From Funchal: Whales and Dolphin Adventure Tour

If you’re dreaming of seeing magnificent whales and playful dolphins in their natural habitat, this 2-hour speedboat tour from Funchal offers a terrific way to do so. As a travel writer, I can tell you that these trips aren’t just about spotting marine mammals — they’re about truly connecting with the ocean’s wild side. And with plenty of glowing reviews praising the guides, boat experience, and wildlife sightings, it’s clear this tour holds a special appeal.

What I particularly like about this excursion is its small group size — a maximum of 12 people — which promises a more intimate and engaging experience. Plus, the speedboat approach allows you to cover more water faster, increasing your chances of seeing whales and dolphins. A minor consideration to keep in mind: the success of the trip hinges on weather conditions and animal behavior. Sometimes, the sea doesn’t cooperate, but the tour offers a free reschedule or voucher if sightings don’t happen on your first try.

This tour suits adventurous travelers who love marine life, enjoy a little thrill, and appreciate authenticity over luxury. Families with children over 10, wildlife enthusiasts, or anyone eager for a quick but memorable ocean adventure will find plenty to enjoy here.

Key Points

• Wildlife spotting is highly probable, with a 99% chance of seeing whales or dolphins.
• Speedboat advantages include covering more ground, close-up wildlife views, and a more personal experience.
• Water entry option available when conditions permit, for an unforgettable in-water dolphin encounter.
• Small group size fosters a more personal and flexible experience.
• Weather-dependent nature means sightings aren’t guaranteed, but the tour offers a free reschedule or voucher.
• Expert guides with marine biology knowledge enhance the experience, making it both fun and educational.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Tour

Starting Point and Logistics

The adventure begins at the new marina of Funchal, with a straightforward meeting point in front of door 4 of the speedboat. Ample parking is available at the nearby Almirante Reis lot, which is just a short walk away. A helpful video guide from the provider ensures you find the exact spot easily. The tour departs typically in the morning, with times varying — so it’s best to check availability.

Booking is flexible; you can reserve now and pay later, which is perfect if your plans are still shifting. The tour lasts around 2 hours, making it an easy add-on to your Madeira itinerary without taking up an entire day.

The Boat and Group Size

Traveling on a custom-made speedboat with engines designed for quick travel, you’ll enjoy a less crowded experience than on larger vessels like catamarans — which often host over 100 passengers. This intimacy enhances your chances of spotting animals, as the boat can move swiftly and quietly across the water.

Wildlife Watching and Encounters

The primary goal of this tour is whale and dolphin watching. Most reviews highlight the high success rate — around 99% — of sightings, with many travelers reporting exceptional encounters. For example, one review enthusiastically describes seeing whales swimming right next to the boat, while others mention observing pods of dolphins and even sea turtles.

The guide’s knowledge plays a key role here. Several reviewers praise the guides for sharing fascinating facts about the animals and their behavior, making the experience both fun and educational. One reviewer noted, “Fernanda was incredibly knowledgeable and shared so many stories,” which adds depth beyond just scenery.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Option to Enter the Water

A special highlight is the potential to enter the water with dolphins — specifically common or spotted dolphins — if conditions allow. This is a rare chance to swim near wild dolphins in their environment, a moment that many travelers treasure. The water entry is carefully managed, using a rope attached to the boat to keep participants close to the action without stressing the animals.

Most reviews mention the excitement of this activity, with some describing moments of swimming just meters from curious, playful dolphins.

The Return and Overall Experience

After about two hours at sea, you’ll return to the marina, often with a sense of having witnessed something truly special. Even if wildlife sightings are elusive, the expert guides and the thrill of the boat ride make it a worthwhile outing.

Many reviews emphasize the professionalism of the crew, with comments like “the skipper was very skilled” and “the guides were very enthusiastic and caring.” This kind of genuine passion makes the trip feel sincere, not just a commercial enterprise.

Value and Practicalities

The tour is priced at $56 per person, which, considering the small group size, expert guidance, and wildlife chances, offers solid value. Compared to larger, crowded boat trips, this approach ensures more personal attention and a higher likelihood of sightings.

Snorkeling equipment is included, so if you’re inclined, you can try some quick underwater exploration. Be aware that no food is served, but there is a café nearby for snacks and drinks before or after your trip.

Timing is flexible, and the meeting point is easy to find. Remember to bring sun protection, a towel, swimwear, and a jacket for variable sea conditions.

Weather and Wildlife

Since the trip is weather-dependent, it’s wise to be flexible with your plans. If animals aren’t sighted, the tour offers a free second trip or a voucher valid for two years, which is a good insurance policy for wildlife unpredictability.

Family and Accessibility

The tour isn’t suitable for children under 10 years or pregnant women, mainly due to the boat’s size and the nature of the experience. Still, adventurous families with older kids will find it an exciting outing.

Authentic Experiences and Reviews

Insights from travelers give a vivid picture of what to expect. Many highlight guides’ passion and knowledge, noting that they share fascinating stories about marine life. One reviewer said, “Fernanda was warm, engaging, and made the experience even more special.”

Sightings vary depending on sea conditions and animal behavior. Visitors often mention seeing dolphins swimming close to the boat, or whales breaching in the distance. Several travelers appreciated the respect for animals embedded in the tour’s philosophy, with guides actively avoiding disturbing the wildlife.

The small group size allows for more personalized attention, like taking photos or asking questions, making the experience feel tailored rather than generic.

If you’re looking for a quick, exciting way to see wildlife in Madeira, this tour hits the mark. It’s ideal for adventurous travelers who don’t mind a bit of sea spray and are eager to encounter whales and dolphins in their natural environment. Wildlife lovers, families with older children, and anyone seeking a more personal boat experience will find this tour engaging and memorable.

Those who value guides’ expertise and authentic encounters with nature will appreciate the knowledgeable team running the trip. And if you’re lucky, you might even get to swim with dolphins — an unforgettable highlight.

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 2 hours, with departure times varying based on availability. Be sure to check the schedule in advance.

Where does the tour depart from?
It departs from the new marina of Funchal, specifically in front of door 4 of the speedboat. Parking is available nearby at the Almirante Reis lot.

Is there a chance I won’t see any whales or dolphins?
Yes, since marine wildlife can be unpredictable. However, the tour boasts a 99% success rate of sightings, and if no animals are seen, you get a free second trip or a voucher valid for two years.

Can I swim with the animals?
Yes, if conditions are suitable, you may have the opportunity to enter the water with dolphins. This is carefully managed to avoid stressing the animals.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a jacket for variable weather. No food is provided, but a nearby café offers snacks and drinks.

Is the tour suitable for children?
The activity isn’t recommended for children under 10 years or pregnant women. It’s best suited for adventurous, older kids and adults who are comfortable on a boat.

This Whales and Dolphins Adventure from Funchal combines the joy of wildlife watching with the thrill of a high-speed boat ride. Its small-group setting ensures a more personal experience, and the expert guides help make the trip educational and fun. While wildlife sightings depend on sea conditions and animal behavior, the high success rate and positive reviews make this a compelling choice for those seeking an authentic marine adventure.

For travelers craving close-up encounters, beautiful ocean views, and a chance to see wild marine mammals in their environment, this tour offers a worthwhile outing. Just remember to temper expectations — nature is unpredictable — but even without sightings, the journey itself is rewarding.

Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, a family seeking adventure, or a curious traveler eager for a memorable story, this tour from Funchal promises a slice of ocean magic that will stay with you long after you’ve returned to land.

You can check availability for your dates here: