Madeira’s waters teem with magnificent marine life, and the Whale and Dolphin Watching Private Cruise offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness these creatures up close. Aboard a comfortable yacht, guests can expect a personalized experience led by a professional crew. From spotting majestic whales and playful dolphins to optional swimming and snorkeling, this 2.5-hour adventure promises an unforgettable maritime journey. With safety and wildlife conservation in mind, the cruise provides a respectful approach to nature exploration, leaving travelers with lasting memories of Madeira’s captivating coastal wonders.
Key Points
- This private cruise in Madeira offers the opportunity to spot whales and dolphins in a respectful and non-invasive manner during a 2.5-hour excursion.
- The cruise is available in multiple languages and can accommodate up to 6 guests on the Miranda yacht or 12 on the Gringo yacht.
- The comfortable yacht features amenities like a cabin, restroom, sundeck, and sunshade, as well as complimentary sparkling wine, drinks, snorkeling equipment, and towels.
- Guests can enjoy an intimate and personalized experience, with the professional crew providing a safety briefing before boarding.
- The cruise is not suitable for wheelchair users or individuals over 243 lbs (110 kg), and pregnant women are advised to seek medical advice before booking.
Activity Overview
The activity, titled "Madeira: Whale and Dolphin Watching Private Cruise," offers an exclusive sightseeing tour starting from $534.30 per group (up to 6 guests) for a 2.5-hour duration.
Available in Portuguese, French, English, and Spanish, the tour features a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance. Participants can reserve their spot without upfront payment.
The cruise departs from the On Tales – Whales and Dolphins Watching Tours location in Calheta, Madeira, providing opportunities to spot marine life and enjoy optional swimming and snorkeling activities.
Hope to spot more marine life? These other whale watching options in Madeira are worth considering
Itinerary and Experience
Starting from the On Tales – Whales and Dolphins Watching Tours location in Calheta, Madeira, the private cruise takes guests on a 2.5-hour journey to explore the stunning Madeira coastline and search for marine life.
After a safety briefing, guests board a comfortable yacht with a cabin, restroom, sundeck, and sunshade.
A comfortable yacht with a cabin, restroom, sundeck, and sunshade awaits guests after a safety briefing.
The cruise offers opportunities to spot dolphins and whales in a respectful, non-invasive manner. Guests can also opt to swim and snorkel in the crystal clear waters.
The professional crew provides sparkling wine, fresh drinks, snorkeling equipment, and towels to enhance the experience.
Highlights and Features
Guests can relax on a comfortable yacht with a cabin, restroom, sundeck, and sunshade during the private cruise.
The experience offers the opportunity to discover marine life in a respectful, non-invasive manner.
Highlights include:
-
Swim and snorkel in crystal clear waters.
-
Enjoy sparkling wine, fresh drinks, snorkeling equipment, and towels provided by the professional crew.
-
The maximum capacity is 6 guests on the Miranda yacht or 12 guests on the Gringo yacht, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience.
Safety and Accessibility
Safety and accessibility are paramount considerations for this private cruise. The yachts Miranda and Gringo are well-equipped with cabins, restrooms, and safety features to ensure a comfortable and secure experience.
However, the cruise isn’t suitable for wheelchair users or individuals over 243 lbs (110 kg). Pregnant women should seek medical advice before booking. Unaccompanied minors and pets are also not allowed.
Guests are advised to bring appropriate attire and sun protection. While the crew provides snorkeling equipment, the wildlife sighting isn’t guaranteed and is subject to availability and weather conditions.
More Great Tours NearbyWildlife Viewing Considerations
The main draw of this private cruise is the opportunity to witness the majestic presence of whales and dolphins in their natural habitat.
The majesty of whales and dolphins in their natural habitat is the main allure of this private cruise.
While wildlife sightings aren’t guaranteed, the crew makes every effort to locate and respectfully observe these magnificent creatures.
Guests should keep in mind that:
-
The activity is subject to weather conditions and marine life availability.
-
Guests are advised not to feed or interact with the animals to avoid disrupting their natural behaviors.
-
Swimming and snorkeling are optional, allowing guests to get up-close (but not too close) with the marine life.
Want to see more dolphins? We've reviewed these other marine encounters in Madeira
Booking and Reservation Details
To book the Madeira: Whale and Dolphin Watching Private Cruise, customers can reserve their spot without upfront payment.
The activity is priced from $534.30 per group of up to 6 guests and lasts 2.5 hours. It’s available in Portuguese, French, English, and Spanish.
Customers can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The cruise departs from On Tales – Whales and Dolphins Watching Tours in Calheta, Madeira.
Two yachts are available – Miranda (up to 6 guests) and Gringo (up to 12 guests).
Customer Reviews and Ratings
According to the reviews, customers have given the Madeira: Whale and Dolphin Watching Private Cruise an overall rating of 4.9 out of 5 based on 17 reviews.
Reviewers praised the professionalism of the crew and their ability to spot dolphins despite limited sightings.
Customers also consistently shared positive experiences, highlighting the friendly and hospitable nature of the staff.
The review highlights include:
-
Praised professionalism and dolphin sighting
-
Appreciated crew’s efforts despite limited wildlife sightings; highly recommended
-
Consistent positive experiences; friendly and hospitable crew
Preparing for Your Cruise
Preparing for your Madeira: Whale and Dolphin Watching Private Cruise involves a few simple considerations to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience.
First, pack sun protection like sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen. Swimwear is recommended if you’d like to take a dip.
Pack sun protection like sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen. Swimwear is recommended if you’d like to take a dip.
Avoid bringing pets, strollers, and unaccompanied minors, as they’re not allowed. Pregnant women should consult a doctor before booking.
While sightings aren’t guaranteed, the professional crew will do their best to locate whales and dolphins.
With the luxury yacht’s amenities, you’ll relax in style as you marvel at Madeira’s stunning coastline and marine life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks Onboard?
Guests are allowed to bring their own food and drinks onboard, but the tour provider offers complimentary sparkling wine, refreshments, and snorkeling equipment. Guests are encouraged to check the tour’s policies before booking.
Is There a Minimum Age Requirement for the Cruise?
There’s no minimum age requirement for the cruise. However, unaccompanied minors are not allowed. Children must be supervised by a parent or guardian throughout the tour for safety reasons.
Do I Need to Know How to Swim to Participate?
No, you don’t need to know how to swim to participate. The activity provides snorkeling equipment, and guests can choose to swim and snorkel or simply enjoy the cruise. The crew ensures a safe and comfortable experience for all participants.
Is the Cruise Suitable for People With Motion Sickness?
The cruise is generally suitable for those with motion sickness, as the yachts have features like a cabin and sundeck that can help mitigate seasickness. However, individuals prone to motion sickness should consult their doctor before booking.
Can I Bring My Own Snorkeling Equipment?
Guests are welcome to bring their own snorkeling equipment for the cruise. However, the tour provider also offers snorkeling equipment which they encourage guests to use, as it’s included in the tour package at no additional cost.
The Sum Up
Madeira’s Whale and Dolphin Watching Private Cruise offers an unforgettable maritime adventure. Guests can marvel at majestic marine life from the comfort of a private yacht, with the option to swim and snorkel in crystal-clear waters. The experienced crew ensures a safe and respectful wildlife viewing experience. At $534.30 for up to six guests, this 2.5-hour cruise is a must-do for nature enthusiasts visiting the stunning island of Madeira.
You can check availability for your dates here:More Food & Drink Experiences in Madeira
More Tours in Madeira
More Tour Reviews in Madeira
Still browsing? Here are more Madeira experiences we've covered recently
- Cross Country – Moutain Bike Tour
- Private Tuk Tuk Tour to Old Town + Monte in Funchal
- Morning Transfer To Pico Do Arieiro, Hike To Pico Ruivo & Return From Teixeira
- Madeira Surfing Lessons – Aroundfreedom Surf School
- Madeira Southern Coast Tour from Funchal
- Madeira Old Road West: Sidecar Tour
- Madeira Private Transfer to/from Funchal Airport
- Madeira Northern Wonders Tour from Funchal
- Lighthouse View 2 – Boat Tour Ponta São Lourenço
- PR6 25 Fountains/Risco Levada Walk
- Half Day Tour on a Luxury Catamaran on Madeira Island
- Funchal Half and Full Day Private Sailboat Tour