From Funchal: Whales and Dolphin Adventure Tour

Whale and dolphin watching in Madeira is interesting because you do it the fast way, on a speedboat that can cover lots of sea in two hours. I love the small-group feel (max 18 on board) and the hands-on guidance from marine biologists like Camila and Fernanda. One drawback to plan around is that it’s weather-dependent, so if conditions are choppy the ride can feel bumpy and swimming might not be offered.

You’ll meet at Blue Safari Madeira at Funchal’s new marina and head out from there, looking around the island’s edge in search of cetaceans. I also like that the boat is set up for close, respectful viewing, with animal-welfare rules created with World Animal Protection. That means you’re not just looking from far away, you’re learning how to watch without stressing wildlife.

If conditions are right, you might even get to enter the water with dolphins (common dolphins or spotted dolphins). You’ll have snorkeling gear (mask and snorkel), and you’ll still spend plenty of time on the boat if you cannot swim due to animal behavior or sea state.

Key things to know before you go

• Small RIB boat (max 18), so you can actually see the water from all sides
• Marine biologist guides such as Camila, Fernanda, Florine, and Natasha, with real research-style explanations
• Respect-first wildlife rules created with World Animal Protection, no chasing
• Two hours of focused searching, covering ground quickly to boost your chances
• Optional dolphin swim when the right dolphins show up and conditions allow
• Bring a jacket or rain layer, because the ride can get wet and bumpy

Why this speedboat whale and dolphin tour in Funchal feels different

Madeira’s ocean can be unbelievably clear, but what matters is how you experience it. This tour runs from Funchal on a speedboat (RIB) instead of a large catamaran, so you get more time actually scanning the water instead of waiting for the group to reposition.

I like that the boat stays small. With up to 18 people, you feel part of one crew rather than a crowd funneling toward the same side of the vessel. Multiple reviews describe the view from nearly every direction, which is a big deal when you’re trying to catch quick blows, body arcs, or surface breaks.

Now for the reality check. You’re on a high-speed boat, so you should expect waves sometimes. Several people mention getting splashed, and a few note the ride can be bumpy when the wind kicks up. If you’re sensitive to motion, pack smart (more on that below).

The 2-hour plan, in plain terms (and what each part means for you)

This tour is designed as one continuous search, not a stop-and-sit schedule. You’ll start with a proper departure, then spend the bulk of the two hours cruising and scanning the sea around Madeira, with dedicated time for dolphin and whale watching.

Leaving Funchal on the Blue Safari Madeira speedboat

Your meeting point is Blue Safari Madeira, Whale and dolphins watching, at the new marina of Funchal. Meet your guide directly at the boat by door 4, the last one on the left if you’re facing the sea. Plan to arrive 20 minutes before departure, because they want you settled before lines are out and the engines start.

Parking is available at the Almirante Reis parking lot, and it’s a short walk from the marina. The key is to get there early enough that you can find your spot calmly, especially since you’ll likely be putting on layers for the ride and getting towels ready for a wet return.

Out on the water: cruising, scanning, then searching again

Once you head out, the goal is simple: find cetaceans and stay with them as responsibly as possible. The boat’s speed matters here. It helps the crew cover more distance quickly, which gives you more chances to connect with multiple groups, rather than getting stuck in one small zone.

You’ll cruise along the edge of Madeira, watching for dolphins first and then whales when they appear. If you’re lucky, you’ll get that classic moment where dolphins surface near the boat, start moving with purpose, and then you can track them as they change direction.

You might also notice other ocean life. Some guests report surprises like Portuguese man-o-war (a floating creature you should treat with caution), plus flying fish and even sea turtles. Those sightings are never guaranteed, but the point is that the ocean can reward patience even when your top targets are elusive.

Back to port: you get the experience even if the animals move on

When it’s time to return, you’ll head back to the new marina. The ride back still feels like part of the tour, not a rushed end, because you’re coming down from the “search mode” and getting your eyes adjusted again to the island coastline.

This matters for the people who worry about losing their chance. Even if you see fewer animals, the two-hour structure keeps things focused, and you’re not stuck on the water for half a day with no plan.

What you should realistically expect to spot in Madeira waters

The tour advertises a 99% chance of seeing whales or dolphins when conditions allow. That’s a strong number, but nature is still nature. Your actual encounter depends on animal behavior and sea conditions, which can change quickly.

Dolphins are the most likely win

From the on-water experience people describe, dolphins are common. You might see bottlenose dolphins, spotted dolphins, common dolphins, and pilot dolphins. Several reviews also mention a rare mix of sightings in the same outing, like dolphins plus pilot whales, or pods that show up in more than one burst.

The key is to understand how “real” these encounters feel. The most exciting moments happen when the animals are curious enough to approach naturally, not when the crew tries to force proximity. If dolphins are active, you often get repeated surface sightings as they weave through the water.

Whales can happen, but sightings are never scheduled

Whales show up less predictably than dolphins. Some guests report whale sightings such as pilot whales and sperm whales. But plenty of people also share that they got dolphins and not whales in the same session.

That’s not a failure, it’s how the ocean behaves. If your main priority is whales, keep flexibility in your schedule. If your trip timing allows, you may find that doing this tour on more than one day can improve your odds.

When you see the ocean life, you learn to watch differently

Once you’ve been out with a marine biologist guide, you start noticing details you would miss on land. People bring up things like how dolphins hunt and how they interact with other surface life.

The best part is when the guide connects what you see with why it’s happening, like the link between hunting behavior and prey near the surface. Even if you don’t get the full “swim with dolphins” moment, you still walk away with a better read on what you were watching.

Swimming with dolphins: the fun part, and how to prepare for the real conditions

This is the headline for many people, and it’s handled in a way that’s built around animal welfare. If conditions allow and the right dolphins are present, you might be invited to enter the water with common dolphins or spotted dolphins.

It only happens when the dolphins choose it

Several reviews emphasize that the crew does not chase. Instead, they let the animals come to you if they want to, and they follow the behavior cues. This is a big difference from tours that feel like the ocean is a theme park.

If the dolphins are with babies, or if the dolphins act less curious, you might not be able to swim. That can be disappointing, but it’s also part of what makes the encounter feel respectful and real.

What the swim is actually like

When swimming does happen, it’s usually organized in small groups. One review describes groups of four people getting in for roughly 5 to 10 minutes, while others watch from the boat. You’ll be asked to hold onto a rope attached to the side, and the boat may stay moving so the dolphins remain interested.

Bring the right mindset. This is water time, not a slow scenic dip. You may be told to quickly remove clothing and get in when instructed, so wear a swimsuit that’s easy to manage.

Weather and sea state can shut down swimming

Even if dolphins are present, rough waves can make swimming unsafe or uncomfortable. Some guests report that they couldn’t enter the water because the sea was too rough. That’s why you should pack for both outcomes: swimming might happen, or you might only enjoy the close viewing from the boat.

Guide crew matters: marine biologists, animal respect, and photo moments

This tour earns its strong reputation largely because of the people on board. Multiple names show up repeatedly, especially guides like Camila, Fernanda, Florine, and Natasha, plus captains such as Marco, Mark, Ruben, and Vlad.

The best guides don’t just list facts. They explain what you’re likely seeing in real time and why it matters. Reviewers also praise how the guides connect the experience to conservation and scientific research, and how the crew follows welfare rules created with World Animal Protection.

You’ll get more than spotting, you’ll get context

You’ll likely hear species-focused information, from how dolphins move through the water to how whales might surface. The tone is often friendly and energetic, and many guests call out how good the crew was at answering questions.

Photos are part of the day

If you care about photos, this is a plus. Several guests say the guide took amazing pictures and that you can purchase them afterward. You can also take your own photos and video on your phone, and the smaller boat gives you a better angle without sprinting around.

Price and value: is $58 for two hours a fair deal?

At $58 per person for a two-hour speedboat experience, the value comes from the mix: a small boat, a strong chance of sightings, and the possibility of swimming with dolphins plus snorkeling gear.

A big part of the math is how time is used. The speedboat can cover more distance quickly, so you’re not stuck watching a single patch of sea for the entire tour. That matters because wildlife is mobile. Your odds improve when the crew can reposition fast.

Another value driver is the included gear. You get snorkeling equipment (mask and snorkel) even though swimming is optional. So even if you end up not entering the water, you’re still prepared, and you can use the gear if you do get a chance.

Food is not served. There’s a café nearby where you can buy something before or after. If you’re the type to get hungry on the water, I’d grab a snack beforehand so you’re not thinking about it during the hunt.

How to get the most from your trip (packing and comfort tips that actually help)

This is the kind of tour where your comfort affects your ability to enjoy the moment. Here’s what to bring based on the tour guidance and what people learned from bumpy days.

Pack like you’re going to get wet

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a jacket. Reviews also mention a rain coat helps, since the speedboat can splash you even when you think you picked good seating.

If you’re prone to motion sickness, consider bringing medication and dressing in layers that you can manage quickly. Some guests say they felt seasick and were given a bag, so the crew does seem prepared, but prevention is still the best plan.

Sit where you can see

The boat’s small, so this is easier than on big catamarans. The overall idea from experience is to position yourself so you can watch in more than one direction. When dolphins surface suddenly, the people who are already looking at the water at the right angle catch it.

Bring an underwater camera if you have one

If you end up swimming, an underwater camera can capture the moment in a way regular phone video sometimes can’t. One guest suggests having an underwater camera if you want that extra layer of memory.

Who should book this tour, and who should skip it

This works best if you want a hands-on, active whale and dolphin watching day without a massive crowd. If you like small group experiences, fast searching, and respectful animal viewing, you’re in the right place.

Great fit for

• Adult couples and friends who want an adrenaline-friendly boat ride
• People who prefer small boats over large catamarans
• Anyone excited by the chance to swim with spotted or common dolphins
• Travelers who enjoy learning from a marine biologist guide

Not a fit for

• Children under 10
• Pregnant women

If you’re unsure because of seasickness risk, you can still consider it, but pack for comfort and be realistic about wind and waves.

Should you book Blue Safari Madeira’s whales and dolphin adventure?

I think you should book if your priority is real wildlife viewing with a small boat, a strong shot at sightings, and the chance to get in the water when conditions and dolphin behavior line up. The combination of respectful rules, marine biologist style explanations, and the speedboat format makes it feel like a focused experience, not a generic cruise.

You might hesitate if you know you hate bumpy rides or you’re expecting a guaranteed dolphin swim. The ocean decides what happens. When swimming is not possible, you’re still out there for close viewing time, and the two-hour structure keeps it from dragging.

If you’re ready for a nature-first adventure in Madeira’s waters, this one is a strong pick.

FAQ

How long is the Blue Safari Madeira whales and dolphins tour?

The tour lasts 2 hours.

What is the meeting point in Funchal?

You meet at the new marina of Funchal at Blue Safari Madeira, Whale and dolphins watching. Meet your guide directly at the speedboat in front of door 4, the last one on the left when looking at the sea.

What should I bring for the tour?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a jacket. If you get wet easily, plan for that.

Is the tour dependent on weather and sea conditions?

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

What are the chances of seeing whales or dolphins?

The tour states a 99% chance of seeing whales or dolphins when conditions allow (animal behavior and good sea conditions).

Can I swim with dolphins?

If conditions allow and the right dolphins are encountered, you might be able to enter the water with common dolphins or spotted dolphins.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, including a mask and snorkel.

Will food be provided during the tour?

No food is served on this tour. There is a café where you can purchase it.

Is this tour suitable for children or pregnant travelers?

It is not suitable for children under 10 years old, and it is not suitable for pregnant women.

What happens if no whales or dolphins are spotted?

If no whales or dolphins are spotted during the tour, you’ll be offered another free tour. If unavailability is due to weather conditions, you’ll receive a free trip voucher valid for two years.