From Funchal: Whales and Dolphin Adventure Tour

Madeira’s whale and dolphin tours are best when they feel like wildlife watching, not a marine theme park. This two-hour speedboat trip keeps the group small, with a maximum of 18 people, and uses a marine biologist guide such as Camila, Fernanda, or Natasha alongside the skipper.

I like the boat’s speed, which lets you cover more sea than a slow cruise, and I like the crew’s clear respect for wild animals. The possible swim with common or spotted dolphins is a thrilling extra, but it is never promised. The main drawback is the ride itself: the RIB can pound over waves, and several people found it quite bumpy or wet.

Key points to know before you book

• Small RIB, maximum 18 people: You can look out on both sides without fighting a crowd for a view.
• A real wildlife search: You may see dolphins, pilot whales, sperm whales, turtles, flying fish, or Portuguese man-of-war.
• Swimming is conditional: You can enter the water only with suitable dolphin species, calm enough conditions, and animals that show the right behavior.
• Fast travel around Madeira: The powerful boat can reach distant groups more quickly than a large catamaran.
• Bring a jacket and towel: Spray is common, and the ride can leave you wet even when the sun is shining.
• A useful wildlife guarantee: If no whale or dolphin appears, you are offered another tour, or a voucher valid for two years if weather prevents a repeat trip.

A fast, close look at Madeira’s open sea

Blue Safari Madeira leaves from the new marina in Funchal and heads away from the harbor in a purpose-built speedboat. The trip is not a scenic harbor cruise with a few animals added on. The crew spends the two hours searching the water for moving signs of life, using the boat’s range and speed to reach possible sightings.

That approach gives the tour a sense of purpose. You are not simply drifting along and hoping something swims past. The skipper communicates with people on shore and other boats, while the guide watches the sea and explains what you are seeing. Guides named in the experience include Camila, Fernanda, Natasha, Agata, Florine, and Vlad, with the exact crew depending on the departure.

The boat carries far fewer people than the large catamarans that can hold more than 100. That matters. You have a clear view from almost every seat, and you do not need to run from one side of the boat to the other when a fin appears. The small group also gives the guide more room to answer questions and explain animal behavior.

The trade-off is comfort. A RIB speedboat is made for agility, not a soft, steady ride. Several outings described big waves, sore backsides, spray, and a bumpy return journey. If you love a little adrenaline, this is part of the fun. If you are prone to seasickness, take the warning seriously. A sick bag is available, but the ride can still be hard on a sensitive stomach.

What the two-hour itinerary feels like

The trip starts at the new marina in Funchal. You meet the guide at the speedboat in front of door 4, the last door on the left when you face the sea. Arrive 20 minutes before departure. That extra time is useful, since the marina can be confusing if you are rushing.

If you drive, the suggested parking is the Almirante Reis parking lot. Do not use Marina Park, which is private. The provided Google Maps point is intended to take you close to the boat, and the operator also supplies a short video showing how to find the meeting place.

Once aboard, the guide explains the safety rules and the plan for the search. The marine biology side is one of the strongest parts of the trip. You learn about the species that may appear, how the crew approaches them, and why the boat does not chase animals that choose to move away.

The speedboat then travels along the edge of Madeira, scanning the open water. The crystal-clear sea and steep island views provide a pleasant backdrop, but the focus remains offshore. You may see dolphins early, or you may spend much of the trip looking before a pod appears. One outing found dolphins within minutes; another took most of the tour to locate them.

That uncertainty is part of the deal with wild animals. A 99 percent sighting chance is advertised, but it should not be read as a promise of a close encounter, a whale sighting, or a swim. Some outings produce several pods and whales. Others produce only a few dolphins near the end. The free repeat-tour policy helps soften that risk if the boat sees no whales or dolphins at all.

Dolphins, pilot whales, and the occasional surprise

Dolphins are the most common success on this experience. You might see bottlenose dolphins, spotted dolphins, or common dolphins moving in groups beside the boat. Some have babies with them, and that can affect what the crew permits. A pod with young animals may be left alone rather than approached closely or used for a swim.

Pilot whales and sperm whales have also appeared, along with less expected sightings. People have seen turtles, flying fish, Portuguese man-of-war, and a rare whale. One especially good trip included several groups of dolphins, pilot whales, and a Bryde’s whale. Another included six sperm whales.

The quality of a sighting depends on the animals, not just the crew. A whale may surface once and disappear. Dolphins may travel beside the boat for several minutes, then turn away. You should bring a phone if you want your own photos, but keep it secure because the boat can move sharply through the water.

Some guides also take photos that you may be able to purchase at the end. You are free to take your own pictures, and a waterproof phone pouch or underwater camera is sensible if you hope to record the swim. Do not let photography distract you from watching the animals. The best sightings can last only a few seconds.

The dolphin swim is special, but not included by default

The chance to enter the water is the feature that makes this trip different from a standard whale-watching cruise. It is also the part most likely to be misunderstood.

Swimming may be offered only if the boat finds common or spotted dolphins and the animals show suitable behavior. Sea conditions must also be safe, and the crew decides whether entering the water would disturb the animals. You cannot book the swim as a guaranteed part of the tour.

When it happens, only small groups enter at a time. One account described groups of four sliding into the water for around five to ten minutes while the others waited. Swimmers hold a rope attached to the side of the boat, with the boat moving gently enough to keep the dolphins interested. This is not a private snorkel session with trained animals. The dolphins remain wild and may come close, pass beneath you, or simply leave.

That limitation is a good sign. The crew’s animal welfare rules were developed with World Animal Protection, and the guides repeatedly stress that they will not chase animals or force contact. A calm sea does not automatically mean a swim. Strong waves, unsuitable species, young dolphins, or the animals’ behavior can all cancel it.

Snorkeling equipment, including a mask and snorkel, is included. Bring your own swimwear and towel. Do not expect the crew to place you in the water simply because you brought a swimsuit. The swim is a privilege offered when it is right for the animals and the people aboard.

The guides make the difference

The guide is more than a spotter. On a good departure, you receive a running explanation of the species, their habits, and the reason for each decision made at sea. Camila, Fernanda, Natasha, Agata, Florine, and other guides have been praised for their enthusiasm, warmth, and ability to explain marine life without turning the trip into a lecture.

Camila is a marine biologist and has also taken photos during outings. Natasha has been singled out for her passion and clear explanations, while Fernanda and Vlad have been noted for keeping the mood lively without losing sight of the animals. The captain matters too. Marco, Mark, Ruben, and Francisco have been named as skilled and helpful crew members on different trips.

The strongest quality is the combination of science and fun. You get the thrill of a fast ride, but you also learn why the boat slows down, waits, or decides not to enter the water. That makes a short two-hour trip feel more worthwhile than a simple sightseeing run.

English and Portuguese are available. If you have specific questions about identification, animal behavior, or the swim rules, ask them. The small boat makes it easier to speak directly with the guide than on a large vessel.

How the price compares at $58

At $58 per person, this is not the cheapest way to get on the water in Madeira, but the price is reasonable for a two-hour small-group trip with a marine biology guide, snorkeling equipment, and a high-powered boat.

You are paying for access to a smaller craft, not a meal or a full-day outing. No food is served, though there is a café where you can buy something. The tour also does not promise a whale, a particular dolphin species, or a swim. The value comes from the quality of the search, the smaller group, and the repeat option if no whale or dolphin is found.

A large catamaran may offer more room, a steadier ride, and a more relaxed cruise. This speedboat offers quicker movement, closer viewing, and a much more active search. I would choose the RIB if wildlife is your main goal and you want a lively ride. I would choose a catamaran if comfort, shade, and a slower pace matter more.

The free second tour or two-year voucher adds useful protection. It does not erase the time cost of returning to the marina, but it means a completely empty wildlife outing is not simply money lost. Weather can still affect your plans, so book early enough in your Madeira stay to leave room for a rescheduled trip.

What to wear and what to expect from the weather

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a jacket. Add a raincoat if you have one. The jacket is not only for cool weather. Speed, spray, and changing conditions can make the ride feel chilly, even on a bright day.

A raincoat can save your clothes. The small boat can cut through waves and throw spray over the sides, and some people reported getting soaked. You may dry out on the return ride, but wet clothing is uncomfortable if you have another plan immediately afterward.

The sea around Madeira can change quickly, so the operator may postpone or cancel a departure for safety. One experience was rescheduled twice before conditions finally allowed the boat to leave. Build flexibility into your schedule if this tour is important to you.

The age limit is 10 and older, and the trip is not suitable for pregnant women. Because the ride can be rough, I would also think carefully about back problems, motion sensitivity, or anyone who dislikes sudden movement. The operator says the speedboat helps reduce motion sickness, but actual conditions vary and several people still found it bumpy.

Who should book this Madeira boat trip?

I would recommend it to active visitors who want a close look at Madeira’s marine life and do not mind a fast, wet ride. It suits couples, friends, and families with children aged 10 or older who are excited by the search itself, not just a guaranteed photo.

It is especially good for you if you value animal welfare. The crew does not treat the ocean like a stage, and the decision to skip a swim can be the responsible choice. You may leave without touching the water, but still come away with dolphins, whales, turtles, flying fish, or a better understanding of how wild encounters work.

I would hesitate if you need a smooth, quiet cruise, have only one free hour, or would be disappointed by anything less than a whale and dolphin swim. The promise is a chance to find wildlife, not a scheduled performance.

Should you book the Blue Safari Madeira experience?

Book it if you want a small-group wildlife trip with real speed and a strong conservation focus. The guides bring science, humor, and care to the outing, and the boat gives you a good view of the sea from nearly every seat.

Go in with sensible expectations. You might see several pods, pilot whales, or even sperm whales. You might see only a few dolphins. The swim is possible but never guaranteed, and rough water can cancel it. For $58, the combination of a small group, a fast search boat, experienced guides, and a repeat-trip policy makes this a good-value choice for an active day on Madeira’s coast.

FAQ

Where does the whale and dolphin tour leave from?

The tour leaves from the new marina in Funchal. Meet the guide at the speedboat in front of door 4, the last door on the left when looking toward the sea.

How early should I arrive?

Arrive 20 minutes before the scheduled departure time.

How long is the boat trip?

The experience lasts two hours, including the boat cruise and the search for whales and dolphins.

How many people can join the speedboat?

The boat carries a maximum of 18 people.

Can I swim with the dolphins?

You may be invited to enter the water only if the boat finds common or spotted dolphins, sea conditions are suitable, and the animals’ behavior allows it. Swimming is not guaranteed.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. A mask and snorkel are provided. You should bring swimwear and a towel.

What happens if no whales or dolphins are seen?

You are offered another free tour. If weather prevents another departure, you receive a free trip voucher valid for two years.