Madeira feels alive when whales surface. This 2-hour speedboat tour from Funchal sends you out around the island’s edge in search of whales and dolphins, with a stated 99% chance of seeing cetaceans. You’ll spend most of your time scanning clear water from a small craft, not stuck waiting in a crowd.

I especially like the setup for real animal encounters: a maximum of 18 people means you’re not fighting for a view, and the guides run a wildlife-first approach (they don’t chase). I also like the science angle—guides such as Camila and Fernanda (described as marine biologists) talk openly about how sightings and conservation matter.

The main drawback to plan around is simple: this trip is weather-dependent, and sometimes the sea is too rough for swimming, or the animals don’t behave the way they need to. Also, the ride can get bumpy, so bring a rain layer even if the forecast looks nice.

Key highlights to know before you go

• Small RIB boat, quick searching: you cover more water fast compared with big catamarans, so you get more shots at multiple pods
• Respectful animal rules: the team follows guidelines created with World Animal Protection, and they don’t chase animals
• Marine biologist guides: people like Camila and Fernanda guide the search with lots of species-focused facts
• Swim option is real, but conditional: you may enter the water with dolphins (common dolphins or spotted dolphins) when conditions and animal behavior allow
• Snorkel gear included: mask and snorkel are part of the tour, so you can use them if water conditions work out
• If you miss the big moment, there’s a backup: if dolphins or whales aren’t spotted, you may get another free tour or a voucher if weather prevents reruns

Madeira’s Cetacean Playground: Why This 2-Hour Trip Works

Madeira sits in a strong “mixing zone” for marine life in the Atlantic, and this tour is built to take advantage of that reality. You’re not doing a long sightseeing cruise. You’re doing focused time on the water, scanning constantly, and adjusting quickly when animals show up.

The best part is how the tour style matches what whale-and-dolphin watching actually needs: speed, flexibility, and good sight lines. On a fast speedboat/RIB, you can move to sightings sooner and reach different areas without spending your whole 2 hours just getting from point A to point B.

Then there’s the human side. I like that the guides explain what you’re seeing instead of treating wildlife like a pop-up show. Guides including Camila, Fernanda, Florine, and others in the team are described as marine biologists or as very science-driven, and they share clear, practical info about how dolphins and whales feed, travel, and behave.

Speedboat Details: Small Group, Big Views from the Edge

This tour launches from the new marina of Funchal. You’ll meet your guide directly at the speedboat—look for door 4, the last one on the left when you’re facing the sea. Arrive early: the meeting time is 20 minutes before departure. Parking is easiest at Almirante Reis parking lot (not the private Marina Park).

Why the small boat matters: you don’t just get fewer people. You get better “whole-ocean” viewing. Multiple reviews mention seeing 360° views from a smaller craft, with less scrambling for angles. That matters when dolphins appear fast, jump, then move on.

This is also a ride that’s meant for fun, not for smooth luxury. Several guides and captains (including people named Mark and Marco in reviews) drive with confidence, but the ocean can still be choppy. One reviewer even recommends bringing a rain coat because you may get soaked by waves. Another notes bumpy moments and advises people who get seasick to plan ahead.

So here’s my practical takeaway: you’re trading plush comfort for better wildlife chances and more ocean time. If that trade sounds good, you’ll likely love it.

From the Marina to the Whale Search: Your 2-Hour Flow

Your timeline is straightforward: you meet, you get on the boat, you cruise out along the Madeira coast, and then you spend the rest of the 2 hours looking for animals. There aren’t lots of stops. The “itinerary” is really a search-and-adjust rhythm.

Typically, the first part of your ride is about getting your bearings fast and starting the scan. Guides will keep an eye out for surfacing behavior and movement patterns, and the skipper positions the boat accordingly. Once cetaceans are spotted, you’ll usually get repeated looks as the boat follows the encounter at a respectful distance.

Depending on what you see, your tour can include more than just dolphins and whales. Reviews mention occasional surprises like turtles, Portuguese man-o-war, flying fish, and pilot whales—so your “wildlife time” can feel broader than the headline.

Then you return to the marina at the end, where the whole thing wraps up quickly. Since it’s only 2 hours, you’ll want to be ready to move and focus from minute one.

Spotting and the Swim Option: When You Can Get in the Water

The core promise is spotting whales or dolphins. The tour description also includes a possible extra: if conditions allow and the dolphins are behaving the right way, you might get to enter the water.

The specific swim option is tied to common dolphins or spotted dolphins. It’s not offered on every trip, and the team makes it animal-first. That matters because dolphins can have babies, they can be curious, or they can simply decide they don’t want a human interaction. Reviews also note that swimming may be limited or not possible when the sea is too rough.

When swimming does happen, plan for a short, controlled experience—not a long ocean hang. One review describes entering in small groups (with others waiting their turn), holding onto a rope attached to the side of the boat while the boat stays moving, and then getting a limited window in the water.

If you don’t swim, you still benefit. You’ll usually be close enough to watch surfacing and movement clearly from the waterline, and you’ll still use your own time to scan constantly. A few reviews also mention that even when swimming was missed, the wildlife watching itself still felt worth it.

What’s Included (and What You’ll Need): Snorkel Gear and Packing List

Good news first: snorkeling equipment (mask & snorkel) is included. Even if you don’t end up in the water, it’s part of the deal and gives you flexibility if conditions work out.

What to bring:

• Swimwear
• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Jacket (yes, even in warmer months—wind and spray are real on the ride)

If you’re prone to getting cold or you hate the feeling of being wet, the jacket and towel combo becomes your best friend. A couple of reviews specifically mention getting soaked when waves kick up, even though the boat is designed to reduce motion for many people.

One more practical note: if you’re planning photos, bring your phone or camera waterproof case if you have one. You’re on a speedboat in open water. It’s not delicate.

Guides, Science, and Respectful Animal Rules

This tour stands out because it treats cetaceans like living animals, not attractions. The operator states they follow animal welfare rules created in consultation with World Animal Protection, and reviews back up the behavior you care about: the team doesn’t chase.

That shows up in small ways. You don’t get that frantic feel of a boat “forcing” an encounter. Instead, you get a watch-and-position approach. Dolphins come close when they choose, and when they don’t, the boat moves on without acting like it’s owed.

The guides also seem to bring a strong conservation and research message. One review highlights contributing to scientific research and notes that marine biologist Camila explained how their work connects to conservation. Others mention a similar science-and-respect vibe, with guides explaining what to look for and answering questions as you search.

You’ll also hear lots of species talk. Reviews mention common bottlenose dolphins, spotted dolphins, pilot whales, and occasional whale sightings (including rare reports like sperm whale and Bryde whale). The point isn’t to guarantee a specific species. The point is that you’ll understand what you’re seeing when it shows up.

And if you like photos: some guides are described as taking great pictures during the tour, with the option to purchase them afterward. You’ll also be able to take your own photos as much as you want.

Price and Value: Is $58 a Good Deal for Madeira?

At around $58 per person for a 2-hour outing, the value depends on what you want: a quick wildlife experience with a serious shot at cetaceans.

Here’s why it can feel like good value:

• You’re paying for time on the water, not a long bus ride.
• The small group size (up to 18) often makes the experience more personal and less chaotic than big-boat alternatives.
• Snorkel gear is included, and sometimes swimming is offered when conditions and species line up.
• The speedboat format helps you search more efficiently, which matters for spotting multiple groups.

The “watch-out” value factor is the nature of wildlife trips. You can do everything right and still not see whales on a given day. Some reviews also mention getting dolphins but not whales, or not swimming even when dolphins were present because conditions or dolphin behavior didn’t work out.

So I’d judge this as a fair price if your priority is: real time with wild animals + a respectful approach + a better-than-average chance of sightings. If you’re expecting guaranteed whale close-ups every single time, you’ll be disappointed. If you’re happy to roll with the sea and the animals, it’s a solid buy.

Who Should Book (and Who Should Skip It)

This tour is a great fit if:

• you like fast-paced, active wildlife watching
• you’re comfortable being on open water for a couple of hours
• you want a guide who talks through what you’re seeing
• you’re excited about the possibility of snorkeling in the right conditions

It’s also ideal for people who get frustrated with overcrowded boats. The maximum size keeps your view lines cleaner and your experience calmer.

Not a fit for:

• children under 10
• pregnant women
• anyone who knows they can’t handle rougher sea conditions (even though the tour is designed to reduce motion for many people, waves can still get you)

If you’re seasick-prone, take it seriously. Bring your jacket, consider planning for motion, and don’t assume the boat ride will be perfectly smooth.

Should You Book This Whale and Dolphin Adventure from Funchal?

I’d book it if you want the Madeira coast at its most alive: speed, open-water scanning, and a team that treats dolphins and whales with respect. The combination of small-group RIB time, marine biology guidance, and a real conditional swim option makes this feel like an authentic wildlife outing rather than a checklist tour.

Before you decide, make sure your expectations match the reality:

• you might see whales, you might see dolphins, and sometimes you might see only one group
• the sea decides whether swimming is possible
• you’ll likely get wet at least a bit, so pack smart

If that sounds like your kind of adventure, this is one of the more worthwhile “do it once” experiences from Funchal.

FAQ

How long is the whale and dolphin tour?

The tour lasts 2 hours.

Where does the tour depart from in Funchal?

It departs from the new marina of Funchal. Meet your guide at the speedboat in front of door 4, the last one on the left looking at the sea.

What animals might I see?

You’re looking for whales or dolphins in the wild. The tour also mentions a possible swim option with common dolphins or spotted dolphins when conditions allow.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Mask and snorkel are included.

Can I swim with dolphins?

If conditions allow (including animal behavior and sea conditions), you may be able to enter the water with dolphins they encounter (common dolphins or spotted dolphins).

What happens if no whales or dolphins are spotted?

If no dolphins or whales are spotted during the tour, you’ll be offered another free tour. If weather conditions prevent a rerun, you may receive a free trip voucher valid for two years.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a jacket. The ride can be windy and wet.

Is there a food option on the tour?

No food is served, but there is a café where you can purchase it.