This is the kind of sea day that feels too good. In Funchal, this small RIB speedboat hunt for whales and dolphins turns Madeira’s coastline into a living classroom, with marine-biologist guides explaining what you’re seeing as you scan for pods.

I especially like the respect-first approach to wildlife, plus the built-in chance to go in the water with dolphins if conditions line up.

One heads-up: it’s weather-dependent, so the ride can get bouncy and the dolphin swim isn’t guaranteed.

Key takeaways before you go

• Small group, fast boat: up to 18 people, so you spend more time actually looking and less time squeezing for views.
• More scanning distance: the speedboat covers ground quickly compared with big-boat outings.
• Marine biologist energy: guides such as Camila, Fernanda, and Florine bring serious species know-how.
• Respectful rules: they follow animal welfare guidelines and don’t chase cetaceans.
• Optional swim moments: if you encounter the right dolphin species and seas cooperate, you may enter the water briefly.
• If wildlife is quiet: you’re offered another free tour or a long-valid voucher if weather prevents a repeat.

Why a Funchal speedboat beats the big-boat dolphin hunt

If you care about seeing wildlife up close (not through a crowd’s shoulders), this is the better setup. The tour runs on a custom-made RIB speedboat that typically carries a maximum of 18 passengers. That smaller size matters fast: you can look all around, hop from side to side without awkward delays, and actually keep track of what the guide points out.

Speed also changes the odds. When you’re on a fast craft, the crew can cover more distance in a short window, which helps when dolphins or whales decide to roam. And you get that classic Madeira feel: bright water, coastal cliffs, and the sense that you’re moving toward something instead of idling.

A couple review-driven notes you should take seriously:

• The ride can be exhilarating and bumpy when the sea is chopped up by wind. One reason many people still love it is adrenaline, but if you’re sensitive, plan for it.
• Many passengers say they don’t feel awful motion-wise, and the operator highlights reduced motion sickness compared with larger boats, but the sea still controls the experience.

The crew’s goal isn’t to force a moment. It’s to find animals and then watch them the way wildlife should be watched.

Getting to the boat at Blue Safari Madeira (new marina, door 4)

This tour leaves from Funchal’s new marina. The key practical detail: meet your guide at the speedboat itself, in front of door 4, which is the last one on the left when you look toward the sea.

Timing is worth treating like a mini-expedition. You’re asked to arrive 20 minutes before departure, so you’re not doing a last-minute sprint while the crew is tightening ropes and running safety checks.

Parking tip that saves stress: park at Almirante Reis parking lot. The Marina Park is private, so don’t plan on that as your default.

If you want an easy path in, use the provided Google Maps pin and the short guidance video the operator supplies. That’s especially helpful if you’re juggling a new marina layout with backpacks, towels, and the kind of excitement that makes you misread signs.

Tour languages are English and Portuguese, with a live guide aboard.

Two hours of scanning: what the cruise feels like offshore

Once you’re out past the marina, the “tour” is really the hunt and the search. You’ll cruise around the edge of Madeira in water described as crystal clear—the kind where you can spot movement and flashes quickly if you’re paying attention.

During the 2-hour window, you’re looking for whales or dolphins in natural conditions. The operator markets a 99% chance of spotting cetaceans, but your best mindset is simple: you’re going for wildlife, not a guaranteed animal on schedule.

Here’s the kind of variety you can run into, based on what the guide team has seen and pointed out:

• Common dolphins and spotted dolphins (including times when dolphins jump near the boat)
• Pilot whales showing up as pods offshore
• Occasional surprises like turtles, flying fish, and even a Portuguese man-o-war spotted from the water

Even when whales are less likely than dolphins, the hunt still pays off because the guide’s job is to keep you engaged: scanning, comparing behaviors, and calling out what matters (feeding, group movement, surfacing patterns).

If you’re hoping the dolphins are right beneath the surface the whole time, reality check: that depends on where they are and how they’re behaving that day. The crew’s respect-first approach means they don’t chase. That’s good for the animals and also means you might wait a bit—then get rewarded when the pod decides to show interest.

The dolphin swim option, plus the rules that keep it humane

Let’s talk about the moment people remember: entering the water. The tour includes snorkeling equipment (mask & snorkel), and the operator says that if conditions allow—meaning good sea conditions and the dolphins’ behavior—the crew may offer an entry into the water when they encounter common dolphins or spotted dolphins.

What I like about this setup is that it’s tied to animal behavior, not a scripted promise. If they don’t think it’s right, they don’t force it. That aligns with the welfare rules created in consultation with World Animal Protection.

From the field, some swimmers report details about how it’s managed:

• You’re often organized in very small groups.
• Timing is short, and the goal is to keep the dolphin interaction low-stress.
• You may use a rope attached to the boat while you’re in the water, which helps keep the encounter steady and prevents chaos.

A reality check that’s still encouraging: even when dolphin swimming is available, the sea can be rough enough that they won’t let everyone in. And sometimes dolphins might be there but not at the right moment, such as when babies are involved. You’re still out at sea actively watching, and you’ll still get the science talk and species spotting—but you shouldn’t plan your day around the swim like it’s a certainty.

If you’re the type who wants wildlife without the drama, this is the kind of tour that fits that mindset: the crew focuses on letting cetaceans approach at their own pace.

What to bring so you don’t spend the return ride thinking about your towel

For a 2-hour speedboat, your comfort is mostly about staying dry enough and sun-safe enough.

Bring:

• Swimwear
• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Jacket

That jacket is not a fashion choice. Multiple people note they got soaked at times because of waves and the speedboat ride. Others say they still dry off on the way back. Either way, a light rain layer (or at least something warm enough if it’s windy) is smart.

Also consider this if you’re a practical planner: you’ll likely be handling wet gear and changing plans on the fly if sea conditions don’t cooperate with swimming. A towel plus a jacket keeps the whole day from feeling like wet laundry.

Onboard, you’ll have snorkeling mask and snorkel included. That’s a nice perk because it reduces the hassle of packing your own gear just for a short potential swim.

Food isn’t served. There’s a café nearby where you can buy something, so treat the trip like an active half-day segment rather than a full meal event.

Price and value: $58 for a small-group marine encounter (and what you get if wildlife is slow)

At $58 per person for a 2-hour outing, the value comes down to three things: group size, boat type, and how the crew manages your chances.

This company uses a smaller speedboat instead of the big-boat model (some catamarans can run with very large numbers). In practice, that means you’re paying for:

• Better viewing access around the boat
• More time scanning for dolphins and whales
• A faster search pattern, because speed helps you cover more water quickly
• A guide who’s actively working the animal-sighting side, not just narrating from a distance

There’s also the research and conservation angle. Guides often frame the trip as contributing to marine science and animal welfare efforts, not just entertainment. In other words, the mission is partly educational and partly practical conservation work, and that added meaning is a big reason people rate this tour so highly.

And if you don’t see cetaceans (or if weather prevents a repeat swim day), the operator offers a fallback:

• If dolphins or whales aren’t spotted, you’ll be offered another free tour
• If that isn’t available due to weather conditions, you receive a free trip voucher valid for two years

No one can control the ocean, but this is at least a system that recognizes that wildlife days don’t always cooperate.

Who should book this tour from Funchal, and who should skip it

This tour is a strong fit if you:

• Want a fast, small-group outing instead of a big crowd cruise
• Prefer wildlife viewing that follows animal welfare rules and doesn’t chase
• Like learning from a marine-biologist guide (people specifically mention guides such as Camila, Fernanda, Natasha, and Florine sharing facts and taking great photos)
• Are comfortable with possible wind and a bit of spray

It may be a poor match if you:

• Are pregnant (not suitable)
• Have children under 10 (not suitable)
• Know you have strong motion sensitivity and you’re expecting smooth sailing. The speedboat can be fun and sometimes easy on motion, but rough conditions still happen.

If your main goal is the dolphin swim: it’s possible, but it depends on animal behavior and sea conditions, and that’s exactly how it should work. If the swim doesn’t happen, you’ll still be on the water for marine life spotting and guide-led interpretation.

Should you book the Whales and Dolphin Adventure from Funchal?

I’d book it if you want a genuine chance at dolphins and whales with a crew that treats animals as animals, not as props. The biggest upsides for me are the smaller boat (18 max), the respect-first approach, and the fact that the guide work feels mission-driven rather than filler.

I’d hesitate if you’re the type who needs guaranteed dolphin swimming or you’re very risk-averse about choppy water. Here, the ocean sets the terms.

If you go, go prepared: pack a towel and jacket, arrive on time at door 4, and keep your focus on what the guide is calling out. That’s when the trip clicks.

FAQ

How long is the Funchal Whales and Dolphin Adventure tour?

The tour lasts 2 hours.

Where do we meet in Funchal?

Meet at the new marina of Funchal at the speedboat, in front of door 4 (the last one on the left looking at the sea). You should arrive 20 minutes before departure.

Is snorkeling included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment (mask & snorkel) is included.

Can I swim with dolphins?

Swimming is only offered if conditions allow and if the crew encounters common dolphins or spotted dolphins. If it’s not possible, the tour still goes on as a wildlife-spotting cruise.

Is the tour suitable for children or pregnant women?

No. Children under 10 and pregnant women are not suitable for this tour.

What happens if no whales or dolphins are spotted?

If whales or dolphins aren’t spotted during the tour, you’ll be offered another free tour. If weather conditions prevent another tour, you’ll receive a free trip voucher valid for two years.