Private Dolphin and Whale Watching Tour in Madeira
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September 2026
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Who is going?
Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 560 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Private Dolphin and Whale Watching Tour in Madeira worth booking?
Private Dolphin and Whale Watching Tour in Madeira is a 2.5-hour experience in Funchal, Portugal, from $524 per person. It scores 79 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 560 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 79 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (560)
- Duration
- 2.5 hours
- From
- $524 per person
Whale Watching Tour: Treat yourself to a comfortable yacht and a professional crew! How about a glass of sparkling wine while watching whales and dolphins? This formula allows you to live this experience in a more inti
What you get
About this experience
Whale Watching Tour: Treat yourself to a comfortable yacht and a professional crew! How about a glass of sparkling wine while watching whales and dolphins? This formula allows you to live this experience in a more intimate way and in a refined luxury environment. Simply the best for you and your loved ones! Our yachts, Gringo and Miranda, are moored in the port of Calheta. We sail out to meet the local species of cetaceans, assisted by a spotter on-land while guided by a professional crew of 2. From there on, the world is at your feet! Depending on the weather conditions, you can decide to sail along the coast, to swim in the ocean with goggles and fins, to sunbathe and relax with a fresh drink. Or, witness the magic of the Sunset from a privileged place, Choose an evening private cruise and experience the ocean in a different way! We can accommodate 5 guests for private charters on Miranda, 12 guests for private charters on Gringo. Choose the options that suits your expectations!
What's included
Included
- Shower for after swimming time
- Light refreshments (mineral water, ice tea, fruit juice, Coca-Cola, Cola zero, sprite, local beer)
- Cabin
- Blankets
- Use of snorkeling equipment
- Toilet
- Hair and body towels
- Sparkling wine
Not included
- Transfer from your hotel
- Snacks or food
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Funchal
Search for the On Tales Store on the Marina. Our team will greet you and guide you to our yacht.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Search for the On Tales Store on the Marina. Our team will greet you and guide you to our yacht.
Options you can book
Private Dolphin and Whale Watching Tour in Madeira
Upgrade to our 14 seater yacht
Gringo Yacht Private charter: Small groups and designer tours only! Choose an even more spacious yacht; Gringo yacht is perfect for groups up to 12 guests!
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- pt, en, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- On Tales Lda
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Subject to availability
- Subject to favourable weather conditions (if cancelled due weather conditions, you will be given the option of an alternative date or full refund)
- Family friendly
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Wildlife spotting cannot be guaranteed
- Pregnant women should seek medical advice before booking (limited to no medical assistance can be performed on-board)
- The yacht is not accessible to wheelchairs, strollers or cribs.
- This activity is not suited to guests over 110 kg / 242 pounds, unless prior arrangement is made with our team and a suitable alternative has been proposed and acknowledged by our Captain / Crew.
- 6/6.30 pm or 7/7.30 pm departure time: Sunset, Snorkeling and Sparkling wine, NO whale watching
- Guests should understand their duty to exercise reasonable care for their own safety while boarding, exiting and being on-board the yacht.
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 560 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Photo opportunities
5 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Good for families
3 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Small groups
3 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Knowledge and storytelling
2 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Traveler reviews
560 verified traveler reviews for Private Dolphin and Whale Watching Tour in Madeira. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Absolutely fabulous family experience
We spent a long time deliberating whether to pay the additional cost of a private tour, and without question we made the right choice for us as a family, with children who don't like big crowds. It was an absolute joy to sit as a family of 4 on the deck of the Miranda and our children, aged 11 and 13, were enthralled as the waves gently splashed us. We were well taken care of by the crew, and having access to a toilet took any stress away from the journey. We were really lucky and saw a pod of dolphins close up, but honestly it would have been a fabulous ocean experience even without that. The crew also took us to an area with crystal clear water to snorkel. We loved the email we were sent afterwards that summarised what we had seen...it was a fab souvenir. We were also sent an amazing file of photos of the trip.
via Tripadvisor
Amazing experience
We had a wonderful experience on the boat trip! The crew were young, friendly and incredibly kind, and they made us feel welcome and comfortable from the very beginning. The atmosphere was relaxed and enjoyable, and everything was handled with care and professionalism. They were attentive throughout the trip and genuinely wanted us to have a great time. A beautiful way to enjoy Madeira from the sea, made even better by such a lovely crew. We had a great time and would definitely recommend the experience! ❤️
via Tripadvisor
Great experiance.
Great crew, we spotted a lot of dolphins with there baby's which was amazing to see . If we ever woud do this again, it would be with the same compagnie. Thank you very much.
via Tripadvisor
An unforgettable day on the water of Madeira!
We booked this boat trip for a friends bonding time outing and it exceeded every expectation. The crew was professional, warm, and incredibly discreet — they struck the perfect balance between attentive service and letting us enjoy our own experience together as a group. The boat itself felt luxurious from the moment we stepped on board. But the real highlight was nature putting on a show for us: we were surrounded by nearly a hundred dolphins at one point, which was genuinely breathtaking. We also got to swim in the sea near the Madeira coastline, and the whole experience felt wonderfully immersive rather than just another tourist activity. Whether you’re planning a special outing with friends, family, or colleagues, this is an experience I’d recommend without hesitation. Thank you for giving us a day we’ll all remember!
via Tripadvisor
Great afternoon activity
A very pleasant trip with excellent guides Eva and Manny. Spotted maritime wildlife, enjoyed the view and had a great swim. An afternoon well spent.
Response from the operator: Thank you for sharing your experience with On Tales! We are delighted to hear that you had such a pleasant afternoon enjoying on the Miranda yacht, the ocean views, and a refreshing swim. Our entire team works hard to create a personal, relaxing, and memorable Madeira ocean experience, so knowing you enjoyed the wildlife sightings and the caring environement means a lot to us. Swimming stops along the southwest coast of Madeira offer some of the clearest waters on the island, where sea temperatures remain surprisingly mild year-round (averaging 18°C to 26°C) thanks to the Gulf Stream! We hope to welcome you back on board one of our yachts, on your next visit to Madeira or maybe on the Maggiore, in Lisbon!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 2.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $524 to $890
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 196
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Why this scores 79
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Private Dolphin and Whale Watching Tour in Madeira: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Funchal.
How much does Private Dolphin and Whale Watching Tour in Madeira cost?
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Prices start at $524 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Funchal usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Private Dolphin and Whale Watching Tour in Madeira take?
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Plan for about 2.5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Funchal is not rushed.
Is Private Dolphin and Whale Watching Tour in Madeira worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 79 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 560 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in Funchal, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Private Dolphin and Whale Watching Tour in Madeira?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Private Dolphin and Whale Watching Tour in Madeira suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Private Dolphin and Whale Watching Tour in Madeira?
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Around 196 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Funchal can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Funchal and add a light layer if any part of the 2.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Private Dolphin and Whale Watching Tour in Madeira start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Funchal within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Funchal?
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On Outty we rank every Funchal experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Jeep Tour Amazing West to Natural Pools -Full-Day, Porto Moniz, Seixal, Fanal Forest, Cliff Skywalk in Open Roof 4X4, West Tour-Fanal Forest & Porto Moniz Natural Pools Small Groups. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Funchal?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Funchal?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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