Responsible Whales and/or Dolphins Watching Tour
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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
4.8/5
Based on 327 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Responsible Whales and/or Dolphins Watching Tour worth booking?
Responsible Whales and/or Dolphins Watching Tour is a 2-hour experience in Funchal, Portugal, from $61 per person. It scores 75 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 327 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 75 / 100
- Rating
- 4.8/5 (327)
- Duration
- 2 hours
- From
- $61 per person
✔️ First WCA (World Cetaceans Alliance) certified operator in Funchal ✔️ Small, intimate groups – We limit the number of guests on board to offer you a more personal and comfortable experience. ✔️ Fast, agile boat – We c
What you get
About this experience
✔️ First WCA (World Cetaceans Alliance) certified operator in Funchal ✔️ Small, intimate groups – We limit the number of guests on board to offer you a more personal and comfortable experience. ✔️ Fast, agile boat – We can reach the animals quickly and respectfully, getting you closer than the larger vessels. ✔️ Best location in Madeira – We operate in the area with the highest concentration of whales and dolphins. ✔️ Ethical and responsible – No chasing, no feeding—just real, respectful encounters in their natural habitat. ✔️ Guided by experts – Our marine biologists and experienced crew provide fascinating insights throughout the tour. ✔️ Support marine research – Every tour contributes to ongoing conservation and scientific studies. Join us for a fast, exciting, and truly meaningful experience with these incredible animals!
What's included
Included
- Life Jackets
- All Fees and Taxes
Not included
- Transfer. We do not organize hotel transfers.
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Funchal
PLEASE ARRIVE ON-TIME Arriving at least 20 minutes before the scheduled departure time, and preferably 30 minutes earlier, is essential to ensure check-in/boarding goes smoothly. The boat will depart exactly on time. The meeting place is located in front of Gate 4, on the east corner of the marina.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
PLEASE ARRIVE ON-TIME Arriving at least 20 minutes before the scheduled departure time, and preferably 30 minutes earlier, is essential to ensure check-in/boarding goes smoothly. The boat will depart exactly on time. The meeting place is located in front of Gate 4, on the east corner of the marina.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 12 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Azul Diving Madeira
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 327 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
5 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
5 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Traveler reviews
327 verified traveler reviews for Responsible Whales and/or Dolphins Watching Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Absolutely amazing experience!
We booked the VIP tour for our group of 10 and were incredibly lucky: we saw pilot whales swimming with Atlantic spotted dolphins, a pod of around 30 spotted dolphins including two babies, five sperm whales, and even a sea turtle! Camilla, our marine biologist, was fantastic – knowledgeable, passionate and clearly very respectful of the animals. Vlad was an amazing skipper and made the trip even more fun. The ride back was a highlight in itself – speeding over the waves, sharp turns and some very cool manoeuvres. We all had so much fun! An unforgettable experience and definitely one of the highlights of our Madeira trip. Highly recommended!
via Tripadvisor
5 star trip!!
Such a well organised, fabulous trip. We arrived and were greeted by Hurst (our marine biologist) who gave us a briefing which was very informative. On the speedboat we were guided out of the marina by our excellent skipper, Francisco. Being out on the water was incredible and we saw some beautiful coastal views. We were so lucky to see a pod of female pilot whales. The boat approached calmly and respectfully which allowed us to see them close up which was a truly magical experience. We also came upon a pod of bottlenose dolphins soon after and observed them travelling and splashing their tails to communicate. Hurst was very attentive and gave us lots of information about the animals as well as being very open to questions. I was so glad we booked this smaller trip as we saw a larger boat with lots of passengers and the guide speaking through a tannoy which I personally would not have enjoyed. The journey back was fun as we sped towards the marina. I would advise you to arrive early as they want to make the most of your time on the water. If you want an informative, responsible trip these are the guys to go with!
via Viator
Fantastic experience
It was a lovely and magical experience! We were asked to put our expectations not too high because, luckily, the animals are free and we can’t command them to show up. But quite soon we were able to see a group of sleeping dolphins with their baby’s! And later another group. Shoutout to Fransisco and Camila for their enthusiasm and knowledge and the love for the animals which you see in their talking and handling. Even the boat trip, just with a small group of a fast boat is nice experience and the length is perfect to be able to move around and see different spots.
via Tripadvisor
An unforgettable experience!
We had an amazing dolphin watching tour! A huge thank you to skipper Vlad, who navigated with great skill and made the ride a truly exciting adventure. Marine biologist Horst was fantastic. He answered all of our questions and shared fascinating insights about both the dolphins and the island. Seeing the dolphins up close while learning so much was simply incredible. Highly recommended!
via Tripadvisor
Grazie mille Blue Safari! Simply the best!
Blue Safari Madeira is definitely the best choice in Madeira if you want to go whale and dolphin watching! 🐬💙 From the very beginning, the whole team was incredibly friendly, professional and passionate. They made us feel comfortable and safe throughout the entire trip, while also sharing lots of interesting information about the marine life and the animals we encountered. Seeing the dolphins swimming freely alongside the boat was truly magical and an unforgettable experience. 🌊🐬 A huge thank you to the amazing Blue Safari team for making this experience so special! We couldn’t have asked for a better crew or a better way to discover Madeira from the ocean. Highly recommended! ⭐️
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 2 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 114
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Why this scores 75
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Responsible Whales and/or Dolphins Watching Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Funchal.
How much does Responsible Whales and/or Dolphins Watching Tour cost?
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Prices start at $61 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 Responsible Whales and/or Dolphins Watching Tour take?
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Plan for about 2 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 Responsible Whales and/or Dolphins Watching Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 75 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 327 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 Responsible Whales and/or Dolphins Watching Tour?
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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 Responsible Whales and/or Dolphins Watching Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Responsible Whales and/or Dolphins Watching Tour?
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Around 114 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-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Responsible Whales and/or Dolphins Watching Tour 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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