Whale and Dolphin Watching Tour in Madeira
By On Tales Lda · listed in whale and dolphin watching tours in Madeira
I'd book this yacht if you want a shared trip from Calheta with a toilet and cabin. Our scoring puts it first in the Madeira whale and dolphin watching comparison. Choose a daytime departure. Evening trips follow a separate programme without whale watching.
A spotter on land helps the crew find animals. After that, they choose a swimming stop to suit the sea conditions. Snorkelling gear is included with a shower for afterwards. Refreshments are included too. You'll need to get to the marina yourself. Food isn't included.
- Trip type
- Shared tour with stops
- Departure
- CalhetaMeeting point and check-in below
- Duration
- 2 hours 30 minutes
- Listed group limit
- up to 12 people
- Price
- from €74 per adultLowest price the operator lists. Your date may cost more.
- Rating
- 4.93/5 from 1,297 reviews, combined Viator and Tripadvisor; on Viator alone 4.7 from 43 reviews
- Languages
- Portuguese, English
- Details as of
- 13 September 2026
Before you book
- Pick a daytime departure. Evening trips don't include whale watching.
- Ask when you'll get confirmation. The booking page and the small print don't agree on the timing.
- Meet at the On Tales store in Calheta marina 15 minutes before departure. Transport isn't included.
- Children must be with an adult. There's an infant price for ages 0 to 2.
- Wildlife sightings aren't guaranteed. If weather cancels the trip, you can choose another date or a full refund.
- Up to 12 people per booking.
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 15 minutes before departure.
- Safety briefing on the yacht for about 10 minutes.
- 2 hours at sea looking for whales and dolphins with help from a spotter on land.
- A swim stop of about 10 minutes at a place chosen for the sea that day.
- The crew takes photos to send to you afterwards.
- Drinks served on board throughout the trip.
What the operator writes about each stop
- On Tales
Find our meeting point, on the marina de Calheta, 15 minutes before departure time. Reach out to us in case you need assistance.. You will find us at the end of the harbor, next to the blue building. Drive into the underground car park located right after the tennis courts. Exit the elevator on the ground floor; On Tales is the 1st store on the marina ! Meet our team for a detailed presentation of the activity. We will be happy to clear out any doubts you might have.
- Porto de Recreio da Calheta
Our captain will meet you and guide you to the yacht where he will proceed to a short safety briefing.
- At sea
Depart the harbor, with two professional crew members on a comfortable, spacious yacht. With a land-based spotter leading the way, cruise the coast to find and observe marine life in their natural environment, sightseeing and exploring Madeira island from a privileged point of view. A true exploration of nature's wonders. - Wildlife Spotting: Search for migratory dolphins and whales - Ethical Observation: Sustainable, expert-led encounters that prioritize marine welfare
- At sea
Cool off with a swim into the crystal-clear waters, at one of our favorite hidden gems. We select the perfect place based on the day’s sea conditions to ensure the most comfortable and calm swimming experience. Jump from the boat and explore the underwater world. We provide everything you need: soft bathing towels, masks, fins and snorkels.
- On the way
Focus on the View, our crew will take the photos! Relax and enjoy the scenery first hand. Our sea team captures the best moments of your journey, while our land team sends the digital photos to you afterwards.
- On the way
Stay refreshed with complimentary drinks served by our attentive crew throughout the trip.
Photos
Photos from the tour listing on Viator.
Included
- Bottled water
- Cabin
- Blankets
- Snorkel equipment (masks, fins and tubes)
- Toilet
- Hair and body towels
- Shower after swimming time
- Light refreshments (water, fruit juice, soft drinks, beer)
Paid separately
- Transportation to/from attractions.
- Snacks / 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, 16:30, 19:30. Daytime trips; the 19:30 departure is a sunset cruise without whale watching. Check your date when you book.
Ask when you'll get confirmation. The booking page and the small print don't agree on the timing. 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
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Confirmation will be sent before the tour or 48 hours after booking:
- Subject to favorable maritime conditions (if canceled 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
- Subject to availability
- Wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed
- 6/6.30 pm or 7/7.30 pm 19/19.30 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.
- Infant rate: ages 0 to 2
- Child rate: ages 3 to 12
- Youth rate: ages 13 to 17
- Adult rate: ages 18 to 64
- Senior rate: ages 65 to 99
Ratings by source
4.93/5 from 1,297 reviews, combined Viator and Tripadvisor; on Viator alone 4.7 from 43 reviews.
| Source | Average | Reviews | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Viator | 4.7 | 43 | 37 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| Tripadvisor | 4.9 | 1,254 | 1196 | 46 | 9 | 3 | 0 |
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.
Whales and Dolphins Watching Tour:
Come experience the marvellous nature of the south west sea of Madeira Island on board a refined and comfortable motor yacht.
Feel the happiness of being near the wild marine nature: dolphins, whales, turtles, and other amazing animals that we can find! Be there and join them while they cruise along on their journey in the open seas.
Enjoy the Atlantic Ocean from a luxurious view and cruise on its waters discovering the Island by sea.
Alternatives in the same collection
- Whale and Dolphin Watching in Calheta, Madeira Island€14 cheaper · 30 minutes shorter · from €60 per adult
- VipDolphins Luxury Whale Watching€5 dearer · 30 minutes longer · 17 people at most · from €79 per adult
- Responsible Whales and/or Dolphins Watching Tour€22 cheaper · 30 minutes shorter · 18 people at most · from €52 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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