Where to go · WHALE AND DOLPHIN WATCHING TOURS IN PORTUGAL
The season here is short and the good boats fill first. Below: the 15 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.
Review of Madeira’s 3-hour eco catamaran cruise, with hybrid engines, dolphin and whale spotting, coastal views, and practical tips.
“Pleasant and knowledgeable crew: We saw dolphins and Pilot whales!”
Review of Madeira’s Seaborn catamaran cruise, with dolphin and whale watching, Cabo Girão views, swimming, prices, tips, and practical details.
“The boat is amazing and the crew were top! We saw dolphins and swam and the ocean. Thank you for the great experience. 🙏😊”
Review of Ponta Delgada whale watching, with boat choices, seasonal sightings, practical tips, pricing, and advice for choosing your trip.
“Staff were helpful, friendly and knowledgeable, made the trip so much more. We were on the water for 3 hours and had multiple dolphin sightings, and a Sei whale for good measure. Boat was pretty full, and everyone wants the best view so choose your seats accordingly.”
Review of Madeira’s $47 Funchal catamaran cruise, with whale watching, Cabo Girão swimming, practical tips, value, and honest drawbacks.
“Very nice cruise, unfortunately no dolphins but we saw a flying fish.”
Review of Madeira’s $93 luxury catamaran tour, with whale and dolphin watching, Cabo Girão swimming, local snacks, and unlimited drinks.
“We had a fantastic time on this boat trip! The crew was super friendly and made everyone feel welcome from the start. The boat wasn’t overcrowded, so there was plenty of space for everyone to enjoy the view comfortably. We were treated to some delicious snacks while on board. The highlight of the trip was definitely spotting whales! An unforgettable experience that I would absolutely recommend.”
Review of Madeira’s eco-catamaran whale and dolphin cruise from Funchal, with wildlife tips, route details, comfort notes, and honest value advice.
“Great experience. We saw lots of dolphins. First time and would do it again. Well worth the money. Go for it.”
Review of Madeira’s luxury catamaran whale watch from Funchal, with Cabo Girão views, marine life, swimming, crew, price, and practical tips.
“Great and informative guides, comfortable boat, nice fruit and drinks, overall a great experience.”
Sail from Funchal at sunset, search for whales and dolphins, swim beneath Cabo Girão, and enjoy drinks on a small guided yacht.
“Worth it even if you don't see the creatures :) With the right weather the trip is exciting, and the views simply stunning. Our guide, Bruno, is funny and knowledgabe so made you feel at ease and safe. We stopped for a swim in the ocean (amazing) and there was an open bar with local specialties. Couldn't recommend more :D”
Review of Madeira’s 3-hour dolphin and whale catamaran tour, with Cabo Girão swimming, practical tips, pricing, and honest advice.
“Great trip away from the island with stunning views back. We were lucky enough to see both dolphins swimming along with the boat AND a sperm whale approx 20m from us who popped up to se what was going on. Emotional! Fun but unobtrusive commentary. If I'd remembered my towel I'd have swum with the fishes in the bay too.”
Sail from Funchal to Cabo Girão for dolphin and whale watching, swimming, snorkeling, coastal views, and drinks on a small yacht.
“Bruno was amazing and the rest of the crew. It was such an enjoyable experience and we got to see Dolphins. I would highly recommend.”
Review of Madeira’s fast, small-group whale and dolphin tour, with marine biologists, wild cetaceans, practical tips, and honest value advice.
“Had a fabulous time, magical seeing dolphins in their natural environment. Crew were excellent. Enjoyed it so much we booked again.”
Review of Madeira’s small-group whale and dolphin speedboat tour, with wildlife tips, swim conditions, meeting details, and honest value advice.
“Very focused on respectful way of seeing the dolphins.”
Review of Calheta’s whale and dolphin tour, with RIB boat tips, wildlife odds, costs, weather advice, and practical booking details.
“Experienced Staff, knowledgable with the marine species and the conservation of the ocean, friendly and professional.”
Review of Madeira’s whale and dolphin tour from Calheta, with swimming, snorkeling, coastal views, small groups, pricing, and practical tips.
“The advertised cruise was not what we received. We have booked a tour on a small boat up to 6 people with snorkeling. But we were placed on a boat with more than 10 people, we wer able to dip in the ocean for 5 minutes, they had no snorkeling equipment on board. I adressed everything upon boarding but was told by the staff and the captain that this was what I had booked. It still was a nice cruise. Later back at our apartment I checked my booking and saw that we had actually not received what we had booked and adressed it via Whatsapp with the staff. They…”
Review of Madeira’s Blue Safari whale and dolphin tour, with ethical wildlife viewing, marine biologists, fast boats, pricing, tips, and practical advice.
“Exciting and very informative tour. Recommended. Camilia is a very genuinenly enthusiastic guide, Francisco, the captain drove the boat professionaly,trusted all the way.”
Pick a coast, a season or a boat.
