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Whale and Dolphin Watching Tour: Marine Biologist-Led Excursion
4.6
282 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.
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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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 is also possible for you to swim with dolphins, an unforgettable experience!
During our trips, you might observe a large diversity of dolphins, whales and turtles on Madeira Island sea.
What's Included
- Local guide
- Professional guide
- Tour escort/host
- Use of snorkeling equipment
- Live commentary on board
- All activities
- Local guide
- Professional guide
- Tour escort/host
- Use of snorkeling equipment
- Live commentary on board
- All activities
What's Not Included
- Food and drinks
- 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…
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 small group tour you might observe a large diversity of dolphins, whales and turtles on Madeira Island Sea.
- Dress code is smart casual
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.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.6
(282 Ratings)
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Miszcz79
May 1, 2025
Whales are awesome - Great experience, we saw pilot whales and common whales jumping out of the water right next to our boat. These guys have spotters on land to guide the boat to the right place.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Shona
Apr 9, 2025
An exciting fast boat trip - Firstly don't do this if you want a nice gentle boring dry boat trip ! But if you want something exciting ,don't mind cold,wet and wind then this is for you ! Up close to dolphins and pilot whales .They respect the rules of only 2 boats close to the animals at one time so will need to wait patiently to have a turn of getting in close .Life jackets are provided as well as light waterproof jackets but we had our own with us .I wore light trousers for warmth and did get wet with sea spray but that was no problem and warned about it .You're seated according to sea sickness /back problems etc but wouldn't do this if you're worried about your back as your bum may leave the seat at some point as you zip over the waves .Have done other trips but this was most exciting
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Louch4474nh
Mar 23, 2025
Perfect. - Out at sea this Friday in Madeira, excursion to the top, the Caroline instructor of an unnamed kindness who took the time to explain everything to us in French. And thank you to her for helping me with my seasickness!
Thanks to Pedro our skipper for his professionalism.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
N969llgavinw
Jan 12, 2025
Great day! - Had an amazingly close encounter with a pod of Sperm whales and their calves being chased by Pilot whales, Bottlenose dolphins thrown in and a bonus Monk seal to round off an unbelievable day. Very well looked after by our enthusiastic and knowledgeable guide Anna and our skilful skipper Ricardo. We really appreciated how respectful our crew were towards the animals, keeping a good distance and not interfering with them. Incidentally a really fun ride out and back in a fairly choppy sea!
Superb
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Wirwareni
Dec 4, 2024
Very, very well!!!! - It was very good. Spotters, the lady who teaches, the captain all with 1000 stars. We see 4 "Spermwhales." Spectacular! Fantastic! Funny, even if we didn't find the whales or dolphins.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
S5007vicarolinem
Nov 27, 2024
Brilliant, an ecological view of wildlife from a respectful distance. - Raquel and Carolina were very patient and very knowledgable. We found multiple pods of pilot whales and on our trip and we got as close as we could to see them, without disturbing their wild habitat.
The whole experience was excellent. The pilot was very professional and helpful and the knowledge the crew shared with us enriched our experience, the ecological perspective was a consistent theme throughout our time with them, which is very important these days.
We have done whale watches before, but never in a smaller boat, which affords the passengers an up close view without disturbance to the wildlife.
Brilliant - highly recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
W58uaemmaw
Nov 2, 2024
Incredible whale watching - The trip gave us a refund immediately as swimming with dolphins was not possible on our trip, but the whale and dolphin watching was superb
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Bethany1627
Mar 10, 2025
Enjoyable afternoon - A fun trip off the island to see pilot whales and common dolphins. The team are super knowledgeable, great at spotting sea life and pointing them out.
Tour was enjoyable and it’s nice to see a company doing what they can to protect natural habitats for the animals
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Markhg4884yw
Dec 21, 2024
Underwhelmed and annoyed - Like sitting on a Chopper Bike inside a washing machine, set to cold, for three hours - and all we saw was three seagulls.
Sure you can’t guarantee sightings, but this outfit is a joke. Spotters on the island - or give over you con artists.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lauriens2021
Nov 13, 2024
Got cancelled less than 18 hours before departure - Our trip was canceled less than 18 hours before departure because they received a last-minute request from a cruise ship (their words). They stated that they were under contract with this cruise line, but nowhere on their website does it say that they can cancel your trip at such short notice for this reason. Later, they claimed it was due to one of their boats being out of service, which, to me, seems like a valid reason for not being able to fulfill a contract. Instead, they allowed the cruise line’s last-minute request to proceed on the boat that was still operational and canceled the reservations of their other customers.
They offered us an afternoon tour, which we couldn’t take as we were leaving the island. Other tours were already fully booked, so there was no whale-watching for us.
Absolutely bizarre and untrustworthy behavior from this company. I would recommend booking your tour elsewhere.
Review provided by Tripadvisor