If you love sea life, this fast RIB hunt in Madeira hits the spot. I like how the tour stays small-group on a thrilling ride, and I love that guides (like Anna and Paulo, and Mark with Anna) share real species info while working animal spotters. One thing to consider: it can get windy and bumpy at sea, so pack for rougher conditions than you’d expect from a 2.5-hour outing.

What makes this outing stand out is the mix of classic whale watching and a short, regulated chance to get in the water for dolphins. The swim is only allowed in specific dolphin situations, so you should treat it as a bonus, not a guaranteed swim ticket.

Key Things I’d Zoom In On Before You Go

• Small-group RIB format for closer, more personal wildlife viewing
• Dolphins and whales in multiple search spots, not just one long stop
• Optional swim with dolphins, tightly controlled by local animal protection rules
• Mask and snorkel provided when swimming is permitted
• Cabo Girao photo stop to break up the time on the water
• High sighting success rate, with a promise of a free retry if cetaceans are not spotted

Why This Funchal RIB Cruise Feels More Personal Than the Usual Whale Tour

Funchal’s coastline is gorgeous, but this tour sells something different than a big “go find whales” trip. You’re on a RIB, which means the boat can move quickly between promising areas, and it can get you up close without turning the whole experience into a long, slow waiting game. Even when wildlife is not right on schedule, the crew keeps the outing active, because the search matters.

I also like that the experience is designed to be intimate rather than crowded. The tour runs as a small group, and when the boat is not packed, you hear the guide better and you can actually watch behavior, not just shapes in the distance. The guides I saw referenced by name, Anna and Paulo, also show up as the kind of hosts who keep things informative without making it feel like a lecture.

The big tradeoff with RIBs is weather. If it’s windy, it will feel windy. If the sea is choppy, you’ll notice it. Reviews mention the ride back can be bumpy while still being quick, so treat it like an energetic boat day, not a smooth sightseeing cruise.

Getting on Board at Funchal: Life Jackets, Safety Briefing, and a Fast Start

Your day starts with a meeting point that can vary by option, so I’d make a habit of double-checking where you’re told to wait. Once you find the right spot, boarding is straightforward, and you get a briefing plus lifejacket donning before you head out.

It’s a simple routine, but it matters. On a fast boat, people need to know what to do and where to stand so you can focus on the coastline views and the water ahead. The tour also runs in English and Portuguese, which is a real help if you’re mixing languages in your group.

One practical tip from the reviews: the boarding point can be slightly tricky to find, so follow the exact pin provided and wait by the jetty door rather than wandering the whole quay. That small move can save you stress right before you’re supposed to be on the boat.

The Wildlife Search Off Madeira: Dolphins, Whales, and the Reality of Waiting

Once you leave Funchal harbor, you cruise along Madeira’s coastline for panoramic views. Then comes the part that matters most: the hunt for wild dolphins and whales, sometimes turtles too. The crew looks for animals that are living naturally out in the open ocean, not in an artificial setting. That means you cannot “schedule” sightings like you can with a theme park.

The good news is that the operator reports a very high annual average success rate: 99% of trips include at least one cetacean species. That number is only useful if you take it with the right mindset. Even with a strong average, there are still days when animals are farther out, in deeper water, or simply not showing surface behavior at the same time.

In the reviews, people describe seeing dolphins close to the RIB, with guides leading you to what to watch for. One reviewer even calls out different dolphin types and multiple whale encounters. Another mentions pilot whales and sperm whales as possible sightings, plus sea turtles. You shouldn’t assume any one species will show up, but the pattern is clear: the boat moves to where the animals are most likely to be.

If you end up on one of the unlucky days without cetaceans, the tour offers a free chance to join another trip within a year, based on availability and not transferable. That matters for peace of mind, especially if you’re visiting Madeira for just a few days.

What the Boat Type Changes: Why a RIB Can Be Better for Wildlife

A RIB is not just a gimmick. It changes your odds and your viewing style.

• Faster boat speed helps the crew reach active areas quickly.
• Because you’re not stuck at one spot for a long time, you’re more likely to catch animals when they surface.
• Reviews specifically praise how the RIB ride can be less likely to trigger typical sea motion sickness for some people, likely because it feels more controlled than slow roll cruises.

Still, don’t ignore the downside. The same speed that helps sightings can mean a sharper ride when waves hit the hull. If you’re sensitive to motion, consider bringing your own motion sickness plan. Also, expect wind chill on open water.

Optional Swim With Dolphins: How It Works, Who Gets In, and How Long You’ll Be In

This is the part people talk about most, so here’s the straight version.

If you book the swim add-on (listed as 20€), the swim is only performed if the dolphins’ behavior meets local rules. The crew can enter the water only when they spot common dolphins or Atlantic spotted dolphins, and only when the animals are behaving in a way that the laws allow.

When swimming is permitted, you’re positioned attached to the boat for a short snorkel or swim. Masks and snorkels are available, so you don’t need to bring gear. The time in the water is typically just 1 to 2 minutes per participant, which keeps the interaction short and reduces stress on the animals.

One review adds a realistic detail about how it feels: you may need to hold a rope attached to the boat, and the boat will move as the dolphins swim around you. Translation: this is not a leisurely pool swim. It’s quick, close-up, and a bit physical. It can be hard for some people to stay relaxed, but the reward is that you get to experience dolphins from the water instead of only from the deck.

Important money note: the swim add-on is charged on-site only if it’s possible to enter the water with the animals. If the dolphins’ situation does not allow swimming, you pay only the standard trip price. That’s a fair setup because it matches the reality of wildlife watching.

The Cabo Girao Photo Stop: Break Time With Madeira Views

After time out at sea, the tour heads back, and it also builds in a scenic stop at Cabo Girao. This is a classic Madeira viewpoint area, and the stop is for a photo break, sightseeing, and a scenic drive feel.

Why this matters: it gives you a land-based breather after being in the wind. It also adds variety to an outing that could otherwise be purely about ocean time. Even if you’ve seen plenty of coastline already from the RIB, Cabo Girao can still feel like a separate “aha” moment.

You’re not sent on a long hike here. The stop is short and focused, so it works well even if you’re traveling with kids or anyone who doesn’t want a full-day walking plan.

How Long You’ll Be Out (and How to Time It With Your Day)

The full experience runs about 2.5 hours. The tour description also points out that you’ll be out on the boat for no less than 2 hours on average before heading back to the marina to disembark.

In plain terms, it’s long enough to make wildlife searching worthwhile, but short enough that you can still plan dinner and other sights on the same day. If you’re choosing between morning and afternoon slots, I’d pick based on the day’s sea conditions and wind forecast rather than chasing the time on the clock.

Price and Value: Why Around $61 Can Be Worth It

At about $61 per person, the base price is not just “a boat ride.” What you’re paying for is:

• A guided RIB tour with safety equipment included
• Fuel and applicable fees covered
• The organized search effort, with a high reported chance of cetacean sightings

Food and drinks are not included, so plan on buying a snack or water before you go or after you return. Parking is also not included, which matters if you’re driving in.

If you add the swim option, the add-on is priced at 20€ per participant, and it’s charged on-site only if you actually get permission to enter the water. That makes the add-on feel more like a conditional experience than an upfront “pay first, swim later” gamble.

So is it value? For me, it comes down to two things:

1) You want the speed and intimacy of a small-group RIB format.

2) You care about the chance to see multiple wildlife species from a deck close to the action.

If your goal is only “see one dolphin and call it a day,” you might find cheaper options. But if you want the more active, more guided style and the possibility of whales plus an optional swim, this price starts to make sense.

What to Bring for a Windy RIB Day (So You Don’t Feel Miserable)

This is a boat tour, so dress for the sea, not for Madeira’s streets.

Bring:

• Windbreaker
• Sunglasses
• Sun hat
• Sunscreen
• Sunscreen-friendly clothing, plus a jacket or warmer waterproof layer for cooler or winter months

Wind is often the hidden issue. The tour itself warns that sea conditions can turn breezy quickly, so you’ll feel it once you’re out of the harbor. I’d rather show up slightly overdressed than shiver through the ride.

Also keep expectations in check for the water part. Even when snorkeling is short and controlled, you’ll be close to ocean conditions, so comfort matters.

Who This RIB Cruise Fits Best (and Who Should Think Twice)

This tour is a strong match if you:

• Want an energetic RIB experience instead of a slow catamaran-style cruise
• Like guided wildlife spotting with hands-on interpretation
• Travel with kids, since reviews describe families enjoying the ride and wildlife close to the boat
• Prefer small-group settings where you can hear the guide and watch behavior

It may be a tougher fit if you:

• Hate bumpy rides or get motion sick easily, since RIBs can feel choppy on rougher days
• Are hoping for a guaranteed dolphin swim, because the swim depends on legal conditions and dolphin behavior

The good part is that even without the swim, the deck viewing is still the main event. Many people describe the boat trip itself as exciting fun, with wildlife sightings happening in multiple places during the outing.

Private Boat Option: When You Want Control of Your Day

If your group wants privacy, there’s a private tour option. The listing says you can bring up to 18 passengers on your own private boat.

This is a real choice for families traveling together, friends celebrating something, or groups who want fewer logistics and more control over pacing. If you have a mixed group with different interests, private can also make it easier to manage who wants to move around, who wants photos, and who stays focused on spotting.

Should You Book This Madeira RIB Whale Watching Cruise?

I’d book it if you want a small-group RIB that prioritizes quick movement, guided interpretation, and real-world wildlife conditions. The mix of dolphin and whale watching, plus the regulated optional dolphin swim, gives you a chance at a standout Madeira nature experience without requiring you to hike or spend a full day.

I’d hesitate only if you’re very sensitive to wind and chop, or if your trip plan depends on you being in the water no matter what. In that case, treat the swim like a bonus, not the whole goal.

If you want the best odds, pick a day with calmer conditions and come dressed for sea wind. Then keep your expectations flexible. When dolphins or whales show up, you’ll be watching them from a boat built for getting close, fast, and safely.

FAQ

How long is the RIB whale watching cruise from Funchal?

The experience lasts about 2.5 hours.

Is the dolphin swim included in the base price?

No. The swim is an add-on option. The add-on is 20€ per participant, and it is charged on-site only if it is possible to enter the water with the dolphins.

How do they decide whether swimming with dolphins is allowed?

Swimming is only allowed by local law when the crew spots common dolphins or Atlantic spotted dolphins, and when the dolphins’ behavior meets the rules. The crew will place participants in the water only under those conditions.

Are masks and snorkels provided for the swim option?

Yes. Masks and snorkels are available when swimming is permitted.

What wildlife sightings can you expect?

The tour focuses on wild dolphins and whales, and sometimes turtles are mentioned as possible sightings.

What should I bring for the trip?

Bring a windbreaker, sunglasses, sun hat, sunscreen, and a jacket (especially for cooler months). The tour area can get windy quickly.

Are there options for smaller groups or private tours?

There is a small-group RIB tour, and a private boat option is also available for up to 18 passengers.