Madeira Dolphin & Whale Tour
Excursions & day trips

Madeira Dolphin & Whale Tour

4.4/5

Excellent
59 reviews
from
£43.00
Free cancellation
Mobile voucher accepted
Duration: from 2 hours to 4 hours
Why you’ll love this…
  • Half-day dolphin spotting cruise
  • Sail along the south coast of Madeira
  • Swimming stop
  • Chance to see dolphins, whales and turtles
What to expect

For the chance to see dolphins, whales and turtles in their natural habitat, look no further than this relaxing half-day cruise from Funchal. You'll sail along the stunning south coast of Madeira admiring the sea views and keeping a lookout for marine animals in the distance.

Madeira's location in the North Atlantic Ocean makes it an ideal place to spot dolphins, whales and turtles, but to have the highest chance you'll need to cruise out into the open seas. Step on board a Turkish-style gulet boat in Funchal then depart for the dramatic south coast. You'll be able to watch the coastline twist and turn with steep cliffs rising from the sea as well the horizon for signs of activity.

We'll head out in search of dolphins, whales and turtles – all of which are familiar sights in the seas around Madeira all year round. There's also a stop for swimming and cooling off before returning to Funchal marina where the cruise ends.

Read more
What's included
  • check Transport
  • check Gulet boat ride
What to remember
  • Name of the boat is Bonita da Madeira
  • Food and drinks not included
  • Not suitable for guests with reduced mobility
  • Children must be supervised by an adult (over 18 years) at all time
  • Bring bathing gear and sunblock
  • Bring money for extras or gratuities
  • Subject to weather conditions
  • Please note that all times are approximate and subject to change
  • This experience doesn't follow our general cancellation policy. If you need to cancel, you must do so at least 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund
Read more
Provider
TUI PORTUGAL
Booking fee
Good news! No extra fees are applied to this booking.
Cancellation policy
Receive a 100% refund if you cancel up to 1 day before the experience begins.

What people say about this experience

Excellent

4.4 /5

Based on 59 reviews from verified customers


Review categories

Safety

4.2/5

Service

4.2/5

Value for money

4.4/5

Staff

4.2/5


59%
29%
10%
2%
0%

Sort by:

  • P

    Paul

    Verified booking

    2.2

    25 November 2025

    Travelled with family


    We did not receive the package we booked & paid for. Different boat & no swim stop. We basically sailed one & a half hours out turned around and came back. It appeared to us that the crew pretended there was a whale when there clearly wasn’t one. We did see a couple of dolphins from a distance. Came away thinking we’d been scammed. At best we were mis-sold. Transfer to & from the boat was excellent though.

  • T

    T

    Verified booking

    2.6

    22 June 2025

    Travelled as a couple


    Transfer late 25 minutes late in collection us from hotel. Driver of transfer extremely rude, did not speak, did not smile. Boat - left LATE, thanks to us waiting for another late transfer consequently because we left late we didn’t have time for a swim in sea so we were not even offered full experience. Overall very disappointing

  • T

    TUI Musement Traveler

    Verified booking

    4

    21 May 2025

    Tour on the boat was very good. However our planned morning trip was cancelled, without explanation, the evening before and rearranged for the afternoon. Our afternoon pick up arrived about 30 minutes late.

  • C

    Cliff

    Verified booking

    5

    4 June 2024

    A bit like chance really.Same as seeing northern lights.We saw a hammerhead shark & a pod of dolphins ??

  • M

    Maisymeg

    Verified booking

    4.2

    28 February 2024

    Travelled as a couple


    Maybe don’t advertise it as whale watching as the sightings are so rare & expectations are raised, just dolphin searching would be better

  • S

    Sal

    Verified booking

    4.6

    22 June 2024

    Travelled as a couple

You might also like

Madeira south coast cruise on Living Sea boat with lunch
Utflykter & dagsturer

Madeira south coast cruise on Living Sea boat with lunch

Madeira's southwest coast is the star of this all-inclusive cruise. After setting out from the port in Funchal, you'll head up the coast to Cais da Lapa for some swimming. The best part is that with a maximum of 52 guests on board, you'll have all the space and attentive service you need.

free cancellation
Available in:

es, en, fr, pt 

Madeira wine tasting and dolphin watching tour
Utflykter & dagsturer

Madeira wine tasting and dolphin watching tour

Discover the flavours of Madeira and enjoy the fauna of the island booking this wine tasting and dolphin watching tour

free cancellation
Available in:

en 

Dolphin and whale watching in Funchal with luxury catamaran all inclusive
Aktiviteter

Dolphin and whale watching in Funchal with luxury catamaran all inclusive

Book now a luxury cruise in Funchal and discover the best locations to see and learn about the local wildlife.

free cancellation
Available in:

en, es, pt 

Madeira off-road-safari och vinprovning
Aktiviteter

Madeira off-road-safari och vinprovning

Varför hålla sig till de vanliga vägarna när Madeiras vildare sida kallar? På det här offroad-äventyret börjar du med havsutsikt vid Cabo Girão - en av Europas högsta havsklippor - innan du slingrar dig genom den natursköna São Vicente-dalen, där lugna stigar slingrar sig mellan gårdar med röda tak och grönskande toppar. Som avslutning besöker du Quinta do Barbusano, där du får följa med en kunnig guide på en rundtur bland vinstockarna, njuta av ett urval av lokala viner och tilltugg - och njuta av utsikten som gör varje klunk ännu ljuvligare.

free cancellation
Available in:

en, pt 

Utflykt i soluppgången på Pico do Arieiro med lokal frukost
Aktiviteter

Utflykt i soluppgången på Pico do Arieiro med lokal frukost

Att se soluppgången från toppen av en av Madeiras högsta toppar kommer att få dig att sträcka dig efter kameran om och om igen. Och den här exklusiva morgonresan till Pico do Arieiro utlovar just det - utsikt över Madeira under dagens mystiska första ljus, följt av en värmande frukost. Arlindo, en av våra kunniga lokalguider, säger: "Du kanske undrar varför vi planerar att köra till toppen en stund innan solen ska gå upp. När du kommer dit kommer du att se att de bästa färgerna lyser upp himlen under halvtimmen innan solen går upp.Det är bra att packa med sig varma lager, mössa, handskar och halsduk för den här morgonturen, eftersom temperaturen ofta kan vara upp till 10 grader lägre på toppen av Pico do Arieiro än vid kusten. Vi ger oss iväg tidigt och hämtar upp dig på ditt hotell i gryningen - det är för att du ska hinna upp i tid och hitta en bra utsiktsplats där du kan se solen bada ön Madeira i gyllene ljus. Ofta ligger molnen nedanför Pico do Arieiro, vilket gör utsikten över soluppgången ännu mer magisk.Kaffe serveras medan du tar in allt och njuter av stunden bland berg och moln. Efteråt går ni vidare till en restaurang för att äta en god frukost. Arlindo tillägger: "Det kan bli väldigt kallt på Pico do Arieiro, ibland snöar det till och med där. Mina föräldrar brukade köra oss upp hit om det fanns snö på toppen. Den lokala traditionen var att bygga en snögubbe på bilens motorhuv innan vi körde ner igen.

free cancellation
Available in:

en, pt 

Madeira Northern Wonders 4x4 Tour
Aktiviteter

Madeira Northern Wonders 4x4 Tour

The hidden beauty of Madeira is best uncovered by 4x4 vehicle. This off-road safari takes you to some of the island's most stunning locations, including São Vicente, the volcanic pools of Seixal and Porto Moniz, the ancient forests of Fanal, the Paul de Serra plateau and Cabo Girão.

free cancellation
Available in:

en, pt 

Maroços vandring
Aktiviteter

Maroços vandring

Under denna guidade 6 km långa vandring genom de slingrande pittoreska terrasserna ovanför Machico kommer du ännu närmare Madeiras hänförande skönhet. Denna 2,5-timmar långa vandring startar i Maroços och följer en blomsterkantad bevattningskanal med utsikt över Machico och Atlanten.

free cancellation
Available in:

de, en, fr, pt 

Madeira Monte Palace Tropical Gardens with optional toboggan ride
Utflykter & dagsturer

Madeira Monte Palace Tropical Gardens with optional toboggan ride

The Monte Palace Tropical Gardens float a thousand metres above Funchal, so breathe deeply and enjoy the fresh mountain air on this half-day tour. You'll begin with a visit to the village of Monte, before heading to the main event – 70,000 square metres of themed gardens, sculptures, wildlife and water features.There's something new around every corner of this sprawling garden. Head to the lake to see koi carp, a waterfall and swans paddling by, stroll through the forested area to appreciate Madeira's native plants and make sure you visit the Japanese and Oriental gardens for intricate bridges, Buddha statues and incredible city views from the pagoda. There're also paths you can follow to see hundreds of sculptures and traditional azulejo – intricately painted ceramic tiles that tell the story of Portugal's history and culture. In Monte village, you'll have the option to pick up the pace with an experience that screams Madeira – a ride back down the hill in a wicker toboggan. It's the traditional way down and quite an adrenaline rush. The toboggan ride is an added cost, but if you choose not to take it, you'll enjoy a slower, yet equally scenic route down the mountain and back to your hotel.

free cancellation
Available in:

en, fr 

2-hour snorkelling boat tour at Ponta de São Lourenço
Aktiviteter

2-hour snorkelling boat tour at Ponta de São Lourenço

Explore the untouched coasts of Madeira Island on a thrilling speedboat ride. Dive into clear waters for a guided snorkelling adventure at Baia D'Abra.

free cancellation
Available in:

en 

Madeira half-day Happy Hour sailing trip with open bar
Aktiviteter

Madeira half-day Happy Hour sailing trip with open bar

Sailing out of Funchal Marina, you'll take in impressive views of Madeira's south coast as you help yourself to the open bar. Watch, as over the course of your three-hour trip, the terrain changes from dramatic sea cliffs and volcanic rock formations to quiet fishing villages and the shady palms of the island's banana farms. The skipper will drop the anchor so you can swim and snorkel in the mild waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Plus, keep an eye out for whales and dolphin as it's a popular spot to see them.

free cancellation
Available in:

en