Funchal, the lively capital of Madeira, is a fantastic place for watching dolphins and whales in their natural habitat. Its location in the Atlantic Ocean means marine life is abundant, and the waters here are prime territory for cetaceans. Whether you’re after a quick glimpse or a full-day adventure, you’ll find plenty of options. We particularly like the Guaranteed Whale or Dolphin Watching Tour because of its high success rate and small-group atmosphere that offers a more personal experience. Plus, with a 99% chance of spotting marine creatures, you’re almost guaranteed a memorable trip. For a combined land and sea adventure, the Magic Dolphin Celebrity offers a scenic ride that includes a jeep tour of Madeira’s stunning terrain.
In this guide, we’ll explore the six best dolphin watching experiences in Funchal, highlighting what makes each one unique, practical details, and who they’ll suit best. Whether you’re eager to swim with dolphins, enjoy sunset cruises, or explore the island’s viewpoints, you’ll find a tour that matches your style.
1. Guaranteed Whale or Dolphin Watching Tour – Funchal
This two-hour wildlife viewing tour is a straightforward, reliable way to encounter whales and dolphins in their natural environment. The tour departs from Funchal on a speedboat, which allows you to cover more water than larger vessels. What sets this trip apart is the 99% chance of sightings, thanks to their focus on areas with a high concentration of cetaceans. The small group size means more attention from the marine biologist skipper, who explains the behaviors of the animals as you watch them leap and play.
Tour guides and skippers are experienced, and reviews consistently praise the knowledgeable staff and the excitement of seeing whales and dolphins up close. People often mention seeing pilot whales and playful dolphins, with some trips even spotting sea turtles and other marine life. For travelers who want a reliable, short but lively experience, this tour hits the mark. The price at about $58.06 per person offers good value considering the likelihood of sightings and the expert guiding.
Bottom Line: If your goal is to maximize your chances of a close-up dolphin or whale encounter in a short time, this is the best choice.
2. Magic Dolphin Celebrity
For around $46.44 per person, the Magic Dolphin Celebrity offers a three-hour, small-group experience that combines land exploration with sea adventures. The tour includes a Jeep ride around Madeira’s mountainous eastern or western regions, giving you stunning views and insights into the island’s terrain. Afterward, you’ll set out on a catamaran to see the coastline, spot whales and dolphins, and enjoy the less crowded, relaxed atmosphere—only up to 25 people onboard.
The focus here is on comfort and personalization. Many reviews highlight how the crew creates a feeling of being a “celebrity,” with plenty of space to relax and observe. During the trip, guides provide detailed information about marine life, and in summer months, there’s even a chance to stop for a swim in the Atlantic. The trip’s flexibility—offering options for a same-day or two-day experience—adds to its appeal.
Bottom Line: This tour is perfect for travelers who want to combine island exploration with marine wildlife viewing in a more intimate setting and enjoy a relaxed, comprehensive experience.
3. Arieiro Peak and Cristo Rei 4×4 Experience + Dolphins Watching
This full-day tour offers a practical way to see Madeira’s highlights and marine life in one go. Starting with a hotel pickup, you’ll ride in a jeep to the stunning Pico do Arieiro—at 1,818 meters, one of the highest points on the island. The views here are spectacular, and access by jeep makes it easier to reach areas that are otherwise tough to get to.
Next, you’ll visit Miradouro do Cristo Rei, with panoramic views over Funchal. The real highlight is the three-hour dolphin and whale watching by boat, giving you a chance to spot pilot whales, dolphins, and possibly even larger whales. This tour also includes stops at scenic viewpoints, and the hotel pickup and drop-off make it a convenient all-in-one day trip.
Guests praise this tour for offering breathtaking vistas and the chance to see marine life in their natural habitat. The combination of land and sea makes it appealing for travelers who want a comprehensive Madeira experience without multiple bookings.
Bottom Line: If you want an all-encompassing day with sightseeing and marine wildlife, this tour provides excellent value and variety.
4. Funchal: Whale Watching and Swimming with Dolphins Cruise
This 2.5-hour cruise focuses on wildlife encounters and the thrill of swimming with dolphins. It includes whale and dolphin watching and the opportunity to jump into the Atlantic for a swim, making it a hit with active travelers. The trip departs from Funchal and is led by experienced guides, including marine biologists who share insights about the animals.
What makes this trip stand out is the chance to actually swim with dolphins, a rare treat that adds an extra layer of excitement. The reviews show that this tour appeals especially to families or travelers eager for a hands-on marine experience. It’s priced at a reasonable rate and boasts high satisfaction ratings.
However, the actual window for swimming depends on the animals’ behavior on the day, and in some reviews, the emphasis is more on the wildlife spotting than swimming. Still, the possibility of close encounters and the knowledgeable guides make it a worthwhile pick.
Bottom Line: For those looking for an active, engaging experience with a good chance of swimming with dolphins, this tour delivers.
5. Funchal: Hop-on Hop-off Bus & Whale & Dolphin boat Excursion
This two-day combo offers a practical way to explore Madeira’s attractions and enjoy marine wildlife viewing. You’ll hop on a bus to visit Funchal’s main sights and then hop aboard a catamaran for a dolphin and whale watching trip. The inclusion of stops at Câmara de Lobos, Fajã do Cabo Girão, and free Madeira wine tasting at Old Blandy’s Wine Lodge adds cultural flair.
The multi-day format is ideal if you want to pace yourself or include multiple activities in one trip. The tours are suited for travelers who prefer combining land and sea with some light sightseeing and are willing to spend a bit more time overall.
Guests love the variety of experiences, and many mention the friendly staff and the snorkeling opportunities at Fajã do Cabo Girão. This is a good option for those who want a balanced, leisurely Madeira experience.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers who want to combine sightseeing, cultural experiences, and wildlife viewing over multiple days.
6. Sunset Trip + Dolphin & Whale Watching – Speed Boat
This 2.5-hour trip offers the chance to see dolphins and whales at sunset aboard a sleek speed boat. It’s perfect for travelers who want a romantic or scenic evening on the water. The trip departs from Avenida Arriaga and heads toward the Cabo Girao cliffs before returning.
The combination of dolphin watching, whale spotting, and swimming makes this a memorable experience, especially as the sun dips over the Atlantic. The reviews indicate that the speed boat provides an exhilarating ride and a unique perspective on Madeira’s coastline. This tour is more active and suited for those comfortable with a faster-paced boat ride.
It’s a great choice for evening explorers who want to combine marine life with spectacular sunset views.
Bottom Line: For a lively, evening adventure with marine wildlife and stunning scenery, this sunset trip is a fantastic option.
How to Choose the Best Dolphin Watching Experience in Funchal
Choosing the right tour depends on your interests, schedule, and budget. If your main goal is reliable sightings in a quick trip, the Guaranteed Whale or Dolphin Watching Tour offers high success rates. For a more relaxed, intimate experience that includes island exploration, the Magic Dolphin Celebrity balances land and sea nicely.
If you’re after a full-day adventure with panoramic views and marine encounters, the Arieiro Peak and Cristo Rei 4×4 Experience provides a comprehensive look at Madeira’s diverse environment. Families or active travelers might prefer the swimming-focused cruise, while those wanting a cultural touch combined with marine life should consider the Hop-on Hop-off.
Finally, for a scenic, sunset experience, the Speed Boat Sunset Trip promises a spectacular combination of marine life and evening views.
The Sum Up
Funchal’s dolphin watching options range from quick wildlife sightings to immersive, full-day adventures. For reliable sightings and expert guides, the Guaranteed Whale or Dolphin Watching Tour is hard to beat. If you want a more personalized, relaxed trip that combines land and sea, the Magic Dolphin Celebrity is a smart choice.
Those seeking a full exploration of Madeira’s landscapes and marine life will appreciate the Arieiro Peak and Cristo Rei tour. Families and active travelers will likely enjoy the chance to swim with dolphins, while sunset lovers should consider the speed boat trip for a memorable evening.
Book early, especially in peak months, and choose an experience that matches your curiosity, energy level, and schedule. Madeira offers enough variety to satisfy every kind of marine life enthusiast.