PORTUGAL · WHALE WATCHING
22 tours
Sperm whales live off the Azores all year and blue whales pass through in spring; Madeira gets pilot whales and dolphins most months. These 15 trips are compared on sighting record, boat type, time at sea, and which carry a marine biologist.
Eco-catamaran dolphin and whale watching from Funchal with silent hybrid engines, Cabo Girão cliff views, and a refreshing swim stop.
“Great crew. Friendly, knowledgeable and communicative. They did a good job finding some Sperm whales and Atlantic Spotted dolphins. Boat was comfortable and it was a pleasant 3 hours on the water.”
3-hour Seaborn catamaran cruise from Funchal, Madeira, searching for dolphins, whales, turtles, plus a swim under Cabo Girão.
“We loved our morning out on the boat and we’re lucky enough to see a pod of short finned pilot whales right up close to the boat ! There was plenty of space on the boat to move around and for everyone to take photos. It was a beautiful and memory-making experience. We enjoyed the swim stop - the sea was lovely and warm and some of the guests had fun diving off the boat . I used the steps which were very easy to use. All in all a lovely trip and great value for money.”
3-hour whale and dolphin watching from Ponta Delgada with marine biologist commentary, catamaran or Zodiac boats, and a second trip if no sightings.
“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.”
Luxury catamaran cruise from Funchal Bay with dolphin and whale watching plus Cabo Girão snorkeling and cliff views.
“We got to see loads of dolphins, and a swim stop. Very good activity loved it”
A small-group luxury catamaran from Funchal with an open bar, wildlife spotting for dolphins, whales, and turtles, plus a Cabo Girão swim.
“Lovely crew, beautiful boat, delicious snacks and drinks. Saw pods of pilot whales and bottle nose dolphins.”
A 3-hour Azores RIB whale watching tour from Vila Franca do Campo with biologist-led spotting, fast runs, and volcanic islet views.
“It was so nice!! We saw a blue whale, another whale and dolphins. Our guide was so friendly and helped us as we got seasick.”
Sail Madeira’s southern coast on an eco catamaran with spotters, hybrid-electric cruising, and chances to see dolphins and pilot whales.
“I already did the west side but I did not mind doing it again as it was very enjoyable experience, I am also glad visiting the east side asI always wanted to walk above the clouds not just on airplanes! The views were like a dream come true, Both guides were excellent in describing everything.”
Luxury catamaran dolphin and whale watching from Funchal, sailing to Cabo Girão, with comfort onboard and a summer swim stop.
“This was excellent. Loved every minute. Really chilled out trip. The guides were amazing, made us feel really welcome and looked after. Made us all feel at home. the boat was spacious and plenty of seats anywhere on the boat or under the canopy in the shade if needed. One free drink and then very inexpensive to buy another £2.50 for a beer. The whole thing was great. The guides did their very best to get us to see the dolphins which were mostly quite a few meters from the boat but we got quite close at one point with 3 swimming directly in front of the boat. Actually the…”
A small-group catamaran whale and dolphin cruise from Funchal with champagne, snacks, and a Cabo Girao swim and snorkeling break.
“Fantastic afternoon, well worth doing. The drinks flowed the nibbles we're lovely the staff were Fabulous & couldn't do enough & the dolphins were so amazing.”
Sunset sailing from Funchal to spot whales and dolphins, snorkel at Cabo Girão, and sip Madeira drinks as the sun sets.
“Bruno and Roberto did everything for a good experience. And we saw pilot whales, it was amazing.”
3-hour catamaran from Funchal to spot dolphins and whales, swim under Cabo Girão, and get a free second trip if none.
“amazing! Saw dolphins, crew were very friendly and knowledgable, and it was great value for money!”
3-hour sailing from Funchal for dolphin and whale spotting near Cabo Girão, plus snorkeling, drinks, and cliff views.
“Trip was fun, we have been able to observe dolphins. We had a great swim in the ocean. Our guide Bruno was awesome during whole trip:D Thank You”
Fast RHIB whale and dolphin watching from Funchal, with marine biologists, land spotters, and a chance to swim off Madeira for about 2.5 hours.
“A fantastic trip. So much more informative than previous similar trips. We thoroughly enjoyed it and would go again and hopefully see different species although we understand there is no guarantee as they are wild animals.”
A small-group RIB speedboat tour from Funchal for whales and dolphins, with snorkeling gear and a chance to swim when conditions fit.
“We had an absolutely incredible time on this whale adventure tour. Seeing whales up close was unforgettable, and the tour guide made the experience even better with her deep knowledge and passion for marine life. She not only shared fascinating information but also took great photos and truly cared about the whales’ well-being. It was a fantastic experience, and I’d highly recommend it to anyone visiting Madeira!”
RIB boat whale and dolphin watching in Calheta, Madeira. Small-group ride, live commentary, and respectful searching for local cetaceans.
“I have seen a whale before. This trip, I've seen plenty, though none of the photos came out great, showing only the back of whales. It was nothing like photos of national geographic. The marina is about 35 minutes west of Funchal. We were all wearing masks even though we were in the ocean. It was a cold, grey day. Better bundle up. I was so glad that I wrapped up in a scarf. The staff were quite helpful. I've gained some knowledge about whales and dolphins. The dolphins loved jumping around and they looked bigger than the ones I saw in the Caribbeans. It would better to go in…”
