From Funchal: Whales and Dolphin Adventure Tour

A swift, exhilarating voyage into Madeira’s waters — where the chance to see whales and dolphins up close makes this a memorable outing. This 2-hour adventure from Funchal offers a fast-paced, intimate experience with nature’s most playful marine mammals, aboard a custom-made speedboat. The quick turnaround and high success rate (99% according to reviews) make it attractive for travelers looking for a focused, active excursion.

What I love about this tour is the sense of adventure you get from zipping along the coast on a powerful boat, covering more ground than a traditional catamaran. Plus, the guides, like Fernanda and Agatha, are praised for their knowledge and enthusiasm, making every sighting and fact about the whales and dolphins engaging and informative. However, a potential downside is that, due to the weather and animal behavior, there’s no guarantee of swimming with the animals, which some might find disappointing if that’s what they’re after. Still, the opportunity to get very close to marine life from the boat itself is often enough to satisfy curiosity and thrill-seekers alike.

Key points / Takeaways:
– Speedboat Superiority: Faster, more agile, and more personal than larger vessels, with a maximum of 12 people for a more intimate experience.
– High Success Rate: Nearly certain to see whales or dolphins — with reviews mentioning sightings of dolphins, pilot whales, and even sperm whales.
– Water Interaction: The chance to swim with dolphins (species-dependent) when conditions are right, which is a rare and special feature.
– Expert Guides: Marine biologists and passionate skippers, like Fernanda and Agatha, provide fascinating insights and ensure animal welfare.
– Flexible Rescheduling: If the weather doesn’t cooperate, you get a free reschedule or a voucher valid for two years — a good safety net.
– Value for Money: At around $56 per person, this tour offers a concise yet rich wildlife experience, with optional snorkeling gear included.

Experience and Adventure: The Heart of the Tour

If you’re after a quick but meaningful encounter with Madeira’s marine life, this tour hits the mark. It departs from the new marina of Funchal, with a meeting point clearly marked and easy to find — a big plus if you’re not familiar with the area. The vessel itself is a custom-made speedboat designed for both speed and comfort, giving you the adrenaline rush of racing across open waters while providing a stable platform for wildlife watching.

The itinerary is straightforward: you start at the marina, head out into the Atlantic, and spend around two hours searching for whales and dolphins. The guides are seasoned and highly rated for their knowledge, with reviews mentioning Fernanda’s engaging storytelling and Agatha’s great sense of humor. They’re not just pointing out animals; they’re sharing insights into their behavior, habits, and environment, which really helps you appreciate what you’re seeing.

From the reviews, it’s clear that sightings are common but not guaranteed. Still, the high success rate — 99% — means you probably won’t leave empty-handed. Dolphins are a common sight, with species like common dolphins and spotted dolphins frequently seen, along with occasional whales. Several reviews mention seeing pods swimming next to the boat, making the experience incredibly memorable. The thrill of watching these creatures in their natural habitat, from a boat just a few meters away, is unlike any zoo visit.

The chance to enter the water with dolphins (species depending on animal behavior and good sea conditions) is a rare bonus. When conditions allow, you might get a brief window to swim with the dolphins, which many reviews describe as “absolutely unforgettable.” One reviewer even mentions that the guide took great photos of the encounter — making the experience more than just a fleeting moment.

However, it’s worth noting that the actual chance of swimming depends heavily on animal behavior and weather. If no animals are receptive, the tour offers a free reschedule or a voucher, which is a thoughtful policy. This flexibility, combined with the small group size, makes for a more personalized and less crowded experience — something you’ll appreciate if you dislike large tour boats.

The Thrill of a Speedboat Ride

The choice of a speedboat over a larger vessel is a key feature. Why? Because with fewer people (max 12) and powerful engines, you can chase after cetaceans across larger areas in less time. The reviews consistently praise the boat’s ability to cover ground quickly, increasing the chances of sightings. Plus, the experience is packed with fun and adrenaline — the boat’s speed and the ocean spray make it exciting without the motion sickness often associated with larger, less stable boats.

You’ll love the views as you travel around the edge of Madeira, with the island’s cliffs and lush landscapes providing a stunning backdrop. The boat’s open design gives you unobstructed sightlines, and the crew’s professionalism ensures a safe, smooth ride even in choppier conditions.

Remember to bring sunscreen, a jacket, and a towel — the spray and wind can cool you down, and sun protection is essential. As one reviewer pointed out, the boat can be bumpy at times due to wind, but that’s part of the adventure and not an issue for most.

The Itinerary in Detail

The tour begins at Blue Safari Madeira, with a straightforward check-in at the marina. The departure is usually in the late morning or early afternoon, and you should arrive about 20 minutes early to get settled. Once on board, your skipper sets out into the Atlantic, with the coastline of Madeira slowly falling behind as you head into open water.

In the first part of the trip, you can expect to see some of the dramatic coastal scenery of Madeira — rugged cliffs, green hills, and possibly some seabirds. As you move further out, the search for whales and dolphins intensifies. The guides use their experience and knowledge of whale and dolphin behavior to maximize your chances of sightings.

When marine mammals are spotted, the captain maneuvers the boat into a good viewing position, and if conditions are right, you may be able to get quite close — providing fantastic photo opportunities. The guides are also prepared to offer snorkeling gear, so if you’re interested in a quick dip, you can take a peek beneath the surface.

The highlight for many is the moments when dolphins swim alongside the boat or leap out of the water — a scene that often prompts gasps of delight from travelers. Several reviews mention the guides’ enthusiasm, with some called “fantastic,” “knowledgeable,” and “friendly,” making the trip more engaging and fun.

The tour ends back at the marina, often with a sense of satisfaction and memories that will last long after the boat has docked. And if the weather cancels the trip? The provider offers a free reschedule or a voucher valid for two years — a considerate backup plan.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for travelers who want a short, active, and engaging wildlife encounter. The small group size and the high chance of sightings make it suitable for families (over 10), couples, and solo explorers looking for a thrill. If you’re not a fan of large crowds, you’ll appreciate the intimate nature of the trip.

It’s also perfect for those interested in marine life, as guides share detailed facts and stories, enhancing the experience beyond just watching animals. The optional water entry with dolphins makes it especially appealing to adventurous travelers and nature lovers alike.

However, if your priority is swimming with animals or guaranteed sightings, this might not be your best choice. The weather and animal behavior dictate sightings, and no water swimming is guaranteed. Also, pregnant women and children under 10 are not suitable, according to the provider, mainly for safety reasons.

Price and Value Analysis

At $56 per person, this tour offers good value considering the small group size, expert guides, and the chance to see whales and dolphins in their natural environment. The inclusion of snorkeling equipment is a bonus, letting you dip below the surface if conditions permit. The flexible rescheduling policy adds peace of mind, especially given the unpredictable nature of marine wildlife tours.

Compared to larger, overcrowded catamaran trips, this speedboat experience tends to be more personal and dynamic. The thrill of the ride, combined with wildlife sightings, makes it a memorable and worthwhile activity. Many reviews highlight how it’s the best experience during their visit to Madeira, with some returning for a second trip because of how captivating and fun it is.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Worth It?

If you’re after an exciting, small-group adventure that combines wildlife viewing with a fast-paced boat ride, this experience from Funchal is a strong choice. The guides’ expertise and the high success rate of sightings make it stand out. You’ll leave with photos, stories, and a greater appreciation for these gentle giants and lively dolphins.

It’s especially good for those who value authenticity and a personal touch over large crowds. You might not get to swim with the animals every time, but the chances of close encounters and the thrill of the chase compensate for that. Plus, the flexible rescheduling ensures your trip can adapt to weather whims, which is a common concern for marine excursions.

In short, this tour offers a blend of adventure, education, and natural beauty — ideal for nature lovers, thrill-seekers, and those looking to make meaningful memories of Madeira’s ocean life.

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 2 hours, departing from Funchal’s marina.

What is the maximum number of participants?
The tour is limited to 12 people, making it more personal than larger vessel trips.

What species of marine animals might I see?
Dolphins (common and spotted), pilot whales, and even sperm whales have been spotted on this tour.

Can I swim with the animals?
Yes, if conditions allow, you may get the chance to enter the water and swim with dolphins, depending on animal behavior and sea conditions.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a jacket — the boat can be breezy and spray-prone.

Is snorkeling included?
Yes, snorkeling equipment (mask and snorkel) is provided.

What happens if I don’t see any whales or dolphins?
The company offers a free reschedule or a voucher valid for two years if no sightings occur due to weather or animal behavior.

Can children participate?
Not suitable for children under 10 years old or pregnant women, mainly for safety reasons.

Where do I meet the tour?
At the new marina of Funchal, in front of door 4. A short parking walk from nearby lots; a quick video guide is provided for easy navigation.

Is the tour weather-dependent?
Yes, good sea conditions are required. If weather prevents the trip, it will be rescheduled or refunded.

Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, thrill-seeker, or just want a fun day on the water, this whale and dolphin adventure from Funchal offers a lively, authentic slice of Madeira’s ocean life, all from a boat that’s as nimble as it is comfortable.