Portugal · WHALE WATCHING
Sperm whales stay off the Azores year round and the baleen whales pass through in spring. These 15 compare seasons, sailing times and hull types, with prices and the sighting guarantees worth anything.
Review of Madeira’s hybrid eco-catamaran dolphin and whale cruise, with wildlife tips, Cabo Girão swimming, price, access, and practical advice.
“Very nice, we saw bottlenose dolphins and pilot whales. Cool info about dolphins and whales as well. Amazing to see them and to know that they are protected.”
Review of Madeira’s 3-hour Seaborn catamaran cruise, with dolphin and whale watching, Cabo Girão views, swimming, prices, and practical tips.
“It was amazing! We got to see dolphins and then we got to swim the water was perfect amd the guides very a very fun and nice bunch! I didnt get their names but it was one of the 3pms tour 👌🏾🥳”
Review of Ponta Delgada whale watching with Futurismo, covering boats, seasons, wildlife, guides, comfort, price, and practical tips.
“This was absolutely amazing, our tour guide was so passionate and knowledge about Marine life and conservation and the system by which they determine where the Dolphins/Whales are in so interesting! 10/10 couldnt recommend this enough to anyone!”
Cruise Funchal Bay by luxury catamaran, watch for dolphins and whales, swim beneath Cabo Girão, and enjoy Madeira’s coast for $47.
“Great go do it we saw whales jumping and went for a swim”
Review of Madeira’s 3-hour luxury catamaran tour, with whale and dolphin watching, Cabo Girão, swimming, local snacks, and an open bar.
“We had a wonderful time aboard, we saw dolphins and it was heartwarming that the crew caught a plastic bag from the ocean to protect the turtles/fish. Exceptionally pleasant guiding from Margarita and Nico, they told us the ins and outs about Madeira, its geography and the sealife. Food and drinks were amazing, delicious cinnamon coffee. With this tour you pay more, but it is well worth it, because the small group size makes it more “intimate” and there is more opportunity to speak with the crew.”
Review the Azores whale watching and Vila Franca do Campo Islet tour, with practical advice on wildlife, boats, comfort, timing, and value.
“We had an amazing tour, spotted several sperm whales and many, many dolphins. Staff provided plenty of info and we thoroughly enjoyed the day.”
Review of Madeira’s eco catamaran whale and dolphin cruise from Funchal, with wildlife tips, boat details, value, comfort, and booking advice.
“Excellent facilities and great guide. We encountered both whales and dolphins. Make sure to dress warm if its windy”
Cruise from Funchal to Cabo Girão on a small luxury catamaran, with expert wildlife guides, ocean views, and a summer swim stop.
“Very pleasant trip. Didn't see dolphins due to sea conditions, but we were offered another trip for €10. Guides explained everything clearly. Both them and the crew were excellent. This did include a swim stop”
Review of VipDolphins Luxury Whale Watching in Funchal, with small groups, drinks, snacks, swimming at Cabo Girao, and practical booking tips.
“Excellent boat, 16 travellers only so plenty of choice for people to sit around the boat. Complimentary drinks/snacks were welcomed. We saw both whales and dolphins, and an opportunity to swim. The staff were friendly and knowledgeable. Excellent trip!”
Review of Funchal’s 3-hour sunset sailing tour, with whale and dolphin watching, Cabo Girão swimming, drinks, tips, and honest value advice.
“Amazing crew, really friendly and welcoming. Happy to engage in conversation. Really look after their clients providing an experience to remember. We were lucky enough to see a pod of whales. The crew were very knowledgeable about the wild life. Watched the sun set by sailing boat which was lovely. Some people even had a swim and the crew allow you to have a shower after. This is a peaceful yet fun and informative tour. Definitely recommended.”
Review of Madeira’s 3-hour catamaran whale and dolphin tour from Funchal, with Cabo Girão swimming, coastal views, and a free second trip.
“We had a pleasant afternoon and were lucky to see a small wale during the trip. Nice crew and an enjoyable trip. do recommend.”
Sail from Funchal to spot dolphins and whales, swim at Cabo Girão, and enjoy a small-group Madeira cruise with drinks for $47.
“My husband and I had a fantastic 3 hour trip on this lovely sailboat. We weren’t lucky enough to spot any sea life, but nevertheless, the crew took good care of us, and were very skilled and knowledgeable. Seeing the island from the ocean gave a whole new perspective, and snorkeling in the warm waters was a special touch! Definitely recommend 🫶🏼”
Review of Funchal’s whale and dolphin tour, with marine biologists, small boats, wild cetaceans, practical tips, price, and honest drawbacks.
“2 hours of swimming in the ocean. We saw pilot whales and dolphins, and we got really close to them, close enough for everyone to get great shots. Be prepared to get completely wet. Especially on the side of the boat, a lot of water comes in. I ended up soaked, including my shoes. It was also very rough. The boat rocked a lot because the waves were big after a recent storm. I have never had seasickness before, but this time I slowly started to feel nauseous. On site, they provide lockers where you can safely leave your belongings, and you can also borrow a windbreaker for free if…”
Ride a small speedboat from Funchal to spot Madeira’s whales and dolphins, with expert guides, wildlife rules, and possible dolphin swims.
“We had an absolutely incredible time on this whale adventure tour. Seeing whales up close was unforgettable, and the tour guide made the experience even better with her deep knowledge and passion for marine life. She not only shared fascinating information but also took great photos and truly cared about the whales’ well-being. It was a fantastic experience, and I’d highly recommend it to anyone visiting Madeira!”
Review of Calheta’s whale and dolphin tour, with fast RIB rides, expert guides, wildlife ethics, practical tips, price, and weather advice.
“Excellent experience for the whole family! Our 7 year old daughter enjoyed it very much. Awesome tour guides. Would definitely do it again.”
Pick a coast, a cellar or a palace.
