Top Madeira Dolphin Watching in 2026

Spend time on the Atlantic Ocean spotting whales and dolphins during this small-group wildlife tour. Board a fast, agile speedboat in Funchal and sail along the coastline to observe marine life in their natural habitats, learning about their behavior from your skipper. The tour operates responsibly, with no chasing or feeding, ensuring respectful encounters. This operator is the first WCA (World Cetaceans Alliance) certified in Funchal, supporting marine conservation efforts.

Go whale and dolphin watching, a unique experience from Madeira. Board a boat with your experienced captain and crew, then set out for the open seas to search for these friendly marine mammals. Learn about these fascinating creatures through your crew's informative commentary.

Admire the views of Madeira's coastline and look out for local wildlife at the same time with this catamaran adventure. Eliminate the guesswork of wildlife spotting and benefit from having a crew to take you to areas where dolphins, turtles, and whales have been spotted before. In the summer months, it’s also possible to hop off the boat and go snorkeling.

The deep waters off Madeira Island are home to a dazzling array of marine life, with dolphins and whales sharing the waves with birds, turtles, and more. On this wildlife-spotting adventure, take to the seas for up-close sightings of the native Bottlenose Dolphins, Sperm Whales, Spotted Dolphins, and Pilot Whales who call Madeira home. Enjoy free time to snorkel at your leisure—depending on the season—with a second trip guaranteed if you make no sightings.

Funchal’s waters are home to whales and dolphins—and this luxurious catamaran tour offers the best way to spot them. Head to Funchal’s marina and hop aboard your vessel, where you’ll enjoy Champagne, cocktails, soft drinks, and snacks like local bread and cheese. Indulge as you look out for whales and dolphins. Then, if you wish, enjoy a swimming and snorkeling break at Cabo Girao before returning to shore.

Head into the waters off Madeira on a high-speed wildlife cruise in search of dolphins, whales, and other marine life. Travel aboard a modern speedboat with 360-degree views and double-cushioned seating, while spotters on shore help direct the captain toward active wildlife sightings. If no marine animals appear during your trip, you're invited back for another cruise at no additional cost.

Set sail from Machico to Madeira's wild coast to spot whales and dolphins in their natural habitat. Join a marine biologist aboard a private boat and improve your odds of a sighting with a land-based spotter guiding the boat. Finish your trip on a high with the possibility to swim alongside common and spotted dolphins when conditions allow.

Nature enthusiasts will love this dolphin- and whale-watching cruise from Funchal. Board your catamaran and kick back as you sail along Madeira’s south coast. Your crew guides you to the areas where whales and dolphins are most often seen. If the sea conditions are good in summer, take a dip in the waters beneath the Cabo Girão sea cliffs. Choose a morning or afternoon departure to suit your schedule.

Discover the vibrant marine life surrounding Madeira on this exciting boat tour, where you’ll have the chance to spot playful dolphins, majestic whales, and even turtles in their natural habitat. Sail across the crystal-clear waters while enjoying a typical Madeiran snack of honey biscuits and a glass of Madeira wine, included in the tour. With a duration of 3 hours, this tour operates daily and is suitable for all ages, making it perfect for families and nature lovers alike. If you don’t spot any marine life, a second trip is available at a reduced rate. - Daily tours available from 10 : 30 AM to 1 : 30 PM and 3 : 00 PM to 6 : 00 PM - Includes honey biscuits and a glass of Madeira wine - Family-friendly with special pricing for children - Meet at Marina Nova do Funchal, 30 minutes before departure

A Madeira whale-watching tour by private motor yacht gives your party a front-row view without the crowds. Embark and let your skipper search the open seas for marine life including dolphins, whales, and sea turtles. You’ll have a luxurious time with this privately chartered boat equipped with refreshments, sparkling wine, snorkel gear, and a shower.

During your visit to Madeira, it is almost mandatory to take a sea tour to observe cetaceans. Its excellent location allows you to see these species throughout the year. Take a close look at some of the 28 species of cetaceans that inhabit or visit the waters of the Madeira Archipelago. On our boat trips, it is very common to find: The Common Dolphin (Delphinus delphis) The Painted Dolphin (Stenella frontalis) The Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops truincatu) The Sperm Whale (Physeter macrocephalus) The Pilot Whale (Globicephala macrorhynchus) Bryde's Whale (Balaenoptera edeni). In the turtle family, the Boba Turtle (Caretta caretta) is the most sighted. Come and observe these friendly cetaceans and make your trip a truly unforgettable experience!

Combine sunset views, swimming, and dinner all into one convenient tour with this evening cruise from Funchal. Sail along the southern coast to soak up the island views, keep an eye out for any wildlife, and make a stop to swim or snorkel using the provided gear. Back on board, refuel with a delicious dinner buffet with ice-cold drinks and a stunning Atlantic sunset in the background.

The Valley of the Nuns (Curral da Freiras) might be one of the coolest places you can visit in all of Portugal—and this tour makes it easy to explore the area. Not only is it a village built on the crater of an extinct volcano, but it was once a place where nuns would hide when pirates attacked the city of Funchal. Plus, during this tour, you’ll stop by the fishing village, Câmara de Lobos, and try a traditional Madeira drink.

Discover the abundant marine life near Madeira on this fast-paced dolphin and whale-watching tour. You won’t have to worry about wasting time traveling, as you’ll whizz through the water on a speedboat, and cover large distances. Look out for dolphins and whales, while enjoying guide commentary. If you don’t spot any sea life, you’ll get another free trip.

Make the most of your time in Madeira and cover the entire island in just two days on this small-group excursion. Set out for two full-day tours to see top landmarks including Girao Cape, the Porto Moniz natural pools, the fishing village of Camara de Lobos, and the Arieiro and Ruivo summits. Experience nature, history, and tradition on this comprehensive tour.

Sail into the Madeira sunset aboard a traditional sailing boat with a maximum of 16 guests. Enjoy a relaxed and intimate experience at sea, with time to swim, admire the stunning south coast and take in beautiful views of Funchal from the water.

Celebrate New Year’s Eve aboard the sailing boat with a festive atmosphere and views of Funchal’s fireworks from the sea. Enjoy an open bar with beer, wine, sangria, juices and water. At midnight, raise a glass of sparkling wine and enjoy the traditional raisins as the fireworks light up the sky above the city.