Editor’s pickResponsible Whale & Dolphin Watching by RIB
Operated by Azul Diving Madeira - Blue Safari Madeira
- Naturalist or marine-biologist guidance
- Land-based wildlife spotters
- No-feeding, no-chasing approach
Fast boats, focused search
Madeira Speedboat Whale Watching
Madeira speedboat whale watching puts you close to the water and makes the search feel active from the moment Funchal slips behind. Compare RIB trips by crew, seating, restrictions and departure harbour.
Book this tour ↗Recommended tourResponsible small-group RIB · from €54Azul Diving Madeira - Blue Safari Madeira · 4.9 ★
How to choose
For travellers who want the search to feel active
A RIB or speedboat sits lower, moves faster and usually feels more direct than a catamaran. That energy is the appeal—but it also makes restrictions, seating and sea conditions more important.
Our recommended tour pairs a custom small-group vessel with naturalist or marine-biologist guidance, land-based spotters and an explicitly respectful approach. It is the clearest match for travellers who want speed without losing sight of responsible watching.
Compare your options
Madeira speedboat tours compared
Six focused wildlife trips with different departure points, group formats, repeat-trip policies and swimming possibilities.
Editor’s pick
East-coast searchPonta de São Lourenço Whale & Dolphin Tour
Operated by MADEIRA SEA EMOTIONS - BOAT TOURS
- East-coast RIB departure
- Marine-biologist guide
- Summer swimming stop when conditions allow
Biologist guideFunchal Whale & Dolphin Speedboat Tour
Operated by Ventura Nature Emotions
- Speedboat wildlife search
- Biologist guide
- Experienced crew and safety equipment
Return policyFunchal Dolphin & Whale Watching Speedboat Cruise
Operated by Magic Dolphin Atividades Maritimas
- Certified marine biologist
- Up to 25 guests
- Reduced-price return if no cetaceans are seen
Small-group guaranteeSmall-Group Funchal Wildlife-Watching RIB
Operated by Madeira Divepoint - Xpoint Madeira
- Small-group RIB trip
- Close-to-the-water viewpoint
- Dolphin snorkelling booked separately
Swim add-onFunchal RIB Cruise with Optional Dolphin Swim
Operated by Madeira Divepoint - Xpoint Madeira
- Small-group RIB trip
- Whale and dolphin search
- Conditional dolphin-swim add-on
Editor's pickOur recommendation
A responsible RIB with a clear purpose
Blue Safari combines a fast custom boat with specialist guidance, land-based spotters and a no-feeding, no-chasing approach. It suits travellers who want an energetic ride without treating closeness as more important than the animals’ space.
- 4.9 ★ traveller rating
- From €54
- Free cancellation
- Azul Diving Madeira - Blue Safari Madeira
Your time on the water
Two hours from Funchal into open Atlantic
After meeting directly at the speedboat, the crew heads offshore with support from land-based spotters before returning to the same marina.
- 01Meet at Funchal’s new marina
Check in at the speedboat by door 4, 30 minutes before departure.
- 02Search the Atlantic by RIB
Spend about two hours looking for whales, dolphins and other marine life with specialist guidance and help from land-based spotters.
- 03Return to Funchal
Finish at the same speedboat departure point in the new marina.
Madeira in motion
Closer to the water, further into the blue
A speedboat turns the search itself into an experience: quick changes of direction, salt air and the moment a trained crew slows the pace around wildlife.
Book now ↗The experience
Before choosing the fastest boat
RIBs cover water quickly and give a clear line of sight, but they are not a universal comfort choice. Several trips restrict pregnant guests, young children, people with back problems or travellers with reduced mobility.
Consider the crew’s wildlife approach as carefully as the boat’s speed. Madeira regulates marine-vertebrate observation, and a good trip should feel calm near the animals even when the ride between search areas is lively.
Included
What the responsible RIB includes
- ✓Naturalist or marine-biologist guide
- ✓Experienced crew
- ✓Land-based wildlife spotters
- ✓Life jackets
- ✓Two-hour boat cruise
Not included
What is not included
- —Tips
- —Food and drinks
Meeting point
Know where to board
Meeting instructions
Meet the guide directly at the speedboat in Funchal’s new marina, in front of door 4—the last door on the left when facing the sea. Arrive 30 minutes before departure.
Parking: Almirante Reis car park is a few minutes from the boat. The operator notes that Marina Park is private.
OperatorAzul Diving Madeira - Blue Safari Madeira
Before you go
Decide whether a RIB suits your body and plans
The lower viewpoint and quick ride are the appeal, but restrictions and wind exposure deserve attention before you pay.
Treat pregnancy, back, mobility, height and minimum-age restrictions as decisive.
Meet directly at the boat 30 minutes before departure for the safety briefing.
Bring a windproof layer and secure loose belongings.
Know whether the fallback is a repeat ticket, a discounted return or no guarantee.
Book the correct trip or add-on if dolphin swimming matters to you.
Important for this trip: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Not suitable for children under 6 years, pregnant women, people with back problems, people with mobility impairments, people under 4 ft 3 in (130 cm).
Traveller feedback
What travellers say about the responsible RIB
Recent reviews repeatedly praise the crew’s enthusiasm, explanations and respectful distance from animals.
★★★★★
“Along with Vlad, our captain, and Rose, our live guide, who are so passionate about dolphins and whales. We had a fantastic trip with them. So respectful of the animals and their environment. That whale was really impressive in size, even from a distance. If you go to Madeira, this part of the ocean really belongs there. Highly recommended!”
★★★★★
“We took the tour at the beginning of September. On site, we were very warmly welcomed by a marine biologist who gave us a briefing before we went out to sea. After a short ride, we already encountered a first group of dolphins, and it was immediately explained what species it was, what is typical of this species, and much more. In addition, care was taken to always maintain enough distance from the animals so that they would not be disturbed by the boats. We are very satisfied.”
★★★★★
“Our guide and biologist Horst made it possible for us to have a very nice experience. He explained a lot to us about the different marine life and birds.”
Helpful answers
Frequently asked questions
Are speedboats better for whale watching?+
They cover water quickly and offer a lower viewpoint, but comfort and accessibility can be more restrictive than on a catamaran.
Are RIB tours suitable for children?+
It depends on the trip. The recommended tour excludes children under six, while other boats set different age rules. Check before booking.
Can pregnant travellers join?+
Several RIB tours exclude pregnant guests. A catamaran may be more suitable, but you should still check its own restrictions.
What happens if no animals are seen?+
Terms differ. Some boats offer a free second ticket, one offers another trip for €10, and others make no promise. The conditions for your booking apply.
Where do Madeira speedboats leave from?+
The choices shown here depart from Funchal, Calheta and the east coast. Confirm the specific marina and meeting point.
Ready for the Atlantic?
Choose a RIB that respects the encounter
Blue Safari combines small-group speed, specialist guidance and a clear responsible-watching approach.
Book now ↗