Madeira: Whale & Dolphin Watching Yacht Tour with Snorkeling

Summary

Whale watching in Madeira by yacht with swimming and cold drinks

You’ll slip out into Madeira’s southwest sea on a small yacht with a local crew, spot whales or dolphins if they’re around, swim or snorkel in clear warm water (with towels and gear included), then relax with cold drinks as you drift back toward Calheta Marina. It’s less about ticking boxes and more about letting the Atlantic set your pace.

What’s the experience like?

We were already slipping out of Calheta’s marina when I realized how salty the breeze felt on my lips — not just “ocean air” but something sharper, almost sweet, like it had picked up orange blossoms from somewhere inland. Our captain, João, grinned as he pointed out a pod of dolphins weaving through the water ahead. I tried to film them but mostly got my own laughter and a blur of silver backs breaking the surface. The motor was quieter than I expected; you could actually hear the dolphins clicking if you listened hard enough.

I didn’t expect to swim — honestly, I’d packed the wrong towel — but João handed me one from a neat stack and said the water was “warmer than you think.” He wasn’t lying. It felt like silk around my ankles, way clearer than any pool I’ve ever seen. There were little flashes of fish darting below and someone (I think her name was Marta?) tried to name them all in Portuguese for us. When I came up for air, the sun was already tilting low and everything looked gold. Someone passed me a cold drink — fruit juice, maybe passionfruit? — and we just floated for a while, not talking much.

Back on board Miranda (the yacht has its own personality somehow), João told stories about turtles that sometimes show up near this part of Madeira Island. No turtles today, but honestly nobody seemed disappointed. There was this easy silence as we dried off under thin blankets they keep stashed in the cabin. The boat rocked gently on the way back; you could smell sunscreen and salt and something sweet from someone’s snack bag. We traded stories about who’d seen what underwater — apparently there was an octopus but I missed it completely.

I still think about that feeling: being surrounded by open sea, not knowing exactly what you’ll see next but kind of hoping it’s just more of this quiet togetherness. If you’re looking for a whale and dolphin watching tour in Madeira that doesn’t feel rushed or crowded, this is probably it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Whale watching and snorkeling tour

• Meet at On Tales store in Calheta Marina
• Receive safety briefing and tour details
• Board the yacht Miranda
• Watch whales, dolphins, and marine life
• Swim and snorkel along the coastline
• Choose dive or village spot based on weather
• Relax and sunbathe on board
• Enjoy cold drinks offered by the team

Top questions

Where does the whale & dolphin watching tour in Madeira start?

The tour starts at On Tales store in Calheta's Marina. Arrive 15 minutes before departure time.

Is snorkeling equipment provided on this Madeira yacht tour?

Yes, snorkel equipment including masks, fins, and tubes is provided for guests.

Are drinks included during the whale watching cruise?

Yes, light refreshments such as water, fruit juice, soft drinks, and beer are included.

Can children join this whale & dolphin watching tour?

Yes, children can join but must be accompanied by an adult.

Is hotel pickup included for this Madeira whale watching tour?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; guests meet at Calheta's Marina.

What happens if weather cancels the tour?

If canceled due to weather conditions, you'll be offered an alternative date or full refund.

Will we definitely see whales or dolphins?

No wildlife sightings can be guaranteed on this tour.

Are towels provided after swimming?

Yes, hair and body towels are provided after swimming time.

What’s included

Your day includes meeting at Calheta’s marina where you’ll get a warm welcome from your captain and crew before boarding Miranda. All snorkel equipment is ready for you (masks, fins, tubes), plus bottled water and light refreshments like juice or beer onboard. After swimming or snorkeling along Madeira’s coast — with towels and blankets waiting — there’s even a shower available before heading back to shore relaxed and sun-warmed.