Portugal · DOLPHIN WATCHING

The 15 Best Dolphin Watching Trips in Portugal

48 tours  ·  from $34 a head

Common dolphins off the Algarve, bottlenose off Madeira, and whatever the Azores sends past in spring. The 15 below compare boat type, trip length, sighting policies and price, because a rigid inflatable and a catamaran are very different mornings.

Albufeira: 2.5-Hour Benagil Caves & Dolphin Watching - The Algarve coast, beach by beach
Benagil Cave Tours, Dolphin Watching, Dolphin Watching Trips in Algarve, Tour Reviews, Tours in Algarve

Albufeira: 2.5-Hour Benagil Caves & Dolphin Watching

1.2.5-Hour Benagil Caves & Dolphin Watching

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 10,710 reviews · 2.5 hours · from $40Our pick

Set out from Albufeira Marina on a 2.5-hour speedboat cruise with a marine guide. Pass Algarve beaches, rock arches, Praia da Marinha, and Benagil Cave, then search for wild dolphins. You may swim if sea conditions allow. Guides speak English, Portuguese, Spanish, French, and Italian, with staff such as Christian, Jesus, Johnny, and Maria leading recent trips.

“Good tour guide, the dolphins were super close and the caves were amazing”

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Albufeira: Benagil Caves & Dolphin Watching Speed Boat Tour - Benagil Cave, seen quickly and safely
Benagil Cave Tours, Boat Trips in Algarve, Cruises & Boat Tours, Dolphin Watching, Dolphin Watching Trips in Algarve, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Algarve

Albufeira: Benagil Caves & Dolphin Watching Speed Boat Tour

2.Benagil Caves & Dolphin Watching Speed Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 6,316 reviews · 2 - 2.5 hours · from $40

Join Dream Wave Algarve for a 2 to 2.5-hour speedboat trip from Albufeira to Benagil Cave. Guides such as Ana, Ruben, and Diogo explain the coast, stop for swimming when conditions allow, and search for wild dolphins. Expect small groups, a fast ride, and cave access limited by sea conditions and local rules.

“great although we haven't seen any dolphins. The organization is good”

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From Funchal: Ecological Catamaran Dolphin Whale Watching - Finding Dolphins and Whales Offshore
Catamaran Cruises in Madeira, Dolphin Watching, Dolphin Watching Trips in Madeira, Sailing & Catamaran Cruises, Tour Reviews, Tours in Madeira, Whale Watching

From Funchal: Ecological Catamaran Dolphin Whale Watching

3.Ecological Catamaran Dolphin Whale Watching

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 5,771 reviews · from $40

Set out from Funchal Marina aboard the 2022 Magic Dolphin Eco, Madeira’s purpose-built hybrid-electric whale-watching catamaran. Land spotters help locate dolphins, pilot whales, sperm whales, turtles, and seabirds. You’ll hear clear commentary in English or Portuguese, stop for a swim near Cabo Girão, and cruise back past Câmara de Lobos and Reid’s Hotel.

“It was an unforgettable experience. The guides were very informative and welcoming. They explained right from the start that dolphins and whales are wild animals and hence can sometimes not be seen. We got incredibly lucky and got to see 4 different species that day: pilot whales, bottomnose dolphins, common dolphins and striped dolphins. I loved how they respected the animal’s space, and kept the limited time in each observation area. It’s a beautiful way to see these animals in their natural habitat. I loved that the guide explained after why it’s so good that we chose this way to observe the animals instead of going to a aquarium or…”

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Funchal: Dolphin and Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise - What you may see beyond dolphins
Boat Trips in Madeira, Catamaran Cruises in Madeira, Cruises & Boat Tours, Dolphin Watching, Dolphin Watching Trips in Madeira, Sailing & Catamaran Cruises, Tour Reviews, Tours in Madeira, Whale Watching

Funchal: Dolphin and Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise

4.Dolphin and Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 5,697 reviews · 3 hours · from $41

From Funchal Marina, Seaborn Catamaran takes you along Madeira’s coast to search for dolphins, whales and turtles. The three-hour trip includes a guide in English or Portuguese, sea views, an onboard bar and a summer swim stop below Cabo Girão. Sightings are never guaranteed, and rough winter seas can bring motion sickness.

“It was amazing! We got to see dolphins and then we got to swim the water was perfect amd the guides very a very fun and nice bunch! I didnt get their names but it was one of the 3pms tour 👌🏾🥳”

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Albufeira: Dolphin Watching and Benagil Cave - Seeing Benagil Cave and the smaller sea caves
Benagil Cave Tours, Dolphin Watching, Dolphin Watching Trips in Algarve, Tour Reviews, Tours in Algarve

Albufeira: Dolphin Watching and Benagil Cave

5.Dolphin Watching and Benagil Cave

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 5,658 reviews · 2.5 hours · from $34Best value

From Albufeira Marina, XRide’s 2.5-hour cruise follows the Algarve coast toward Carvoeiro and Benagil Cave. Expect multilingual guides, a safety briefing, dolphin searching, cave visits, coastal views, and a possible swim stop. Crew members such as Victor, Raul, Hugo, Dominic, Varela, and Manuel have been praised for their humor and care.

“the team on board were amazing so friendly and funny spoke multi languages we didnt manage to see dolphins but the caves were breathtaking”

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Dolphins Search and Benagil Caves from Albufeira - The semi-rigid boat and the ride out
Benagil Cave Tours, Dolphin Watching, Dolphin Watching Trips in Albufeira, Tour Reviews, Tours in Albufeira

Dolphins Search and Benagil Caves from Albufeira

6.Dolphins Search and Benagil Caves from Albufeira

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 4,814 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $36Top rated

Set out from Albufeira Marina on a semi-rigid boat limited to 18 people. The crew searches for wild dolphins, steers into Algarve caves, and may stop for a swim. Guides such as Diogo, Dani, Johnny, and Osvaldo are known for lively commentary and careful boat handling. Dolphin sightings are possible but never guaranteed.

“Nice staff on.boat trip, Johnny F and Jose. I booked online viator and paid 70 euro for two people. Sadly no dolphins at all. I got 50 amazing photos / videos. When we arrived In the caves , the boat was bouncing up, down( waves), I got sick ( puked) in. a Bag (they gave me a bag ) they told me wash my face with sea salt water which helped Alot!!!! thank you! They told me don't drink normal water on boat ( because I would probably get sick again) . Don't go , if you're not good with travelling, sea sickness. Staff are very good. They asked does…”

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From Ponta Delgada: Whale and Dolphin Watching Trip - Two hours and 45 minutes of searching the sea
Dolphin Watching, Tour Reviews, Tours in Sao Miguel, Whale Watching

From Ponta Delgada: Whale and Dolphin Watching Trip

7.Whale and Dolphin Watching Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 4,109 reviews · 3 hours · from $82

Set out from Ponta Delgada Harbour for three hours of whale and dolphin watching with Futurismo Azores Whale Watching. A marine biologist explains local species, safe viewing rules, and how crews find cetaceans. Choose a catamaran for comfort or a Zodiac for a closer, more active ride. Seasonal sightings may include sperm, sei, blue, fin, and pilot whales.

“Absolutely loved it! The guides were extremley respectful towards the animals and tried their best to show us as many animals as possible. We saw three species in total and it was such a surreal and also informative experience!”

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Portimão: Benagil Caves & Dolphins Watching with Biologist - Watching dolphins with a marine biologist
Benagil Cave Tours, Dolphin Watching, Dolphin Watching Trips in Algarve, Tour Reviews, Tours in Algarve

Portimão: Benagil Caves & Dolphins Watching with Biologist

8.Benagil Caves & Dolphins Watching with Biologist

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 3,795 reviews · 2.5 hours · from $47

Set out from Portimão for a 2.5-hour cruise with a marine biologist, searching for dolphins before visiting Benagil and other Algarve caves. Guides speak English, French, Spanish, and Portuguese. You may also swim from the boat, though cave entry and swimming depend on sea conditions and local rules.

“This is the BEST tour ever! Dont look any further for something to do! Great guide and boat!👍🏻😊🥰”

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Lisbon: Tagus River Cruise to the Ocean & Dolphin Watching - What you see between Trafaria and Belém
Boat Trips in Lisbon, Cruises & Boat Tours, Dolphin Watching, Tagus River Cruises, Tour Reviews, Tours in Lisbon

Lisbon: Tagus River Cruise to the Ocean & Dolphin Watching

9.Tagus River Cruise to the Ocean & Dolphin Watching

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 3,019 reviews · from $38

Cruise from Estação Fluvial Sul e Sueste along the Tagus and out to the Atlantic, watching for wild dolphins with a French-, English-, or Portuguese-speaking guide. You’ll pass Belém Tower, Cristo Rei, Trafaria, Bugio Fort, and the beaches west of Lisbon. Wine, beer, sangria, and soft drinks are included.

“I loved this activity. We took a speed boat as there wasn’t too many people booked on, I imagine this isn’t for everybody but I found it quite fun. We managed to find lots of dolphins which was amazing to see. I definitely recommend.”

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Albufeira: Dolphin Watching and Benagil Cave Boat Cruise - Searching for dolphins in their own home
Benagil Cave Tours, Boat Trips in Algarve, Cruises & Boat Tours, Dolphin Watching, Dolphin Watching Trips in Algarve, Tour Reviews, Tours in Algarve

Albufeira: Dolphin Watching and Benagil Cave Boat Cruise

10.Dolphin Watching and Benagil Cave Boat Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 3,008 reviews · from $38

Join Seacret Tours at Albufeira Marina for a 2.5-hour RIB cruise with a skipper and marine biologist. Search for wild dolphins, visit Algarve sea caves and Benagil Cave when conditions allow, see Alfanzina Lighthouse, and swim offshore if the sea is calm. Guides speak English and Portuguese.

“The guides Miguel and Daniel were great! The experience was amazing, caves and the dolphins - wow! But Benagil cave was disappointing because we couldn't get to this closer because of the high water. Everything was safe, understandable, I recommend it to everyone!”

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Funchal Bay: Dolphin & Whale Watch Luxury Catamaran Cruise - The first 45 minutes across Funchal Bay
Boat Trips in Madeira, Catamaran Cruises in Madeira, Cruises & Boat Tours, Dolphin Watching, Dolphin Watching Trips in Madeira, Sailing & Catamaran Cruises, Tour Reviews, Tours in Madeira, VIP, Whale Watching

Funchal Bay: Dolphin & Whale Watch Luxury Catamaran Cruise

11.Funchal Bay: Dolphin & Whale Watch Luxury Catamaran Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 2,684 reviews · 3 hours · from $47

Join Atlantic Pearl at Funchal New Marina for a three-hour cruise with Portuguese and English-speaking guides. You will look for dolphins and whales, hear about local marine life, and stop to swim beneath Cabo Girão. The boat has covered seating, outdoor loungers, hammocks, bathrooms, and a bar.

“Terrific , good access to the boat, good seating. Great staff and we were lucky and saw both sperm whales and dolphins.”

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All Inclusive Whale and Dolphin Watching Luxury Tour - Heading offshore in search of dolphins and whales
Dolphin Watching, Dolphin Watching Trips in Madeira, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Madeira, VIP, Whale Watching

All Inclusive Whale and Dolphin Watching Luxury Tour

12.All Inclusive Whale and Dolphin Watching Luxury Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 2,573 reviews · 3 hours · from $93

From Funchal, sail on a spacious catamaran with indoor and outdoor seating, a welcome glass of sparkling wine, and a small group capped at about 17 people. Your crew searches for dolphins, whales, and turtles, serves Madeira snacks and drinks, then stops beneath 586-meter Cabo Girão for swimming and snorkeling.

“This was an amazing 3 hours, the crew could not do enough for you, worth every penny”

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Lagos: Combo Dolphin and Benagil Tour with Marine Biologist - What the Hurricane speedboat feels like
Benagil Cave Tours, Dolphin Watching, Dolphin Watching Trips in Lagos, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Lagos

Lagos: Combo Dolphin and Benagil Tour with Marine Biologist

13.Combo Dolphin and Benagil Tour with Marine Biologist

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 2,352 reviews · 2.5 hours · from $63

From Lagos Marina, you’ll ride the dolphin-friendly Hurricane speedboat into the Atlantic with a marine biologist and search for wild dolphins. The 2.5-hour trip then follows the Algarve coast to Benagil Cave and other sea caves. English and Portuguese guides explain the animals, cliffs, and sea conditions.

“It’s a fantastic experience, we did see dolphins, which was great and the trip to the caves was fantastic. The captains skills in manoeuvring in and out of the caves added to the experience. Would definitely recommend.”

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Madeira Dolphin and Whale Watching on a Ecological Catamaran - The guides and the ocean story
Catamaran Cruises in Madeira, Dolphin Watching, Dolphin Watching Trips in Madeira, Sailing & Catamaran Cruises, Tour Reviews, Tours in Madeira, Whale Watching

Madeira Dolphin and Whale Watching on a Ecological Catamaran

14.Madeira Dolphin and Whale Watching on a Ecological Catamaran

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,957 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $42

Set out from Funchal on Magic Dolphin’s 2022 eco-catamaran for about three hours of dolphin and whale watching. Shore-based spotters guide the captain to wildlife, while certified guides explain the species and Madeira’s ocean ecology. The return route passes Cabo Girão, Câmara de Lobos, Reid’s Hotel, and the coast, with a possible swim if conditions allow.

“This was a great trip with a friendly professional team, from boarding the catamaran we felt very comfortable and were kept informed throughout. The catamaran was spotlessly clean, well equipped and with plenty of of seats and viewing areas. As soon as any wildlife was spotted we stopped far enough away so as not to disturb anything which is really important. The dolphins actually came towards us and came up from under the catamaran and were a delight to see and then later we were informed that there was a pod of pilot whales just resting ahead of. We stopped and the captain gently turned the catamaran around so everyone…”

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Lisbon: Dolphin Watching with Marine Biologist - Leaving Doca de Santo Amaro under Lisbon’s red bridge
Dolphin Watching, Tour Reviews, Tours in Lisbon

Lisbon: Dolphin Watching with Marine Biologist

15.Dolphin Watching with Marine Biologist

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 1,853 reviews · 3 hours · from $76

Set out from Doca de Santo Amaro with a marine biologist and crew on a fast, comfortable RIB boat. Search the Atlantic for dolphins, seabirds, sunfish, sharks, turtles, and other wildlife, then return past Belém Tower, Jerónimos Monastery, and the Monument to the Discoveries. Guides such as Sara, Bart, and Sid bring strong local knowledge and a clear respect for the animals.

“The experience was amazing. We saw exactly what we wanted: dolphins! Incredible animals. The guide was also wonderful, answered all our questions, and was a true professional. I highly recommend it!”

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New in Dolphin Watching

★ 4.9Dolphin Watching Speedboat TourFrom $76156 reviews
★ 5.0Sealife Sea Safari, Dolphin Watching with Marine Biologist’s LagosFrom $48313 reviews
★ 4.5Dolphin-Watching in Marina de LagosFrom $41285 reviews
★ 5.0Dolphin Watching from Lagos with Marine BiologistsFrom $48302 reviews
★ 4.8Dolphin Watching Boat TourFrom $53423 reviews
★ 4.8Azores Whale & Dolphin Watching on Zodiac BoatFrom $53408 reviews
★ 4.8Dolphin-Watching Boat TourFrom $43213 reviews
★ 4.9Arrábida Dolphin Watching Boat Tour with BiologistFrom $63197 reviews
★ 5.0Small Group Dolphin and Wildlife Watching Tour in FaroFrom $66578 reviews
★ 5.0Embark on Nature•Benagil and Dolphins•Biologist on boardFrom $48704 reviews
★ 4.5Dolphin and Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise from FunchalFrom $48645 reviews
★ 4.82.5-Hour Benagil Cave and Dolphins Boat TourFrom $53716 reviews
★ 4.8Dolphin and Wildlife Watching in the Atlantic OceanFrom $76637 reviews
★ 5.0Dolphin Watching with a Marine Biologist – Ocean SafariFrom $62812 reviews
★ 5.0Dolphins and Caves TourFrom $36738 reviews

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