Madeira: Private Dolphin & Whale Watching Yacht Tour

Summary

Madeira yacht adventure with dolphins whales sparkling wine and sea air

You’ll sail from Calheta on a private yacht with your own crew, searching for dolphins and whales in Madeira’s clear waters. Sip sparkling wine, swim with provided snorkeling gear if you want, and listen to local stories as you relax on deck. It’s personal and unrushed — just ocean air, laughter, and those quiet moments that stick with you long after.

What’s the experience like?

“Sometimes the dolphins come so close you can hear them breathe,” our captain said as we stepped onto the deck in Calheta. I didn’t really believe him until about thirty minutes later, when this little pod of spotted dolphins zipped right past us — you could actually hear that puff of air. The marina still smelled faintly of grilled fish from lunch spots nearby, but out on the water it was just salt and sun and that low hum from the boat’s engine. Our guide, Ana, kept pointing out things I’d never have noticed — like how the water changes color where it gets deep fast off Madeira’s coast. She knew every name for every bird that swooped by (I promptly forgot them all).

We had the whole yacht to ourselves — I think there were five of us, plus Ana and the captain — so it felt relaxed, not crowded at all. Someone poured sparkling wine while we watched for whales. Honestly, I was more interested in just being out there than ticking off animals on a list (though seeing a whale tail pop up did make everyone cheer). At one point Ana asked if anyone wanted to swim; I hesitated because the Atlantic looked cold but she handed me a towel and some goggles anyway. Turns out it’s not as chilly as you think once you’re in. The water’s got this weird clarity — you can see your toes waving around even meters down.

I tried saying “baleia” (whale) in Portuguese and Ana laughed — probably butchered it. She told us stories about growing up here, how her dad used to spot whales from land before radio calls were a thing. There was this moment when everyone just went quiet, not awkward but kind of peaceful, watching sunlight flicker on the surface while we drifted along. I still think about that view sometimes — how far away everything else felt.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Private dolphin and whale watching tour

• Meet at On Tales store
• Receive detailed tour presentation
• Choose snorkelling equipment
• Get to know the crew
• Board the yacht with the captain
• Sail to spot whales and dolphins
• Enjoy sparkling wine on board
• Swim with goggles and fins
• Sunbathe and relax with drinks

Top questions

How many people can join the private dolphin & whale watching tour?

The Miranda yacht takes up to 5 guests; Gringo takes up to 12 guests for private charters.

Does the tour include snorkeling equipment?

Yes, snorkeling gear is provided onboard for swimming stops.

Is pickup included for this Madeira yacht tour?

No hotel pickup is included; you meet at On Tales store in Calheta marina.

Are drinks or food included during the cruise?

Light refreshments are included: mineral water, iced tea, fruit juice, sodas, local beer, and sparkling wine.

Can children join this dolphin & whale watching tour?

Yes, families are welcome but children must be accompanied by an adult.

What happens if weather conditions are bad?

If weather cancels your trip, you can choose another date or get a full refund.

Is wildlife spotting guaranteed on this Madeira yacht tour?

No sightings aren’t guaranteed since dolphins and whales are wild animals.

Is there a toilet or shower onboard?

Yes, both yachts have toilets and showers available after swimming.

What’s included

Your day includes meeting at Calheta marina where your professional crew welcomes you aboard a private yacht. You’ll have light refreshments like sparkling wine or local beer, use of snorkeling equipment for swimming stops (with towels and blankets provided), access to cabin facilities including toilet and shower—plus plenty of time to relax or chat with your guide as you look for dolphins and whales along Madeira’s coast before heading back ashore.