Madeira: Whale & Dolphin Watching Boat Trip with Swim Stop

Summary

Whale and dolphin encounters off Madeira’s wild coast

You’ll head out from Funchal with a small group and local guide for whale and dolphin watching in Madeira’s wild Atlantic waters. Spot playful dolphins up close, listen for their clicks, then swim off volcanic cliffs at Cais do Sardinha before cruising back — sun-warmed and probably grinning.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to feel nervous just sitting there, waiting for the boat to leave Funchal’s harbor. Maybe it was the way the morning air tasted — salty, but soft somehow, like it had been filtered through all those banana groves you see on the drive down. Our guide, Tiago, handed out life jackets and joked about his “lucky hat” (it’s bright orange and honestly pretty hard to miss). He said we might spot pilot whales today if we kept our eyes open. I tried not to get my hopes up too much.

The sea was calmer than I thought it would be, almost glassy except for the slap of waves against the hull. There were maybe a dozen of us, mostly quiet at first except for a German couple who seemed to know every dolphin species by name. When the first pod showed up — common dolphins, Tiago pointed out — everyone just sort of forgot themselves and started pointing or laughing or whispering “look!” under their breath. They moved so fast I barely caught them on camera. At one point I swear I heard them clicking underwater when everything else went quiet for a second.

After that rush, we drifted along the volcanic cliffs near Ponta de São Lourenço. The rocks looked almost purple in some places where they hit the water. Tiago let us jump in at Cais do Sardinha — colder than I expected! The water was ridiculously clear though; you could see straight down to pebbles and tiny fish darting around your toes. Someone said they spotted a Boba turtle but I missed it (still kind of annoyed about that). On the ride back I just sat there with wet hair and that weird happy-tired feeling you get after swimming in saltwater. It’s funny how quickly you forget whatever you were worrying about before.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Whale and dolphin watching tour

• Explore the Blue World seas
• Spot whales and dolphins
• Observe Ponta de São Lourenço Reserve
• Dive in Cais do Sardinha waters

Top questions

What animals can I see on a Madeira whale & dolphin watching tour?

You may spot common dolphins, painted dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, sperm whales, pilot whales, Bryde's whales, and sometimes Boba turtles.

Where does the boat depart from in Madeira?

The tour departs from Funchal harbor on Madeira Island.

Is swimming included during the trip?

Yes, there is a swim stop at Cais do Sardinha near Ponta de São Lourenço.

Are life jackets provided on this whale & dolphin watching tour?

Yes, life jackets are included for all participants.

How many species of cetaceans can be seen around Madeira?

Around 28 different species of whales and dolphins inhabit or visit Madeira's waters throughout the year.

Is this tour suitable for pregnant travelers?

No, it is not recommended for pregnant travelers.

Are there public transportation options nearby?

Yes, public transportation options are available close to the departure point.

Is lunch included on this day trip?

No lunch is included; only life jackets and all fees are covered.

What’s included

Your day covers all fees and taxes plus life jacket use during the boat trip from Funchal. You’ll have time to swim at Cais do Sardinha after exploring Ponta de São Lourenço’s volcanic coastline before heading back to shore together with your guide.