Imagine sailing off the coast of Madeira when suddenly a horde of dolphins appears from the waves! How could you fail to marvel at the beauty of this aquatic ballet and rediscover your childlike soul? The island is one of Europe’s top destinations for whale watching. Find out all our useful photo tips to optimize your chances of having an experience as memorable as ours:
- The best boat trips in Madeira,
- The most suitable times of year,
- The various starting points for observation tours,
- Various species of aquatic animals.
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We made our own choices, visited the area anonymously, and paid our bills in full.
Why take a dolphin and whale watching trip in Madeira?
Is it worth it?
Totally, it’s one of Funchal’s must-do activities! Madeira is a prime destination for observing dolphins and whales in their natural habitat. There’s a good chance you’ll come across cetaceans during your observation tour. From leisurely catamaran excursions to more dynamic speedboat trips, there’s a wide range of options for exploring the Atlantic Ocean at your own pace. During our catamaran outing, we were also impressed by the breathtaking view of the island’s coastline!
Top 5 dolphin and whale watching tours in Madeira
Discover our top 5 whale-watching excursions in Madeira. For our part, we loved the catamaran trip, during which we came across a school of dolphins. As a general rule, choose the period from April to September to optimize your chances of seeing marine animals. Choose the tour that best suits your needs:
- Ecological catamaran with swimming under Cabo Girão: our favorite – See prices, photos and availability.
- Fast boat for speed lovers – See prices, photos and availability.
- Inflatable boat with dolphin swimming opportunities – See prices, photos and availability.
- Sunset observation tour – See prices, photos and availability.
- Luxury catamaran with open bar and VIP service – See prices, photos and availability.
WHERE TO STAY IN Madeira
Our independent picks for the accommodation of your dreams:
What species can you spot around Madeira? When can I see them?
Whale and dolphin watching season
In Madeira, you can see whales and dolphins all year round. The observation towers are open continuously. A few species of whale remain permanently close to the island, which is a veritable sanctuary for these marine animals.
However, we recommend that you focus on the period from April to September, when the greatest number of species are concentrated. In summer, dolphins congregate in shallower waters, generally closer to the coast. Overall, you’re more likely to see dolphins, as whales spend more time in the depths of the ocean. To learn more about these amazing sea creatures, visit the Whale Museum in Caniçal!
Different species visible in different seasons
Madeira attracts an impressive diversity of cetaceans, including many species of dolphin and whale. In the waters surrounding the island, bottlenose dolphins are very present, even in the depths of winter. Sperm whales and pilot whales, both members of the whale family, are fairly common in the region. As the seasons change, different species approach the archipelago:
- Common dolphin between January and July,
- Striped dolphin from February to April, then from July to November,
- Atlantic spotted dolphin between March and October,
- Rough-toothed dolphin between May and September,
- Risso’s dolphin between May and October,
- Fin whale between April and October and sometimes in winter,
- Byrde’s whale between April and December,
- Sei whale between March and October and sometimes in winter,
- Humpback whales from March to April, then from September to November.
Best time of day
Excursions take place in the morning, afternoon and at sunset for maximum flexibility. Although there’s no better time of day to spot cetaceans, overall you’re more likely to see dolphins than whales.
OUR TIPS FOR RENTING YOUR CAR AT Madeira
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Take a car with a good engine for hilly roads, but not too big for manoeuvring.
- There’s plenty of demand and few cars, so book early.
Which boat and tour to choose to see dolphins in Madeira?
Whether you prefer peaceful seafaring or more dynamic escapades, you’ll find what you’re looking for among the many options available in Madeira! The number of dolphin and whale watching tours on offer is very high, making it all the more difficult to make the right choice. We have a slight preference for catamarans or sailing boats, which offer a gentler, more authentic experience. Generally speaking, you should allow between 2 and 3 hours for this activity. To help you identify the tour best suited to your needs, find out more about the advantages of the different types of boat:
Advantages of an ecological catamaran: our favorite
- The activity lasts about 3 hours. We had plenty of time to enjoy the island’s magnificent coastal scenery.
- The catamaran is equipped with hybrid electric motors, more respectful of aquatic fauna. It’s a technology that’s close to our hearts!
- You can move around the boat quite freely.
- Bar with drinks and snacks available.
- Disabled-accessible toilets.
- Seating inside and out.
- Upper deck with superb views.
During our trip to Madeira, we went in search of cetaceans aboard a catamaran. It was a memorable experience, as we came across a school of dolphins! We highly recommend this option, especially if you enjoy being rocked by the waves.
Speedboat advantages
- The activity lasts about 2 hours.
- The zodiac can cover long distances quickly.
- In theory, you increase your chances of seeing several different groups of cetaceans.
- The adrenalin and sensation of speed are more intense than on a catamaran.
- The boat is low to the water, so the cetaceans can get as close to you as possible.
- Conditions permitting, you can swim with the dolphins.
- If you didn’t come across a dolphin or whale during your tour, you can take a 2nd visit free of charge.
Advantages of a luxury catamaran
- The activity lasts about 3 hours.
- You can move around on the boat.
- You’ll be in a smaller group than on other excursions.
- Luxury catamaran well equipped for your comfort.
- Welcome glass of sparkling wine.
- Open bar with unlimited drinks (also alcoholic).
- Possibility of swimming at Cabo Girão. Snorkels and masks supplied.
- Toilets on board.
- Small snack with local flavours.
- Seating inside and out.
- Staff attentive to your well-being.
Advantages of sailing
- The activity lasts about 3 hours.
- A relaxed, friendly atmosphere.
- Pleasant sailing sensation in fine weather.
- Swimming available. Tubes supplied.
- One drink served on board.
- Educational tour: information on the island’s history and aquatic fauna.
- In the event of bad weather, the outing will be postponed or refunded.
Advantages of Christopher Columbus’ flagship
- The activity lasts about 3 hours.
- You can move around on the boat.
- Pirate ship atmosphere.
- It was like stepping back in time and experiencing a real adventure.
- Educational tour: information on the island’s history and aquatic fauna.
- Possibility of swimming at Cabo Girão.
- Tasting of Madeira wine and honey cake.
- You’re likely to come across dolphins or whales, but you can’t be sure.
Swimming with dolphins in Madeira
- The activity lasts around 2h30.
- The zodiac can cover long distances quickly.
- In theory, you increase your chances of seeing several different groups of cetaceans.
- The adrenalin and sensation of speed are more intense than on a catamaran.
- The boat is low to the water, so the cetaceans can get as close to you as possible.
- To swim with the dolphins, you’ll need to take an additional option. Masks and snorkels provided.
- If you didn’t come across a dolphin or whale during your tour, you can take a 2nd visit free of charge.
- Possibility of privatizing the boat, which can accommodate up to 18 people.
OUR GUIDE TO PLANNING A Dream trip
- 7 maps that make planning easier
- + 120 pre-selected locations
- Practical advice
- + 260 photos to help you choose
Departure points for Madeira sea excursions
The vast majority of excursions depart from the Port of Funchal, but it is also possible to depart from Porto Moniz, La Calheta, Caniçal or Machico. For our part, we set off from Madeira’s capital.
- From Funchal – See prices, photos and availability.
- From Porto Moniz – See prices, photos and availability.
- From La Calheta – See prices, photos and availability.
- From Machico – See prices, photos and availability.
- From Caniçal – See prices, photos and availability.
See our map of Madeira’s best beaches, with departure points for excursions across the island:
Tips for enjoying your dolphin-watching tour in Madeira
Book at the right time
To maximize your chances of seeing cetaceans in Madeira, book your excursion a few days after your arrival. This way, you’ll avoid any problems associated with flight delays, or even flight delays. Some days, the winds are too strong for planes to land on the island.
But don’t wait too long either! We recommend booking your dolphin-watching tour mid-stay. If bad weather conditions prevent you from going out to sea on the day, the organizer of your activity will be able to offer you an alternative time slot. Some even offer a second free tour if you didn’t see a dolphin or whale on your first outing. This is particularly true of this activity.
Respecting marine animals
During your encounter with cetaceans, respect a few essential rules to ensure the well-being of these marine animals:
- don’t feed them,
- do not approach closer than 100m,
- keep noise to a minimum,
- do not cross a group of whales,
- do not throw your garbage into the water,
- avoid sudden movements of the boat.
These precautions guarantee responsible and respectful observation of marine fauna.
Take warm clothing
Don’t forget to bring warm clothing with you on the boat, whatever the season. The wind in Madeira can be intense, so you’ll quickly feel the chill when you’re out at sea. We recommend you bring a life jacket to cover your arms, and a towel to dry off after swimming. During winter, slip on a waterproof jacket to protect you from potential rain.
Wear sunscreen
The boat may be buffeted by winds of varying strength, so you may not feel the intensity of the sun’s rays, and you may get burned. Apply sunscreen generously before setting off, and reapply after swimming. Don’t forget your feet, which are just as exposed as the rest of your body. Complete your protection with sunglasses and a hat!
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Put on your swimsuit before the tour
If you’ve opted for a swimming excursion, don’t forget to put on your bathing suit before you even get on the boat! Generally speaking, there’s little room to change directly on board. What’s more, you’ll be the first to jump into the water! You don’t want to waste a second before diving into this magnificent setting, do you?
Anticipating seasickness
If you’re prone to seasickness, here’s some advice:
- move to the stern of the boat,
- stay outside the cabin to enjoy the fresh air,
- a light meal before the boat trip,
- look to the horizon,
- sip water slowly,
- prefer fast boats to catamarans.
Immortalize the moment
Take your camera or smartphone with you. To avoid dropping your equipment in the water, there are cables that connect it to your wrist or neck. Marine animals move very quickly. We recommend that you photograph them several times, then add to your photo gallery only after the tour. And don’t forget to take pictures of the coastline. Madeira is a magnificent island. Above all, make the most of the moment and don’t forget to enjoy this extraordinary experience!
PLAN YOUR STAY IN Madeira
Best of
Things to do in Madeira
Most beautiful viewpoints
Madeira’s most beautiful beaches
Most beautiful gardens
Natural pools
Most beautiful hikes
Most beautiful roads
Secret places
Practical advice
Getting around Madeira
Rent a car in Madeira
Driving in Madeira
Itineraries: 3 days – 4 days – 5 days – 6 days – 7 days – 10 days
SHE MADE THE TRIP Claire
