Funchal: RIB Whale Watching Cruise and Optional Dolphin Swim

Exciting Marine Wildlife Encounters with Madeira’s RIB Whale Watching Tour

The Funchal: RIB Whale Watching Cruise and Optional Dolphin Swim offers an engaging way to explore Madeira’s stunning coastline and encounter its diverse marine life. Priced at $59 per person and lasting about 2.5 hours, this tour takes you on a small-group adventure along Madeira’s south coast. With a high success rate of 99% for cetacean sightings, your chances of spotting dolphins, whales, and even turtles are impressive.

This tour stands out for its intimate experience in a fast, nimble RIB boat, making it ideal for those who prefer a more personal and lively marine adventure. An optional dolphin swim adds a unique chance to snorkel with these intelligent creatures, provided they are behaving according to local wildlife guidelines. The tour suits travelers seeking wildlife encounters, scenic sea views, and a hands-on experience with nature.

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Key Points

• Small-group RIB boat ensures an intimate wildlife viewing experience.
• High success rate of 99% for cetacean sightings, including dolphins and whales.
• Two-and-a-half-hour tour with snorkeling option with dolphins, if conditions allow.
• Includes all safety equipment and necessary fees; drinks and snacks are not provided.
• Private group options available for up to 18 people, perfect for families or friends.
• Free rebooking if no sightings occur, valid for one year.

The Small-Group RIB Experience in Funchal

This tour departs from Funchal’s harbor and uses a small RIB boat to offer a more personal and flexible adventure compared to larger vessels. The small group setting allows for closer encounters with the marine animals and more freedom to move around during the cruise. The boat’s speed and agility help efficiently locate cetaceans, often leading to close-up views of dolphins, whales, and even turtles.

Because the experience involves a brief safety briefing and lifejacket fitting, it’s accessible for most travelers with moderate mobility. The live guides provide commentary in English and Portuguese, sharing insights into the animals’ behaviors and the local marine environment. The tour also emphasizes animal welfare, with guides being sensitive to the animals’ wellbeing at all times.

From Funchal to Madeira’s Scenic Coastline

The tour begins at either XpointMadeira or another designated meeting point, depending on the booked option. After a quick safety briefing, the boat leaves Funchal’s harbor and heads out into the open ocean. The route follows the coast of Madeira, offering breathtaking views of the sea cliffs and coastline along the way.

The scenic drive includes a visit to Cabo Girao, famed for its dramatic cliffs and panoramic views. This stop provides a perfect photo opportunity, giving travelers a chance to appreciate Madeira’s natural beauty from land and sea perspectives. The combination of marine wildlife watch and scenic sightseeing makes this tour well-rounded.

Watching for Dolphins, Whales, and Marine Life

The core of this tour is the wildlife search. The guides use land-based spotters to help locate cetaceans, increasing the chances of sightings. Most trips result in seeing various dolphin species, such as Common Dolphins and Atlantic Spotted Dolphins. Whale sightings are also common, including pilot whales and sperm whales, often seen at close range.

The opportunity to snorkel with dolphins is an exciting add-on, available only if the animals are behaving well and in accordance with local regulations. When conditions permit, participants can enter the water for about 1-2 minutes, attached to the boat with a mask and snorkel provided. Animal welfare laws restrict swimming to certain species, ensuring a respectful interaction.

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The Speedy, Stable RIB Boat for Sea Adventures

Unlike larger whale-watching vessels, the RIB boat used in this tour offers speed and agility, allowing the guides to reach prime viewing spots quickly. This boat type also provides a bumpy yet exhilarating ride, especially during the return trip hugging the coastline. The stability of the boat makes it a good choice for those prone to sea sickness, as it minimizes rolling motion.

The boat is equipped with all safety gear, including life jackets, and is operated by experienced guides committed to both safety and environmental respect. The fast pace means less time in rough waters but maximizes wildlife sighting opportunities.

Flexible Booking and Customer Satisfaction

The tour features a “Reserve now, pay later” option, offering flexibility for planning trips. It also includes a full refund if canceled up to 24 hours in advance, providing peace of mind. The average rating of 4.7 out of 5 based on 111 reviews reflects high customer satisfaction.

Reviewers praise the knowledgeable guides and their sensitivity to animal welfare, alongside their ability to find dolphins, whales, and even sea turtles. Many mention the small-group setting as a major plus, providing a comfortable and engaging experience. Some highlight the scenic views and the thrill of the speed boat ride itself.

Private Groups and Custom Experiences

For those seeking a more exclusive adventure, the private tour option accommodates up to 18 passengers. This offers a chance for families, friends, or special groups to enjoy a tailored marine expedition without other visitors. The private setup enhances comfort and allows for customized timing or stops, such as extra scenic photo sessions at Cabo Girao.

Practical Tips for a Great Trip

Participants are advised to bring windbreakers, sunglasses, sun hats, and sunscreen, especially as the sea breeze can get chilly, particularly in cooler months. The tour’s outdoor nature means weather conditions influence the experience; clear, calm days offer the best wildlife viewing.

The meeting points are flexible, with starting locations varying based on your booking, and the activity concludes at the same site. As the trip involves outdoor activity, it’s suitable for most ages with moderate mobility, but travelers should be prepared for some sea motion.

Final Thoughts on Madeira’s RIB Whale Watching Tour

This 2.5-hour tour offers a compact, lively way to explore Madeira’s marine environment. The combination of wildlife sightings, scenic coastline, and optional dolphin snorkel makes it a compelling choice for nature lovers and adventure seekers. The small-group setup ensures an intimate and less crowded experience, while the high sighting success rate boosts confidence in a rewarding outing.

While the speedy boat ride can be bumpy, it also enhances the chance of close-up animal encounters. This tour strikes a good balance between adventure, education, and respect for wildlife. It’s especially suited for those interested in marine mammals, spontaneous wildlife sightings, and enjoying Madeira’s natural beauty from the sea.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 2.5 hours.

What is included in the price?
All safety equipment, fees, taxes, and fuel surcharges are included; drinks and snacks are not provided.

Can I snorkel with dolphins?
Yes, snorkeling is available as an add-on. You can swim with dolphins if they are behaving appropriately and laws permit, usually for 1-2 minutes.

What species might I see?
Common sightings include bottlenose dolphins, pilot whales, sperm whales, and Atlantic spotted dolphins.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, most travelers with moderate mobility can participate, but children should be comfortable on the water and prepared for a bumpy ride.

What should I bring?
Bring windbreaker, sunglasses, sun hat, sunscreen, and a jacket. Weather conditions can change quickly at sea.

What if no animals are sighted?
If no cetaceans are seen, you can rebook a free tour within one year, subject to availability.

Are private tours available?
Yes, you can book a private boat for up to 18 people, ideal for groups seeking exclusivity.

What languages are guides available in?
Guides operate in English and Portuguese.

Where does the tour start and end?
The activity begins at the designated meeting point and concludes back at the same location.

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