Madeira: Dolphin & Whale Watching Speedboat Tour Funchal

Speedboat ride in Funchal with dolphins whales and marine life

You’ll race across Madeira’s coast by speedboat with local guides who know where to find dolphins, whales, sea turtles, and seabirds. Expect salty air on your skin, honest laughter from your crew, and moments when wildlife gets close enough to make you forget your camera. This isn’t just sightseeing. It’s feeling part of the ocean for a while.

Step-by-step itinerary

Whale and dolphin sea safari

• Board speedboat in Funchal
• Spotters locate dolphins and whales
• Boat heads to marine wildlife
• Observe whales, dolphins, and turtles
• Listen to marine biologist commentary
• Enjoy 360° ocean views
• Return to shore

The experience

The first thing I remember is our captain grinning as he helped me into the speedboat. He had these sun-creased eyes that made me trust him instantly. There was this low hum from the engines, not loud at all, more like a promise of what was coming. Our guide, Sofia, handed out windbreakers (I thought I wouldn’t need one, I was wrong) and explained how their spotters on land would call us if dolphins or whales were nearby. It felt oddly high-tech for something so wild.

We sped out from Funchal’s harbor, salt spray flicking my face and the air sharp with that clean ocean smell. You know, almost metallic. The water looked impossibly blue under the morning sun. Suddenly Sofia pointed ahead and shouted something in Portuguese. Next thing I knew, we were slowing down right where a pod of dolphins was slicing through the waves. They came so close to the boat that for a second I forgot to take photos. Just watched them move together, all muscle and smoothness. The boat sits low so you really feel like you’re right there with them.

I tried asking Sofia about the dolphin names in Portuguese (I definitely butchered it, she laughed and tried to teach me again). She also explained why they keep a respectful distance from whales, which honestly made me appreciate the whole thing more. We saw some sea turtles too, just drifting along like they owned the place. There’s this moment when everyone goes quiet except for the slap of water against fiberglass. I still think about that silence sometimes.

On the way back toward Funchal, someone spotted a group of seabirds diving after fish, and our captain steered us closer for a look before we headed in. My hair was tangled from the wind and my hands smelled faintly like salt even after we docked. Not sure what I expected from a dolphin & whale watching tour in Madeira but it wasn’t this feeling of being small in a good way.

What’s included

Your day includes guidance from both a captain and marine biologist crew, informative commentary about Madeira’s marine life as you search for dolphins and whales by speedboat off Funchal, plus all necessary landing fees and local taxes covered before returning to port.

Options for this experience

2 options

Sea Safaris for Whale WatchingGuide in English or Portuguese · 11:00 and 14:00Your 500HP engines roar to life, and you blast away from the marina on a roller-coaster-style speedboat ride. Expect full-blown exhilaration, thrills and excitement, with a racing heart and fun at every twist and turn. Duration: 2 hours. Speedboat: the boat is a custom-built vessel made for wildlife observation. Its 500HP engines and lightweight hull let us move faster.

Sea Safaris for Whale WatchingGuide in English or Portuguese · 10:00, 13:00 and 15:30Speedboat: A purpose-built boat designed for wildlife observation. Its 500HP engines let us reach wildlife faster than any other boat. Whale watching: Our spotters begin scanning the ocean 30 minutes before we set off, which lets us reach the wildlife up close more quickly.

You pick the guide language when booking. Options with the same name differ in details you'll see when you pick a date.

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day5 departure times: the first at 10:00, the last at 15:30

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (12 to 80 years) · Child (6 to 11 years) · Under 6: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 18

Live guideEnglish and Portuguese

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Magic Dolphin

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Portuguese.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 11 years). Under 6: they can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How long does the dolphin & whale watching speedboat tour last?

The exact duration isn’t listed but expect several hours at sea covering large areas off Funchal.

Is there a marine biologist on board during the tour?

Yes, your crew includes a marine biologist who provides commentary on species encountered.

Is hotel pickup included for this dolphin & whale watching tour?

No hotel pickup is mentioned. Public transportation options are available nearby.

What should I wear for this speedboat trip in Madeira?

Dress appropriately for all weather conditions. Windbreakers are provided on board.

Will I definitely see dolphins or whales near Funchal?

Sightings aren’t guaranteed but success rates are over 98% thanks to land-based spotters.

Is lunch included on this Madeira sea safari?

No lunch is included. Focus is on wildlife viewing with commentary from guides.

Are there any health restrictions for joining?

This tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal/cardiovascular issues.