour runs) explain species and local sea life clearly

Why a small-group RIB works so well off Funchal

This is one of those tours where the format matters. A RIB is fast, and it keeps you moving between likely wildlife spots along Madeira’s coast. That means you spend more of the 2.5 hours actively searching, and less time drifting around hoping luck shows up.

The small group also changes the vibe. When dolphins come close, you’re not dealing with a wall of people blocking your view. On a fast boat, your attention goes where it should: horizon line first, then the surface, then the wake. If you want the feel of a “wildlife expedition” instead of a sightseeing checkbox, this setup fits.

One more plus: the crew’s focus on welfare. Multiple reviews point to a professional approach, with respect for animals and careful handling of the swim moment. Even on speed, you’re not watching the crew treat wildlife like a prop.

If you’re booking for kids, families, or anyone who gets restless on slower tours, the RIB energy tends to land well. If you’re a calm, couch-style ocean person, you’ll still get the whale-and-dolphin payoff, but you should expect wind, speed, and occasional rougher water.

The 2.5 hours on the water: what it feels like and why timing matters

Plan for a 2.5-hour outing focused on getting you out to the open ocean quickly and staying there long enough to search properly. The schedule has a clear shape: boarding and briefing, then leaving Funchal harbor, then wildlife searching while you keep along the coastline, then returning to the marina.

The RIB ride is also part of the experience. Some people love the bouncy, wave-sliding feeling (and even mention it being fun rather than miserable). Others note it can get bumpy on the way back. The good news is you’re not stuck out for a whole half-day. It’s intense time, then you’re done.

There’s also a practical angle for sea sickness. One review specifically said they didn’t get usual sea-motion sickness on a RIB. That doesn’t mean you’ll be fine for sure, but it does suggest the boat style may suit more people than you’d expect. If you’re sensitive, bring your usual prevention and sit where you’re most comfortable.

The pacing is important because cetacean spotting is never a “click” moment. It’s patience and timing. The longer the crew gets to work the search, the better your odds for seeing at least one species.

From Funchal harbor to the open ocean: how spotting really happens

You start with the basics: boarding, a briefing, lifejacket on. Then you roll out from Funchal harbor with amazing views of Madeira’s coastline. This matters more than it sounds. Those first minutes build context fast: you see the shape of the cliffs, the coastline bends, and where the sea opens up.

Then the hunt begins. The trip is described as a game of patience and luck. That’s honest, and it also explains why the tour runs long enough to try multiple areas. You’re not just going in a straight line; you’re searching for the moments when dolphins or whales surface.

A key detail from the reviews: the operation uses spotters on land to pinpoint areas. That’s a big deal for value. It means the crew isn’t working blind, and it helps explain why many groups report multiple sightings in different locations during the same outing.

And when animals do show, the crew keeps it intimate. Reviews mention dolphins coming close to the boat and whales being visible at distances that feel close without crossing animal-welfare lines.

If you want the best odds, arrive early enough to be relaxed at boarding. When you’re tense at the start, it’s harder to enjoy the “scan, watch, wait” rhythm that wildlife watching requires.

Cabo Gírao photo stop: scenery that earns its place

Most whale and dolphin trips skip “nice scenery” when the action starts. This one gives you a structured break: a stop at Cabo Gírao for photos and sightseeing.

Even if wildlife is the main event, this stop can be a win for two reasons. First, it keeps the outing from feeling like a straight ocean-only blur. Second, Cabo Gírao is one of those places where the coastline and scale click in a way you can’t fully grasp from the city.

Drawback: you’re short on time, so you’ll want to be ready to move quickly. Don’t plan on wandering far. Think of it as a quick chance to frame your Madeira photos and reset before you head back toward Funchal.

If you’re traveling with a mixed group (someone obsessed with animals, someone who just wants a good Madeira viewpoint), Cabo Gírao is a peace treaty. It also works for anyone who wants a break from wind off the boat, even briefly.

Dolphin swim option: what’s included, what’s allowed, and what’s realistic

The optional Swim with Dolphins add-on costs 20€ per participant, but it works differently than many “pay extra” activities. You only get charged on-site if it’s possible to enter the water under local animal protection laws. If it’s not allowed, you pay nothing beyond the standard trip price.

That rule matters because it changes your expectations. This isn’t a guaranteed swim. It’s a permitted moment that depends on animal behavior. The info states you can only enter the water if they spot Common Dolphins or Atlantic Spotted Dolphins, and only when the dolphins are behaving in the way required by the law.

What you actually do is simple and short. The crew can place you in the water attached to the boat for a brief snorkel/swim. Mask and snorkel are available. The time in the water is usually around 1–2 minutes per participant.

A practical detail from reviews: you hold the rope attached to the boat while dolphins swim around you, and some people are “dragged by the boat” slightly during the action. That means the swim is more about being present with the dolphins than about a free, independent swim.

Also, keep this in mind: if you’re not comfortable with getting into the water briefly and holding onto the rope, you can still enjoy the core whale-and-dolphin cruise. Many reviews still call the boat trip valuable even when they didn’t manage to swim.

Whale and dolphin sightings: what to look for and how close you can get

The tour’s central promise is wild encounters. It states a very high chance of finding dolphins, whales, and sometimes turtles. It also claims an average of 99% of trips with successful sightings of at least one cetacean species. That’s the kind of statistic you look for when choosing between operators.

In reviews, the specific species people mention include different dolphin types (including Atlantic spotted dolphins and bottle-nose dolphins) and whales such as Pilot Whales and Sperm Whales. You might also see a sea turtle. The exact mix changes by day, but the variety reported gives you confidence the crew isn’t just focusing on one predictable species.

How close can you expect? On a RIB, you’re physically closer to the surface and the waterline. Reviews describe spotted dolphins extremely close to the boat and whales being seen at distances that feel remarkable without the animal being harmed or “scrubbed” by repeated approaches.

Here’s what I think you should optimize for your viewing experience:

• Watch the surface for quick changes, not just the big splash moments
• Pay attention to where the crew is looking, because their effort is based on spotters and experience
• Treat it like a viewing session, not a photo competition—if you chase perfect shots, you’ll miss behavior cues

And if you end up with no cetacean sightings at all, there’s a backup plan. The operator invites you to join another trip free of charge within a year if availability allows (and if the booking conditions fit, like non-transferable specifics).

Price and value: what $61 buys (and when the 20€ swim is worth it)

At $61 per person for the standard 2.5-hour trip, you’re paying for a fast RIB outing, safety equipment, and all applicable fees and fuel surcharges. Drinks and snacks are not included, and parking isn’t included, so budget a little extra for that before or after.

Value comes from two things: time and probability. You’re out for long enough to matter, and the operation is set up to find animals with the help of spotters. When the sightings happen, the cost per “wow moment” drops hard.

Then there’s the swim add-on. The 20€ option is not a “pay for access” fee; it’s a “pay if permitted” fee. That’s good for you. It avoids the worst kind of disappointment where you pay for a promise that depends on conditions.

When the swim makes the most sense:

• You feel comfortable with quick snorkeling
• You’re excited by rules and animal welfare rather than trying to force an experience
• You like short, high-intensity moments more than long water time

If you’re on the fence, remember the boat trip itself is widely praised. One common theme: even without swimming, people still describe an amazing ride and close viewing across multiple locations.

What to bring and how to dress so the ride stays fun

This is a windy ocean city. Even in good weather, conditions change fast once you’re out on open water.

Bring a windbreaker, sunglasses, a sun hat, sunscreen, and a jacket. The operator specifically warns it can get windy quickly, and winter months may need something warmer and waterproof. That advice isn’t dramatic. Wind chill on a fast boat can turn pleasant into uncomfortable faster than you’d think.

Also plan for a wet-and-windy mix. Even if you don’t swim, you can get splashed. If you do the dolphin swim option, you’ll be in the water briefly, so bring practical gear in a way you can dry off afterward.

If you’re prone to motion sickness, use whatever you normally use before you board. And choose your spot on the boat carefully when you have the chance.

One last logistics hint: the meeting point can vary depending on which option you booked. One review mentioned the boarding point can be tricky to find and suggested following the Google pin and waiting by the jetty door. So arrive early and don’t assume signage will be obvious.

Who should book this cruise (and who might skip the swim)

This tour fits best for people who:

• Want wildlife viewing on a small-group RIB
• Love action, speed, and scanning the horizon
• Care about animal welfare rules (especially for the swim)
• Are traveling with kids who can handle a fast, exciting boat ride

The optional swim is great for swimmers or snorkel fans who enjoy brief, controlled experiences. It’s less ideal for anyone who hates cold water, doesn’t want to hold a rope, or expects a long, independent swim session. The swim time is short by design—around 1–2 minutes—and it’s only allowed under strict conditions.

If you’re mainly after a calm ocean cruise, this might feel too energetic. But if you want a chance at dolphins and whales with an organized crew and fast access to likely spots, it’s a strong match.

And if you’re booking as a group, there’s a private option too. A private boat can take up to 18 passengers, which is perfect for families or friends who don’t want to mix with other groups.

Booking tips: getting on board smoothly and enjoying every scan

Start by checking starting times based on availability. Then show up with enough buffer to handle the meeting point ambiguity. “Meeting point may vary” sounds minor, but it can steal energy right at boarding.

Bring the clothing the tour recommends: windbreaker, sunglasses, hat, sunscreen, jacket. Ocean wind plus sun is a sunburn recipe if you underpack. Layers are your friend. Even if you’re warm on land, you might cool down fast on the water.

Once you’re on the boat, treat the briefing as part of the experience. The lifejacket and safety instructions aren’t just formalities; they also help you settle in and enjoy the wildlife search without distractions.

When sightings start, lean into the crew’s rhythm. The whole operation is built around scanning and timing. If you’re prepared mentally for that wait, the payoff feels bigger.

Should you book this RIB Whale Watching Cruise in Funchal?

If you want the odds of dolphins and whales with the feel of a smaller, more personal outing, I’d book this. The combination of a high reported success rate (99% average sightings) and a small RIB format is exactly what you’re looking for when your time in Madeira is limited.

Choose the dolphin swim add-on if you’re excited by a permitted, short snorkel moment and you’re okay with it being conditional. It’s not a guaranteed experience, but when it’s allowed, it’s designed around animal welfare and quick, respectful contact.

Skip the swim add-on if you’d rather put all your energy into viewing from the boat. The core cruise still includes wildlife searching, expert guiding, and scenic coastline time.

If you’re deciding between doing this now or “maybe later,” do it sooner. Madeira’s seas and wildlife patterns change. This trip’s structure is built for searching effectively while you’re there, which is exactly when you want the planning to work for you.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

The tour duration is listed as 2.5 hours.

How much does the whale watching cruise cost?

The price is listed as $61 per person for the standard boat trip.

Is the dolphin swim included in the price?

No. The Swim with Dolphins option is an add-on. The add-on is 20€ per participant and is booked separately.

When do you get charged for the dolphin swim option?

The 20€ swim option is charged on-site only if it’s possible to enter the water under local animal protection laws. If it’s not possible, you only pay the standard trip price.

How long do you spend in the water for the dolphin swim?

The time in the water is usually around 1–2 minutes per participant.

What animals are allowed for the swim?

The info states you can only enter the water if common dolphins or Atlantic spotted dolphins are spotted, and if the dolphins’ behavior allows it under local rules.

What’s included in the boat trip?

Included are the boat trip, necessary safety equipment, and applicable fees, taxes, and fuel surcharges.

Are drinks and snacks included?

No. Drinks and snacks are not included.

What should I wear or bring for the ride?

Bring a windbreaker, sunglasses, a sun hat, sunscreen, and a jacket. The tour notes it can get windy quickly at sea, so dress for changing conditions.