The 15 Best Whale Watching Trips in Portugal

1.Ecological Catamaran Dolphin Whale Watching

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

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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2.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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3.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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4.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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5.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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6.Azores Whale Watching & Islet Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 2,146 reviews · from $70

Meet Terra Azul at Vila Franca do Campo Marina for a safety briefing, then ride a Zodiac RIB with a biologist or naturalist guide in search of whales, dolphins, turtles, birds, and other sea life. Guides such as Frida, Sanne, Alexandra, and Mateo are praised for clear explanations and genuine care for the animals. The trip ends with a close look at the volcanic islet.

“Our guide and captain were so positive and energetic. We didn't see any whales that day but it wasn't for a lack of trying- nature will do what nature wants to do. We did see two different kinds of dolphins which was wonderful; it's so nice to see wildlife not in captivity. Overall a great experience. Thank you.”

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7.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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8.Dolphin and Whale Watching by Luxury Catamaran

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,709 reviews · 3 hours · from $47

Join Magic Dolphin Atividades Maritimas for a three-hour catamaran trip from Funchal. Portuguese and English-speaking crew explain Madeira’s marine life as you search for dolphins, whales, turtles, and seabirds. You’ll have indoor seating, sun beds, trampoline nets, a welcome drink, and, on most summer tours, a swim beneath Cabo Girão.

“Was an excellent trip , good morning and we saw a pod of pilot whales which was just lovely”

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9.VipDolphins Luxury Whale Watching

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,709 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $95Top rated

Sail from Funchal with a maximum of 17 people on a modern catamaran, watching for dolphins and whales with crew members such as Liv, Sheila, Maggie, and Francisco. Drinks, local snacks, towels, blankets, and snorkeling gear are included. After the wildlife search, swim beneath Cabo Girao.

“This was an amazing trip. The crew were super friendly and helpful - we had Maggie, Francisco and Nico our captain. They couldn't do enough for the guests and when we saw whales and dolphins they gave us loads of interesting information about the species, their habits, and their habitat. A small boat with a small number of guests was perfect to see things and not feel left out. Would highly recommend!!!”

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10.Dolphin and Whale Watching Sunset Sailing Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,642 reviews · from $63

Join a guided three-hour sailing trip from Funchal with up to 20 people. The crew, including Bruno, Roberto, José, and Marco on different departures, searches for dolphins, whales, and turtles, then stops near Cabo Girão for swimming and snorkeling before sunset. Drinks, equipment, and coastal views are included, but wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.

“Fantastic trip, highlight of my trip to Madeira. Bruno was an excellent host, I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Sunset was stunning, we were lucky to see a family of beaked whales, and the drinks kept coming for the duration. Perfect evening!”

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11.Madeira Dolphin and Whale Watching Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 1,444 reviews · 3 hours · from $47

Join VMT Madeira Catamaran at Funchal Marina for a three-hour cruise along Madeira’s south coast. The crew, including guides such as Vin, Alex, Sin, and Viet, provides commentary in English and Portuguese while you search for dolphins, whales, and turtles. Summer trips may stop for swimming beneath Cabo Girão.

“amazing! Saw dolphins, crew were very friendly and knowledgable, and it was great value for money!”

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12.Dolphin and Whale Watching Sailing Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 1,325 reviews · 3 hours · from $47

Join Gaviao Madeira for a three-hour sail from Funchal Marina, usually with no more than 20 people. Guides such as Bruno and Joseph share local wildlife facts while the crew searches for dolphins, whales, and sea turtles offshore. The trip includes a swim and snorkeling stop near Cabo Girão, plus drinks on board.

“We really enjoyed our trip! Very friendly staff. Beautiful swimming spots!”

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13.Whale and Dolphin Watching

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,313 reviews · 2.5 hours · from $56

Set out from central Funchal in an 18-seat semi-rigid boat with marine biologists and shore-based spotters guiding the search. You may see pilot, sperm, bottlenose, striped, or spotted dolphins, with time for photos and sometimes a swim. The ride can be wet and rough, so bring a windbreaker and expect an active 2.5-hour outing.

“Great trip! We saw bottlenose dolphins and pilot Wales. Dolphins had a little game with us! Very knowledgeable guides and fast comfortable boat.”

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14.Whales and Dolphin Adventure Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 1,235 reviews · 2 hours · from $58

Set out from Funchal Marina on a two-hour RIB speedboat trip with up to 18 people, guided in English or Portuguese by a marine biologist and skipper. Look for dolphins, pilot whales, sperm whales, turtles, and flying fish. Swimming with common or spotted dolphins may be offered only when sea conditions and animal behavior allow.

“It was a great experience, we had the luck and watch a whale and we could see him up close. You also learn a lot about how whales live from the really nice guide. Unfortunately we didn't see any dolphins, but that's just how nature works. We went swimming anyway.”

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15.Whale and Dolphin Watching in Calheta, Madeira Island

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,228 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $72

Join H2O Madeira in Calheta for a two-hour RIB-boat search for dolphins, whales, turtles, rays, and other marine life. A land-based spotter helps direct the crew, while your guide explains the species and the boat’s gentle viewing rules. Expect open-water speed, big coastal views, and a bumpy ride.

“We cant control wild life but i want to thank the entire team for the amazing customer service and for making the tour super fun. Love that they provide professional copies of what they captured from the tour and immediately send us copies too. I usually get motion sick and did take supplements to decrease the chances. The tour did not affect me one bit and i did sit at the very back,as instructed by the guide. Cheers!”

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