11 Funchal Whale Watching Tours Worth the Early Start

1.Madeira Dolphin and Whale Watching on a Ecological Catamaran

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,957 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $42Our pick

Join Magic Dolphin in Funchal for a 2.5 to 3-hour cruise aboard a 2022 eco-friendly catamaran. Land-based spotters help locate dolphins and whales, while certified guides explain the animals and Madeira’s coast. Look for pilot whales, bottlenose dolphins, sperm whales, and rough-toothed dolphins.

“Well organised trip. We were on a cruise ship and walked to where the Magic Dolphin kiosk and boat are. All staff were very professional, particularly the staff on board. We saw pilot whales and common seals. Take a waterproof, as you may get very wet from sea spray on the return journey. You can purchase snacks and drinks on board although we didn’t take this up.”

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2.VipDolphins Luxury Whale Watching

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,709 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $95Top rated

Sail from Funchal Marina aboard a modern catamaran limited to 17 people. The crew, including Sheila, Liv, Maggie, Francisco, and others, serves drinks and local snacks while helping you spot whales and dolphins. You’ll also stop to swim and snorkel below Cabo Girao.

“We loved our boat trip! The crew was very friendly and made the entire experience amazing. The boat was not overly packed, everyone got a comfy spot. All snacks and drinks are included on board. We spotted the pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins. We were able to get super close to them! We made a stop to swim, towels were provided and a small shower to wash off, a place to change after as well. Overall, highly recommend and well worth the price. Thank you for having us!”

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3.Whale and Dolphin Watching Tour in Madeira

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,192 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $83

Meet the On Tales team at Calheta Marina, then sail aboard Miranda with a maximum of 12 people. Crew members such as Emanuel, Beatriz, Bruno, and Thibault may share local sea knowledge, help you spot wildlife, and take you to a calm bay for swimming and snorkeling.

“Communication with the company was excellent. They also sorted out our transfer from Funchal to calgheta. Lovely clean boat. Attentive staff. Didn't see whales or dolphins due to weather but the trip was still excellent. Would recommend the company”

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4.Private Dolphin and Whale Watching Tour in Madeira

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 539 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.)

Sail privately from Calheta for 2.5 hours with space for up to five people. On Tales provides snorkeling gear, towels, drinks, sparkling wine, and a crew that may include Emanuel or Beatrice. Expect coastal views, a swim stop, and a chance to see dolphins or whales, but no wildlife guarantee.

“We had a great time on board. The whole crew took perfect care of us. Thank you very much for this experience.”

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5.Dolphin – Whale – Turtle – Bird Watching

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 350 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $60

Set out from Funchal in a purpose-built 18-seat RIB with two guides, including marine biologists such as Clara or Natasha on some departures. In about two hours, you search for dolphins, whales, turtles, and seabirds, then cruise past Funchal Bay and Câmara de Lobos.

“Very good saw plenty wildlife and our guide Clara was lovely , friendly and knowledgeable.would recommend”

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6.Madeira : Whales and Dolphins wooden boat excursion

★★★★★★★★★★4.1 · 247 reviews · 3 hours · from $41Best value

Set out from Pier 8 in Funchal aboard Bonita da Madeira’s wooden boat for three hours of whale and dolphin watching. English-speaking guides such as Miguel, Oriana, and Ana share local information, serve Madeira wine, and may stop at Cabo Girão for a swim.

“It was wonderful. All staff were lovely and extremely engaging and helpful. I have been on a lot of boat tours but must say this was probably the best. We saw pilot whales. What an amazing day!”

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7.Responsible Whales and/or Dolphins Watching Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 237 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $59

Join Blue Safari Madeira in Funchal for a two-hour wildlife trip aboard a fast, small-group boat. Marine biologists such as Fernanda and Camila explain cetacean behavior while skippers including Francisco and Thiago search for dolphins, pilot whales, turtles, and other sea life.

“Excellent biologist guide Camellia and very competent captain Francesco gave us time with two schools of dolphins displaying two different activities. We were safe, informed and given special attention.”

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8.Funchal: Whale Watching and Swimming with Dolphins Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 111 reviews · 2.5 hours · from $94

Meet at Store 35 in Funchal for a 2.5-hour small-group cruise aboard a fast semi-rigid boat. A marine biologist explains local sea life while land-based lookouts help locate whales and dolphins. You may also swim with dolphins and turtles, though swimming depends on the animals encountered.

“Ogladaliśmy z bliska dwa gatunki waleni, łacznie 4 stada. Niestety tym razem nie udało się przeprowadzić pływania z delfinami. Mimo to, zecydowanie polecam, świetny kapitan i doskonała Pani przewodnik która szczegółowo opowiedziała grupie masę ciekawostek na temat morskich ssaków.”

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9.Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour and Catamaran Whale & Dolphin Watching

★★★★★★★★★★3.5 · 53 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $55

Use a 48-hour Funchal bus pass to visit the Old Town, market, Lido, Câmara de Lobos, and Pico dos Barcelos. Add a catamaran cruise along Madeira’s coast, where you may spot dolphins, whales, turtles, and seabirds. The audio guide runs in English.

“I enjoyed riding the bus loop, it was easy to find. Was very dissappointed there was no internet. The region is very mountainous, So we visited areas we would not have reached on foot.”

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10.Funchal:Hop-on Hop-off Bus & Whale & Dolphin boat Excursion

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 41 reviews · 2 days · from $54

Spend two days exploring Funchal and Câmara de Lobos by hop-on hop-off bus, with audio commentary in 10 languages. Add one VMT catamaran trip for dolphin and whale watching, coastal views, and a swimming and snorkeling stop at Fajã do Cabo Girão. Wine tasting and Bordal entry are included.

“communication needs to be clearer, we thought start time referred to start of 48 hours but apparently it was the catamaran, so we nearly missed it. but the catamaran trip was lovely and we saw lots of dolphins close up so that was a bonus”

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11.Funchal: Guarantee Wild Dolphin&Whale Watching by RIB

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 28 reviews · 2.5 hours · from $70

Set out from Funchal with a live English or Portuguese guide on a small RIB boat, scanning Madeira’s coast for dolphins, whales, and turtles. Expect a safety briefing, open-ocean searching, Cabo Girão views, and a possible 1 to 2 minute dolphin snorkel if local rules and animal behavior allow it.

“Easy to book. Punctual, informative, educational. Hair raising in an adrenaline fix fun way. So lucky to see wild animals and we appreciate the opportunity to do so.”

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