Madeira: Whale & Dolphin Watching Tour with Marine Biologists

Summary

See dolphins leap near Funchal with marine biologists guiding your boat

You’ll head out from Funchal with marine biologists who know these waters inside out. Hear stories about dolphins and whales as you search for them by boat—sometimes close enough to see their eyes. Swim with dolphins if you want (gear included), or just watch from deck as Madeira’s coastline drifts by. It’s not predictable or polished—just real moments on the Atlantic.

What’s the experience like?

We met our guide Ana just outside the marina in Funchal — she was already grinning, wind messing up her hair, and introduced herself as a marine biologist (which made me trust her instantly). Before we even got on the boat, she pulled out this battered field guide and started talking about the different dolphin species we might see. I swear I’d never thought about how to tell a bottlenose from a spotted dolphin before. The air smelled salty and a little like sunscreen, and everyone seemed half-awake but excited.

The boat ride itself was bumpier than I expected — not scary, but you definitely feel it in your knees. There was a lookout somewhere on land with binoculars, radioing Ana directions in Portuguese every so often (“a bit more west!”). Suddenly, someone shouted and there they were — dolphins, right next to us. They moved so fast it almost didn’t seem real. Ana explained their behavior over the engine noise; at one point she laughed when I tried to pronounce “cetacean” correctly (still can’t). We even saw a turtle bobbing along, which felt like some kind of bonus round.

I didn’t end up swimming with the dolphins (some folks did — wetsuits are included), but just watching them from the boat was enough for me. The sun came out halfway through and everything looked sharper — blue water, white foam, even the city behind us looked different from out there. On the way back Ana pointed out a whale spout in the distance. It was quick, almost easy to miss if you blinked. I still think about that view sometimes when things get too loud at home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Whale and dolphin watching tour

• Meet marine biologists
• Attend short introduction
• Use land lookouts with binoculars
• Board vessel for sea observation
• Observe dolphins, whales, and turtles
• Optional swim with dolphins

Top questions

Is this whale & dolphin watching tour suitable for kids?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels but may not be ideal for very young children due to the bumpy boat ride.

Do I need to know how to swim for this Madeira dolphin tour?

No, swimming is optional; you can stay on the boat if you prefer.

Are marine biologists always present during the tour?

Yes, every tour is accompanied by a team of marine biologists who provide live commentary.

Is hotel pickup included in this whale watching tour?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; you meet at the marina in Funchal.

Can pregnant travelers join this dolphin watching trip?

No, it’s not recommended for pregnant travelers due to safety concerns on board.

What animals might we see besides dolphins and whales?

You might also spot turtles while out at sea near Madeira Island.

What’s included

Your day includes guidance from professional marine biologists, live commentary throughout the trip, use of snorkeling equipment if you choose to swim with dolphins, and all activities needed for observing wild whales and dolphins off Madeira’s coast before returning to Funchal harbor.