Funchal: RIB Whale Watching Cruise and Optional Dolphin Swim

Wildlife meets a fast coastal ride. This Funchal RIB cruise combines close-to-the-water views, a strong record of cetacean sightings, and a small-group setting that feels more personal than a large catamaran. I especially like the use of land-based spotters to help locate dolphins and whales, plus the friendly, informed guiding reported from Anna, Paulo, Mark, and Ana. The main point to consider is that the optional dolphin swim is tightly controlled and may not happen, even when dolphins are seen.

I also like the clear animal-welfare rules. Swimming is permitted only with Common Dolphins or Atlantic Spotted Dolphins when their behavior allows it, and each person is generally in the water for just one or two minutes. The ride can be bumpy, particularly on the return, so bring a windbreaker and be ready for a lively trip rather than a gentle cruise.

Key points at a glance

• Small RIB, close views: A compact boat puts you near the water and makes wildlife easier to watch than from a high-sided vessel.
• Land-based spotters help: The crew works with people on shore to locate dolphin and whale activity.
• Sightings are highly likely: The operator reports a yearly average of 99 percent of trips seeing at least one cetacean species.
• The dolphin swim is conditional: It costs €20 only if entering the water is possible, and it is limited by animal behavior and Portuguese protection rules.
• Cabo Girão adds a scenic finish: The return route includes a photo stop and views of Madeira’s famous cliff coastline.
• Fast and sometimes bumpy: The RIB makes quick runs between sighting areas, but you should dress for wind and motion.

Why this Funchal wildlife trip is different

Madeira is one of Europe’s better places for watching open-ocean wildlife. The waters around the island can attract several dolphin and whale species, and the steep south coast gives you a fine view even when the animals are taking their time.

This is not a slow harbor cruise. You board a rigid inflatable boat, put on a life jacket, and head from Funchal toward the open sea. The small boat sits low on the water, so you get a direct view of fins, backs, and spray. That low position also makes the ride feel more exciting, especially when the RIB picks up speed between sighting areas.

I like that the wildlife is not treated as a guaranteed stage show. The crew searches, waits, and follows the animals without promising a particular species. The stated annual success rate is 99 percent for seeing at least one cetacean, but wildlife remains unpredictable on any given departure.

That distinction matters. You might see several species, as some departures have, or you might spend more time scanning the sea before finding anything. If no cetacean is seen at all, the operator offers another trip within one year, subject to availability. That is a useful safety net, though it will help most if you have enough time in Madeira to use it.

Boarding in Funchal and getting ready

The meeting point is at Xpoint Madeira, though the exact spot can vary with the option booked. Finding the boarding area may take a moment. A simple sign would help, and you should follow the supplied map pin carefully and wait by the jetty door if the location is not obvious.

Before leaving, the crew gives a safety briefing and helps everyone put on a life jacket. The equipment needed for the boat trip is included. If you have chosen the dolphin swim option, a mask and snorkel are available when the swim can go ahead.

The starting routine is simple, but do not arrive dressed as if you were spending the morning on a sheltered beach. Wind can build quickly offshore. I would wear a light waterproof jacket or windbreaker, with sunglasses, a sun hat, and sunscreen. A warmer waterproof jacket makes sense in winter.

There are no drinks or snacks included, and parking is not included either. Bring water and any food you may want before boarding, but keep loose items secure. On a small RIB, a hat or phone can leave your possession quickly once the boat starts moving.

The ride from Funchal into open water

Once clear of the marina, the boat follows Madeira’s south coast toward the open ocean. The coast is a major part of the experience. You see the island from sea level, with cliffs, coves, and changing views that are easy to miss from roads above.

The RIB’s speed is one of its main pleasures. It can reach possible sighting zones quickly, giving the crew more time to search during the roughly two-hour wildlife portion. Several people have particularly enjoyed the fast ride itself, not just the animals. On calm days, it can feel playful and light. On rougher water, it can be a workout.

The return may be especially bumpy. That is not necessarily a sign of poor handling, but it does mean you should hold on and listen to the crew. One useful benefit of sitting close to the water is that some people find the motion easier than the rolling sensation of a larger boat. Still, if you are prone to seasickness, conditions matter and there is no guarantee you will feel comfortable.

The full activity lasts about two and a half hours. You spend no less than two hours out on the water in the usual plan, followed by the return to Funchal and disembarkation. That is a good amount of time for a wildlife outing without giving up an entire day of your Madeira schedule.

Searching for dolphins, whales, and turtles

The search is a patient one. The crew scans the sea, communicates with spotters on land, and moves toward areas where animals have been seen. The RIB’s size and speed help, but you still need a little luck.

The most frequently praised part of the trip is the crew’s handling of wildlife. Anna, Paulo, Mark, and Ana are singled out for explaining the animals and the island while keeping the mood friendly. The strongest impression is not simply that the guides can identify species. They also appear careful about keeping a sensible distance and avoiding behavior that would frighten the animals.

Possible sightings include dolphins, whales, and, at times, sea turtles. Different trips have produced Common Dolphins, Atlantic Spotted Dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, pilot whales, sperm whales, and other whale sightings. One particularly successful outing included two kinds of dolphins and four whales. Another included spotted dolphins, pilot whales, and a turtle.

You should not expect every trip to produce that full list. The important thing is the variety of wildlife possible in these waters. When animals approach the boat, the low seating position can give you an unusually direct view. You are close enough to see movement and behavior clearly, without needing to rely only on a distant glimpse through binoculars.

The crew’s approach to marine care is worth noting. One account describes the guides stopping to remove a piece of plastic from the water. That small action fits the broader tone of the trip: the animals are not just a reason to chase across the sea, but part of a living environment that deserves care.

The optional dolphin swim and its strict limits

The swim option costs €20 per participant, but the charge is made on-site only if entering the water is possible. If the conditions do not allow it, you pay only for the standard boat trip. That arrangement makes the add-on less risky financially.

Still, you should understand what swim with dolphins means here. It is not a long snorkeling session or a free swim beside a pod. Portuguese animal-protection rules allow entry only when the animals are behaving appropriately, and only Common Dolphins or Atlantic Spotted Dolphins qualify.

If the crew receives permission to proceed, each person generally spends about one or two minutes in the water. You hold a rope attached to the boat while the boat moves slowly or remains positioned for the short experience. One account describes the effort of holding on while being pulled along, so this requires a reasonable grip and comfort in the water.

The short time limit is a positive from an animal-welfare point of view, but it may disappoint anyone expecting a full water encounter. On one calm trip, everyone had a chance to enter the water. On another, dolphins were seen but the swim could not happen. You should treat it as a possible extra, not the main reason to book.

The mask and snorkel are provided for the swim option. The material supplied does not state that wetsuits are included, so ask the operator if you need one for the conditions on your date. The boat crew makes the final decision based on animal behavior and local rules.

Cabo Girão and the return along Madeira’s coast

The itinerary includes a photo stop and sightseeing near Cabo Girão, one of Madeira’s best-known sea cliffs. Seen from the water, the cliff gives the return journey a strong visual finish and helps break up the ride back to Funchal.

This is not a separate land visit to the Cabo Girão viewpoint. You should think of it as a coastal photo opportunity from the boat. The return route may also reveal caves and other sections of the south coast, especially when the RIB hugs the shoreline.

The scenic section is valuable even if the wildlife search is slow. You get a different angle on Madeira’s steep coast, and the moving view gives you something to enjoy between possible sightings. If the sea is rough, though, the photo stop may feel more like a quick look than a calm sightseeing pause.

Small groups, private boats, and the feel onboard

The standard trip is designed around a small group. That is a real advantage for wildlife watching. Fewer people means less crowding at the sides of the boat, and it is easier to hear explanations from the guide.

A small RIB also gives you a better chance of seeing animals without heads and shoulders blocking your view. You are not guaranteed a front-row position, but the boat’s compact size keeps the experience more intimate than a large sightseeing vessel.

A private boat is available for groups of up to 18 passengers. This could suit a family gathering or a group of friends that wants the boat to itself. The private option will cost more than the advertised $61 per-person shared trip, so you will need to compare the private price with the value of having your own space.

The shared price is reasonable for a 2.5-hour trip that includes the boat, safety equipment, fuel surcharges, taxes, and other applicable fees. The value improves if you care about the fast ride and coastal scenery as much as the wildlife. If you are paying only for a guaranteed whale encounter, no wildlife trip can honestly promise that.

How the trip compares with a catamaran

Several people preferred the RIB to a catamaran because it felt faster and more active. I can see why. The RIB gets closer to the water, moves quickly between possible sightings, and makes the ride itself part of the outing.

A catamaran may appeal more if you want room to move around or a calmer, wider platform. The RIB is better suited to you if you want a compact boat, a direct view, and a little excitement. That choice becomes especially important on windy days, when the smaller boat can feel lively.

The low position is useful for watching dolphins near the surface, but it also means more exposure to spray and wind. Wear clothes that can handle both.

Value, timing, and practical planning

At $61 per person, this is a fair mid-range price for a 2.5-hour wildlife outing in Madeira. You are paying for the boat, crew, fuel, safety gear, and time spent searching, not just the moment an animal appears beside the hull.

The reported 99 percent annual cetacean-sighting average adds confidence, but it should not change your expectations about nature. A successful trip might mean one distant whale, several dolphins, or a memorable mix of species. The free repeat trip within one year, if no cetacean appears, gives the price extra protection.

Book the trip early enough that you have room to reschedule if needed. The activity offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Starting times vary, so check the available schedule when booking.

The language of the live guiding is English and Portuguese. Private groups are available. Food, drinks, and parking are not included, and the meeting point can vary by booking choice.

Who will enjoy this most

I would choose this trip if you want wildlife, scenery, and a fast boat ride in one short outing. It is a particularly good fit for couples, families with older children, and anyone who prefers a small group to a large cruise boat.

It also suits you if you are happy to let the day unfold. The crew can search intelligently, but nobody can order whales to surface on schedule. The experience works best when the ride, coast, and guiding still feel worthwhile even before the first fin appears.

You may want a different boat trip if you dislike bumpy motion, need a long swim, or want a fully relaxed platform with plenty of room. The dolphin swim is not suitable as a guaranteed activity, and the short water time may feel too limited for strong swimmers.

Should you book the Funchal RIB whale-watching cruise?

Yes, I would book it if close wildlife views and an energetic ride appeal to you. The small group, land-based spotters, animal-care rules, and strong sighting record make this a well-rounded choice in Funchal.

Book the dolphin swim add-on only if you can accept that it may not happen and that the water time will likely last just one or two minutes. Bring a windbreaker, arrive ready for a hard-to-spot jetty entrance, and keep your expectations flexible. If you do that, the cruise offers good value even when the sea makes you wait.

FAQ

How long is the Funchal RIB whale-watching cruise?

The activity lasts about 2.5 hours. The boat normally spends at least two hours out at sea before returning to Funchal.

How much does the boat trip cost?

The listed price is $61 per person. The standard price includes the boat trip, safety equipment, applicable fees, taxes, and fuel surcharges.

Is swimming with dolphins included?

No. Dolphin swimming is an optional €20 add-on. The charge is made on-site only if entering the water with the dolphins is possible.

Can I definitely swim with dolphins?

No. The swim depends on the animals’ behavior and Portuguese animal-protection rules. The crew may enter the water only with Common Dolphins or Atlantic Spotted Dolphins when conditions allow.

How long do participants stay in the water?

The water time is usually about one or two minutes per participant. You hold a rope attached to the boat during the short swim or snorkel.

What wildlife might I see?

Possible sightings include dolphins, whales, and sometimes sea turtles. Species seen on different trips have included Common Dolphins, Atlantic Spotted Dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, pilot whales, and sperm whales.

What should I bring?

Bring a windbreaker, sunglasses, a sun hat, sunscreen, and a jacket. The sea can become windy quickly, especially in winter, so warmer waterproof clothing may be useful.

What happens if no cetaceans are seen?

If no cetacean species is seen during your trip, you may join another trip free of charge within one year, subject to availability. The replacement trip is not transferable.