Top 7 whale and dolphin watching tours in Madeira

Edited by Roman Antonov

Our selection: the top 7 of 31 whale and dolphin trips in Madeira

Viator lists 31 whale and dolphin trips in Madeira. We analysed all of them, what each trip includes, its programme and its conditions, and picked the top 7. Here they are. Private boats and other formats are below.

Rating and the number of reviews count as one of the criteria: every trip here had 4.5 stars or more from at least 30 reviews, Viator and Tripadvisor together, when we last went through the list.

Prices, times and reviews as of . We last went through the list on . How we choose.

Whale watching in Madeira: which one to choose

If you'd like a shared yacht with a toilet and cabin, I'd book the Calheta yacht. Pick a daytime departure. There's no whale watching on the evening trip.

The Calheta RIB has the same published group limit as the yacht. Its starting price per adult is lower. The trip is shorter too. You'll need moderate fitness. A spotter on land helps the crew find animals.

For a Funchal departure with snacks and drinks included, there's VipDolphins. Children under 3 aren't allowed. Hotel pickup isn't included.

For your own boat, see the private Calheta yacht. The price is per group.

Common Dolphin
Whale and Dolphin Watching Tour in Madeira

Start with what matters most to you: the port and the size of the boat. Stars won't tell you that.

Compare the 7 shared trips: price, departure and length

Prices in EUR, as of 21 September 2026

Hide the tableShow the comparison table
7 trips, in list order. Prices are the lowest the operator lists. Your date may cost more.
TripDepartureBoatListed group limitFrom priceDurationDepartures (local time)Cancellation
01Whale and Dolphin Watching Tour in MadeiraCalheta marinaMotor yacht12 travellers€74 per adult2 hours 30 minutes10:00, 13:30, 16:30 (daytime)Daytime trips; the 19:30 departure is a sunset cruise without whale watching.Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
02Whale and Dolphin Watching in Calheta, Madeira IslandCalheta marinaRIB12 travellers€60 per adult2 hours09:30, 12:00, 15:30Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
03VipDolphins Luxury Whale WatchingFunchal marinaCatamaran17 travellers€79 per adult3 hours10:00, 14:30, 18:30Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
04Responsible Whales and/or Dolphins Watching TourFunchal marinaSpeedboat18 travellers€52 per adult2 hours09:00, 13:00, 15:30Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
05Whale & Dolphin Watching in MadeiraQuinta do Lorde marinasee the tour page30 travellers€62.50 per adult2 hours09:00, 09:30, 10:00, 12:00, 12:30 and 3 moreFree cancellation up to 24 hours before
06Madeira Dolphin and Whale Watching on a Ecological CatamaranFunchal marinaHybrid-electric catamaran149 travellers€35 per adult2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours09:00, 10:00, 12:00, 14:30, 15:30Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
07Seaborn Catamaran tripsFunchal marinaCatamaran100 travellers€35 per adult3 hours10:30, 15:00 (daytime)Daytime trips; the 17:00 to 18:30 departures are sunset cruises.Free cancellation up to 24 hours before

Group limit is the most people the operator takes on one departure. Times are the usual timetable. Check your date when you book.

All 7 trips have the same rule: free cancellation up to 24 hours before.

The trips

What to know before you book each one

  1. 01
    Common Dolphin

    4.93/5 from 1,300 reviews, combined Viator and Tripadvisor

    A spotter on land helps the crew find animals. They then choose a swimming stop to suit the sea conditions. Snorkelling gear and a shower are included.

    I'd book this one if you want a shared yacht with a toilet and cabin included. Make it a daytime trip. Evening departures don't include whale watching.

    The trade-off. You'll need to get to Calheta yourself. Transport and food aren't included. Ask when you'll get confirmation. The booking page and the small print don't agree on the timing.

    From price
    €74 per adult
    Duration
    2 hours 30 minutes
    Listed group limit The most people the operator takes on one departure. Your trip may have fewer.?
    up to 12 people
    Departure
    Calheta marina
    Listed guide languages
    Portuguese, English
    Listed departure times
    10:00, 13:30, 16:30Daytime trips; the 19:30 departure is a sunset cruise without whale watching.
    Cancellation
    Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
    Pickup
    Meet at the start point

    Lowest price the operator lists. Your date may cost more.

    Times are local. Check your date and the guide language when you book.

    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.
    View tour details

    Book through Viator, a Tripadvisor company. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before.

    Details as of .

  2. 02
    Bryde's Whale & Spotted Dolphin

    4.93/5 from 1,388 reviews, combined Viator and Tripadvisor

    A spotter on land helps the crew find animals.

    If you're keen on a RIB, this one leaves from Calheta. You'll need moderate fitness. Look elsewhere if you want a toilet and a cabin: the Calheta yacht has both.

    The trade-off. The trip is shorter than the yacht's. It starts at a lower adult price too. Food and drinks aren't included.

    From price
    €60 per adult
    Duration
    2 hours
    Listed group limit The most people the operator takes on one departure. Your trip may have fewer.?
    up to 12 people
    Departure
    Calheta marina
    Listed guide languages
    Portuguese, English
    Listed departure times
    09:30, 12:00, 15:30
    Cancellation
    Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
    Pickup
    Meet at the start point

    Lowest price the operator lists. Your date may cost more.

    Times are local. Check your date and the guide language when you book.

    Before you book

    • You'll need at least moderate fitness.
    • Check in at the H2oMadeira store on level 0 of Calheta marina 20 minutes before departure. You'll need to get there yourself.
    • Child prices start at age 2.
    • Pets aren't allowed on board.
    • Give this one a miss if you're pregnant, or if you have a back or spine injury or a heart condition.
    View tour details

    Book through Viator, a Tripadvisor company. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before.

    Details as of .

  3. 03

    The Funchal trip with snacks and drinks

    VipDolphins Luxury Whale Watching

    VipDolphins Sunset

    4.90/5 from 1,944 reviews, combined Viator and Tripadvisor

    Snacks and drinks are included. You get snorkelling gear too. There's a swim below Cabo Girão after the search for wildlife.

    This suits you if you'd like to leave from Funchal with refreshments included. You'll need another trip if you're bringing a child under 3. They aren't allowed on board.

    The trade-off. The published group limit is higher than either Calheta pick. Hotel pickup isn't included. Check in 30 minutes before departure. Late arrivals get no refund or free rescheduling.

    From price
    €79 per adult
    Duration
    3 hours
    Listed group limit The most people the operator takes on one departure. Your trip may have fewer.?
    up to 17 people
    Departure
    Funchal marina
    Listed guide languages
    Portuguese, English, Spanish
    Listed departure times
    10:00, 14:30, 18:30
    Cancellation
    Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
    Pickup
    Meet at the start point

    Lowest price the operator lists. Your date may cost more.

    Times are local. Check your date and the guide language when you book.

    Before you book

    • Children under 3 aren't allowed.
    • Check in at the VipDolphins kiosk in Funchal marina 30 minutes before departure. Hotel pickup isn't included. Late arrivals get no refund or free rescheduling.
    • The starting adult price covers the option called VipDolphins Luxury Whale Watch. Check which one you're booking.
    • Wheelchair access is available. Confirm the boarding arrangements for your needs.
    • Give this one a miss if you're pregnant, or if you have a back or spine injury or a heart condition.
    View tour details

    Book through Viator, a Tripadvisor company. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before.

    Details as of .

  4. 04
    Responsible Whales and/or Dolphins Watching Tour

    4.85/5 from 348 reviews, combined Viator and Tripadvisor

    The speedboat was built for wildlife watching.

    Try this one if you want a Funchal speedboat with a guide in English. Look elsewhere if you need a hotel transfer. Hotel transfers aren't arranged.

    The trade-off. You'll need to get to the marina yourself.

    From price
    €52 per adult
    Duration
    2 hours
    Listed group limit The most people the operator takes on one departure. Your trip may have fewer.?
    up to 18 people
    Departure
    Funchal marina
    Listed guide languages
    English
    Listed departure times
    09:00, 13:00, 15:30
    Cancellation
    Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
    Pickup
    Meet at the start point

    Lowest price the operator lists. Your date may cost more.

    Times are local. Check your date and the guide language when you book.

    Before you book

    • Hotel transfers aren't arranged. Meet in front of Gate 4 at the east corner of Funchal marina.
    • Arrive at least 20 minutes before departure. Aim for 30 minutes. The boat leaves on time.
    • Child prices start at age 6.
    • Give this one a miss if you're pregnant, or if you have a back or spine injury or a heart condition.
    View tour details

    Book through Viator, a Tripadvisor company. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before.

    Details as of .

  5. 05

    The boat from Quinta do Lorde

    Whale & Dolphin Watching in Madeira

    Whale & Dolphin Watching in Madeira

    4.82/5 from 221 reviews, combined Viator and Tripadvisor

    This trip leaves from Quinta do Lorde marina on the east coast. The return passes Ponta de São Lourenço with a swim at Cais do Sardinha.

    This could fit your day if you're planning around the east coast. Look elsewhere if you need pickup included.

    The trade-off. There are eight start times. Pickup costs extra.

    From price
    €62.50 per adult
    Duration
    2 hours
    Listed group limit The most people the operator takes on one departure. Your trip may have fewer.?
    up to 30 people
    Departure
    Quinta do Lorde marina
    Listed guide languages
    Portuguese, English
    Listed departure times
    09:00, 09:30, 10:00, 12:00, 12:30 and 3 more
    Cancellation
    Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
    Pickup
    Meet at the start point

    Lowest price the operator lists. Your date may cost more.

    Times are local. Check your date and the guide language when you book.

    Before you book

    • Meet at the marina. Pickup costs extra.
    • Go to pontoon D or E at Quinta do Lorde marina. If you're driving, use the hotel's covered car park.
    • The booking age range is 5 to 70.
    • Give this one a miss if you're pregnant, or if you have a back or spine injury or a heart condition.
    View tour details

    Book through Viator, a Tripadvisor company. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before.

    Details as of .

  6. 06

    The hybrid catamaran from €35 per adult

    Madeira Dolphin and Whale Watching on a Ecological Catamaran

    Swimming at Cabo Girao

    4.56/5 from 2,228 reviews, combined Viator and Tripadvisor

    It has the most reviews of the trips compared here. It has hybrid-electric engines and bathrooms. Wheelchair access is available. Check the boarding arrangements for your needs.

    This suits you if price matters and you're happy with a large group. It shares the lowest starting adult price in this shared list. Look elsewhere if you want a small boat.

    The trade-off. The published limit is 149 travellers. The viewing rail may get busy when animals appear. The Magic Dolphin Eco Summer option here starts from €35 per adult without a swim stop. Check which programme your chosen price covers.

    From price
    €35 per adult
    Duration
    2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hoursThe €35 summer option is 2 hours 30 minutes; the €40 options are 3 hours.
    Listed group limit The most people the operator takes on one departure. Your trip may have fewer.?
    up to 149 people
    Departure
    Funchal marina
    Listed guide languages
    Portuguese, English
    Listed departure times
    09:00, 10:00, 12:00, 14:30, 15:30
    Cancellation
    Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
    Pickup
    Meet at the start point

    Lowest price the operator lists. Your date may cost more.

    Times are local. Check your date and the guide language when you book.

    Before you book

    • The lowest starting adult price is for Magic Dolphin Eco Summer. There's no swim stop. Ecological Cruises and Dolphin & Whale Watching are longer trips. Check your option's price and length.
    • The published limit is 149 travellers.
    • All areas and surfaces on board are wheelchair accessible. Confirm the boarding arrangements for your needs.
    • Check in at the Funchal marina kiosk 30 minutes before departure. You won't get a refund if you miss the boat. Hotel pickup and drop-off aren't included.
    View tour details

    Book through Viator, a Tripadvisor company. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before.

    Details as of .

  7. 07

    The daytime catamaran from €35 per adult

    Seaborn Catamaran trips

    Seaborn Catamaran trips

    4.52/5 from 517 reviews, combined Viator and Tripadvisor

    The daytime trip searches for marine wildlife. A toilet is included on board. The lowest adult price matches the Eco summer option with a lower published group limit.

    I'd consider it for a daytime catamaran trip if you're happy with a large group. Look elsewhere for an evening wildlife search. The sunset options follow a different programme.

    The trade-off. It's still a large departure with a published limit of 100 travellers. There's a bar on board. Drinks cost extra.

    From price
    €35 per adult
    Duration
    3 hours
    Listed group limit The most people the operator takes on one departure. Your trip may have fewer.?
    up to 100 people
    Departure
    Funchal marina
    Listed guide languages
    Portuguese, English
    Listed departure times
    10:30, 15:00Daytime trips; the 17:00 to 18:30 departures are sunset cruises.
    Cancellation
    Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
    Pickup
    Meet at the start point

    Lowest price the operator lists. Your date may cost more.

    Times are local. Check your date and the guide language when you book.

    Before you book

    • Collect your boarding card at the Seaborn office in Funchal marina 30 minutes before departure.
    • Make your own way to the marina. Hotel pickup is not included.
    • Select a sunset option for an evening trip. Check the departures offered for your date.
    • The minimum age is 1.
    • You lose your refund if you miss the boat.
    • Cancel at least 24 hours before departure for a full refund. Bad weather or too few bookings can cancel the trip.
    View tour details

    Book through Viator, a Tripadvisor company. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before.

    Details as of .

Private charters and other formats

These are priced per boat or work differently, so they don't go in the ranked list.

Private Charter

4.94/5 from 561 reviews, combined Viator and Tripadvisor

This private Calheta yacht starts from €524.02 per group with a toilet and snorkelling gear included. Choose a daytime programme to go whale watching.

From price
€524.02 per group
Duration
2 hours 30 minutes
Listed group limit
private
Departure
Calheta marina
Listed guide languages
Portuguese, English, Spanish
Listed departure times
10:00, 13:30, 14:00, 16:30, 17:00Daytime trips; the 19:00 and 19:30 departures are sunset cruises.
Cancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
Pickup
Meet at the start point

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.
View tour details

Book through Viator, a Tripadvisor company. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before.

Details as of .

Spotted dolphins, mother and calf

4.85/5 from 110 reviews, combined Viator and Tripadvisor

This Machico wildlife trip starts from €54.50 per adult with a marine biologist and spotter on land. For an east coast departure, this trip is labelled private with prices per adult.

From price
€54.50 per adult
Duration
2 hours to 2 hours 30 minutes
Listed group limit
private
Departure
Machico
Listed guide languages
Portuguese, English, French, Spanish
Listed departure times
09:30, 12:30, 15:00
Cancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
Pickup
Meet at the start point

Before you book

  • The trip is labelled private. Both priced options charge per person.
  • The trip lasts 2 hours to 2 hours 30 minutes, depending on the option.
  • Meet at the start point in Machico 15 minutes before departure. You'll need to get there yourself.
  • Infants must sit on an adult's lap. Infant prices start at age 2.
  • Swimming with dolphins is limited to common and spotted dolphins. It is only possible when conditions allow. It isn't guaranteed.
  • Give this one a miss if you're pregnant, or if you have a back or spine injury or a heart condition.
View tour details

Book through Viator, a Tripadvisor company. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before.

Details as of .

Back to the comparison table

Whale watching in Madeira: questions before booking

Short answers from the listings

Which Madeira whale-watching tour should I book for a small group?

Start with the Calheta RIB or Calheta yacht if a low group limit matters to you. Both have a published limit of 12 travellers. The RIB is a shorter trip with a lower starting adult price. The yacht has a toilet and cabin. VipDolphins has the lowest published limit among the shared Funchal trips compared here at 17 travellers.

Should I depart from Funchal or Calheta?

Choose the port that fits your plans. You'll need to get to the marina yourself for both Calheta picks. VipDolphins leaves from Funchal without hotel pickup. For a departure in the east, look at Quinta do Lorde or Machico.

Which boat should I choose if I get seasick or need a toilet?

I'd choose the Eco catamaran or Seaborn if you're prone to seasickness. These bigger catamarans tend to feel steadier. Both have toilets. VipDolphins is a catamaran too. The Calheta yacht has a cabin for shelter. The Calheta RIB and the Funchal speedboat Blue Safari are faster and more exposed. They can feel bouncier at speed. Eat something light beforehand. Keep your eyes on the horizon.

How much does whale watching cost? Is a private boat priced per person?

Starting prices for shared trips range from €35 to €79 per adult. The Eco summer option and Seaborn daytime trip both start from €35 per adult. The private Calheta yacht starts from €524.02 per group. A yacht upgrade has its own price. The Machico trip costs per adult despite being labelled private. Starting prices are the lowest across options and seasons. Your date and departure may cost more.

Can I take young children on a whale-watching trip?

It depends on the trip. VipDolphins doesn't allow children under 3. The shared Calheta yacht has an infant price for ages 0 to 2. Children must be with an adult. Check the boarding arrangements and the operator's conditions before booking.

What are the best months to see whales and dolphins in Madeira?

The boats run all year. No operator sells a special season, so go when you're on the island. Mornings and afternoons both have departures; pick the time that suits your day.

Should I go whale watching in the morning or afternoon?

Pick a time that fits your day. The Calheta RIB leaves at 09:30, 12:00 and 15:30. VipDolphins has departures at 10:00, 14:30 and 18:30. The shared Calheta yacht and private charter don't include whale watching on evening trips. Seaborn's sunset options focus on the sunset.

What happens if we don't see any whales or dolphins?

You may come back without seeing whales or dolphins. Sightings aren't guaranteed on either Calheta yacht. The Machico trip offers a free repeat outing if the search fails.

What happens if the trip is cancelled because of bad weather?

The Calheta yacht offers another date or a full refund if weather cancels the trip. All the shared trips can be cancelled for bad weather. For any shared trip here, cancel at least 24 hours before departure for a full refund.

Can I swim or snorkel during the trip?

For a swim, look at the Calheta yacht or VipDolphins. Both include snorkelling gear. The yacht crew chooses a swimming stop to suit the sea conditions. VipDolphins stops for a swim below Cabo Girão. The Magic Dolphin Eco Summer option here starts from €35 per adult without a swim stop.

How this selection was made

How we compared

We started from the 31 whale and dolphin trips in Madeira that guides and other providers sell on Viator. We read every one of them.

First the bar: 4.5 stars or more from at least 30 reviews, Viator and Tripadvisor counted together. 13 of the 31 fell short of that and stayed out. We also look at the Viator reviews on their own. A trip rated below 4.5 by five or more Viator travellers stays out, whatever the combined score says.

Then the fit. Does the trip do what this page promises? Do its details agree with each other? When the same boat is sold under two names, we show it once. 9 more trips passed the review bar but stayed out for those reasons.

The order comes from this score. It uses the exact rating. Ties go to the trip with more reviews.

(rating × reviews + 4.6 × 50) ÷ (reviews + 50)

The score is about reviews, nothing else. It does not say how often you will see whales. We have no review texts and we have not taken every trip. The line under each name says when we would pick it. Commission never changes the order.

Who made this list

Edited by Roman Antonov. I love Madeira and keep going back. Trip details come from the operators' own listings on Viator, read line by line and compared.

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Where the details come from.

Prices, times, conditions and review counts come from the operators' listings on Viator, as of 21 September 2026. We last went through this list on 13 September 2026.

Bookings go through Viator. If you book through a link here, we earn a commission. It costs you nothing extra. How we earn.