
Whale and Dolphin Watching Tour in Madeira
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 1,310 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Whale and Dolphin Watching Tour in Madeira worth booking?
Whale and Dolphin Watching Tour in Madeira is a 2.5-hour experience in Funchal, Portugal, from $85 per person. It scores 83 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 1,310 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 83 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (1,310)
- Duration
- 2.5 hours
- From
- $85 per person
Whales and Dolphins Watching Tour: Come experience the marvellous nature of the south west sea of Madeira Island on board a refined and comfortable motor yacht. Feel the happiness of being near the wild marine nature: dolphins, whales, turtles, and other amazing animals that we can find! Be there and join them while they cruise along on their journey in the open seas. Enjoy the Atlantic Ocean from a luxurious view and cruise on its waters discovering the Island by sea.
What you get
About this experience
Whales and Dolphins Watching Tour: Come experience the marvellous nature of the south west sea of Madeira Island on board a refined and comfortable motor yacht. Feel the happiness of being near the wild marine nature: dolphins, whales, turtles, and other amazing animals that we can find! Be there and join them while they cruise along on their journey in the open seas. Enjoy the Atlantic Ocean from a luxurious view and cruise on its waters discovering the Island by sea.
What's included
Included
- Bottled water
- Cabin
- Blankets
- Snorkel equipment (masks, fins and tubes)
- Toilet
- Hair and body towels
- Shower after swimming time
- Light refreshments (water, fruit juice, soft drinks, beer)
Not included
- Transportation to/from attractions.
- Snacks / food
What you'll see and do
On Tales
Find our meeting point, on the marina de Calheta, 15 minutes before departure time. Reach out to us in case you need assistance.. You will find us at the end of the harbor, next to the blue building. Drive into the underground car park located right after the tennis courts. Exit the elevator on the ground floor; On Tales is the 1st store on the marina ! Meet our team for a detailed presentation of the activity. We will be happy to clear out any doubts you might have.
10 minutes here
Porto de Recreio da Calheta
Our captain will meet you and guide you to the yacht where he will proceed to a short safety briefing.
10 minutes here · Admission included
Madeira Islands
Depart the harbor, with two professional crew members on a comfortable, spacious yacht. With a land-based spotter leading the way, cruise the coast to find and observe marine life in their natural environment, sightseeing and exploring Madeira island from a privileged point of view. A true exploration of nature's wonders. - Wildlife Spotting: Search for migratory dolphins and whales - Ethical Observation: Sustainable, expert-led encounters that prioritize marine welfare
120 minutes here
Madeira Islands
Cool off with a swim into the crystal-clear waters, at one of our favorite hidden gems. We select the perfect place based on the day’s sea conditions to ensure the most comfortable and calm swimming experience. Jump from the boat and explore the underwater world. We provide everything you need: soft bathing towels, masks, fins and snorkels.
10 minutes here
Madeira Islands
Focus on the View, our crew will take the photos! Relax and enjoy the scenery first hand. Our sea team captures the best moments of your journey, while our land team sends the digital photos to you afterwards.
Pass by without stopping
Madeira Islands
Stay refreshed with complimentary drinks served by our attentive crew throughout the trip.
Pass by without stopping
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Funchal
You will find the On Tales Store at the end of the Marina da Calheta, next to the blue building. Our team will greet you and guide you to our yacht. Note: Calheta is located on the South coast, approximately 40 minutes drive, West of Funchal.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
You will find the On Tales Store at the end of the Marina da Calheta, next to the blue building. Our team will greet you and guide you to our yacht. Note: Calheta is located on the South coast, approximately 40 minutes drive, West of Funchal.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- pt, en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 12 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- On Tales Lda
Know before you go
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Confirmation will be sent before the tour or 48 hours after booking:
- Subject to favorable maritime conditions (if canceled 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
- Subject to availability
- Wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed
- 6/6.30 pm or 7/7.30 pm 19/19.30 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 1,309 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
3 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Organization
3 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
The guide
2 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Traveler reviews
1,309 verified traveler reviews for Whale and Dolphin Watching Tour in Madeira. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Amazing
Amazing trip, nice weather and atmosphere. Spotted dolphins which made trip even better.
via Tripadvisor
Great Experience
Fantastic experience! We saw a pod of dolphins and a pod of pilot whales. We didn't have time to snorkel because it took a while to reach the whales further out in the deep, but that's just a matter of luck. We went with our two-year-old daughter, and the crew was absolutely amazing with her
via Tripadvisor
Great
Really friendly and knowledgeable guides! We got to see pilot whales and common bottlenose dolphins
via Tripadvisor
Really great boat trip!
We had a great time on the boat trip despite not seeing any dolphins or whales. The team was very attentive and polite and they had great knowledge on Madeira. The boat itself was a great size for the 10 of us, it didnt feel squashed and there was plenty of room at the front to watch the sea. We did see some flying fish which was pretty cool! And we swam in the sea with snorkels. Would definitely use On Tales again to hopefully see some dolphins and wales next time!
Response from the operator: Thank you for so much kindness, it was a beautiful day indeed. Nature can be a little shy sometimes, Madeira Island is beautiful when explored from a comfortable yacht! We would love to have you onboard the Gringo yacht again and will be looking forward to your next visit to Calheta.
via Tripadvisor
One of the best experiences
We’ve been to Madeira 4 times, and this was truly one of our favorite experiences. What a beautiful way to view the island from another angle, and at the same time see some wildlife. From start to finish we are so happy with this experience, everyone on the team were so kind and helpful. Everything was thoroughly explained and the boat was beautiful. We thought this will be a one time experience, but we already can’t wait to book again when we are back! Thank you!
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
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 458
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Why this scores 83
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Whale and Dolphin Watching Tour in Madeira: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Funchal.
How much does Whale and Dolphin Watching Tour in Madeira cost?
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Prices start at $85 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 Whale and Dolphin 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 Whale and Dolphin Watching Tour in Madeira worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 83 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 1,310 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 Whale and Dolphin 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 Whale and Dolphin 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 Whale and Dolphin Watching Tour in Madeira?
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Around 458 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 Whale and Dolphin 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, Madeira 4x4 Jeep Safari : Porto Moniz, Lava Pools & Fanal Forest. 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.
What is included in Whale and Dolphin Watching Tour in Madeira?
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Included: Bottled water; Cabin; Blankets; Snorkel equipment (masks, fins and tubes); and Toilet. Not included: Transportation to/from attractions; and Snacks / food. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Whale and Dolphin Watching Tour in Madeira?
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You will find the On Tales Store at the end of the Marina da Calheta, next to the blue building. Our team will greet you and guide you to our yacht. Note: Calheta is located on the South coast. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Whale and Dolphin Watching Tour in Madeira offered in?
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It is offered in Portuguese and English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Whale and Dolphin Watching Tour in Madeira?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
What happens to Whale and Dolphin Watching Tour in Madeira if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Whale and Dolphin Watching Tour in Madeira?
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Across 1,310 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, organization, the guide. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
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