Private Dolphin and Whale Watching Tour in Madeira
By On Tales Lda · listed in whale and dolphin watching tours in Madeira
I'd look at this charter if you want a yacht for your own party. We include it separately in our Madeira whale and dolphin watching comparison as the private version of the shared Calheta yacht. The price is per group.
Meet at the On Tales store to prepare and choose snorkelling gear before boarding. A spotter on land helps with the wildlife search. Swimming depends on the weather. A toilet and shower are included. Refreshments are covered too. Food and hotel transfers aren't included.
- Trip type
- Private activity
- Departure
- CalhetaMeeting point and check-in below
- Duration
- 2 hours 30 minutes
- Listed group limit
- private
- Price
- from €524.02 per groupLowest price the operator lists. Your date may cost more.
- Rating
- 4.94/5 from 561 reviews, combined Viator and Tripadvisor; on Viator alone 4.8 from 36 reviews
- Languages
- Portuguese, English, Spanish
- Details as of
- 13 September 2026
Before you book
- Check the separate upgrade's guest capacity before booking. The 14-seat name comes with a published limit of 12 guests.
- Pick a daytime programme for whale watching. Evening departures don't include it.
- The yacht isn't accessible to wheelchairs or pushchairs. Cots can't be accommodated either.
- Guests over 110 kg need to make arrangements with the team first. The captain or crew must agree to a suitable alternative.
- If you're pregnant, seek medical advice before booking. Medical help on board is limited. Children must be with an adult.
- Wildlife sightings aren't guaranteed. If weather cancels the trip, you can choose another date or a full refund.
- Give this one a miss if you're pregnant.
- No hotel pickup. You meet at the start point.
- The price is for the whole group, not per person.
Options
Pick the option on the booking page. Prices are the lowest for each option.
| Option | What it is | From | Languages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upgrade to our 14 seater yacht | Gringo Yacht Private charter: Small groups and designer tours only! Choose an even more spacious yacht; Gringo yacht is perfect for groups up to 12 guests! | €890.04 per group | English, Spanish, Portuguese |
| Private Dolphin and Whale Watching Tour in Madeira | €524.02 per group | English, Spanish, Portuguese |
Book through Viator, a Tripadvisor company. Cancel at least 24 hours before departure for a full refund.
Programme
- Meet at the On Tales store in Calheta marina for an introduction to the trip.
- Choose your snorkelling gear before boarding.
- Board the yacht when the captain is ready.
- On daytime trips, look for whales and dolphins with help from a spotter on land.
- Swimming or sailing along the coast when the weather allows.
Photos
Photos from the tour listing on Viator.
Included
- Shower for after swimming time
- Light refreshments (mineral water, ice tea, fruit juice, Coca-Cola, Cola zero, sprite, local beer)
- Cabin
- Blankets
- Use of snorkeling equipment
- Toilet
- Hair and body towels
- Sparkling wine
Paid separately
- Transfer from your hotel
- Snacks or food
Meeting point, pickup and return
Meet at the start point.
You will find the On Tales Store at the end of the Marina da Calheta, next to the blue building. Our team will greet you and guide you to our yacht. Note: Calheta is located on the South coast, approximately 40 minutes drive, West of Funchal. Show in Google Maps
You come back to the same place.
Schedule and confirmation
Usual timetable: daily, at 10:00, 13:30, 14:00, 16:30, 17:00, 19:00, 19:30. Daytime trips; the 19:00 and 19:30 departures are sunset cruises. Check your date when you book.
Instant confirmation. Mobile or paper ticket accepted.
Cancellation, weather and limits
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- 100% refund when cancelled 1 day or more before
- 0% refund when cancelled less than 1 day before
Bad weather can cancel the trip. Then you get another date or a full refund.
The operator's conditions, as written
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Subject to availability
- Subject to favourable weather conditions (if cancelled due weather conditions, you will be given the option of an alternative date or full refund)
- Family friendly
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Wildlife spotting cannot be guaranteed
- Pregnant women should seek medical advice before booking (limited to no medical assistance can be performed on-board)
- The yacht is not accessible to wheelchairs, strollers or cribs.
- This activity is not suited to guests over 110 kg / 242 pounds, unless prior arrangement is made with our team and a suitable alternative has been proposed and acknowledged by our Captain / Crew.
- 6/6.30 pm or 7/7.30 pm departure time: Sunset, Snorkeling and Sparkling wine, NO whale watching
- Guests should understand their duty to exercise reasonable care for their own safety while boarding, exiting and being on-board the yacht.
Ratings by source
4.94/5 from 561 reviews, combined Viator and Tripadvisor; on Viator alone 4.8 from 36 reviews.
| Source | Average | Reviews | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Viator | 4.8 | 36 | 34 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Tripadvisor | 4.9 | 525 | 510 | 10 | 1 | 1 | 3 |
Counts and averages as shown on Viator on 13 September 2026. We don't have the review texts.
From the operator
In On Tales Lda's own words, from the Viator listing.
Whale Watching Tour:
Treat yourself to a comfortable yacht and a professional crew!
How about a glass of sparkling wine while watching whales and dolphins?
This formula allows you to live this experience in a more intimate way and in a refined luxury environment.
Simply the best for you and your loved ones!
Our yachts, Gringo and Miranda, are moored in the port of Calheta. We sail out to meet the local species of cetaceans, assisted by a spotter on-land while guided by a professional crew of 2. From there on, the world is at your feet!
Depending on the weather conditions, you can decide to sail along the coast, to swim in the ocean with goggles and fins, to sunbathe and relax with a fresh drink.
Or, witness the magic of the Sunset from a privileged place, Choose an evening private cruise and experience the ocean in a different way!
We can accommodate 5 guests for private charters on Miranda, 12 guests for private charters on Gringo. Choose the options that suits your expectations!
Alternatives in the same collection
- Whale and Dolphin Watching Tour in Madeirashared · from €74 per adult
- Whale and Dolphin Watching in Calheta, Madeira Island30 minutes shorter · shared · from €60 per adult
- VipDolphins Luxury Whale Watching30 minutes longer · shared · from €79 per adult
Who checked this
Edited by Roman Antonov. I love Madeira and keep going back. Every detail on this page comes from the operator's own listing on Viator, as of 13 September 2026.
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