The crystal-clear waters off Funchal offer some of Europe’s finest whale watching, with year-round sightings of pilot whales, sperm whales, and several dolphin species. Multiple operators run daily excursions from the marina, but two types stand out. The ecological catamaran tours combine comfort with expert marine biologists and impressive success rates, while the classic wooden boat experiences add local charm with Madeira wine service. For the best value and reliability, I especially recommend the small-group yacht tours – they strike the perfect balance between intimacy and comfort. Larger boats work fine for families and those seeking more stability at sea.
Check out these top-rated Funchal whale watching experiences:
Key Points
- Ecological Catamaran Tours offer 2.5-3 hour excursions with sightings of pilot whales, bottlenose dolphins, and sperm whales, receiving positive feedback from over 1,500 travelers.
- Wooden Boat Excursions provide a 3-hour tour with a live English-speaking guide, Madeira wine welcome drink, and potential swimming stops, though with some reported pickup timing issues.
- Luxury Whale Watching experiences aboard a luxurious catamaran boast a 97% recommendation rate and 4.9/5 star reviews, offering intimate encounters with marine life and high-quality amenities.
- Small-Group Yacht Tours allow for a personalized whale and dolphin watching experience with a maximum of 12 passengers, stunning views of Madeira’s coastline, and customizable preferences for swimming and snorkeling.
- Private Tours and Comprehensive Experiences provide a 2.5-hour private charter on a luxurious motor yacht with opportunities to see dolphins, whales, sea turtles, and hammerhead sharks, as well as a combination with a Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour and wine tasting.
Madeira Dolphin and Whale Watching on a Ecological Catamaran
What better way to experience the stunning marine life of Madeira than aboard an ecological catamaran?
Madeira Dolphin and Whale Watching offers a 2.5-3 hour tour that has delighted over 1,500 travelers. Guests can expect sightings of pilot whales, bottlenose dolphins, and even sperm whales, with the crew providing respectful encounters to minimize disturbance.
The reviews highlight the tour’s organization, friendly staff, and the quality of the catamaran. While some guests noted minor issues, the overall experience is praised for its excitement and informative commentary.
With free cancellation and reasonable pricing, this eco-tour is an excellent choice for wildlife enthusiasts visiting Funchal.
Read our full review: Madeira Dolphin and Whale Watching on a Ecological Catamaran Review
Book now: Check availability
Madeira : Whales and Dolphins Wooden Boat Excursion
For those seeking a unique marine wildlife experience in Madeira, the Madeira: Whales and Dolphins Wooden Boat Excursion offers a captivating 3-hour tour to witness the majestic beauty of whales and dolphins in their natural habitat.
Priced from Kč 1,003 per person, the tour includes a welcome drink of Madeira wine and a live English-speaking guide. Participants can explore the itinerary of dolphin and whale watching, with a potential swimming stop.
While some reviews note issues with pickup timing and limited dolphin sightings, the boat is praised for its suitability for sunbathing.
The tour also offers a second trip for €10 per person if no sightings occur.
Read our full review: Madeira : Whales and Dolphins Wooden Boat Excursion Review
Book now: Check availability
VipDolphins Luxury Whale Watching
VipDolphins Luxury Whale Watching offers visitors to Funchal, Portugal, a captivating maritime adventure.
With a 97% recommendation rate and 4.9/5 star reviews, the experience provides an intimate encounter with pilot whales and dolphins aboard a luxurious catamaran.
Customers praise the friendly crew, clean vessel, and high-quality amenities, including snacks, drinks, and snorkeling equipment.
Though some report not seeing any marine life, the majority highlight the memorable close encounters and relaxing atmosphere.
Despite occasional booking issues and late arrival policies, VipDolphins delivers a premium whale-watching experience starting at $84.77 per person, with flexible cancellation options.
Read our full review: VipDolphins Luxury Whale Watching Review
Book now: Check availability
Whale and Dolphin Watching Tour in Madeira
Commonly, visitors to Funchal, Portugal, embark on a captivating whale and dolphin watching tour aboard a small-group yacht.
With a maximum of 12 passengers, the tour offers a personalized experience and the opportunity to customize preferences, including swimming and snorkeling.
Travelers are treated to stunning views of Madeira’s coastline and a chance to spot bottlenose dolphins, sperm whales, and Brydes whales.
The tour includes light refreshments, snorkel equipment, and transportation upon request.
While wildlife sightings aren’t guaranteed, the crew utilizes land spotters to increase the chances of encountering these majestic creatures.
Read our full review: Whale and Dolphin Watching Tour in Madeira Review
Book now: Check availability
Dolphin – Whale – Turtle – Bird Watching
Excursions along Madeira’s picturesque coastline offer visitors the chance to spot an array of marine life, from playful dolphins to majestic whales.
On these fast-paced speedboat adventures, guests can expect to see common sightings like bottlenose and common dolphins, pilot whales, and sperm whales. Occasionally, turtles and even sharks may make an appearance.
With a maximum of 18 travelers per tour, the experience provides personalized attention and a 93% traveler recommendation rate. Adventurers are even guaranteed wildlife sightings or a free return trip.
At just $53.65 per person, this thrilling tour comes with the added benefit of a Badge of Excellence and flexible booking options.
Read our full review: Dolphin – Whale – Turtle – Bird Watching Review
Book now: Check availability
Private Dolphin and Whale Watching Tour in Madeira
This private dolphin and whale watching tour in Madeira, Funchal, Portugal offers an exceptional opportunity to observe the area’s diverse marine life.
With 490 glowing reviews and a 99% recommendation rate, the 2.5-hour private charter aboard a luxurious motor yacht is a must-try activity.
Guests can search for dolphins, whales, sea turtles, and even the occasional hammerhead shark while enjoying light refreshments, sparkling wine, and complimentary snorkeling gear.
The professional crew guides visitors and shares insights about Madeira’s wildlife.
Whether it’s the well-equipped yacht, the hospitality, or the flexibility to accommodate weather conditions, this tour consistently delights travelers seeking a unique perspective of the island.
Read our full review: Private Dolphin and Whale Watching Tour in Madeira Review
Book now: Check availability
Whale and Dolphin Watching Tour – Funchal
Situated in the heart of Funchal, Madeira, the Whale and Dolphin Watching Tour offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness the vibrant marine life of the region.
With a 99% chance of spotting whales or dolphins, this 2-hour tour showcases the high concentration of cetaceans in the area.
Led by experienced skippers, the small-group excursion (maximum of 12 travelers) provides personalized attention and insights into the behavioral patterns of the marine creatures.
Guests can expect scenic views of Madeira from the speedboat as well as a chance to observe various dolphin and whale species in their natural habitats.
Featuring a Badge of Excellence and 95% traveler recommendation, this tour provides an immersive and thrilling experience for nature enthusiasts.
Read our full review: Whale and Dolphin Watching Tour – Funchal Review
Book now: Check availability
Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour and Catamaran Whale & Dolphin Watching
Visitors to Funchal, Madeira can embark on a comprehensive sightseeing adventure with the Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour and Catamaran Whale & Dolphin Watching experience.
This 5-hour tour includes a 48-hour bus pass, a catamaran cruise along the coast, and a wine tasting. Highlights include exploring Funchal’s Old Town, visiting the Farmers Market, and spotting whales and dolphins during the cruise.
Participants also receive discounts on other attractions and restaurants. While the audio guide quality has received some mixed feedback, the tour provides a convenient and cost-effective way to discover the beauty of Funchal and its surrounding waters.
Read our full review: Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour and Catamaran Whale & Dolphin Watching Review
Book now: Check availability
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Boat?
Yes, visitors can typically bring their own food and drinks on the whale watching boat tours. However, it’s best to check with the specific tour operator beforehand to confirm their policies.
What Is the Minimum Age Requirement for the Whale Watching Tours?
The minimum age requirement for the whale watching tours is typically 3 years old. Children under 3 are usually not permitted on the tours for safety reasons. Check with the specific tour operator for their age policies.
Do the Tours Offer Multilingual Guides or Audio Guides?
The whale watching tours typically offer multilingual guides who provide commentary in several languages. Some tours also provide audio guides that allow visitors to learn about the whales in their preferred language.
Are There Any Discounts Available for Families or Groups?
Many whale watching tours offer discounts for families and groups. Prices may be reduced by up to 20% for larger parties. Travelers should inquire about available discounts when booking their whale watching excursion.
Can I Reschedule or Cancel My Whale Watching Tour if the Weather Is Bad?
Yes, most whale watching tour operators allow you to reschedule or cancel your tour if the weather is poor. Many offer flexible policies to accommodate changes due to inclement conditions that could impact the quality of the experience.
Recap
Funchal offers a variety of whale watching experiences, from ecological catamarans to wooden boats, luxury tours, and private excursions. Visitors can spot whales, dolphins, turtles, and birds, with options to combine whale watching with a hop-on hop-off bus tour. These tours provide a unique opportunity to observe marine life in Madeira’s waters and learn about the local ecosystem.