Funchal: Swim With Dolphins / Dolphin&Whale Watching By RIB

Embark on an unforgettable marine adventure in the waters off Funchal, Madeira. This thrilling 2.5-hour RIB boat tour promises an intimate encounter with the local wildlife, including dolphins, whales, and even turtles. Opt to take the experience a step further by swimming or snorkeling alongside these magnificent creatures. With safety equipment and expert guides, you’ll witness their behaviors up close in a safe and memorable way. Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast or simply seeking an exhilarating outdoor activity, this tour offers an unparalleled opportunity to learn about Madeira’s natural wonders.

Key Points

Intimate RIB boat tour along Madeira’s south coast with opportunities to spot dolphins, whales, and sometimes turtles.
Option to swim or snorkel with dolphins for an additional cost, providing a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Small group tours offer an exhilarating and personalized adventure with experienced guides.
Flexible cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance, with all necessary safety equipment included.
Recommended to dress in layers and bring appropriate clothing due to the small RIB vessel.

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Overview of the Tour

The tour provides a boat excursion along Madeira’s south coast to observe dolphins, whales, and sometimes turtles.

Passengers board a small group RIB (rigid-inflatable boat) for a 2.5-hour adventure. This compact vessel offers an up-close encounter with the marine life.

There’s a high chance of sighting various cetacean species during the tour. Guests can also opt to swim or snorkel with the dolphins, though this incurs an additional cost.

A private tour option is available for groups of up to 18 passengers. The tour includes all necessary safety equipment and applicable fees, though drinks and snacks aren’t provided.

Highlights of the Experience

Guests have a high chance of sighting various cetacean species, including dolphins, whales, and sometimes turtles, during the tour.

The small group RIB (rigid-inflatable boat) tour offers an intimate and exhilarating experience along Madeira’s south coast.

For an additional cost, guests can even opt to swim or snorkel with the dolphins, getting up close and personal with these magnificent creatures.

The private tour option is available for groups of up to 18 passengers, allowing for a more personalized experience.

With the included safety equipment and the expertise of the tour guides, guests can fully enjoy the natural wonders of Madeira’s marine life.

Included in the Package

The boat trip includes safety equipment, as well as applicable fees, taxes, and fuel surcharges.

While drinks and snacks aren’t provided, guests have the option to add on the swim/snorkel with dolphins experience for an additional cost.

The package includes:

A thrilling 2.5-hour RIB boat tour along Madeira’s southern coast.
The chance to spot a variety of cetacean species, including dolphins, whales, and sometimes turtles.
Private tour options available for up to 18 passengers.
Flexibility to cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance.

This compact tour offers an exciting opportunity to get up close and personal with the marine life around Madeira.

Preparing for the Tour

To make the most of the dolphin and whale watching experience, it’s recommended to come prepared. Bringing a windbreaker, sunglasses, sun hat, sunscreen, and a jacket can help ensure comfort during the boat tour, as weather conditions on the open water can be variable.

It’s also a good idea to check the weather forecast before the tour to determine the appropriate clothing. The boat tour will take place on a RIB (rigid-inflatable boat), which is a small and agile vessel, so dressing in layers is advised.

Cancellation and Booking

There’s a free cancellation policy in place up to 24 hours before the scheduled tour.

Booking the dolphin and whale watching experience can be done with a ‘reserve now, pay later’ option to secure your spot.

The booking process is straightforward:

Choose your desired tour date and time.
Select the number of passengers in your group.
Provide your contact information to reserve your spots.
Pay for the tour closer to the departure date.

This flexible booking system allows you to plan ahead without any upfront costs. Simply reserve your place and finalize the payment later, ensuring a hassle-free experience.

Swimming With Dolphins

For an additional fee, visitors can opt to swim or snorkel alongside the dolphins, providing a unique and thrilling up-close encounter with these captivating marine creatures. The opportunity to interact with the dolphins in their natural habitat is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that allows participants to witness their intelligence, playfulness, and grace firsthand. Swimmers and snorkelers are guided by experienced instructors who ensure the safety and well-being of both the dolphins and the participants. This activity is subject to weather and sea conditions, and guests are advised to check with the tour operator for availability and additional details.

Benefits	Considerations	Safety
Intimate interaction with dolphins	Weather/sea conditions may impact availability	Experienced guides ensure proper protocols
Witnessing dolphin behaviors up close	Additional cost beyond basic tour	Participants must follow instructions
Memorable, once-in-a-lifetime experience	Availability subject to tour operator	Dolphins’ well-being is the top priority

Whale and Dolphin Sightings

The boat tour offers a high chance of spotting various cetacean species, including dolphins, whales, and sometimes even turtles, along Madeira’s south coast. The small group RIB (rigid-inflatable boat) tour lasts 2.5 hours and provides an exciting opportunity to observe these magnificent marine creatures in their natural habitat.

Witness the graceful movements of dolphins as they swim alongside the boat.

Spot majestic whales breaching the surface and showcasing their impressive size.

Observe the playful behavior of these intelligent animals in their natural environment.

Potentially spot turtles, adding an extra layer of excitement to the wildlife viewing experience.

Tour Duration and Group Size

The boat tour lasts 2.5 hours, providing ample time to explore the coastal waters and search for cetacean species.

This small group RIB (rigid-inflatable boat) tour allows for an intimate and personalized experience, with a maximum capacity of 18 passengers. The small group size ensures that everyone has a clear view and the chance to get close to the marine life.

Whether you’re a solo traveler or part of a group, this tour offers a fantastic opportunity to witness the wonders of Madeira’s diverse marine ecosystem up close. The RIB’s maneuverability and speed make it the perfect vessel for navigating the coves and inlets along the island’s southern coastline.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

According to the overview, drinks and snacks are not included in the tour. However, there is no mention of whether guests can bring their own food and beverages, so it’s likely permitted.

Is the Tour Suitable for Children?

The tour is suitable for children, though younger children may require life jackets. The boat is a small RIB, so parents should consider their child’s comfort and ability to handle the boat’s movement. Overall, it can be an enjoyable family activity.

Do I Need to Know How to Swim to Participate?

No, visitors don’t need to know how to swim to participate. The tour provides safety equipment, and there’s an option to swim/snorkel with the dolphins at an additional cost for those who can swim.

Can I Bring My Own Snorkel Gear?

Yes, participants can bring their own snorkel gear for the experience. The tour provider recommends bringing appropriate clothing and equipment, but does not require the use of their provided gear.

Is There a Weight or Age Limit for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t have a strict weight or age limit, but participants should be able to board and navigate the RIB safely. It’s recommended to check with the tour operator for any specific requirements.

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