From Funchal: Whales and Dolphin Adventure Tour

Key Points

• Price and Duration: This $56 per person tour lasts approximately 2 hours, starting from Funchal’s new marina.
• Wildlife Encounters: With a 99% chance of sightings, the tour offers frequent opportunities to see whales and dolphins in their natural habitat.
• Speedboat Advantage: The speedboat design allows for covering larger areas quickly, increasing chances of wildlife sightings and providing an intimate experience with fewer than 12 guests.
• Possibility of Water Entry: If conditions permit, swimming with dolphins might be offered, especially with common or spotted dolphins.
• Flexible Booking: The tour includes free cancellation up to 24 hours prior and reserve now, pay later options for added flexibility.
• Additional Perks: The tour provides snorkeling equipment for underwater exploration but does not include food, though a nearby café is available.

You can check availability for your dates here:

From Funchal’s Marina to Marine Encounters

This Whales and Dolphins Adventure Tour departs from the new marina in Funchal, where guests meet the guide directly at the speedboat in front of door 4. The meeting point is easy to find via Google Maps, and parking is available at the Almirante Reis parking lot—just a few minutes’ walk from the departure spot. The tour begins with a safety briefing and introduction before setting out across the crystal-clear waters surrounding Madeira.

The speedboat is custom-made for marine wildlife watching, and its powerful engines enable covering extensive areas swiftly. This means more time on the water and increased chances of spotting whales and dolphins. The boat is designed for intimate groups of up to 12 guests, making the experience more personal compared to larger catamaran trips.

Speedboat Benefits for Wildlife Watching

The speedboat nature of this tour offers distinct advantages. With fewer than 13 people onboard, the group enjoys a relaxed and personal atmosphere. The fast engines allow the boat to reach promising wildlife zones quickly, which is especially important during peak whale and dolphin activity periods.

Traveling faster also means the boat can explore different parts of the waters around Madeira, maximizing the chances of seeing multiple groups of cetaceans. The small size and agility of the vessel make it possible to observe animals from very close distances without disturbing their natural behaviors, creating memorable interactions.

The Chance to Swim with Dolphins

One of the unique aspects of this tour is the potential to enter the water with dolphins, should conditions allow. When common or spotted dolphins are encountered, and the behavior of the animals and sea conditions are suitable, the crew may offer guests the opportunity to swim among the dolphins. This rare chance is subject to animal welfare rules and weather conditions, emphasizing responsible wildlife viewing.

If no dolphins or whales are observed during the trip, guests are offered another free tour or a voucher valid for two years, ensuring flexibility and value for money. The possibility to swim with dolphins adds an extra layer of excitement for those eager to get up close with these playful creatures.

The Marine Life You Might Encounter

Throughout the 2-hour cruise, the goal is to spot whales and dolphins in their natural environment. The most common sightings include bottlenose dolphins, spotted dolphins, and occasionally sperm whales. Several reviews highlight successful sightings such as pilot whales and dolphin pods, with some trips observing up to six sperm whales.

On certain days, travelers have also seen sea turtles and flying fish, adding variety to the marine encounters. Although whale sightings are less frequent than dolphins, the high 99% chance of seeing cetaceans makes this tour a reliable choice for marine wildlife enthusiasts.

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The Experience of a Speedboat Ride

The adventure of riding in a speedboat is high on the appeal. The thrill of the ride, combined with the adrenaline of moving swiftly across the water, makes this tour stand out. The large waves can create some bumpy moments, which many find fun and exciting, though those prone to motion sickness should be prepared.

The faster pace also means guests can spend more time searching for marine life rather than remaining stationary, making the experience dynamic and engaging from start to finish.

Marine Guide Expertise and Narration

The tour benefits from knowledgeable guides who share fascinating facts and stories about the marine creatures encountered. Many reviews mention guides like Fernanda and Natasha, describing them as warm, engaging, and full of information. Their passion for marine life, coupled with multilingual abilities, enhances the overall experience.

Guides also carefully explain the animals’ behaviors and emphasize animal welfare, aligning with ethical wildlife viewing standards. Their enthusiasm and dedication help make each trip memorable and informative.

Snorkeling and Water Activities

Guests are provided with snorkeling equipment—masks and snorkels—allowing for underwater exploration during the tour. While no food is included, a nearby café offers the option to purchase snacks and drinks, providing refreshment options after or before the cruise.

The addition of snorkeling allows travelers to observe marine life beneath the surface, although the primary focus remains whale and dolphin watching from the boat.

Practical Information: Booking, Cancellation, and Tips

Booking the tour is flexible, with options to reserve now and pay later, and cancelation up to 24 hours prior for a full refund. The tour operates in good sea conditions, making weather a key factor in scheduling. Travelers should bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a jacket for comfort during the cruise.

Since the tour is not suitable for children under 10 or pregnant women, these groups should consider alternative activities. The meeting point is well signposted, and a short video guide is available to help guests locate the boat easily.

Comparing This Tour to Similar Experiences

This tour is highly regarded for its small group size, speedboat ride, and high success rate for marine sightings. It offers a more personal and adventurous alternative to larger catamaran trips. The possibility of swimming with dolphins sets it apart, along with the expert guides who provide educational commentary throughout.

While some reviews mention occasional wildlife sightings like scattered dolphins or brief whale glimpses, the overall 99% success rate makes this tour a dependable choice for those eager to see marine creatures.

Who Will Most Enjoy This Tour?

This $56 two-hour adventure appeals most to adventure seekers, marine life enthusiasts, and small-group lovers. The speedboat ride is ideal for those wanting a thrilling experience combined with wildlife encounters. Families with children over 10, couples, and solo travelers can all enjoy the personalized attention and informative guides.

However, travelers prone to motion sickness should prepare accordingly, and those looking for luxury or lengthy tours may find this experience more focused and concise.

Final Thoughts on the Madeira Whales and Dolphins Tour

This tour offers a worthy balance of adventure, education, and wildlife viewing. The speedboat design ensures more ground covered and closer wildlife encounters, while guides like Fernanda and Natasha bring expertise and enthusiasm that enhance the trip.

The possibility of swimming with dolphins—when conditions permit—is a special perk, though the high success rate of sightings remains a major selling point. The tour’s flexible booking options and free cancellation policy add peace of mind for spontaneous or uncertain travelers.

While wildlife sightings can occasionally be brief or limited, the overall value and excitement make this tour a top choice for those wanting a dynamic and memorable marine adventure from Funchal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reserve this tour without paying upfront?
Yes, the tour offers a reserve now and pay later option, allowing you to book your spot without immediate payment.

What is the likelihood of seeing whales or dolphins?
There is a 99% chance of spotting cetaceans during the tour, with frequent sightings of dolphins and occasional whales.

Is swimming with dolphins included?
Swimming with dolphins can be offered if conditions and animal behavior allow, especially with common or spotted dolphins. It depends on weather and animal welfare rules.

Are food and drinks provided?
No, food is not included on this tour, but a nearby café offers snacks and drinks for purchase.

What should I bring on the tour?
Guests should bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a jacket for comfort during the boat ride.

Is this tour suitable for children?
The tour is not suitable for children under 10 years or pregnant women.

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