Whale Watching: Ethical Encounters in Madeira

Experience the thrill of a high-speed boat adventure while spotting rare whales and dolphins in Funchal. Get up close to these magnificent animals and enjoy the stunning coastline views.

Duration: 2 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Blue Safari Madeira | Whale and Dolphins Watching - Are you prepared for a whale and dolphin watching adventure that transcends mere sightseeing?
    Join Blue Safari on a custom-built, high-speed vessel crafted specifically for small groups eager for a close, respectful, and meaningful interaction with Madeira’s remarkable marine wildlife.
    Unlike…
What's Included
  • Life Jackets Included
  • All Fees and Taxes Covered
What's Not Included
  • Transfer. We do not organize hotel transfers.
Additional Information

✔️ Small, intimate groups – Guest numbers are limited on board to ensure a more personal and comfortable experience.
✔️ Fast, agile boat – The vessel allows for quick and respectful access to the animals, bringing you closer than larger boats can.
✔️ Prime location in Madeira – Operations are conducted in the area with the highest density of whales and…

Location
Blue Safari Madeira | Whale and dolphins watching
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.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.8
(186 Ratings)
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231edytad
Sep 26, 2025
Dolphin watching - We had an amazing experience on the dolphin-watching tour in Madeira. It was a wonderful adventure – seeing these beautiful animals in their natural environment was truly unforgettable. The crew was very professional, friendly, and made sure everything was safe and comfortable. I would highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Madeira!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
259rikj
Sep 24, 2025
The best you can book at Madeira - Although we weren’t lucky enough to see that much it was still a great experience. The guide who is a biologist as well was really kind and she told a lot about the animals and the research she is doing. She also caught some floating thing out of the water to prevent it hurting the animals. We saw 3 pilot whales which was a really cool experience. We saw multiple ‘flying fishes’ as well. Would definitely recommend to book this tour, because of the good view you have in the speedboat and because of the good work the guide does. You might get wet though, we were somewhat soaked haha
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sergeantcustard
Sep 21, 2025
Pilot and Sperm whales - Great experience and thrilling ride in the rib, low, quick and very responsive. Powered right out of funchal Harbour for 20 mins or so to be with a large pod of pilot whales which we followed at a respectful distance but they came to us and swam so close to boat and underneath, totally magical. Ad this came to an end so we did not stress them too much our guide Furnada said we were making our way to something much bigger! Using the rib to its best advantage we Powered across the bay in front Funchal to see a pair sperms whales on the service cruising along and we were about to head back to harbour they decided to drive showing their tails as they did. Totally magical and a bucket list trip. Using the rib instead of the large boats we could quickly get to different locations to see the animals. Fantastic in every way.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Maike
Sep 19, 2025
extraordinary experience with a fantastic guide - Camila, our tour guide was exceptional. Since she is a marine biologist and also cares deeply about the welfare of animals, she has infected everyone with her passion and enthusiasm. In addition, we were very lucky to see mom and baby whales and since we went out early in the morning with the speedboat, we were alone with the whales. It was indescribable
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Footman60
Sep 18, 2025
An amazing exhilarating experience!! - This was an amazing experience all thanks to Camila and vlad. The trip itself in the rib was like the greatest theme park ride ever. Pounding over the ocean was just thrilling, being pummelled by the wind and the waves over the ocean. I thought after 90 minutes we'd see nothing but then camila took us out 7 miles to sea, and we were surrounded by a pod of Atlantic spotted dolphins which was a wonderful sight. We got back to the harbour over an hour late as a result but it was well worth it. A never to be forgotten trip. Thanks to camila and vlad for making it possible
Review provided by Tripadvisor
E9867fxlaurad
Sep 18, 2025
Love ❤️❤️ - Loved the whale watching tour with Camila, we had a fantastic time and loved seeing the whales and dolphins. We got great pictures and memories, thank you so much!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Tomwv9396ar
Sep 17, 2025
Amazing experience and Brilliant guide - Amazing experience, favourite part of our trip in Funchal. The guide Camila is extremely knowledgeable about the local ecosystem and very passionate about the animals welfare. To get a top level experience and to know you’re supporting their research at the same time, I couldn’t recommend anyone other than Blue Safari Madeira.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Donj775
Sep 17, 2025
Memorable Dolphin & Whale Watching Experience - We had a fantastic tour where we saw both dolphins and a whale—an unforgettable experience. Our guide, marine biologist Camilla, was incredibly knowledgeable and shared fascinating insights throughout the trip. The small group size made it feel personal and relaxed. In the rubber boat, we got remarkably close to the dolphins—or rather, they chose to come close to us. Everything was on their terms, which made the encounter feel respectful and natural. Highly recommended for anyone looking for an intimate and educational wildlife experience in Madeira.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Heloisemassart
Sep 15, 2025
Top top - Superb experience ☺️ super professional, we had Tiago as skipper and franseca (or another name of the style), adorable, full of explanations and we had the chance to see dolphins! Top top!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Rfj
Sep 13, 2025
Good Experience - Very good experience. The guide and captain were very nice, helpful and experienced. We saw 2 varieties of dolphins and were given good commentary about them. Taller people should ride in the back. I recommend doing some yoga hip openers in advance, as it was like horseback riding for me, without stirrups (I ended up in the back and I am not tall)
Review provided by Tripadvisor
From $57
up to 12 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).