Whale and Dolphin Watching Tour from Funchal

Badge of Excellence

Madeira, Portugal

High interest

Booked 2 times today.

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

Overview

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.

Take to the waves off Madeira Island by boat with your guide
Watch the waters for wild dolphins and whales in their natural habitat
Free time for snorkelling, depending on the season
Second wildlife-spotting trip guaranteed if you make no sightings

What's Included

All activities
Live commentary on board
Local guide
Tour escort/host
Professional guide
Use of Snorkeling equipment

Use of Snorkelling equipment

Food and drinks

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

Rota dos Cetáceos
Marina do Funchal loja 2, São Martinho, 9000-045 Funchal, Portugal
Before each trip there is a short introduction where you’ll learn all about these majestic creatures, then the adventure starts.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Rota dos Cetaceos

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Not wheelchair accessible
Near public transportation
Not recommended for travelers with back problems
Not recommended for pregnant travelers

No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
Most travelers can participate
Dress code is smart casual
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 52 travelers

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)

Featured review

Filipa_S

great visit and guides, we were lucky to spot a pod of dolphins and pilot whales, all safe and respectful for the animals.

Reviews

4.5

based on 353 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

We perform checks on reviews

Tragic customer service experience. Avoid if you look for peace of mind.

Maciej_B, Jul 2026

Tragic customer service experience. Opening this review I admit I was late (10 minutes) and take accountability for it: didn't really expect anything when I walked in, but the absurd conversation with person at the counter made me write this. There was insane traffic on the way in, had 15 minute error margin, wasn't enough - that's on me. When I walked in with the kids I asked if it's the place as it was empty, the girl looked at me and said 'yeah but the boat's already gone' with a shrug. I asked if it would be maybe possible to move it to another time today? "No, everything's full he he" this literal smile and micro-laugh that made me write this. So I asked about next day and the day after that, same answer - finally she admitted they just don't reschedule (I figured as much but still worth to ask - no expectations, humans tend to be just nice and help out sometimes). By the way - I checked the app and everything except of one time it was wide open in their calendar. Now, get this - we sat down outside to plan what to do instead, and 20 minutes later a bunch of people went out (I have a picture), went into this company's rib and that was the point where the boat actually left. So she probably didn't let us in because of 'reasons' or whatever. No coherent answer was given. Instead of "Sorry dude, I know it's crap but I can't let you in as they already started, and we just don't reschedule - I'm sorry" I got lied to twice, while getting laughed at. A bit of honesty and empathy wouldn't make me write this review. Insanely frustrating experience, if they train their boat operators and spotters as good as they do reception people, you better not board as you might not be coming back.

Best views of Madeira and informative

Laurie_P, Jul 2026

Amazing experience and tour guides shared knowledge of whales and dolphins Definitely a great tour to experience the ocean

great visit and guides,...

Filipa_S, Aug 2025

great visit and guides, we were lucky to spot a pod of dolphins and pilot whales, all safe and respectful for the animals.

Misleading description

Artify, Jul 2025

Misleading description. It should have been possible to swim during the Tour- it was not and partial refund for that was denied. Since that was the objective for us, we just wasted time and feel scammed.

Not worth it

Rayan_A, Jun 2025

Don’t believe that you will see whales We just saw some dolphins for 5 minutes And the boat will brake your back it’s too small it will make u so dizzy because it’s not stable it’s a survival boat !