From Funchal: Whales and Dolphin Adventure Tour

This Madeira wildlife outing is interesting because you cover real distance fast, on a small speedboat, searching for whales and dolphins in their own space. I like that it keeps the group small, with a maximum of 18 people, so you actually see what is happening instead of craning your neck. I also like the focus on respectful observing, with guides who explain what you are looking at and how the wildlife comes first.

Big drawback to plan for: it is weather-dependent, and your animal encounters (and any dolphin swim) depend on sea conditions and dolphin behavior.

Key points to know before you go

• Small-group RIB ride (max 18) for easier viewing all around the boat
• 99% chance of seeing whales or dolphins, if animal behavior and sea conditions cooperate
• Fast coverage around Madeira to increase your chances of finding pods
• Snorkeling gear included (mask and snorkel) so you can enjoy the water when conditions allow
• Respect-first rules developed with animal welfare input, so they do not chase cetaceans
• Optional dolphin swim may happen in the right moment, with specific dolphin types

Madeira’s new marina to open water: what the 2 hours really feels like

You start at the Blue Safari Madeira base at Funchal’s new marina. From door 4 at the speedboat (last one on the left when you face the sea), you meet your guide close to the water, not somewhere across town.

Once you head out, the whole trip is built around searching. You cruise along the edge of Madeira, scanning for surface activity, then pivot quickly when a pod appears. Because the boat is a speedboat, the ride feels lively and kinetic, not slow and sightseeing-flat.

You will be out there long enough to feel like you did something meaningful, but short enough that you are back in Funchal before your day gets dragged down.

How the crew finds whales and dolphins without turning it into a chase

The heart of this tour is the hunting style, which is fast but controlled. The boat’s powerful engines let them cover larger distances quickly, so you have more chances to bump into multiple groups of dolphins or even whales during the same outing.

What I like about the way they operate is the clear “wildlife rules first” approach. The tour follows animal welfare guidelines created in consultation with World Animal Protection, and guides consistently stress respectful viewing. In practice, that means they aim to observe from close range without forcing the animals to do what you want.

In a good tour, you will feel that difference immediately. You are not just watching from a distance, and you are not chasing the animals either. You are riding through the ocean like a careful observer, ready to react when life shows itself.

The best parts of the cruise: dolphin time, whale time, and surprise extras

During the 2-hour session, the focus is straightforward: dolphin watching and whale watching. Depending on what the ocean is giving that day, you might spend more time on dolphins, or you might luck into a whale sighting.

From what guides have seen and what many participants report, dolphins can show up in pods, sometimes even with calves. You may also get extra marine highlights on the route. For example, people have mentioned Pilot whales, bottle-nose dolphins, spotted dolphins, sea turtles, Portuguese man-o-war, and flying fish as part of the wider “life around Madeira” picture.

One practical note: the best sightings usually happen after you have left the harbor vibe behind. So give it a little patience if the first few minutes are quiet. This tour is designed to keep searching rather than give up early.

If swimming with dolphins happens, here is what to expect

The tour sometimes offers an in-water experience, but only if conditions allow. It depends on sea conditions and on the dolphins being the right kind of curious. When swimming is offered, it is for common dolphins or spotted dolphins.

If you do get the chance, it tends to be organized and orderly. One detail that shows up in accounts: the water time happens in small groups (often four people at a time). You enter gently while the boat stays close, and you may hold onto a rope attached to the side of the boat so the dolphins remain comfortable with your presence.

Expect it to be short but memorable. People describe being surrounded by dolphins just a few meters away, with animals swimming at the surface and below.

Important reality check: swimming is not guaranteed. Even on great days, the dolphins may be too far, too skittish, or you might have weather that makes it unsafe. The operator also says that if they cannot do the swim due to animal behavior and sea conditions, they still treat the on-water watching as the main event.

Snorkeling gear, sea conditions, and what to bring to stay sane

Snorkeling equipment is included: you get a mask and snorkel. That is useful even if you do not swim with dolphins, because Madeira’s coastal waters can be clear and full of small life.

What you should bring, though, is the gear for the boat ride itself. The ride can be bumpy, especially when wind and chop pick up. Some people recommend bringing a rain coat, because splashes happen fast on a speedboat, and the boat can spray you when waves hit.

So pack like this:

• Swimwear (you might change quickly if swimming is offered)
• Towel
• Sunscreen
• A jacket (for comfort and wind)
• Consider a rain coat for the ride back

If you are sensitive to motion, plan to sit where you feel most stable. One practical tip that comes up: sitting toward the front can help you see animals below the surface more easily when dolphins come up for air.

Your guides matter more than you think, and here are real names

A lot of what makes this tour shine is the guide experience. You are not just cruising; you are learning to spot what the crew is watching for.

English and Portuguese guides lead the outing, and several names show up often in participant accounts: Camila, Fernanda, Vlad, Florine, Natasha, Agatha, Francisco, Mark, Marco, and Ruben. People consistently describe the guides as passionate and serious about animal care, not just entertainment.

If you care about the “why” behind marine behavior, you will probably enjoy how they explain what you are seeing. When a pod appears, the guide’s job is to help you interpret it fast, without turning the moment into a long lecture.

Price and value: what $58 buys you in Madeira

At about $58 per person for a 2-hour, small-group speedboat outing, the value depends on what you want from the day.

You are paying for three things:

1. Time on the water that is long enough to find wildlife, not just “one quick pass.”
2. A small group size that makes sightings easier to see.
3. A search style built around covering distance quickly, which matters for an island where whales and dolphins can move.

If you are comparing this to bigger catamaran-style tours, the RIB setup is a direct trade-off: fewer people, more maneuvering, and a more hands-on ocean feel. That is why many people come back to repeat it, hoping for a different pod the next time out.

One more value angle: the operator includes a fallback if you do not spot whales or dolphins during the tour. They offer another free tour, and if weather makes that impossible, you receive a voucher valid for two years.

So you are not just buying a ticket for a single moment. You are buying chances.

Who should book this, and who should skip it

This tour is a good fit if you want action, not a slow sightseeing cruise. It is also a good fit if you like learning while you watch, and if you care about wildlife rules.

It is not a fit if you:

• Have children under 10
• Are pregnant (the tour says it is not suitable)

It also helps to be ready for boat movement. The speedboat can feel exciting, but it is still an ocean ride. If you are unsure about seasickness, bring your own coping strategy, and consider sitting where you feel steadier.

Quick decision guide: should you book Blue Safari Madeira’s dolphin and whale tour?

Book it if you want:

• A small-group chance to spot whales or dolphins
• A fast, serious search pattern around Madeira
• A tour where the crew follows animal welfare rules and aims for close, respectful viewing
• The possibility of an in-water dolphin experience when conditions and dolphins allow it

Skip it if:

• You need a calm, low-movement outing (speedboats can be bumpy)
• You cannot handle weather uncertainty (it is weather-dependent)
• You fall into the tour’s not-suitable categories

If your main goal is wildlife in the wild, and you can handle the ocean being the ocean, this is one of the strongest bets for your time in Madeira. Just keep expectations flexible, dress for spray and wind, and you will get the most out of those 2 hours.

FAQ

How long is the Whales and Dolphin Adventure Tour from Funchal?

It lasts 2 hours.

How much does the tour cost?

The price is $58 per person.

Where is the meeting point in Funchal?

The tour departs from the new marina of Funchal. Meet your guide directly at the speed boat in front of door 4, the last one on the left looking at the sea.

What time should I arrive before departure?

You should meet at the speed boat 20 minutes before departure.

What snorkeling gear is included?

The tour includes snorkeling equipment, specifically a mask and snorkel.

Can I swim with dolphins on this tour?

Sometimes. If conditions allow and if the dolphins are the right type, the tour may offer the possibility to enter the water with common dolphins or spotted dolphins.

Is the tour dependent on weather conditions?

Yes, it is weather-dependent, and conditions can change quickly.

Is food included on the tour?

No food is served on this tour, but there is a café where you can purchase food.

Is the tour suitable for children or pregnant women?

No. It is not suitable for children under 10 years old, and it is not suitable for pregnant women.