Wild whales, close enough to feel it.

This small-group RIB outing from Funchal is built around real-time searching offshore, with Madeira’s coastline views and a strong shot at wild cetaceans like dolphins and whales.

What I like most is how intimate it feels on a small boat, not a big, distant crowd. I also appreciate the clear focus on doing this as respectfully as local rules allow, including the controlled option to swim briefly with dolphins if conditions are right.

The main thing to consider is that you’re heading into open water, so wind and motion can be a factor. And while the odds are high, wildlife sightings still depend on what’s in the area that day.

Key things to know before you go

• Small-boat intimacy: You’re on a RIB designed for getting close without turning the experience into a spectacle.
• Very strong odds: The operator reports about a yearly average of 99% of trips with at least one cetacean species sighted.
• Swimming is conditional: The snorkel add-on only happens when dolphins are behaving in line with animal protection rules.
• Only certain dolphins qualify for in-water time: Water entry is allowed for Common Dolphins or Atlantic Spotted Dolphins.
• If no cetaceans, you get a repeat trip: You’re invited to join another trip free within 1 year (subject to availability/non-transferable).

Small-Group RIB From Funchal: Why This Feels More Real

This is the kind of tour that makes sense when you want wildlife, not a lesson-by-presentation. The boat is small, and the whole day’s rhythm is built around scanning for blow, movement, and feeding behavior out on the open ocean.

I like that the experience is active. You’re not waiting all afternoon in one place. The crew is looking, adjusting, and moving when the animals show up—so the time you spend with dolphins or whales feels more like a meeting than a drive-by.

Because it’s in a small group, the wildlife can feel “near,” even when the animals keep their own distance. That closeness is part of the value here, especially if you care about the difference between a crowd and a handful of people sharing the moment.

Safety Briefing and What the First Minutes Are Like

Before you leave the harbor, you get a safety briefing and put on your lifejacket. It’s straightforward, but it matters because you’re going to be on a fast, high-surface-area boat where wind can hit quickly.

This is also where you’ll want to set your mindset. Wildlife spotting isn’t a guaranteed show at a set time. It’s a search, and that search can take patience—some days the animals are near, other days they’re farther out.

The good news is that the crew is running a dedicated wildlife route from Funchal. You’re not just doing a coastal cruise and hoping for a miracle.

Leaving Funchal: Panoramic Coast Views and Fast Offshore Scanning

Once you depart, you’ll follow the Madeira coastline views as the boat heads toward open water. Even before any dolphins or whales appear, the setting is a big part of the draw—steep cliffs, dramatic headlands, and sea views that feel impossible from land.

Then comes the wildlife hunt. The operator makes it clear that sightings are a mix of patience and luck, which is honest and fair. You’re essentially listening and watching for signs, while the captain moves the boat strategically.

They also state an impressive overall figure: a yearly average around 99% of trips with successful sightings of at least one cetacean species. In plain terms, you’re buying a realistic chance, not a lottery ticket.

The Main Event: Dolphin and Whale Watching Without the Big-Boat Distance

When the first signs of wildlife appear, the whole feel of the boat changes. You’ll be out there in a small-group setting, watching dolphins and (sometimes) whales in a way that’s hard to replicate from a bigger vessel.

The operator highlights a good chance of seeing wild living dolphins, whales, and sometimes turtles. In the feedback you’ll find the same pattern: people come away talking about how many animals they spotted and whether they noticed younger animals, not just adults.

One detail I think you should take seriously is respect for how the animals behave. The crew isn’t treating this like a “chase them” activity. Instead, the approach is guided by local protection rules, which helps keep the interaction more natural for the wildlife.

If you’re sensitive to motion or sea conditions

This is a RIB on open water, and you’ll feel it. Some people also mention support for sea sickness during the trip. Still, it’s smart to bring your own plan (like motion-sickness meds if you use them), and wear layers you can manage if the wind swings the temperature.

The Swim With Dolphins Add-On: Worth It, but Only When the Rules Allow

The snorkel-with-dolphins option is an add-on, and it’s priced at 20€ per participant. Here’s the key point: the 20€ charge is only applied on-site if it’s possible to enter the water with the animals. If it can’t happen, you pay the standard trip price only.

And there are real boundaries. By law, the crew can only enter the water if they spot Common Dolphins or Atlantic Spotted Dolphins. They also only place participants in the water when the animals are behaving in a way that fits local animal protection requirements.

If you do get in the water, the time is intentionally short—often around 1–2 minutes per participant. You’ll also have a mask and snorkel available, and the activity is done while you’re attached to the boat.

How to think about the swim

Don’t treat the swim as guaranteed. Treat it as a special upgrade when conditions line up. If you’re the type who values respectful wildlife behavior and short, well-controlled in-water moments, it’s a tempting option.

Cabo Girão Cliff: A Scenic Pause That Breaks Up the Open-Sea Search

After the main wildlife time offshore, the route includes a sightseeing stop with scenic views from the Cabo Girão Cliff area. This is one of those “yes, it’s touristy, but it’s also genuinely worth seeing” moments—Madeira’s dramatic topography looks even more intense from sea-linked viewpoints.

It also gives your body a break from wind and engine noise before you head back toward the marina. You’re not just riding the boat for the entire 2.5 hours.

The downside? It’s a short scenic stop, so don’t expect a long hike or deep sightseeing program. Think of it as a nice visual punctuation mark to a wildlife-focused outing.

Duration and Timing: About 2.5 Hours on the Water

This tour runs about 2.5 hours. That duration is a sweet spot for most people: long enough to do offshore searching and still return with time for sightings and a bit of scenery.

It also means you can fit it between other Madeira activities without turning the day into a full production. If you have limited time in Funchal, this is the kind of outing that doesn’t steal your entire itinerary.

Price and Value: What $70 Buys You (and What It Doesn’t)

At around $70 per person for the standard boat trip, you’re paying for a guided RIB outing with safety equipment, plus the included fees, taxes, and fuel surcharges.

What’s not included:

• Drinks and snacks
• Parking
• The swim/snorkel-with-dolphins add-on (20€ on-site only if it’s possible)

Is it good value?

For me, the value comes from three things working together:

1. Small boat format (more intimacy)
2. Real odds of at least one cetacean sighting (the operator’s reported yearly average)
3. A repeat-trip option if cetaceans aren’t spotted during your outing

That last part is especially important when you’re paying for a wildlife-focused tour. It doesn’t remove uncertainty, but it reduces the “you missed your chance” sting.

What Happens If You Don’t See Dolphins or Whales

This is one of the most practical parts of the policy. If no cetacean species are spotted during your trip, you’re invited to join another trip free of charge within 1 year.

Two conditions matter:

• Availability has to allow it
• The free option is non-transferable

So you’re not guaranteed a refund, but you’re offered a genuine second shot. For a wildlife experience, that’s a strong safety net.

Private Tour Option for Friends and Family

If you want your own smaller-world bubble, there’s a private tour option. The operator notes you can take up to 18 passengers on a private boat.

A private format can be worth it if you’re traveling with a family group, want flexibility, or simply dislike the dynamics of sharing wildlife time with strangers. The downside is cost per person usually rises, and you’ll still face the same natural limits—wildlife moves, and sightings aren’t scheduled.

Who Should Book This Tour

You’ll likely love this if you:

• Want wildlife as the main event, not a sightseeing add-on
• Prefer small-group experiences where you can actually watch
• Care about animals being treated according to local rules, especially if you’re considering the snorkel add-on
• Like active touring—scanning, searching, and then reacting fast when wildlife appears

You might think twice if:

• You’re extremely sensitive to wind and motion on open water
• You need a totally predictable, schedule-like experience (wildlife is still wildlife)
• You assume the swim add-on is automatic—it isn’t

Practical Tips for a Smoother Trip From Funchal

The operator’s packing list is simple, and I’d follow it:

• Windbreaker
• Sunglasses
• Sun hat
• Sunscreen

Also keep in mind that it can get windy quickly at sea. Even if Funchal feels mild, conditions on the water can change fast. If you’re visiting in cooler months, bring a warmer waterproof jacket so you’re not stuck shivering during the offshore search.

If you’re prone to sea sickness, plan ahead. A small boat can still feel choppy depending on the day, and that’s part of why support with sea discomfort can be helpful.

Quick FAQ

FAQ

How long is the RIB dolphin and whale watching tour?

The tour duration is about 2.5 hours.

How much does the standard tour cost?

The price is listed as about $70 per person.

Is snorkeling or swimming with dolphins included?

No. Swimming with dolphins is an add-on option that you book separately.

What does the swim-with-dolphins add-on cost?

It is 20€ per participant, and the charge is applied on-site only if it’s possible to enter the water with the animals.

When is swimming with dolphins allowed?

The crew can enter the water only if they spot Common Dolphins or Atlantic Spotted Dolphins, and if the animals are behaving in a way that fits local animal protection law.

What if no dolphins or whales are seen?

If no cetacean species are spotted, you’re invited to join another trip free of charge within 1 year, subject to availability and non-transferable terms.

What languages is the live guide available in?

The live tour guide offers English and Portuguese.

What should I bring for the trip?

Bring a windbreaker, sunglasses, a sun hat, and sunscreen. The weather can turn windy at sea, so pack for that.

Should You Book This Tour From Funchal?

Yes, if your top priority is a real wildlife chance on a small boat. The combination of high sighting odds, the small-group feel, and a sensible policy if cetaceans aren’t spotted makes this a strong value for the money.

I’d book this especially if you’re excited by the idea of watching dolphins and whales as they actually behave in the wild, not as a staged event. And if you’re considering the snorkel add-on, treat it as a possible bonus upgrade—not something you can plan around.