From Funchal: Whales and Dolphin Adventure Tour

A speedboat hunt in Madeira’s clear waters.

This Funchal whale and dolphin adventure keeps things focused and active: you race out from the new marina on a small, fast RIB boat, then work the coastline for cetaceans while you enjoy that famous Madeira water clarity. The ride feels hands-on, and when animals are around, you see them up close without that big-catamaran crowd energy.

I especially like the marine biologist-led guidance. On past departures, you might be with names like Camila, Fernanda, Natasha, Florine, or other team members who talk species, behavior, and what the crew is doing to keep interactions respectful. I also like that the company builds in a real chance to swim with dolphins when conditions and animal behavior allow, using rules created in consultation with World Animal Protection. The main consideration is that the whole experience is weather and animal dependent, so the dolphin swim is never guaranteed.

Key highlights that shape the whole trip

• Small RIB group size (max 18) means better viewing and less crowding than big catamarans
• Fast, powerful engines help you cover more sea area in a short 2-hour window
• Marine biologist guides share species behavior and how the crew searches without chasing
• Respect-first animal rules limit disruption and let animals choose how close they want to be
• Snorkeling gear included (mask and snorkel), plus the option to enter the water on the right day
• If you don’t spot whales or dolphins, you get a free repeat option or a voucher, depending on availability

A RIB speedboat is the real advantage for whale and dolphin spotting

Most whale-and-dolphin tours in Madeira revolve around big boats. This one uses a custom-made RIB speedboat with powerful engines, and that matters.

First, the boat can cover larger distances quickly. In a 2-hour outing, speed helps you reach where animals are likely to show up, rather than burning time sitting in one patch of water. Second, you’re not fighting for sightlines. Reviews repeatedly praise how much ocean you can see on a smaller vessel, since you do not need to constantly shift positions to catch a view.

The tradeoff is simple: a speedboat can feel choppier. People do talk about bouncy waves and getting wet, which is fun if you like adrenaline, but not ideal if you hate rough water. If you are even slightly prone to motion sickness, plan for it and dress for spray.

Blue Safari Madeira meeting point: how to start smoothly

You depart from the new marina of Funchal at Blue Safari Madeira. Plan to meet your guide directly at the speedboat, in front of door 4, the last door on the left when you are facing the sea.

Give yourself a buffer. The meeting time is 20 minutes before departure, and that is not overkill. In practice, arriving early helps you get settled, get your gear sorted, and avoid that last-minute scramble.

Parking tip that saves stress: you can park at the Almirante Reis parking lot, not the Marina Park (which is private). If you like a foolproof plan, use the provided Google Maps location to get your bearings fast.

The 2-hour cruise: what you are doing out there

Once you leave the marina, the trip becomes a moving search across Madeira’s edge. The focus stays on one thing: looking for cetaceans in their natural habitat.

You will spend your time scanning for behavior cues, not just waiting for a lucky sighting. When dolphins or whales are active, the boat often adjusts course to give you good viewing opportunities, and you experience the water like it is part of the show. Many guides emphasize spotting patterns like group direction, surfacing timing, and how animals react to the boat’s approach.

Two practical notes for your comfort:

• Bring a jacket even in warmer months. Spray and wind can cool you fast on open water.
• Expect that sea conditions can change quickly. If waves pick up, the ride can be wetter and more jostling.

Marine biologists on board: what to listen for from the guides

The best part of this tour is not only the wildlife. It is the way the crew talks about it.

On past departures, guides such as Camila, Fernanda, and Natasha have been singled out for strong explanations and a clear passion for marine life. You learn what makes a species different in behavior and how the crew searches responsibly, instead of treating it like a race.

One theme you should really pay attention to: the emphasis on respectful interaction. The rules are designed so the animals are not chased and you are more like an observer in their space than a disruptor. That is why you often hear guidance along the lines of letting animals come to you if they want to.

If you are a photo person, watch for the moments the guide cues you to look toward. Several reviews mention that guides also help with capturing great photos during the tour, and you may be able to purchase those pictures at the end if you want them.

When swimming happens: dolphin entry rules and what the day feels like

Sometimes you get an extra layer: entering the water with dolphins. But this is not a guaranteed add-on, and the criteria are clear.

Swimming is only offered if:

• the conditions are good at sea, and
• the dolphins’ behavior allows it, and
• you encounter the right types of dolphins, specifically common dolphins or spotted dolphins.

When it does happen, you should expect a controlled setup. The experience is structured so swimmers go in small groups, and you may be asked to hold onto a rope attached to the side of the boat while the boat stays moving. The point is simple: keep disruption low and keep the dolphins comfortable.

You are also given snorkeling equipment. The tour includes a mask and snorkel, which means you can see what is happening below the surface if visibility is good. Still, remember that you cannot fully control sea state. If the water is rough, the swim option may be limited even if dolphins are nearby.

Real talk from the field: if you get to swim, it can be the moment that makes the whole trip. If you do not, the boat portion still tends to be memorable because you are still watching dolphins in open water, not behind glass.

Whales, dolphins, and the bonus wildlife that can steal the show

This tour advertises a very high chance of success, including a 99% chance of seeing whales or dolphins. Even with that, wildlife days are wildlife days. You might see multiple groups, or you might catch one strong encounter, and that will shape your memory.

What is common:

• Dolphins often show up in pods, and you may see them from the surface and close by.
• Dolphins can be lively, including jumping behavior, which creates those unforgettable short windows where everyone is suddenly quiet and focused.

What you might also encounter (depending on the day):

• Pilot whales and sperm whales have been reported on previous trips.
• Sea turtles and fish like flying fish can show up in the mix.
• Even Portuguese man-o-war can appear, which is a reminder that the ocean is a whole ecosystem, not a one-species show.

If your heart is set on whales specifically, keep expectations flexible. Whales can be rarer than dolphins, and on some days dolphins are the main stars. The tour’s value is that it does not treat whale-spotting as a lottery you must win to have a good day.

Snorkeling is included, but plan your comfort on a wet, breezy RIB ride

The tour includes snorkeling equipment (mask and snorkel), which is a big help if you travel light. Still, that does not replace the need to dress for wind and spray.

Bring:

• swimwear
• towel
• sunscreen
• jacket

A jacket is not just for cold. On smaller boats, waves and spray can hit you even when you expect calmer conditions. Several people mention getting soaked or wanting a rain layer, so treat this like an outdoor water activity, not a neat sightseeing cruise.

Also, food is not served on the tour. There is a café where you can purchase it, so if you get hungry before you head out, grab something nearby at your own pace.

Price value: why $58 can feel fair for this setup

At around $58 per person for a 2-hour speedboat experience, the value comes down to what you get beyond the simple act of spotting animals.

Here is what supports the price:

• Small-group setup (max 18) instead of cattle-car capacity
• RIB speed that helps you search effectively in a short time
• Snorkeling gear included
• A meaningful chance of a dolphin swim when conditions allow
• Research and conservation angle, described by the crew as part of what your day helps support
• A safety net if wildlife is not found: you may receive another free tour, or if weather makes that impossible, a voucher valid for two years

Put differently, you are paying for time on water with active searching, plus a crew that focuses on respectful, rules-based encounters. If you only wanted a lazy cruise, this would cost more than it would deliver. If you want a focused wildlife outing with a high odds mindset, it looks like solid value.

Who should book, and who should choose a different plan

This tour is a great match if you want:

• an energetic, open-water wildlife search
• close viewing without big-boat crowds
• guided interpretation from marine-focused staff
• the possibility of swimming with dolphins, which is the kind of experience you do not usually find in standard sightseeing

It may not be the best match if:

• you need a very gentle ride. The boat can be bumpy when wind and swell pick up.
• you are traveling with someone who cannot handle open-water movement.

The tour is not suitable for:

• children under 10
• pregnant women

If you fall into either category, skip this one and look for an alternative Madeira marine experience better suited to your needs.

Should you book this Funchal whale and dolphin adventure?

I would book it if you want a high-odds chance to see whales or dolphins, you like the idea of a smaller boat, and you are comfortable with the fact that sea conditions and animal behavior decide the final version of your day.

If your dream is specifically to swim, book with confidence but also with flexibility. The water entry is real when it works, but it depends on the dolphins and the sea state. That is part of the deal with respectful wildlife rules, not a bait-and-switch.

If you are okay with one strong wildlife encounter over a perfect itinerary, this tour fits. You get guided spotting, real ocean time from Funchal, and a backup plan if sightings do not happen as hoped.

FAQ

How long is the From Funchal whale and dolphin adventure tour?

The tour lasts 2 hours.

Where do I meet the boat in Funchal, and when should I arrive?

You meet at the new marina of Funchal at Blue Safari Madeira, at the speedboat in front of door 4. Plan to arrive 20 minutes before departure.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. The tour includes snorkeling equipment, specifically a mask and snorkel.

Can I swim with dolphins during the tour?

You might be able to enter the water if conditions allow and if you encounter common dolphins or spotted dolphins. Swimming is not guaranteed.

What happens if whales or dolphins are not spotted?

If no dolphins or whales are spotted, you are offered another free tour. If weather prevents an additional tour, you receive a free trip voucher valid for two years.

Is this tour suitable for children or pregnant travelers?

No. It is not suitable for children under 10 and not suitable for pregnant women.