Whale Watching · WHALE AND DOLPHIN TOURS IN PORTUGAL

15 Whale and Dolphin Tours in Portugal Worth the Early Start

32 tours  ·  from $41 a head

The good whale and dolphin tours in Portugal fill up weeks ahead in season and the best ones go first. Below: the 15 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.

From Funchal: Ecological Catamaran Dolphin Whale Watching - The open-ocean search for whales and dolphins
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From Funchal: Ecological Catamaran Dolphin Whale Watching

1.Funchal: Ecological Catamaran Dolphin Whale Watching

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

From Funchal Marina, you’ll spend three hours aboard the 2022 Magic Dolphin catamaran, using quiet hybrid-electric engines to search for dolphins, whales, turtles, and seabirds. Certified guides speak English and Portuguese, while land-based spotters help locate wildlife. Expect open-air viewing, Cabo Girão, Camara de Lobos, and possible swimming time.

“We had a great time and saw plenty of whales and dolphins”

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Funchal: Dolphin and Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise - Searching Madeira’s blue water for dolphins and whales
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Funchal: Dolphin and Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise

2.Funchal: Dolphin and Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 5,697 reviews · 3 hours · from $41

Set out from Funchal Marina on a stable Seaborn catamaran with an English or Portuguese guide. Search for dolphins, whales, turtles, and flying fish, then stop beneath Cabo Girão for a seasonal swim. The boat has shaded seating, sun decks, netting, and a bar.

“The captain was amazing. Ensured we saw the dolphins. Rescued a paddle boarder and retrieved garbage from the sea! 5 stars”

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From Ponta Delgada: Whale and Dolphin Watching Trip - Two boats, two very different moods
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From Ponta Delgada: Whale and Dolphin Watching Trip

3.Ponta Delgada: Whale and Dolphin Watching Trip

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

Leave Ponta Delgada with Futurismo Azores Adventures for three hours at sea, guided by a marine biologist who explains local wildlife and responsible viewing. Choose a steadier catamaran or lively Zodiac boat, with sperm whales, dolphins, turtles, and seabirds possible. A second tour is offered if no animals appear.

“The whole experience was perfect, especially the tour guide! She explained everything so well and was so caring about everyone.”

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

4.Funchal Bay: Dolphin & Whale Watch Luxury Catamaran Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 2,684 reviews · 3 hours · from $47

Sail from Funchal with an English or Portuguese guide, watching for dolphins, pilot whales, and other marine life before stopping to swim beneath Cabo Girão. The Atlantic Pearl carries about 20 people, with covered seating, hammocks, bathrooms, and a bar. Guides such as João help keep the trip relaxed and informative.

“This was such an incredible experience - we were grateful to see a few pods of pilot whales and go on a sunset swim in a warm secluded location! Our guide João was lovely and accommodating, sharing stories and recommendations along the way.”

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All Inclusive Whale and Dolphin Watching Luxury Tour - The first 45 minutes: heading offshore for wildlife
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All Inclusive Whale and Dolphin Watching Luxury Tour

5.All Inclusive Whale and Dolphin Watching Luxury Tour

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

Sail from Funchal with guides such as Liv, David, Nico, and Maggie, keeping watch for whales, dolphins, and turtles. You get a welcome glass of sparkling wine, unlimited drinks, Madeira snacks, a 30-minute swim near Cabo Girão, and room to move on a small luxury catamaran.

“Gre at boat, maximum of 17 people. loads of space. Great drinks and snacks. It is double the price of other trips but well worth it. Saw other boats crammed with people. This was perfect.”

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Madeira Dolphin and Whale Watching on a Ecological Catamaran - What you might see in Madeira’s waters
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Madeira Dolphin and Whale Watching on a Ecological Catamaran

6.Madeira Dolphin and Whale Watching on a Ecological Catamaran

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

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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Funchal: Dolphin and Whale Watching by Luxury Catamaran - Meeting the boat at Funchal Marina
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Funchal: Dolphin and Whale Watching by Luxury Catamaran

7.Funchal: Dolphin and Whale Watching by Luxury Catamaran

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,709 reviews · 3 hours · from $47

Join Magic Dolphin Atividades Maritimas for a three-hour catamaran cruise from Funchal. A Portuguese or English-speaking crew explains Madeira’s marine life as you search for dolphins and whales, sail beneath Cabo Girão, and, on eligible tours, stop for a swim. The boat has indoor seating, sun beds, shade, and over-water nets.

“It was grate and felt like we were on private catamaran, because we were only 5 people on the catamaran (except the crew). Guids were very profesional and gave us a lot of interesting facts. We were happy that we were able to have a swim in the ocean and we saw a lot of whales. Experinace was fantastic and serviss was excellent. Highly recommend it! From all the dolphin and whale watching options I believe this is the best one!”

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Funchal: Dolphin and Whale Watching Sunset Sailing Tour - Searching for dolphins and whales near Funchal
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Funchal: Dolphin and Whale Watching Sunset Sailing Tour

8.Funchal: Dolphin and Whale Watching Sunset Sailing Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,642 reviews · from $63

Sail from Funchal with up to 20 people, searching for dolphins, whales, and sea turtles within 3 miles of Madeira’s coast. Stop to swim or snorkel below 580-meter Cabo Girão, then watch sunset with drinks on board. Guides include Bruno, Roberto, Marco, and José.

“We went out into the ocean (you will need to take off your shoes at the beginning, I advise you to take a change of clothes and socks with you, there is a chance to get wet from the waves) at 4 pm and began to slowly swim towards Ponta de São Lourenço, they began to offer us drinks (wine, beer, soft drinks), then the captain said that there was a chance to see marine life, and after a while we watched a group of local whales that acrobatically swam parallel to us. Then we headed closer to the shore, the water (24/01) was +19 degrees and some people, including…”

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From Funchal: Madeira Dolphin and Whale Watching Tour - What the wildlife search can really deliver
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From Funchal: Madeira Dolphin and Whale Watching Tour

9.Funchal: Madeira Dolphin and Whale Watching Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 1,444 reviews · 3 hours · from $47

Spend three hours aboard a spacious catamaran from Funchal Marina, watching for dolphins, whales, and turtles with live commentary in English or Portuguese. The cruise includes a summer swim stop below Cabo Girão, onboard toilets, shaded seating, sunbathing nets, and a bar for drinks and snacks.

“I accidentally ordered the trip for a wrong date. But when I arrived to get our boarding passes a kind woman just switched the date and everything went smoothly. Very kind people an the trip was amazing.”

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Funchal: Dolphin and Whale Watching Sailing Trip - Searching for dolphins and whales offshore
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Funchal: Dolphin and Whale Watching Sailing Trip

10.Funchal: Dolphin and Whale Watching Sailing Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 1,325 reviews · 3 hours · from $47

Join Gaviao Madeira in Funchal for a three-hour sailing trip toward Cabo Girão. Bruno, Joseph, or another friendly crew member may guide the outing, with chances to see dolphins, whales, and turtles, plus a swimming and snorkeling stop. Drinks are included, but wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.

“I really enjoyed this amazing trip! Unforgettable experience, we also saw lots of dolphins and the views were breathtaking Thank you so much for excellent organization!”

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From Funchal: Whale and Dolphin Watching - How the two-hour search works
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From Funchal: Whale and Dolphin Watching

11.Funchal: Whale and Dolphin Watching

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,313 reviews · 2.5 hours · from $56

Join Rota dos Cetáceos in Funchal for a 2.5-hour search for wild whales and dolphins aboard a fast 18-seat RIB. Marine biologists such as Carolina, Rachel, and Catarina explain the animals and guide you with help from land-based spotters. Expect sea spray, open-water views, and possible swimming.

“We were lucky enough to find a large group of pilot whales fairly quickly. We literally didn’t know which side of the boat to look out, we were surrounded. Watched a baby playfully frolic for a good while. We didn’t see other marine life but had a great run out in the boat waiting for the spotters to alert us of anything. As they didn’t, we stopped the boat under Reids and jumped in and had a swim.”

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From Funchal: Whales and Dolphin Adventure Tour - Why the small speedboat matters
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From Funchal: Whales and Dolphin Adventure Tour

12.Funchal: Whales and Dolphin Adventure Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 1,235 reviews · 2 hours · from $58

From Funchal Marina, you’ll spend two hours scanning Madeira’s clear coastal waters from a RIB speedboat carrying up to 18 people. Guides such as Camila and Fernanda explain the marine life, and swimming with common or spotted dolphins may be offered when sea conditions and animal behavior allow.

“We had an absolutely incredible time on this whale adventure tour. Seeing whales up close was unforgettable, and the tour guide made the experience even better with her deep knowledge and passion for marine life. She not only shared fascinating information but also took great photos and truly cared about the whales’ well-being. It was a fantastic experience, and I’d highly recommend it to anyone visiting Madeira!”

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Whale and Dolphin Watching in Calheta, Madeira Island - What the two-hour search feels like
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Whale and Dolphin Watching in Calheta, Madeira Island

13.Whale and Dolphin Watching in Calheta, Madeira Island

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,228 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $72Top rated

Set out from Calheta in a small RIB boat with a spotter guiding the crew toward Madeira’s whales and dolphins. Expect coastal views, live commentary, and a group of no more than 12 people. The ride can be bumpy, but the crew works hard to find wildlife without disturbing it.

“Absolutely loved this excursion with my wife and two kids. The guys running the trip were genuinely thrilled at the wildlife and seemed to have an absolute ball, as well as being really knowledgeable about the animals. Their joy was infectious and they had as much fun as we did. We also ran over time as there were more animals to see, so no rush at all to hurry you off the boat. We saw dolphins and whales and had a race with a flying fish- it was quite magical. Very highly recommended!”

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Whale and Dolphin Watching Tour in Madeira - Seeing Madeira from the water
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Whale and Dolphin Watching Tour in Madeira

14.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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Madeira: Responsible Whales and/or Dolphins Watching Tour - How the land spotters improve your odds
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Madeira: Responsible Whales and/or Dolphins Watching Tour

15.Madeira: Responsible Whales and/or Dolphins Watching Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 1,184 reviews · 2 hours · from $56

Join Blue Safari Madeira for a two-hour ride from Funchal in a fast, small-group boat. Marine biologists such as Camila, Rosa, Nadia, and Fernanda explain the animals while land-based spotters guide the crew. Expect dolphins, pilot whales, seabirds, and a lively ride that can be bumpy.

“Amazing activity! Speed boat ride was great and our guide Nadia was super knowledgeable! She told us a lot of interesting facts about dolphins and whales. We saw some pilot whales and dolphins during our ride! Great activity, highly recommend :)”

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New in Whale and Dolphin Tours in Portugal

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