Dolphins off Funchal feel dangerously close. I like this trip’s small-group RIB setup because it keeps you near the action without the chaotic crowds. I also like the animal-respect rules around entering the water, plus the focus on spotting wild cetaceans along Madeira’s coastline.

The one consideration: wildlife is never guaranteed. Even with a very high success rate, you can still end up with fewer sightings on a given day, and the in-water time only happens under specific conditions.

Key things to know before you go

• Small-group RIB experience that aims for intimate sightings, not big-boat distance
• Wild cetacean search with patience (they plan for open-ocean time, not quick in-and-out)
• Add-on dolphin snorkel rules based on what the animals are doing and local protection laws
• Optional in-water time is short (often just a minute or two per person, when permitted)
• If nothing is spotted, you get a free return trip within a year (availability and rules apply)
• Cabo Gírao sightseeing stop adds big viewpoint energy to the day

RIB Boat Wild Dolphin and Whale Watching in Funchal

Funchal is a great base for ocean wildlife. The cliffs and coastline make it feel like you’re always half a block away from something interesting happening. This RIB tour leans hard into that idea, using a small boat to chase the best chances of seeing dolphins and whales in the wild.

What I like about the experience is the balance between thrill and restraint. The ride is fast and exciting enough to feel like an adrenaline snack, but the crew also has clear boundaries about how close they can be and when they can enter the water. That matters, because you’re not just sightseeing—you’re sharing space with wild animals.

You also get a practical mix of scenery and wildlife time. You’re cruising with panoramic views out of Funchal, and then the route includes a Cabo Gírao viewpoint stop for a dose of Madeira’s dramatic “wow” on land.

How the 2.5 Hours Flow (and what each part feels like)

This trip runs about 2.5 hours, with a standard time of at least 2 hours out on the boat. That pacing is important. If a tour rushes offshore and turns back quickly, your odds drop. Here, you’re given time to search properly, which is what wildlife spotting actually needs.

Getting started: boarding and safety talk

You’ll board at the marina area and get a safety briefing right away. Lifejacket donning is part of the process. The crew’s job isn’t just to drive; it’s to keep everyone comfortable and safe so you can focus on the water.

Leaving Funchal: coastline views while you set search mode

Once you’re heading out, you get amazing panoramic views of Madeira’s coastline. You’re not stuck staring at one angle. The open-ocean movement matters too because dolphins and whales don’t show up on a schedule. You’re cruising the shoreline and then pushing out where sightings are more likely.

The open-ocean search: patience with a purpose

After leaving, the experience becomes a real search. You’re looking for wildlife, and the timing is partly luck. The operator highlights a yearly average where about 99% of trips have at least one cetacean species sighting. Still, each outing is its own event, so expect some waiting.

That “wait” is not wasted time. It’s when you learn how these sightings tend to pop—quick blows, sudden turns, and surfacing patterns that can change within minutes. If you’re sensitive to motion, this is also where you’ll feel the ride most, so the clothing tip (windbreaker) really helps.

Return and disembark: back to Funchal after the watch

Once the minimum time is up, you head back to the Funchal marina to disembark. You’re done with the RIB portion at that point, and the day continues on the route with scenic stops.

The wildlife search: dolphins, whales, and the “99%” reality

The big promise here is wild dolphins and whales. Madeira’s waters can be productive, and this tour is set up specifically to look for wild living dolphins, whales, and sometimes turtles.

Two things to understand about that “high chance” language:

1. They’re not fishing with guarantees. They’re searching in a way that typically pays off.
2. You’re not just waiting for one miracle sighting. The goal is at least one cetacean species.

The tour also includes a practical safety net. If you don’t see any cetacean species during your outing, they offer you a chance to join another trip free of charge within one year, as long as availability allows.

That backup matters because wildlife days are unpredictable. It turns your trip from a gamble into a managed experience.

What species you should hope for

The in-water option only applies to certain animals (more on that below). But even if you don’t do the water part, the sightings can still be excellent. One review-style highlight from the provided feedback notes lots of dolphins and even grind whales with babies, which tells you the area can be more than “teeny dolphin pops.”

Dolphin snorkel add-on: how the 20€ fee works in practice

There’s an add-on called Swim with Dolphins for 20€ per participant. Here’s the key point: this is not a guaranteed feature you buy up front and then demand later.

You pay the 20€ on-site only if it’s possible to enter the water with the animals. If local rules or animal behavior don’t allow it that day, you’re charged just the standard trip price.

That animal-protection angle is a big deal. The operator explains they’re only allowed by law to enter the water if they spot certain dolphin types: Common Dolphins or Atlantic Spotted Dolphins. And the animals have to be behaving in a way that fits the protection requirements.

What “time in the water” usually means

They provide masks and snorkels for you. If conditions are right, the time in the water is usually around 1–2 minutes per participant. Short can sound underwhelming until you remember the reality: you’re not meant to chase animals or linger in their space. One to two minutes can be intense, especially when you’re close to wild dolphins instead of sharing space with a crowd.

Who should consider the add-on

If you’re comfortable in the water and you want a more direct experience than surface watching, this add-on is the obvious choice. If you get nervous about sudden movement or you’re not a strong swimmer, keep it as an optional “only if I feel good on the day” decision.

And if you’re prone to motion sickness, the best move is to plan for rougher moments on the boat first. One piece of feedback notes the crew helped with sea sickness. That’s a good sign, but it doesn’t erase the fact that a RIB ride can be bumpy.

Cabo Gírao viewpoint: the land payoff after the ocean search

This tour includes a stop at Cabo Gírao Cliff for sightseeing and scenic views on the way. It’s not the main event, but it’s a smart addition because it balances your day.

Wildlife trips can be either:

• A magical wildlife moment with a lot of excitement, or
• A more patient, watch-and-wait session.

Either way, Cabo Gírao gives you a strong “I still got something big today” payoff. You end your day with a classic Madeira viewpoint feeling, which is a nice counterweight to the unpredictability of sea life.

Price and value: is $70 a fair deal for Madeira wildlife?

At about $70 per person for a roughly 2.5-hour small-group RIB tour, the question is value: what are you actually buying?

You’re paying for three things:

• A small-boat format that can keep you closer for more intimate sightings
• Time offshore to hunt properly (not a quick loop)
• A wildlife-first approach, with a free re-trip offer if no cetaceans are spotted

Then there’s the add-on logic. The snorkel option sounds like a flat extra cost, but the way the 20€ fee is only charged on-site when conditions allow changes the risk. You’re not paying for a promise; you’re paying for a possibility that depends on animal behavior and legal permission.

Also note what’s not included. Drinks and snacks aren’t included, and parking isn’t included. That’s normal for tours, but plan for it so you’re not standing there thirsty with the sea air making you hungry.

If you want a private setup, a private tour option is available, and you can bring up to 18 passengers on your own boat. That’s usually best for families or friend groups who want control over timing and energy.

What to bring (so the sea doesn’t ruin your day)

This is a boat ride off Madeira. It can get windy quickly, and conditions change fast once you’re away from shore. Bring clothing that won’t make you regret your choices.

Pack:

• Windbreaker
• Sunglasses
• Sun hat
• Sunscreen

If you’re going in cooler months, bring something warmer and waterproof. The crew warns that winter conditions can turn blustery fast.

Also consider practical stuff not listed but worth common sense: something to hold onto if you get splashed, and a small layer for comfort. The main thing is keeping your body warm enough to enjoy the ride instead of bracing through it.

Who this tour is best for (and who may want a different Madeira plan)

This tour fits best if you want:

• Wild dolphin and whale watching from a small boat
• A more intimate, up-close feeling than big group cruises
• The chance of snorkeling with dolphins as a conditional add-on
• A day that mixes ocean and land scenery with Cabo Gírao

It’s also ideal if you like learning while you wait. The tour includes an English and Portuguese live guide, so you’re not just tossed onto a boat with a generic script.

If you might not love it

If you know you hate boat motion, you might still enjoy the viewing, but you should think carefully about comfort. The ride can be “hair-raising” in a good way for some people, and not-so-fun for others. Even with help from the guide if you feel seasick, you still have to tolerate the ocean ride part.

If you’re only interested in a guaranteed swim, remember the snorkel add-on depends on animal behavior and legal permission, not your personal wish.

Should you book RIB dolphin and whale watching in Funchal?

If your goal is the best odds of seeing wild dolphins and whales with an experience that feels close and personal, I think this is a solid book. The small-group RIB format and the offshore time make it more than a quick sightseeing loop. The free re-trip offer if no cetaceans are spotted is also the right kind of safety net for a wildlife day.

Book it if:

• You’re excited by the idea of dolphins and whales in the wild, not guaranteed selfies
• You like active tours where the crew looks hard and keeps searching
• You can handle windy weather and you’re okay with a fast boat ride
• You want a mix of ocean wildlife plus Cabo Gírao viewpoint time

Skip or rethink if:

• Boat motion is a hard no for you
• You need snorkeling to be guaranteed (it’s not)
• You’re only after a calm, slow cruise

If you’re reading this, you probably want the real Madeira ocean story. This is one of the more focused ways to chase it—without pretending you can control the sea.

FAQ

How long is the RIB dolphin and whale watching trip?

The standard duration is 2.5 hours.

Where does the tour start and end?

The tour starts and ends in Funchal at the marina area. The exact meeting and drop-off points may vary depending on the option booked.

Is the swim with dolphins included in the base price?

No. Swim with Dolphins is an add-on option. The price is 20€ per participant, charged on-site only if it is possible to enter the water with the animals.

What kinds of animals can you see?

The tour focuses on wild dolphins and whales, and sometimes turtles. It also notes a high average chance of seeing at least one cetacean species.

Does the tour guarantee dolphin or whale sightings?

No tour can guarantee wildlife. However, if no cetacean species are seen during your trip, you’re invited to join another trip free of charge within 1 year time, based on availability.

What should I bring for the boat ride?

Bring a windbreaker, sunglasses, a sun hat, and sunscreen. Weather can change quickly and it can get windy out at sea.

Are there guided options in different languages?

The live tour guide is available in English and Portuguese. Private group options are also available.