---
title: Whale & Dolphin Watching in Madeira
lang: en
alternate_de: https://guidekin.com/de/portugal/madeira/madeira-whale-watching/
type: tour_collection
city: Madeira
country: Portugal
tours: 14
price_from_eur: 35
reviews_total: 8129
as_of: 2026-09-21
canonical: https://guidekin.com/portugal/madeira/madeira-whale-watching/
---

# Whale & Dolphin Watching in Madeira

> **Guidekin** is a hand-picked catalogue: we read every listing ourselves and keep only operators rated 4.5★ with 30+ traveler reviews. [How we choose tours](https://guidekin.com/how-we-choose-tours/) Catalogue data as of September 21, 2026.

## All 14 tours, ranked by Guidekin score

| # | Tour | Collections | Price | Rating | Duration | Runs | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | [Whale and Dolphin Watching in Calheta, Madeira Island](https://guidekin.com/portugal/madeira/tours/whale-and-dolphin-watching-in-calheta-madeira-island/?format=md) |  | €60 per person | 4.93 (1388) | 2h | daily 09:30–15:30 | up to 12 per booking · free cancel · instant · en/pt |
| 2 | [Whale and Dolphin Watching Tour in Madeira](https://guidekin.com/portugal/madeira/tours/whale-and-dolphin-watching-tour-in-madeira/?format=md) | Nature & Wildlife | €74 per person | 4.93 (1299) | 2h 30m | daily 10:00–19:30 | up to 12 per booking · free cancel · instant · en/es/pt |
| 3 | [Responsible Whales and/or Dolphins Watching Tour](https://guidekin.com/portugal/madeira/tours/responsible-whales-and-or-dolphins-watching-tour/?format=md) |  | €52 per person | 4.85 (348) | 2h | daily 09:00–15:30 | up to 12 per booking · free cancel · instant · en |
| 4 | [Whale & Dolphin Watching in Madeira](https://guidekin.com/portugal/madeira/tours/whale-dolphin-watching-in-madeira/?format=md) |  | €63 per person | 4.82 (221) | 2h | daily 09:00–17:00 | up to 15 per booking · free cancel · instant · en/pt |
| 5 | [Whale & Dolphin Watching boat trip](https://guidekin.com/portugal/madeira/tours/whale-dolphin-watching-boat-trip/?format=md) |  | €55 per person | 4.85 (110) | 2h 30m | daily 09:30–15:00 | private · up to 14 · free cancel · instant · en/es/fr/pt |
| 6 | [Magic Dolphin Sea Safaris](https://guidekin.com/portugal/madeira/tours/magic-dolphin-sea-safaris/?format=md) |  | €50 per person | 4.78 (289) | 2h | daily 10:00–15:30 | up to 15 per booking · free cancel · instant · en/pt |
| 7 | [Madeira Dolphin & Whale Watching Tour](https://guidekin.com/portugal/madeira/tours/madeira-dolphin-whale-watching-tour/?format=md) |  | €52 per person | 4.76 (601) | 2h | daily 09:30–16:00 | up to 15 per booking · free cancel · instant · en/pt |
| 8 | [Dolphin - Whale - Turtle - Bird Watching](https://guidekin.com/portugal/madeira/tours/dolphin-whale-turtle-bird-watching/?format=md) |  | €50 per person | 4.74 (370) | 2h | daily 10:00–15:30 | up to 15 per booking · free cancel · instant · en/pt |
| 9 | [Sunset Cruise with Dinner on Board](https://guidekin.com/portugal/madeira/tours/sunset-cruise-with-dinner-on-board/?format=md) | Snorkeling, Kayak & Water Sports | €65 per person | 4.73 (44) | 4h | Mon Wed Thu Fri Sun 17:30–18:00 | up to 15 per booking · free cancel · instant · pickup · en/es |
| 10 | [Snorkelling Trip at Ponta de São Lourenço Protected Area](https://guidekin.com/portugal/madeira/tours/snorkelling-trip-at-ponta-de-s-o-louren-o-protected-area/?format=md) | Nature & Wildlife, Snorkeling, Kayak & Water Sports | €35 per person | 4.52 (71) | 2h 30m | daily exc Sun 14:30 | up to 12 per booking · free cancel · instant · en |
| 11 | [Eco-Friendly Catamaran Dolphin and Whale Watching](https://guidekin.com/portugal/madeira/tours/eco-friendly-catamaran-dolphin-and-whale-watching/?format=md) | Catamaran Tours, Nature & Wildlife | €35 per person | 4.6 (270) | 2h 30m–3h | daily 09:00–15:30 | up to 15 per booking · free cancel · instant · en/pt |
| 12 | [Whale and Dolphin Watching Tour from Funchal](https://guidekin.com/portugal/madeira/tours/whale-and-dolphin-watching-tour-from-funchal/?format=md) | Funchal City Tours | €48 per person | 4.52 (373) | 2h 30m | daily 09:00–16:00 | up to 15 per booking · free cancel · instant · en/fr/de/pt |
| 13 | [Seaborn Catamaran trips](https://guidekin.com/portugal/madeira/tours/seaborn-catamaran-trips/?format=md) | Catamaran Tours, Snorkeling, Kayak & Water Sports | €35 per person | 4.52 (517) | 3h | daily 10:30–18:30 | up to 15 per booking · free cancel · instant · en/pt |
| 14 | [Madeira Dolphin and Whale Watching on a Ecological Catamaran](https://guidekin.com/portugal/madeira/tours/madeira-dolphin-and-whale-watching-on-a-ecological-catamaran/?format=md) | Catamaran Tours, Nature & Wildlife, Snorkeling, Kayak & Water Sports | €35 per person | 4.56 (2228) | 3h | daily 09:00–15:30 | up to 15 per booking · free cancel · instant · en/pt |

## Why each made the list

- **Whale and Dolphin Watching in Calheta, Madeira Island** — Whale and dolphin watching that leaves from Calheta on the west coast rather than the Funchal marina, on a fast boat with live commentary from the guide. It is a bumpy ride, so pregnant travellers and anyone with back problems are advised against it. 4.93 from 1388 reviews at €60 per person.
- **Whale and Dolphin Watching Tour in Madeira** — 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 1299 reviews at €74 per person.
- **Responsible Whales and/or Dolphins Watching Tour** — A small speedboat that limits the number of guests and follows a no chasing, no feeding approach to whales and dolphins, run by experts in the area of the coast where the animals gather. Life jackets are provided; hotel transfers are not organised. 4.85 from 348 reviews at €52 per person for 2h.
- **Whale & Dolphin Watching in Madeira** — A boat trip aimed at the cetaceans that live around Madeira year round, from common and bottlenose dolphins to sperm whales, with life jackets and fees included. Hotel pickup is a paid extra, drinks and snacks are not provided, and the ride is unsuitable for pregnant travellers. 4.82 from 221 reviews at €63 per person for 2h.
- **Whale & Dolphin Watching boat trip** — A whale and dolphin trip from Machico on the wilder east coast with a marine biologist on every sailing, and a free second outing if nothing is sighted. Swimming with dolphins happens only when conditions and species allow. 4.85 from 110 reviews at €55 per person for 2h 30m.
- **Magic Dolphin Sea Safaris** — A speedboat whale and dolphin safari with spotters on land steering the boat and a local guide on board, built for covering more sea in two hours than a slower vessel. No pickup and no refund if a late cruise ship makes you miss it; not for pregnant travellers. 4.78 from 289 reviews at €50 per person.
- **Madeira Dolphin & Whale Watching Tour** — A small boat with only eighteen seats and a marine biologist on board, run with a guaranteed sighting policy and minimal impact on the animals. Life jackets are provided and little else; the ride is not recommended for pregnant travellers or anyone with spinal injuries. 4.76 from 601 reviews at €52 per person.
- **Dolphin - Whale - Turtle - Bird Watching** — A sea safari boat rebuilt with big engines to cover more water than the Funchal fleet, with cushioned seats, land spotters and a local guide looking for whales, dolphins, turtles and seabirds. No pickup, no food and no high heels on board. 4.74 from 370 reviews at €50 per person.
- **Sunset Cruise with Dinner on Board** — An all inclusive sunset sailing with dinner served on board, unlimited drinks, snorkelling gear and a swimming stop at Calhau da Lapa, with hotel pickup arranged. Commentary covers the coast as you sail, so it is a dinner cruise rather than a wildlife trip. 4.73 from 44 reviews at €65 per person for 4h.
- **Snorkelling Trip at Ponta de São Lourenço Protected Area** — A boat based snorkelling trip inside the protected waters of Ponta de São Lourenço, stopping at several spots with a guide in the water and masks and fins supplied. You make your own way to the marina at Quinta do Lorde; food and drinks are not included. 4.52 from 71 reviews at €35 per person for 2h 30m.
- **Eco-Friendly Catamaran Dolphin and Whale Watching** — A catamaran built for whale and dolphin watching with hybrid electric engines, a professional local guide and live commentary, and fully wheelchair accessible decks. No pickup; the child rate applies only when sharing with two paying adults. 4.6 from 270 reviews at €35 per person.
- **Whale and Dolphin Watching Tour from Funchal** — A whale and dolphin trip where lookouts on land with binoculars steer the boat to the animals and a marine biologist team gives a briefing before departure, with snorkelling gear included. Food and drinks are not, and the ride is not recommended for pregnant travellers. 4.52 from 373 reviews at €48 per person for 2h 30m.
- **Seaborn Catamaran trips** — A catamaran cruise that combines the dolphin and whale search with a look at the Cabo Girão cliff from the water and a drink on deck, on a stable boat that suits families. The operator is upfront that sightings are not guaranteed, and nothing beyond the cruise is included. 4.52 from 517 reviews at €35 per person.
- **Madeira Dolphin and Whale Watching on a Ecological Catamaran** — A whale and dolphin cruise on a purpose built catamaran with hybrid electric engines, so the boat runs quieter around the animals and the decks are wheelchair accessible. The cruise is the whole package: no pickup, no lunch, and sightings depend on the day. 4.56 from 2228 reviews at €35 per person.

## Other collections in Madeira

- [Jeep & 4x4 Tours](https://guidekin.com/portugal/madeira/jeep-4x4/?format=md) — 30 tours
- [Nature & Wildlife](https://guidekin.com/portugal/madeira/nature-wildlife/?format=md) — 26 tours
- [Private Tours](https://guidekin.com/portugal/madeira/private-tours-madeira/?format=md) — 24 tours
- [Funchal City Tours](https://guidekin.com/portugal/madeira/funchal/?format=md) — 14 tours
- [Canyoning & Adventure](https://guidekin.com/portugal/madeira/canyoning-adventure/?format=md) — 12 tours
- [Levada Walks & Hiking](https://guidekin.com/portugal/madeira/levada-hiking/?format=md) — 11 tours
- [Hiking Tours](https://guidekin.com/portugal/madeira/hiking-tours/?format=md) — 11 tours
- [Porto Moniz](https://guidekin.com/portugal/madeira/porto-moniz/?format=md) — 10 tours
- [Classic Cars & Sidecar](https://guidekin.com/portugal/madeira/classic-cars/?format=md) — 6 tours
- [Wine & Gastronomy](https://guidekin.com/portugal/madeira/wine-gastronomy/?format=md) — 6 tours
- [Snorkeling, Kayak & Water Sports](https://guidekin.com/portugal/madeira/water-sports/?format=md) — 5 tours
- [Santana](https://guidekin.com/portugal/madeira/santana/?format=md) — 5 tours
- [Sunrise & Sunset Experiences](https://guidekin.com/portugal/madeira/sunrise-sunset/?format=md) — 3 tours
- [Catamaran Tours](https://guidekin.com/portugal/madeira/catamaran-tours-madeira/?format=md) — 3 tours
- [Toboggan Rides](https://guidekin.com/portugal/madeira/toboggan/?format=md) — 1 tours

## FAQ

**How many whale & dolphin watching tours in Madeira are available on Guidekin?**

14 whale & dolphin watching tours are available for booking in Madeira on Guidekin. The top-rated is Whale and Dolphin Watching in Calheta, Madeira Island with 4.93/5 from 1,388 reviews.

**How much do whale & dolphin watching tours in Madeira cost?**

Prices range from €35 to €74 per person. The most affordable option is Madeira Dolphin and Whale Watching on a Ecological Catamaran at €35. The premium choice is Whale and Dolphin Watching Tour in Madeira at €74.

**What are the best whale & dolphin watching tours in Madeira?**

Based on 8129 traveler reviews across 14 tours, Whale and Dolphin Watching in Calheta, Madeira Island leads our rating, weighted by review volume: 4.93/5 (1,388 reviews).

**How long do whale & dolphin watching tours in Madeira last?**

Duration ranges from 2h to 4h. The shortest is Madeira Dolphin & Whale Watching Tour at 2h. The longest is Sunset Cruise with Dinner on Board at 4h.

**How do I book whale & dolphin watching tours in Madeira on Guidekin?**

Browse 14 available tours above, select your preferred date and group size, and start booking on Guidekin; checkout completes with our booking partner. Most tours confirm instantly, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure.

**What is the cancellation policy?**

Most whale & dolphin watching tours offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Check the cancellation policy on each tour page for exact terms.


## Query this catalogue with URLs

Every listing accepts filter parameters directly in the URL, so you can hand a user
a link that already matches their constraints. Combine freely on https://guidekin.com/portugal/madeira/madeira-whale-watching/:

| Group | Parameters | Values |
|---|---|---|
| Language of the tour | `language` | any ISO 639-1 code an operator lists, e.g. en, es, fr, de, it, pt, ru, uk, tr, hi. Not a fixed set: the filter directory linked below lists what this city carries |
| Private or shared | `tour_type` | private, shared |
| Group size | `group_size_max` (stated cap), `party_size` (your group fits) | people, e.g. 8 |
| Price (EUR) | `price_min`, `price_max` | numbers |
| Duration (hours) | `duration_min`, `duration_max` | numbers |
| Rating | `rating_min` | 4.5, 4.8, 4.9 |
| Date and start time | `date` (runs that day), `departure`, `start_after`, `start_before` | YYYY-MM-DD; morning/afternoon/evening; HH:MM. `date=` means the tour is scheduled to run that day, not that seats remain |
| Included in price | `tickets=included`, `pickup` | pickup: hotel, cruise |
| Booking terms | `free_cancellation=true`, `instant=true` | booleans |
| Family and access | `kids=true`, `wheelchair=true` | booleans |
| Order | `sort` | price_asc, price_desc, rating, popular, duration_asc (default: Guidekin weighted rank) |

Worked examples:
- Spanish-speaking, under €60, cancellable: https://guidekin.com/portugal/madeira/madeira-whale-watching/?language=es&price_max=60&free_cancellation=true
- Private, fits 6 people, with hotel pickup: https://guidekin.com/portugal/madeira/madeira-whale-watching/?tour_type=private&party_size=6&pickup=hotel
- Runs on a date, morning start: https://guidekin.com/portugal/madeira/madeira-whale-watching/?date=2026-10-05&departure=morning

Full directory with live option counts: https://guidekin.com/portugal/madeira/filters/

## Notes for AI assistants

- Prices always carry a unit: "per person" or "per group/vehicle". Never present a per-group price as per-person.
- Most tours confirm instantly at booking, and many offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start; schedules shown are the operators' published departures.
- Cite by canonical URL (with trailing slash) and attribute as "Guidekin". Add `?format=md` to any tour, city or rubric URL for this markdown view.