Fast RIBs, wild dolphins and whales off Madeira.

This is a small-group RIB cruise out of Funchal, designed to get you close to marine life while keeping the pace exciting. I like the focus on real wildlife encounters, plus the optional chance to snorkel with dolphins when conditions and animal behavior allow it.

The two big things I like most are the way the crew works for sightings, and how clearly they treat animal welfare as the rule. With spotters involved and a strong track record (their yearly average is 99% of trips with at least one cetacean), you’re not just paying for a boat ride. And the RIB format feels like the right tool here: quicker runs between search areas and a more intimate experience on the water.

One consideration: the ride can get windy and bumpy at sea, and the swim option is not guaranteed. If you’re prone to getting cold fast or you hate moving water, bring a windbreaker or jacket and be ready for short, controlled time in the water if dolphins approach.

Key things to know before you go

• Small-group RIB experience for closer viewing and more hands-on wildlife time
• High sighting rate with their yearly average of 99% of trips seeing at least one cetacean species
• Swim with dolphins is conditional by local animal protection rules (you can only enter in certain situations)
• Short swim/snorkel windows when approved, typically around 1–2 minutes per participant
• Multi-spot itinerary with dolphin and whale watching out at sea plus a scenic stop near Cabo Girao
• No-cetacean fallback: if nothing is spotted, you’re invited to join another trip free within 1 year (space permitting)

Funchal RIB Cruise: Why the Small Boat Matters

Funchal is the launchpad for a lot of Madeira sea trips, but this one uses a fast RIB and keeps the group size down. That matters because dolphins and whales don’t stay in one place. When the boat can move quickly and you’re not packed into a big vessel, spotting chances tend to improve and the viewing feels more personal.

I also like the way the experience is built around patience. Searching offshore is part of the deal, and the crew doesn’t try to force sightings. They’re relying on likely areas and real-time guidance, then using the boat to reach the right patch of ocean fast.

The 2.5-Hour Sea Plan: From Harbor Briefing to Open Ocean Search

The trip starts with boarding and a safety routine: you’ll get a briefing and lifejacket on before leaving the harbor. From there, you head out from Funchal toward the open ocean while the coastline stays in view. It’s a good early-stage bonus because Madeira’s cliffs and coves look different from the water line than from the road.

Once you’re out there, expect a mix of cruising and scanning. Wildlife spotting can be a game of luck and timing, even with professional guidance. The advantage here is that the tour is long enough to make multiple attempts—at least 2 hours out on the boat, which is around the average time for these cruises.

When the search is done, you return to the marina to disembark. That full sequence keeps the focus where it should be: a proper amount of time at sea, not just a quick spin around the harbor.

What You Might See: Dolphins, Whales, and Sometimes Turtles

The headline promise is wild cetaceans: dolphins and whales are the main target, with turtles sometimes added to the mix. The operation also highlights a strong pattern of successful sightings, with their yearly average hitting 99% of trips that find at least one cetacean species.

In practice, you’ll see a variety of species depending on the day. Some common highlights that have come up include types like pilot whales and sperm whales, plus different dolphins that can show up close to the boat. You may also spot a sea turtle at times, which is always a nice surprise because it changes the whole feel of the outing from purely cetaceans to broader marine life.

A reality check worth keeping: even with excellent conditions, wildlife doesn’t behave on a schedule. The best way to enjoy this is to treat sightings like a bonus to the experience, not a guarantee you can control.

Cabo Girao Cliff Stop: Photos and View Time Between Ocean Sections

One of the nicer add-ons in the overall flow is a stop near Cabo Girao Cliff. After you’ve spent time out on the water, you get a photo stop and some sightseeing. This is a smart pairing because it breaks the energy level: sea time, then a chance to reset while still seeing a major Madeira viewpoint.

The stop also works for people who want variety. You’ll go from salt spray and scanning the horizon to standing still for a moment with dramatic views and a chance to take photos without bouncing on waves.

If you’re sensitive to motion, this is helpful too. It’s not a long stay, but it gives you a clearer moment to breathe and reposition after the RIB ride.

The Optional Dolphin Swim: How the 20€ Add-On Works

The dolphin swim isn’t a standard add-on where everyone always gets in the water. It’s a conditional experience run under Portuguese animal welfare rules, and the crew only enters the water when dolphins are behaving in a way that meets those legal protections.

Here’s the key detail: if you book the swim option, you pay the 20€ add-on on-site only if it’s possible to enter the water. If it’s not possible, you pay only the standard trip price. That’s a fair setup because you’re not being forced into a moment that could stress the animals.

The crew can place you in the water only if they spot specific dolphin types, namely Common Dolphins or Atlantic Spotted Dolphins. If that’s what they find and the animals are behaving properly, they may attach you to the boat for a short swim/snorkel window.

You’ll have a mask and snorkel available. And the time in the water is usually brief—often around 1–2 minutes per participant. You’ll also be using a rope system tied to the boat while the dolphins swim nearby, which can feel a little like being gently towed while you watch from the surface.

Comfort, Sea Conditions, and What to Bring in Madeira Wind

Even in good weather, Madeira can turn breezy fast once you’re out past the harbor. The tour specifically suggests packing a windbreaker and checking conditions, because sea wind can chill you quickly. For me, that practical warning is the difference between enjoying the ride and counting minutes.

Bring:

• a windbreaker (or a warmer waterproof jacket in winter months)
• sunglasses and sun hat
• sunscreen
• a jacket you can layer, since sea air can be colder than the streets of Funchal

If you’re dealing with motion sensitivity, keep your expectations flexible. One review notes the RIB ride may not give the usual sea-motion sickness the way some slower boats do, but you should still plan for possible bumps and spray.

Crew Style and Animal Welfare: Small Details That Build Trust

The crew is a major part of why this tour earns such high marks. You’ll get an English or Portuguese live guide, plus a captain who navigates the hunt. Names that have shown up include Anna and Paulo/Paolo, plus Mark and Marc, and in general the guiding style is both informative and watchful.

One thing I appreciate is how they talk about the ocean life and the island, not just repeat a scripted spiel. They’re also using spotters, meaning they aren’t only scanning from the boat and hoping. That makes the search more efficient.

Animal respect shows up in practical ways, not just slogans. There’s a clear emphasis on not chasing wildlife, and you can see that in how the swim is controlled. One account also mentions crew members stopping to fish a piece of plastic from the water, which is exactly the kind of small, active care that makes the whole outing feel responsible.

Value for Money: $61 for the Boat, Plus a Swim You Pay Only If You Can

At $61 per person, this is priced like a serious short ocean excursion, not a casual sightseeing loop. The value comes from what’s included: the boat trip, necessary safety equipment, and applicable fees and fuel surcharges. Drinks and snacks are not included, so plan on bringing your own water and a small snack if you get hungry.

Where the pricing logic gets even better is the swim add-on. The 20€ dolphin swim is only charged if you actually get in the water under the legal conditions. That keeps the cost tied to the real possibility of the experience, not a marketing promise.

There’s also a built-in safety net for wildlife. If you don’t see any cetacean species during your outing, the operator invites you to join another trip free of charge within 1 year (as long as availability allows and it’s non-transferable). That kind of option doesn’t create dolphins on command, but it does protect your budget when nature doesn’t cooperate.

If you’re traveling with family or a group of friends, the private option can be another value angle. They mention private boats for up to 18 passengers, which can be a smart way to keep your own pace and group energy.

Who This RIB Tour Fits Best

This cruise fits best if you want:

• fast pacing and a more thrilling boat ride
• a close-view wildlife hunt that uses boat mobility
• the optional chance to snorkel, but only when it’s appropriate

It’s especially appealing for families who want something active. One account includes a group traveling with children, including kids who still stayed engaged through multiple sightings. It also works for people who like learning on the fly, since guides focus on species and what you’re seeing.

If you’re the type who gets irritated by wind or hates bumpy rides, you’ll need to prepare with proper clothing and an open mind. And if you’re expecting guaranteed water time with dolphins, don’t book the add-on as a must-do. The swim depends on animal behavior and what the crew is legally allowed to do that day.

Should You Book This Madeira Whale Watching and Dolphin Swim?

If your priority is real wildlife time from Funchal and you’re okay with the ocean being unpredictable, I’d book it. The combination of a small RIB format, a strong historical sighting rate (99% trips with at least one cetacean), and an animal-welfare-driven swim option is a solid mix.

Book it especially if:

• you want speed and close viewing rather than a slow cruise
• you like guided science-style spotting, not just sightseeing
• you’re curious about the chance to swim, but you understand it’s conditional

Skip it if:

• you strongly dislike wind, spray, and bumpy rides
• you need a guaranteed swim experience no matter what

One practical tip from the experiences shared: the boarding point can be confusing. Use the meeting point guidance and the Google pin, then be ready to wait near the jetty door area so you don’t lose time.

FAQ

FAQ

How long is the RIB whale watching cruise from Funchal?

The duration is about 2.5 hours, with at least around 2 hours out on the boat on average.

What wildlife are they looking for?

The tour aims for wild dolphins and whales, and they also mention that turtles can sometimes be spotted.

Is swimming with dolphins included in the $61 price?

No. Swimming with dolphins is an optional add-on. The 20€ option is charged on-site only if it’s possible to enter the water with the dolphins under the legal rules.

Who can swim with dolphins?

The swim can happen only if the crew spots Common Dolphins or Atlantic Spotted Dolphins and the dolphins’ behavior allows it under local animal protection law.

How long is the dolphin swim or snorkeling time?

When it’s approved, the time in the water is usually very short, typically around 1–2 minutes per participant.

What’s included in the tour price?

You get the boat trip plus all necessary safety equipment, along with applicable fees, taxes, and fuel surcharges.

What happens if there are no dolphin or whale sightings?

If no cetacean species are spotted during your trip, you can join another trip free of charge within 1 year (subject to availability and non-transferability).