Top Madeira Whale Watching
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What are people saying about Madeira
Teresa_H, Jul 2026
Sunset Dolphin watching cruise was amazing
Wow just the best experience with a fab bunch of people; our captain Thomas was superb finding us Bottle Nosed Dolphins and Flying Dish and then the most gorgeous sunset; the crew were amazing too so attentive. Made sure we had enough to eat and drink and that we were all ok. Only 17 of us on board just perfect and I would definitely recommend this trip. Thanks guys
Debra_H, Jul 2026
Great crew & catamaran
A lovely modern catamaran with an excellent crew. The team are constantly watching for dolphins and whales and steer the catamaran quietly to their location so not to disturb them. Some dolphins & whales came very close to the ship. The staff are excellent and the owner is lovely.
Satty_A, Jun 2026
Great whale and dolphin watching Experience
Great experience- saw 2 whales (Blainville’s beaked whale and Short finned pilot whale) and lots of Atlantic Dolphins. As it’s a ribbed boat recommend you take a cover up as gets cold when going at speed. Great female guide who explained everything well (sorry can’t remember her name). Really enjoyed it. Great Fun on the boat. They recommend you sit at the back if you have neck or back problems
Laura_K, Jun 2026
Small boat. Great experience!
The trip was great! The boat is small, which means it sells out quickly, but it also means you are guaranteed a great view of the dolphins and whales. There aren’t dozens of other travelers vying for the same photo. The guide was a marine biologist; she clearly loves her job! The company guarantees a sighting, so if you see nothing on the first trip, you’re welcomed back on another tour. In my case, that wasn’t necessary. Within the first 20 minutes of the trip, a whale surfaced so close that we could nearly touch her. It was AMAZING!
Selena_J, May 2026
This is the trip to do…
Amazing! We went out on our booked date but the sea was rough and they explained they were not sure we would see anything but they would try… we gave up after 30 mins and was offered a refund or to rebook. We came back the next day, saw 4 whales, loads of dolphin and a turtle! The team were so passionate and it felt like they really wanted viewing's.
We got a tip off for some ‘ghost whales’ and they sped off to try and spot them! They seemed genuinely happier than us to see them!
Great boat, great crew and great experience x
Sabrina_S, Apr 2026
This was a great...
This was a great excursion - the small size of the boat was ideal as you really had a great view no matter where you sat. I appreciated how punctual this tour was - we were instructed to meet at 0930 for the 10am tour, and we were off in the boat by 10 sharp! We saw two types of dolphins and whales. The guide and the boat driver were both great!
Byron_K, Oct 2025
Gorgeous day on the water
Great communication from On Tales up through the morning of the cruise. Had about ten people on the boat during our 10:30 expedition - everybody fit more than comfortably. Beatriz and Bruno were friendly, knowledgeable and skilled and were very up front with the days conditions and expected sightings.
Cruised off Calheta for a while chasing a few dolphins which we managed to see, although they were feeding at the time and not in a bigger school. Lovely ride across long, gentle waves along the scenic south coast. Stop near Porta Do Sol for some swimming and the place lived up to its name with the sun in full effect. Refreshments during the cruise and full access to all areas of the boat.
Even with minimal dolphin and whale activity it was an exceptional day on the water. Highly recommended especially if you prefer a smaller group setting than the larger tourist boats!
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Not seeing something you are looking for?
The deep, nutrient-rich waters surrounding the Madeira archipelago are home to abundant marine life, from impressive sperm and humpback whales to playful dolphins. The best time to witness these majestic creatures in their natural habitat is between May and September, but it's possible to see some species of whales and dolphins all year round. Hop on a whale-watching tour, each with its own unique approach and perspective, and witness the beauty and wonder of Madeira's beautiful coastline and its sea animals.
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