--- title: Responsible Whales and/or Dolphins Watching Tour lang: en alternate_de: https://guidekin.com/de/portugal/madeira/tours/responsible-whales-and-or-dolphins-watching-tour/ type: tour city: Madeira country: Portugal price: 52 currency: EUR price_unit: per_person availability: bookable rating: 4.85 reviews: 348 duration_minutes: 120 languages: [en] free_cancellation: "true" guidekin_pick: No chasing or feeding policy rank_in_category: 5 of 18 (Whale & Dolphin Watching) schedule_checked: 2026-09-30 data_updated: 2026-11-03 canonical: https://guidekin.com/portugal/madeira/tours/responsible-whales-and-or-dolphins-watching-tour/ --- # Responsible Whales and/or Dolphins Watching Tour **Guidekin's take:** 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. In our comparison: #5 of 18 in Whale & Dolphin Watching, by rating weighted by review volume (table below). ## Overview ✔️ Small, intimate groups – We limit the number of guests on board to offer you a more personal and comfortable experience. ✔️ Fast, agile boat – We can reach the animals quickly and respectfully, getting you closer than the larger vessels. ✔️ Best location in Madeira – We operate in the area with the highest concentration of whales and dolphins. ✔️ Ethical and responsible – No chasing, no feeding—just real, respectful encounters in their natural habitat. ✔️ Guided by experts – Our marine biologists and experienced crew provide fascinating insights throughout the tour. ✔️ Support marine research – Every tour contributes to ongoing conservation and scientific studies. Join us for a fast, exciting, and truly meaningful experience with these incredible animals! ## Before you book - Meeting point: PLEASE ARRIVE ON-TIME Arriving at least… - Starts 09:00, 13:00, 15:30: 3 departures a day - Children from €40: ages 6 to 11 **Pickup:** No hotel pickup: everyone meets at the start point ## Key facts - Price: from €52 per person - Duration: 2h - Rating: 4.85/5 from 348 reviews (collected from Guidekin & Viator & Tripadvisor) - Free cancellation (see policy below) - Operator: Azul Diving Madeira - Group: Shared tour - Guide languages: English - Start times: 09:00, 13:00, 15:30 - Booking: Instant confirmation, mobile ticket - Price checked on Viator: 2026-09-30 ## Reviews 4.85 from 348 ratings on Guidekin, Viator & Tripadvisor. 97% of ratings with a star breakdown are 4 or 5 stars: 337 of 348. - 5 stars: 319 (92%) - 4 stars: 18 (5%) - 3 stars: 5 (1%) - 2 stars: 1 (0%) - 1 star: 5 (1%) ### What reviewers say Reviewers value the marine biologists and care around wildlife, but straddle seating can be uncomfortable in choppy water. **Praised:** - Marine biologist guides explain animal behaviour and answer questions - Careful approaches that let animals come close without being chased - Close encounters with dolphins and whales on many trips - Small groups that make the trip feel personal - Fast speedboat rides that many guests found fun **Complaints:** - Some found the boat comfortable, while others struggled with straddle seating in choppy water - Other passengers can block wildlife views, especially for shorter guests Written by Guidekin from the 100 most recent English reviews on Viator & Tripadvisor (2025-11-17 to 2026-09-29); last checked 2026-10-04. ## What's included - Life Jackets - All Fees and Taxes ## Not included - Transfer. We do not organize hotel transfers. ## Schedule - Runs: daily - Departures: 09:00, 13:00, 15:30 - Schedule last checked: 2026-09-30 - These are published departures, not a live seat count; availability is confirmed at checkout. ## Cancellation For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time. ## Meeting point PLEASE ARRIVE ON-TIME Arriving at least 20 minutes before the scheduled departure time, and preferably 30 minutes earlier, is essential to ensure check-in/boarding goes smoothly. The boat will depart exactly on time. The meeting place is located in front of Gate 4, on the east corner of the marina. Map: https://www.google.com/maps/place/?q=place_id:ChIJn6VQUix9YAwRqyhMVyKOzRM Ends: back at the meeting point ## Good to know - Public transportation options are available nearby - Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries - Not recommended for pregnant travelers - Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health - Suitable for all physical fitness levels Booking asks for: dates of birth ## Compared with other Whale & Dolphin Watching | Tour | Price | Duration | Rating | Group | |---|---|---|---|---| | **This tour · #5 of 18** | €52 | 2h | 4.85 (348) | shared | | [Whale and Dolphin Watching in Calheta, Madeira Island](/portugal/madeira/tours/whale-and-dolphin-watching-in-calheta-madeira-island/?format=md) | €60 | 2h | 4.93 (1401) | shared | | [Whale and Dolphin Watching Tour in Madeira](/portugal/madeira/tours/whale-and-dolphin-watching-tour-in-madeira/?format=md) | €74 | 2h 30m | 4.93 (1299) | shared | | [Private Dolphin and Whale Watching Tour in Madeira](/portugal/madeira/tours/private-dolphin-and-whale-watching-tour-in-madeira/?format=md) | €524 per group | 2h 30m | 4.94 (562) | private | Ranked #5 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. Full list: https://guidekin.com/portugal/madeira/madeira-whale-watching/?format=md ## More in Madeira - All Madeira tours: https://guidekin.com/portugal/madeira/?format=md - This page as HTML: https://guidekin.com/portugal/madeira/tours/responsible-whales-and-or-dolphins-watching-tour/ Filters, the full catalogue and the URL contract for this city: https://guidekin.com/portugal/madeira/?format=md