Whale & Dolphin Watching boat trip

Recommended by 98% of travelers

Badge of Excellence

Funchal, Portugal

Popular pick

Booked 5+ times last week!

2 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English

Explore our promoted experiences

Likely to Sell Out

Madeira Dolphin and Whale Watching on a Ecological Catamaran

Funchal, Portugal

4.6

(2,199)

Madeira Dolphin and Whale Watching on a Ecological Catamaran

from $41

Likely to Sell Out

Snorkelling Trip at Ponta de São Lourenço Protected Area

Funchal, Portugal

4.5

(70)

Snorkelling Trip at Ponta de São Lourenço Protected Area

from $41

Private Catamaran Tour with Open Bar from Funchal

Funchal, Portugal

5.0

(5)

Private Catamaran Tour with Open Bar from Funchal

from $407

Price varies by group size

Viator earns higher commissions on experiences featured here

Overview

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.

Join a marine biologist on this whales and dolphin-watching excursion in Maderia
Enjoy a private experience just for your group with plenty of time to ask questions
Head back out free of charge if no whales or dolphins appear
Choose a morning or afternoon trip to suit your schedule

What's Included

Professional rain coat and Life Vest is included

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

Scorpio Madeira wild life
Porto de Recreio, Rua do Leiria, 9200-084 Machico, Portugal
Meeting time 15 minutes prior to trip departure.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Not wheelchair accessible
Near public transportation
Infants must sit on laps
Not recommended for travelers with back problems

Not recommended for pregnant travelers
No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
Most travelers can participate
This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate

Supplied by

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 2 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 3 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 4 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 5 (from a traveler's review)

Reviews

4.9

based on 89 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

We perform checks on reviews

Great tour and staff!

Joyce_M, Aug 2025

We had a lovely time on this boat tour! It started with the great attention from Margarida when I contacted her we may not be able to make the tour due to our flight being delayed nearly 2.5 hours past our originally scheduled arrival time. She handled the situation so well and luckily we made it right on time for the tour with 10-15 minutes to spare! The captain and guide were fantastic and although we did not see as many dolphins or whales (3-4 total) we still enjoyed the time on the water! Thank you all!

An unforgettable...

Shannon_B, Aug 2025

An unforgettable experience! The smaller group (around 14–15 people) made the dolphin and whale watching trip feel personal and relaxed. We were lucky enough to see two types of dolphins, and the views of Madeira from the sea were stunning. Perfect blend of adventure and beauty!

Esperaba más pero no estuvo mal.

elihorta84, Aug 2019

Aunque el piloto de la lancha puso todo su empeño, vimos menos delfines de los esperados y desde lejos y no nos permitieron entrar en el agua como estaba previsto.Supongo que al ser animales salvajes los viajes son impredecibles. Aún así es una experiencia bonita.