Funchal: Dolphin and Whale Watching Sailing Trip

Set out on a captivating 3-hour dolphin and whale watching sailing adventure in Funchal, Madeira. Explore the stunning coastal landscapes and search for fascinating marine life, including dolphins, whales, and sea turtles. With knowledgeable guides, complimentary drinks, and a friendly crew, this tour promises an enriching experience for nature enthusiasts. Discover the vibrant underwater world through swimming and snorkeling opportunities, and learn about the scenic beauty of the Madeiran coastline. What more could one ask for in an unforgettable maritime excursion?

This experience made our list of the 20 Best Whale Watching Experiences In Madeira.

Key Points

• 3-hour dolphin and whale watching boat tour available from Funchal, Madeira, with prices starting from SEK 400 per person.
• Tour offers opportunities to spot dolphins, whales, and sea turtles near Cabo Girão, as well as swimming and snorkeling activities.
• The sailing trip includes round-trip cruise, guide, captain, crew, and one complimentary drink, with hotel pickup and drop-off.
• Booking can be done with a "reserve now, pay later" option, and there is free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
• The tour is conducted in English and Portuguese, and has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 from over 900 reviews.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Activity Overview

Visitors to Funchal can experience an exhilarating 3-hour dolphin and whale watching boat tour.

Prices start from SEK 400 per person, and the tour is likely to sell out, so early booking is recommended.

There’s a convenient "reserve now, pay later" option available.

Plus, guests can take advantage of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

The tour is conducted in both English and Portuguese, ensuring a comfortable experience for all participants.

Tour Highlights

During the dolphin and whale watching tour, participants can search for dolphins, whales, and sea turtles near Cabo Girão, the highest sea cliff in Europe at 1,903 feet (580 meters). The tour also provides an opportunity for swimming and snorkeling to observe the diverse marine life. Guests can enjoy scenic views of the Madeiran coast from the yacht, and a complimentary drink is served on board.

Tour Highlights
Search for dolphins, whales, and sea turtles	Opportunity for swimming and snorkeling
Scenic views of the Madeiran coast	Complimentary drink served on board

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour includes a round-trip sailboat cruise, guide, captain, crew, one complimentary drink, and snorkel gear.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are also provided. However, the tour isn’t suitable for individuals with mobility impairments.

Food isn’t included, so participants should plan accordingly. Plus, oversize luggage isn’t allowed on the boat.

Guests are advised to wear comfortable shoes, as shoes aren’t permitted on board. Smoking is prohibited, except for electronic cigarettes.

Meeting Point and What to Bring

The meeting point for the dolphin and whale watching tour is at Praça do Povo, Cais 8, where guests should meet at the kiosk in front of door number 2 (Kiosk – Gavião Madeira).

Recommended items to bring include:

• Comfortable shoes
• Sunglasses
• Sun hat
• Swimwear
• Towel and sunscreen

Smoking is prohibited on board, except for electronic cigarettes, and shoes must be removed before boarding the yacht.

The tour includes round-trip sailboat cruise, guide, captain, crew, one complimentary drink, and snorkel gear.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are also provided.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Customer Reviews

Overall, customer reviews for the dolphin and whale watching tour in Funchal have been overwhelmingly positive.

With an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 from 992 reviews, the tour has received praise for its friendly and knowledgeable crew, as well as the comfortable boat.

Reviewers commend the staff’s efforts to enhance the experience, even when wildlife sightings aren’t as abundant as hoped.

The transportation and value for money aspects of the tour also receive high marks, with ratings of 4.7 and 4.6 respectively.

While a few reviews mention a lack of wildlife, the majority of customers express satisfaction with the overall tour and recommend it to others.

Booking and Cancellation

Booking the dolphin and whale watching tour in Funchal is convenient, as it offers a "reserve now & pay later" option. This allows travelers to secure their spot without the immediate burden of full payment.

Plus, the tour features free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, providing flexibility for those with uncertain plans. The activity is priced starting from SEK 400 per person, and is likely to sell out quickly, so early booking is recommended.

The tour is conducted in both English and Portuguese, catering to a diverse audience. The booking process is straightforward and designed to cater to the needs of potential customers.

• Reserve now & pay later option
• Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance
• Prices start from SEK 400 per person
• Likely to sell out; early booking advised
• Tour conducted in English and Portuguese

Duration and Departure

The dolphin and whale watching tour in Funchal lasts 3 hours, providing ample time to search for marine wildlife near the impressive Cabo Girão sea cliffs.

The boat departs from Praça do Povo, Cais 8, where guests will meet the crew at the Kiosk – Gavião Madeira. Visitors should arrive at the meeting point wearing comfortable shoes and bringing sun protection, swimwear, and a towel, as they’ll have the opportunity to go swimming and snorkeling during the tour.

Smoking is prohibited on the boat, except for electronic cigarettes.

With an overall rating of 4.6/5 from over 900 reviews, this sailing trip offers an exciting way to observe dolphins, whales, and sea turtles while taking in the scenic Madeiran coastline.

Marine Life Observation

As the boat navigates towards the renowned Cabo Girão sea cliffs, guests have the opportunity to spot a variety of marine life.

The knowledgeable guides are skilled at locating and identifying dolphins, whales, and sea turtles that frequent the waters around the island.

Visitors may witness these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat, observing their behaviors and movements from the comfort of the sailboat.

The tour also includes the chance to go snorkeling, allowing guests to get up-close and personal with the vibrant underwater world.

From colorful fish to curious sea turtles, the marine life in this region is truly captivating.

• Spot dolphins, whales, and sea turtles
• Observe marine life in their natural environment
• Opportunity for snorkeling and exploring the underwater world
• Knowledgeable guides to enhance the experience
• Chance to witness the region’s diverse marine biodiversity

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks Onboard?

According to the activity overview, food is not included but can be brought onboard. However, guests are not allowed to bring their own drinks as complimentary beverages are provided on the tour.

Is There a Minimum Age Requirement for Children?

There is no minimum age requirement for children on this tour. Kids of all ages are welcome to join the dolphin and whale watching excursion, though parents should ensure their children can safely participate in the activities.

Do I Need to Know How to Swim to Participate?

The activity does not require participants to know how to swim. However, those who wish to swim and snorkel during the tour will need to be comfortable in the water. The tour provides snorkel gear for interested guests.

Is the Boat Wheelchair Accessible?

The tour is not suitable for individuals with mobility impairments, as the boat is not wheelchair accessible. Guests must be able to board and move around the vessel on their own.

Can I Take Photos or Videos During the Tour?

Passengers are generally allowed to take photos and videos during the tour. However, the use of drones or other filming equipment that could disturb the wildlife is typically prohibited for safety and environmental reasons.

Recap

This captivating 3-hour dolphin and whale watching sailing trip in Funchal offers an unforgettable opportunity to explore Madeiran coastal wonders and marvel at the diverse marine life. With knowledgeable guides, scenic views, and chances for swimming and snorkeling, it’s a must-do adventure for nature enthusiasts seeking an enriching experience along the stunning Cabo Girão.

You can check if your dates are available here: