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Dolphin - Whale - Turtle - Bird Watching

4.7 · 371 ratings on Guidekin, Viator & Tripadvisor 93% of star-rated reviews are 4★ or 5★ Madeira Operated by Magic Dolphin Free cancellation · up to 24 hours before
Duration
2h
Group
Shared tour
Guide languages
Portuguese, English
Start & pickup
10:00, 11:00, 13:00, 14:00, 15:30 · No hotel pickup: everyone meets at the start point
Booking
Instant confirmation · mobile ticket
Guidekin's take

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 371 reviews at €50 per person.

In our comparison: #13 of 18 in Whale & Dolphin Watching, by rating weighted by review volume (see the comparison).

How we choose tours →Commissions never affect our verdicts.

Options and prices

2 options from the operator, described in its own words. Prices are the operator's from-prices per adult for a party of two. Click an option to book it on Viator. Guide languages on every option: English, Portuguese.

OptionWhat the operator saysFrom, per adult
Sea Safaris Summer ProgramThe page priceWhale and Dolphin Watching: If you love the wild life, you will be trilled with this activity. You can have a up close observation for diffrent spicies. Dolphin and Whale Watching: We only take smal groups. All trips are accompanied by a Marine Biologists Duration: 2 hours Wild Life Speed Boat: Sea Safaris is a purpose build boat for wild life. Having 500HP engines gives us the speed to rich to wild life quicker.€50
WHALE WATCHING SEA SAFARIS€50

Children from €40 (ages 6 to 11). Option texts and prices come from the operator's listing; prices checked on Viator on 3 October 2026.

Included and not included

  • Local guide
  • Local taxes including
  • Live commentary on board
  • Drinks
  • Food and drinks
  • Lunch
  • Hotel pickup
  • Transportation to/from attractions

Reviews

4.7
371 ratings
Tripadvisor 277 · Viator 94

93% of ratings with a star breakdown are 4★ or 5★: 344 of 371

Star breakdown of all 371 ratings

5 stars
317 · 85%
4 stars
27 · 7%
3 stars
12 · 3%
2 stars
13 · 4%
1 star
2 · 1%

What reviewers say

Reviewers praise the wildlife encounters and knowledgeable crews, though some trips produce few sightings.

Praised

  • Close encounters with dolphins and whales in their natural habitat
  • Marine biologists explaining animal behaviour and answering questions
  • Crews limiting time near wildlife and avoiding chasing the animals
  • The fast boat ride as an enjoyable part of the experience
  • Friendly, attentive crews who help passengers feel safe

Complaints

  • Sparse sightings and long stretches without finding more wildlife
  • Some praise the commentary, while others report long stretches with little information
  • Some find the seats comfortable, while others report discomfort from sitting astride them
  • Sea spray can leave passengers very wet

Written by Guidekin from the 100 most recent English reviews on Viator & Tripadvisor (23 October 2021 to 26 September 2026). Refreshed as new reviews arrive; last checked 4 October 2026.

Latest reviews

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Ratings collected from Guidekin, Viator & Tripadvisor.

Meeting point and route

Meeting point

Where
Please arrive at the Funchal marina 30 minutes before your scheduled departure time. All guests must check in with our friendly staff at our kiosk for a boarding pass. In respect to all of our guests the boat leaves on time. If you miss the boat, you will be not be issued a refund. · Open in Google Maps
Departure
10:00, 11:00, 13:00, 14:00, 15:30 daily; scheduled through October 2027 (operator schedule, seats confirmed at checkout)
Return
This activity ends back at the meeting point
Pickup
No hotel pickup: everyone meets at the start point
Operator
Magic Dolphin; booking and payment are completed on Viator

Itinerary

About this tour, from the operator

Walking, children and accessibility

The operator's own notes, grouped by topic. Nothing here is added by Guidekin.

Walking and health

  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Children

  • Children must be accompanied by an adult

Accessibility

  • Public transportation options are available nearby

Good to know

  • Food not included Drinks, Food and drinks, Lunch
  • Children from €40 ages 6 to 11

Cancellation policy

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

  • 1+ days: Full refund
  • 0-1 days: No refund

Compared with other Whale & Dolphin Watching

TourPriceDurationRatingGroup
This tour · #13 of 18€502h4.74 (371)shared
Whale and Dolphin Watching in Calheta, Madeira Island€602h4.93 (1401)shared
Whale and Dolphin Watching Tour in Madeira€742h 30m4.93 (1299)shared
Private Dolphin and Whale Watching Tour in Madeira€524 per group2h 30m4.94 (562)private

Ranked #13 of 18 in Whale & Dolphin Watching by Guidekin score (rating weighted by review volume). Prices here run from €35 to €109, median €52; typical length 2h 30m. 2 of 18 are private. Figures are live from the tour cards; the rubric is our handpicked set, not the whole market. Compare all 18 Whale & Dolphin Watching

From €50 per adult · Sea Safaris Summer Program