Funchal: Dolphin and Whale Watching Cruise

Funchal: Dolphin and Whale Watching Cruise – An Up-Cclose Wildlife Adventure for $57

This 2-hour dolphin and whale watching tour in Funchal, Madeira, offers a chance to see dolphins, whales, turtles, and oceanic birds in their natural environment. Priced at $57 per person, this tour is led by a marine biologist guide, ensuring an educational and engaging experience. The speedboat, newly rebuilt in 2024, is powered by two 250hp engines, allowing it to cover more ground than other boats in Funchal and get you closer to marine wildlife.

The tour departs from Magic Dolphin and is designed for small groups, with a capacity of only 18 guests, which helps maintain a respectful distance from the animals. The fast-paced ride is suitable for those who seek excitement, but it’s worth noting that people with back or heart problems, children under 6, pregnant women, and those prone to seasickness should consider their comfort. If no wildlife is spotted, you can rebook for a reduced ticket price—a testament to the tour’s confidence in wildlife encounters.

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Key Points

• Two-hour speedboat tour in Funchal, Madeira, focused on marine wildlife
• Price of $57 per person, with a 4.7/5 rating based on 751 reviews
• Led by a certified marine biologist providing informative commentary
• Wildlife sightings guaranteed, including dolphins, whales, turtles, and birds
• Rebooking option available if no animals are seen during the trip
• Small group experience with 18 guests maximum for more personalized attention

The Speedboat: Rebuilt in 2024 for Fast and Close Encounters

The Sea Safari, used for this tour, was completely rebuilt in 2024. It features powerful dual 250hp engines, enabling the boat to cover greater distances than traditional vessels in Funchal. The low-sitting design provides travelers with 360° views and the ability to approach marine animals more closely without disturbing their habitat.

The boat’s double cushioned seats ensure comfort despite the high speeds and bumpy waters, and the speed allows for quick access to active wildlife hotspots. The boat’s low profile makes it easier to get close to dolphins and whales, which is often highlighted as a major advantage in reviews.

Meeting Point and Check-in Details at Magic Dolphin

The tour begins at Magic Dolphin, where guests are asked to arrive 30 minutes early to check in and receive their boarding cards. Boarding begins 15 minutes before departure, and punctuality is crucial because the boat departs on time. The activity ends back at the same point, making logistics straightforward.

Since food and drinks are not included, travelers should consider bringing water or snacks if desired, but should be prepared for the possibility that belongings may get wet, so suitable items are recommended.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out: Marine Biology and Close Sightings

One of the most praised features of this wildlife adventure is the presence of a marine biologist guide. This guide provides informative commentary about the cetaceans and other marine life, ensuring that passengers learn as they observe. The guides are known for their enthusiasm and expertise, making the experience both fun and educational.

The small group setting increases the likelihood of close sightings, as noted in reviews where dolphins are seen swimming right next to the boat and whales are approached with respect for their habitat. The speed of the boat allows early access to active pods, often resulting in multiple species of dolphins and whales being spotted during each trip.

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The Route: Offshore Exploration for Marine Wildlife

The tour starts at Magic Dolphin and heads out offshore, with many trips reaching up to 9 miles out from the coast. This distance enhances the chances of encountering whales, dolphins, sea turtles, and oceanic birds in their natural environment. The itinerary primarily focuses on wildlife spotting, with the boat often close enough to observe animals jumping, swimming, and playing.

The offshore route also allows the guides to locate marine animals using powerful binoculars from land, then quickly direct the speedboat towards those sightings. This dynamic approach ensures maximum opportunities for spectacular encounters.

Wildlife Sightings Guarantee and Rebooking Policy

A notable aspect of this tour is the guarantee of sightings—whether it’s dolphins, whales, or other marine creatures. If no wildlife is seen, travelers have the option to rebook at a reduced price of $10 per person, making this a low-risk experience despite the variability of nature.

This policy reflects the tour’s confidence in their ability to find marine life offshore and their commitment to providing a worthwhile experience regardless of weather or other conditions.

The Marine Wildlife You Might See: Dolphins, Whales, and Turtles

The diverse marine life encountered during this tour often includes bottlenose dolphins, pilot whales, and sperm whales, with some reviews mentioning sightings of multiple dolphin species and young whales. The speedboat’s proximity allows for up-close views, with dolphins often swimming alongside or jumping out of the water.

Sea turtles are also reported as part of the marine biodiversity, and oceanic birds may be spotted overhead, adding to the richness of the experience. The enthusiasm and careful observation by the guides ensure that every trip aims to showcase as much wildlife as possible.

Physical Requirements and Suitable Audience

While the speed and excitement of the boat make this tour ideal for adventure seekers, it is not suitable for individuals with back or heart problems, young children under 6, pregnant women, or those prone to seasickness. The boat’s low profile and fast pace can lead to a bumpy ride, especially in rough seas.

Travelers should consider bringing seasickness remedies and waterproof gear if they plan to bring cameras or personal belongings, as wet conditions are possible onboard.

Reviews Highlighting the Adventure and Knowledge

The positive feedback underscores the expertise of the guides and crew. Many reviews mention enthusiastic guides who are informative and funny, making the trip both fun and educational. The small group size and fast boat are frequently praised for enabling close-up sightings and a more intimate experience compared to larger vessels.

Several reviewers also highlight the great timing, with the boat reaching active whale pods quickly, thanks to the speed and efficiency of this particular vessel.

Comparing This Tour to Other Wildlife Experiences in Madeira

While this tour emphasizes wildlife encounters, similar options include luxurious catamaran cruises or longer whale-watching trips with guaranteed sightings. However, the speedboat experience offers a more dynamic, closer view of marine animals, along with the advantage of smaller groups and more flexible routes.

The rebooking policy and marine biologist guides make this tour stand out for travelers seeking both adventure and learning in a personalized setting.

Final Thoughts on the Funchal Dolphin and Whale Watching Speedboat Tour

This 2-hour adventure in Madeira offers an exciting, educational, and highly interactive wildlife experience. The newly rebuilt speedboat provides speed, comfort, and proximity to marine animals, resulting in many memorable sightings of dolphins, whales, and turtles.

While not suitable for very young children or those with certain health issues, the tour suits adventure-loving travelers, wildlife enthusiasts, and anyone eager for a close-up encounter with Madeira’s marine biodiversity. The professional guides and rebooking policy add confidence that this experience will be rewarding, regardless of the conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts 2 hours, departing from Magic Dolphin and returning to the same location.

What is the price of the tour?
It costs $57 per person, including a marine biologist guide, captain and crew, and life vests.

Is wildlife guaranteed?
Yes, sightings of dolphins or whales are guaranteed. If no animals are seen, you can rebook for $10 per person.

What should I bring?
Bring waterproof clothing, seasickness remedies, and possibly water or snacks. Be aware belongings may get wet.

Is the tour suitable for children?
The tour is not suitable for children under 6 years, as well as people with back or heart problems, pregnant women, and those prone to seasickness.

How many guests are on board?
The boat holds 18 guests, plus the captain and marine biologist guide.

Where do I check in?
Guests need to arrive 30 minutes early at Magic Dolphin, check in at the kiosk, and get boarding cards.

What makes this tour different from larger whale-watching boats?
The small group size and speedboat design allow closer, more intimate wildlife encounters and faster access to active sightings.

Can I see other wildlife besides dolphins and whales?
Yes, sea turtles and oceanic birds are often spotted during the tour.

What if I don’t see any wildlife?
You can rebook at a reduced price of $10 per person, giving you a second chance to encounter Madeira’s marine life.

Is this tour eco-friendly?
The guides emphasize respect for the animals’ habitat and careful observation, ensuring wildlife are minimally disturbed during sightings.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby