Funchal: Guarantee Wild Dolphin&Whale Watching by RIB

Wild dolphins and whales are the main event here, but the small RIB boat makes the search feel active rather than passive. You leave Funchal’s harbor, skim along Madeira’s coast, and keep watch for fins, blows, and fast-moving pods in open water.

I like the reported 99% yearly sighting rate and the chance to see dolphins at close range without putting a large crowd between you and the sea. I also like the clear animal-protection rules around the optional swim. The tradeoff is simple: wildlife is wild, and the boat can feel windy, wet, and lively when the ocean picks up.

Key points at a glance

• Small-group RIB trip: A compact boat gives you a more direct view of dolphins and whales than a large sightseeing vessel.
• Strong sighting record: The operator reports cetacean sightings on 99% of trips over the year, though no wildlife encounter can be promised.
• Fast, active outing: The boat ride itself is part of the fun, with open-water searching and wide views of Madeira’s coast.
• Cabo Girão from the sea: You get scenic views of Madeira’s famous cliff area while moving along the coast.
• Optional dolphin swim: The 20 euro add-on is charged only if entering the water is possible under local rules.
• Free repeat trip if needed: If no cetacean is seen, you can join another trip within one year, subject to availability.

What the Funchal RIB trip is really like

This is a wildlife search, not a scripted boat ride. After you meet at Xpoint Madeira, you receive a safety briefing and put on a life jacket before boarding. The guide explains the boat and the basic plan, then the RIB leaves Funchal harbor for the open sea.

The standard time on the water is at least two hours, with the full activity lasting about two and a half hours. That leaves enough time to move away from the marina, scan a broad area, and return without making the trip feel rushed.

The boat’s speed matters. You can cover more water than you would on a slow vessel, which is useful when searching for animals that move freely around Madeira. It also adds a little adrenaline. One highly positive account described the ride as hair-raising fun, and that is a fair warning for anyone expecting a quiet cruise.

You should also expect a lot of patience. The crew may slow down, change direction, or pause while looking for signs of life. You might see dolphins racing beside the boat, whales surfacing farther away, or nothing for a stretch before the action begins. That waiting is part of responsible wildlife watching, even if children or restless adults find it hard.

Leaving Funchal harbor with Madeira in view

The departure gives you a different angle on Funchal. Instead of looking down from the streets or hills, you see the city and coastline from the water, with Madeira rising behind the shore.

The route includes views toward the Cabo Girão cliff area. From a RIB, this is not a formal cliff visit, and you do not get off the boat. Still, the sea-level view adds useful variety to the outing, especially if you have already seen Madeira from roads and viewpoints.

The coastline is one reason this trip works well even during a slower wildlife period. You are not sitting inside a dark cabin. You remain outside with open views, fresh air, and the chance to watch the water closely.

The downside is exposure. Wind can arrive quickly at sea, even when Funchal feels warm and calm. Bring a windbreaker, sunglasses, a sun hat, and sunscreen. A warmer waterproof jacket is a sensible choice in winter or during unsettled weather. Avoid dressing only for the temperature at the marina.

Searching for dolphins, whales, and turtles

The crew’s job is to look for wild animals in their natural setting, not to drive you to a fixed viewing spot. Dolphins are among the most likely sightings, while whales and occasional turtles are also possible.

The reported yearly success rate is 99% for at least one cetacean species. That is a strong figure and helps explain the price, but it is not a promise for your particular departure. Sea conditions, animal movement, and luck still matter.

A recent outing included many dolphins and short-finned pilot whales with babies. Other accounts describe large numbers of dolphins, including young animals. These details point to the kind of encounter you might hope for, but you should not treat them as a guaranteed program.

The crew also appears to take animal welfare seriously. The trip does not suggest feeding, chasing, or forcing animals into a performance. If a pod passes close to the boat, the reward is seeing natural behavior, not a staged show.

Bring patience and keep your expectations realistic. You may need to scan the horizon for a blow or a small dorsal fin. Once dolphins appear, they can be quick and easy to lose, particularly if the boat is moving and several people are pointing at once.

The optional 20 euro dolphin swim

The dolphin swim is not included in the standard 70 dollar trip price. It is a separate 20 euro add-on, and that amount is charged on site only if entering the water with the animals is possible.

This condition is important. You cannot simply book a swim and expect to get into the ocean. The dolphins must be behaving in an approved way, and local animal-protection law allows entry only when the sighted animals are common dolphins or Atlantic spotted dolphins.

If the conditions are suitable, participants use a mask and snorkel and remain attached to the boat for a short swim. The usual time in the water is only about one to two minutes per person. That is a brief wildlife encounter, not a long snorkeling session.

I appreciate the honesty here. The operator does not charge the add-on when the swim cannot happen, and the rules put animal behavior first. You should book this only if you are happy with the boat trip by itself and regard the swim as a possible extra.

The wording matters for families and anyone with firm expectations. A dolphin sighting does not automatically qualify for swimming. A whale sighting does not qualify either. Only the permitted dolphin species and the right behavior make it possible.

Group size, comfort, and the private option

The standard trip is made for a small group, which is a major advantage on a wildlife boat. A smaller number of people means less obstruction when an animal appears and makes it easier to hear instructions from the guide.

A private boat is also available for groups of up to 18 passengers. That can make sense for a family or a circle of friends who want control over who shares the boat. It may also be useful if your group has mixed comfort levels around speed, spray, or time spent waiting at sea.

The private option is not automatically better for every booking. If you are traveling alone or as a couple, the regular small-group trip is likely the more practical value. If you have a full group of relatives or friends, privacy may justify the extra cost, but the supplied details do not give a private-tour price, so check it before deciding.

RIB boats are more exposed than larger craft. You should be comfortable sitting outside and handling a lively ride. Anyone prone to seasickness should plan carefully. One particularly useful account noted that the guide helped with seasickness, but you should still bring suitable medication if you normally need it and ask the provider what is permitted.

What makes the 70 dollar price worthwhile

At 70 dollars per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend a morning or afternoon in Funchal. The price includes the boat trip, safety gear, applicable fees, taxes, and fuel surcharges. Drinks, snacks, and parking are extra.

The value comes from the combination of a small boat, a two-hour wildlife search, a live guide, and the operator’s strong record of finding at least one cetacean species. You are paying for access to the sea and the crew’s effort to locate moving wildlife, not for a guaranteed close-up encounter.

I would consider it good value if seeing wild dolphins or whales is high on your Madeira list. It is less attractive if you mainly want a relaxed coastal cruise or a dependable schedule with constant activity. Wildlife trips have quiet periods, and the weather can affect comfort.

The free repeat-trip policy improves the value. If no cetacean species is seen, you can join another trip within one year, as long as space is available. The offer is not transferable, and it does not remove the inconvenience of needing another day in your schedule, but it provides a fair safeguard.

The guide, language, and safety briefing

Tours are available in English and Portuguese. The guide gives the safety briefing before departure, and the necessary safety equipment is provided.

The guide and skipper are central to the experience. A good crew keeps the search organized, points out wildlife quickly, explains what you are seeing, and handles the boat with care. The available feedback gives particular credit to the guide and skipper for being informative, educational, and respectful of animals.

No individual guide names are provided, so you should not book this expecting a particular person. The quality of your outing may depend on the crew assigned that day, sea conditions, and the animals in the area.

The briefing is also your chance to pay attention to practical instructions. On a fast, open boat, knowing where to sit, how to hold on, and how to move safely matters more than it would on a large ferry.

Timing, meeting point, and practical preparation

The meeting and drop-off point are at Xpoint Madeira, but the exact meeting point may vary with the option booked. Check your confirmation closely rather than assuming every departure uses precisely the same spot.

The activity lasts about two and a half hours, with starting times depending on availability. Plan a little extra time around it if you have a meal reservation, airport transfer, or another timed activity. Sea conditions or wildlife searching can make a strict back-to-back plan uncomfortable.

There is a separate entrance arrangement for the activity, which helps keep boarding straightforward. Parking is not included, so do not assume a parking space is part of the booking.

Pack light, but bring the right items:

• Windbreaker or warmer waterproof jacket
• Sunglasses
• Sun hat
• Sunscreen
• Any personal seasickness treatment you normally use

There are no drinks or snacks included. Have something to eat beforehand if you need it, but avoid arriving overly full if boat motion bothers you.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. You can also reserve and pay later, which helps if your Madeira plans are still shifting.

Who should book this Madeira wildlife trip

I would recommend it most strongly to people who want an active sea outing and are excited by the idea of seeing animals in the wild. Couples, families with older children, and small groups of friends should appreciate the compact boat and the mix of speed, scenery, and waiting.

It also suits anyone who values responsible wildlife rules. The possible dolphin swim is tightly limited, and that may frustrate someone who expects a guaranteed water encounter. For me, the restriction is a reason to trust the setup rather than a weakness.

Think twice if you dislike wind, spray, open water, or uncertain timing. A calm day on land does not guarantee a calm ride offshore. You should also reconsider if you need every minute of a tour to be filled with activity.

The private option gives larger groups more control, with space for up to 18 passengers. Solo visitors and couples will probably get better value from the regular small-group departure.

Should you book the Funchal RIB tour?

Book it if dolphins and whales are a priority during your Madeira visit, especially if you like a fast, small-boat ride rather than a large sightseeing cruise. The 99% yearly cetacean sighting rate, free repeat option when no cetacean is seen, and compact group format make the 70 dollar price reasonable.

Go in with the right expectations. You are searching for wild animals, not attending a guaranteed show. Pack for wind, accept that the optional dolphin swim may not happen, and leave room in your day for the sea to set the pace. With that approach, this is a lively and well-focused way to see Madeira from the water.

FAQ

How long does the Funchal dolphin and whale tour last?

The activity lasts about two and a half hours. The standard boat trip keeps you on the water for no less than two hours before returning to Funchal marina.

What animals might I see?

The trip searches for wild dolphins and whales, with turtles also possible. The operator reports a yearly average of successful sightings of at least one cetacean species on 99% of trips.

Is swimming with dolphins included?

No. Swimming or snorkeling with dolphins is a separate 20 euro add-on. The fee is charged on site only if entering the water is possible.

When is the dolphin swim allowed?

Local animal-protection rules allow the swim only when common dolphins or Atlantic spotted dolphins are seen and their behavior meets the required conditions. Each participant is normally in the water for about one to two minutes.

What languages are available?

The live guide service is available in English and Portuguese.

What happens if no cetaceans are seen?

You can join another trip free of charge within one year, subject to availability. The replacement trip is not transferable.