Whale and Dolphin Watching Tour: Marine Biologist-Led Excursion
4.5
314 Ratings
Funchal

Embark on an exciting whale and dolphin watching tour from Funchal, accompanied by marine biologists. Spot a diverse range of dolphins, whales, and turtles in the open sea of Madeira Island.

Duration: 2 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Rota dos Cetáceos - All our whale watching tours are accompanied by our marine biologists team. Before each trip there is a short introduction where you’ll learn all about these majestic creatures, then the adventure starts! We have lookouts on land who guides us to the animals in vessels fully equipped for observing wild dolphins and whales. It…
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What's Included
  • Local guide
  • Professional guide
  • Tour escort/host
  • Use of snorkeling equipment
  • Live commentary on board
  • All activities
What's Not Included
  • Food and drinks
Additional Information

Our clients are always accompanied by our marine biologists team. Before each boat trip there is a short introduction, the the adventure starts! We have lookouts on land with binoculars specified for observing Cetaceans in the open sea. The lookouts guide us to the animals in vessels fully equipped for observing wild dolphins and whales. During your…

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Location
Rota dos Cetáceos
Avenida Arriaga
Before each trip there is a short introduction where you’ll learn all about these majestic creatures, then the adventure starts.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.5
(314 Ratings)
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584ulrikep
Sep 27, 2025
A fun excursion - It was a successful trip with pilot whales and a lot of interesting information. Really recommendable.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Odyssey29926116039
Sep 22, 2025
Lots of whales! - Fantastic trip out with this group. We saw and got respectfully close to 7 or 8 sperm whales including juveniles, lots of pilot whales and a few bottle nosed dolphins. The sightings were beyond our expectations. The boat was a rib which made for a wild ride as we chased the animals around the coast. I chose the rib because I thought it would be fast which it was, and it made it easy for the crew to follow the instructions from the onshore spotter. However, we had a couple of delicate stomachs in our party who lost their breakfasts and we all got really really wet, regardless of where we were sitting. Thoroughly recommend this tour though,,,very good driver and guide. Thank you!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
446fredf
Sep 21, 2025
Most beautiful tour in a long time - What a great trip with such a professional and friendly team. Whale and dolphin watching was booked and you got that 100%. Here you not only drive around a bit on the sea hoping that by chance you will see a few whales or dolphins, but you will drive to the exact spot where spotters from land have seen the animals. It couldn't be better! So if you want to experience something like this, you have to book with Rota dos Cetaceos.
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Alan
Sep 14, 2025
Best Trips for Whales and Dolphins - Well organised and uses RIB rather than larger boats. Not for everyone as need to be reasonably agile on the RIB and probably not good if you get queasy. Advantage is they are fast and adaptable, so once there is a sighting you are first there. They use land based spotter to direct to likely sightings. We went on the 9am trip and saw beaked whales, bottle nosed dolphins and amazing pilot whales. Knowledgeable crew made our day. Second time with RDC would use no other
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Bobasse
Sep 1, 2025
Nice experience! - Nice experience! We were led by a team that we felt passionate about his subject. Another good point is that respect for nature is never left out. We had the chance to meet some dolphins in just a few minutes, very nice show!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Filipa_s
Aug 26, 2025
great visit and guides,... - great visit and guides, we were lucky to spot a pod of dolphins and pilot whales, all safe and respectful for the animals.
Review provided by Viator
Katiao852
Aug 24, 2025
Great experience from start to finish - Great experience from start to finish. Meeting point was clear, briefing was informative and efficient. Boat had sufficient space (small locker underneath seat, larger backpacks by your feet). Marine biologist guides were really knowledgeable (in multiple languages!). Saw a big pod of pilot whales and kept a respectful distance from the animals. Unfortunately no swimming but still spent a good 2h 15 on the water. Overall would recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Aly-maman
Sep 4, 2025
Very nice. - It was great, we had a great time and saw a lot of dolphins. We would have liked to see another whale but it's nature, we have to deal with
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Stevesj8961bm
Sep 3, 2025
Dolphins-Yes, Whales-No - Well dolphins are considered in the whale family but the trip was basically to see dolphins, don't expect to see whales. Added , is a quick swim and than back to the habour. Friendly staff and knowledgeable team.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Loreleik542
Sep 1, 2025
Great guides, no swimming??? - Really amazing tour guides, you can tell they really care! I’m sad we didn’t get to go swimming though even though it was advertised ?
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Check Availability
From $70
From $70
up to 15 guests
1 - Adult
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Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).