Sign in

Whale and Dolphin Watching Tour in Madeira

4.9 Excellent 1285 reviews
|
2h 30m
|
Portuguese, English, Spanish
Free cancellation · up to 24 hours before Instant confirmation Likely to sell out Live guide

Ratings & Reviews

4.9
1285 reviews
5
1168
4
43
3
10
2
3
1
2
Ratings collected from Guidekin & Viator & Tripadvisor

Guidekin's take

Best whale watching in our Funchal comparison. The highest rated of the big whale boats, 4.93 from 1,285 reviews at €74 per person, with snorkel gear, towels and a shower on board for the swim stop.

Trade-off: Twice the price of the catamaran.

Last checked: July 27, 2026. Commissions never affect our verdicts.

Overview

Guidekin summary

A motor yacht rather than a rib for the whale and dolphin search off the south west coast, with a cabin, blankets, a toilet and a shower, plus snorkel gear for a swim stop when the sea allows. Weather cancellations are refunded or moved, and sightings are never guaranteed. 4.93 from 1,285 reviews at €74 per person.

From the guide

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.

Compared with other Whale & Dolphin Watching

TourPriceDurationRatingGroup
This tour · #2 of 15€742h 30m4.93 (1285)shared
Whale and Dolphin Watching in Calheta, Madeira Island€602h4.93 (1388)shared
VipDolphins Luxury Whale Watching€793h4.9 (1912)shared
Responsible Whales and/or Dolphins Watching Tour€522h4.85 (348)shared

Ranked #2 of 15 in Whale & Dolphin Watching by Guidekin score (rating weighted by review volume). Prices here run from €35 to €79, median €52; typical length 2h 30m. 1 of 15 are private. Figures are live from the tour cards; the rubric is our handpicked set, not the whole market. Compare all 15 Whale & Dolphin Watching

Schedule & Availability

Runs daily
Departures: 10:00, 13:30, 16:30, 19:30
Scheduled through August 2027

This tour runs daily, departing at 10:00, 13:30, 16:30, 19:30. Scheduled through August 2027. These are the operator’s scheduled departures, not a live seat count: availability is confirmed at checkout. Schedule last checked September 2, 2026.

What's 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)

What's Not Included

Transportation to/from attractions.
Snacks / food

Itinerary

On Tales Stop 1
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.
10 min
Porto de Recreio da Calheta Stop 2
Our captain will meet you and guide you to the yacht where he will proceed to a short safety briefing.
10 min
Admission included
Madeira Islands Stop 3
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
2h
Madeira Islands Stop 4
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.
10 min
Madeira Islands Stop 5
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.
Pass by
Madeira Islands Stop 6
Stay refreshed with complimentary drinks served by our attentive crew throughout the trip.
Pass by

Departure & Return

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.

End 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.

Additional Information

  • 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.

Cancellation Policy

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

1+ daysFull refund
0-1 daysNo refund
From € 74 / person