Responsible RIBResponsible 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
Set out from Madeira’s capital
Whale Watching Funchal
Whale watching in Funchal begins where the city meets the Atlantic. Choose a roomy catamaran, a quick RIB or a marine-biologist-led cruise, then watch Madeira’s green amphitheatre fall away behind you.
Book this tour ↗Recommended tourMarine-biologist-led cruise · from €50Magic Dolphin Atividades Maritimas · 4.7 ★
How to choose
One marina, several ways to meet the Atlantic
Funchal has Madeira’s broadest choice of whale- and dolphin-watching boats. Spacious catamarans, low-slung RIBs, sailing trips and premium cruises all leave from the capital, so you can choose a style without changing your base.
The marine-biologist-led speedboat balances interpretation with a 25-guest format and a reduced-price return when neither dolphins nor whales are seen. Catamarans remain the better fit when deck space and freedom to move matter most.
Compare your options
Funchal whale watching tours compared
Seven departures that serve different travellers: budget catamarans, faster wildlife-focused boats, a premium all-inclusive cruise and an optional dolphin-swim format.
Responsible RIB
Lowest priceEcological Catamaran Whale & Dolphin Watching
Operated by Magic Dolphin Atividades Maritimas
- Hybrid-electric catamaran
- Upper deck, nets and indoor seating
- Guidance from certified crew and land spotters
Swim stopFunchal Catamaran Dolphin & Whale Cruise
Operated by Catamaran Seaborn
- Catamaran wildlife cruise
- Panoramic island views
- Cabo Girão coastal scenery
Editor’s pickFunchal 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
All-inclusiveAll-Inclusive Luxury Whale & Dolphin Catamaran
Operated by Oceano Pioneiro
- Three-hour luxury catamaran trip
- Drinks and local snacks included
- Cabo Girão swimming and snorkelling stop
Small groupFunchal 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
Sunset optionFunchal Bay Luxury Catamaran Wildlife Cruise
Operated by Atlantic Pearl Catamaran
- Luxury catamaran cruise
- Snorkelling stop
- Onboard toilets
Editor's pickOur recommendation
Marine insight without the largest-boat feel
A certified marine biologist joins the captain and crew on a speedboat carrying up to 25 guests. Cushioned seating and a low viewpoint keep the search engaging, while the reduced-price return offers a clear fallback if no cetaceans appear.
- 4.7 ★ traveller rating
- From €50
- Free cancellation
- Magic Dolphin Atividades Maritimas
Your time on the water
From Funchal Marina to an offshore wildlife search
Allow time for kiosk check-in before a two-hour speedboat search with the captain and marine-biologist guide.
- 01Check in at Funchal Marina
Exchange your voucher at the operator kiosk and be ready before boarding closes.
- 02Head offshore by speedboat
Join the captain and marine-biologist guide for a two-hour search for whales, dolphins, turtles and seabirds.
- 03Return to Funchal Marina
Finish at the same marina area after the offshore search.
Madeira in motion
See Funchal fall away behind you
The city’s amphitheatre of hills becomes the backdrop while the crew scans the Atlantic. Wildlife leads the route, and the coastline frames the return.
Book now ↗The experience
Choose your Funchal boat by pace and space
Catamarans let you move between viewpoints and settle into the cruise. RIBs sit closer to the water and feel faster, while premium boats add onboard service and extra space. Once you know the pace you want, compare swimming stops and no-sighting terms.
Funchal Marina uses several kiosks and boarding points. Give yourself time to find the correct operator, complete check-in and listen to the briefing before departure.
Included
What the marine-biologist cruise includes
- ✓Return speedboat cruise
- ✓Marine-biologist guide
- ✓Captain and crew
- ✓Life vests
Not included
What is not included
- —Food and drinks
- —Hotel transfers
Meeting point
Know where to board
Meeting instructions
Exchange your electronic voucher for a boarding pass at the operator kiosk. Arrive 20 minutes before departure. Check-in usually begins 15 minutes before the tour, and boarding closes 2 minutes before departure.
Parking: Allow extra time for parking in central Funchal. The tour information names Almirante Reis, Plaza Shopping Centre and Pestana CR7 car parks as nearby options.
OperatorMagic Dolphin Atividades Maritimas
Before you go
Make your Funchal departure easy
Marina details, timing and the right vessel matter more than a last-minute dash to the pier.
Confirm the exact Funchal kiosk or marina door shown on your voucher.
Allow enough time for check-in because some departures ask you to arrive 30 minutes early.
Plan your own transport because hotel pickup is excluded from many Funchal boat trips.
Treat swimming stops as departure-, season- and weather-dependent.
Read age, pregnancy, mobility and health restrictions before choosing a faster boat.
Important for this trip: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Not suitable for people with back problems, people with heart problems, children under 6 years, pregnant women.
Traveller feedback
What travellers say about the recommended Funchal cruise
Recent reviews repeatedly mention marine-life explanations, safety and the energy of the RIB ride.
★★★★★
“We received very good explanations about everything, and the pilot saw whales and dolphins. We have booked again.”
★★★★★
“The excursion itself, on a speedboat racing through the high ocean waves with beautiful views of Madeira's south coast, is already quite an activity. The guide, a specialist in marine biology, was happy to answer our questions about marine fauna, interspersing his answers with anecdotes and interesting facts. Unfortunately, we did not encounter whales during the tour, but we did get close to large groups of dolphins of two different species. In addition, we would like to point out that the guide, Francisco, is a great lover of ecology: during the trip, the wind caught our plastic bag and we backed up a bit so that the guide could retrieve it, so as not to leave trash behind in the Atlantic. The tour started on time and was safe. Our teenagers are delighted with the tour.”
★★★★★
“great trip, Boat was brilliant, seats were comfy throughout the trip. seen a Sei Whale and Bottle nose Dolphins on the tour, was a great experience”
Helpful answers
Frequently asked questions
Where do Funchal whale watching tours depart?+
Most tours use Funchal Marina or the new marina area, but the exact kiosk, pier or door varies. Follow the meeting point on your confirmed voucher.
How much does whale watching from Funchal cost?+
The Funchal trips shown here start at €35 per person. Live prices can change, so confirm the total for your date and booking option.
Is a catamaran or RIB better from Funchal?+
A catamaran usually gives more room to move. A RIB offers a faster ride and a lower viewpoint. Comfort and mobility should guide the choice.
Will a marine biologist be on board?+
Several Funchal tours include a marine biologist or naturalist guide, but not every boat does. Check the inclusions for your chosen trip.
Are hotel transfers included?+
They are excluded from many dedicated boat tours. One combined land-and-sea experience includes Funchal pickup, but it serves a different full-day plan.
Ready for the Atlantic?
Choose your Funchal departure
Book the marine-biologist-led cruise for a focused wildlife experience, or choose a catamaran when space matters more.
Book now ↗