Funchal: Guarantee Wild Dolphin&Whale Watching by RIB

The best part of this Funchal boat trip is the small RIB. You are close to the water, close to the guide, and far more connected to the search than you would be on a large sightseeing boat. The crew reports a yearly success rate of about 99 percent for spotting at least one cetacean species, though wildlife always keeps the final word.

I like the intimate group size and the way the trip combines animal watching with broad views of Madeira’s coast. I also like the careful approach to the animals: the optional dolphin swim is only allowed with Common Dolphins or Atlantic Spotted Dolphins, and only when their behavior meets local protection rules.

The main consideration is the sea itself. A small RIB can feel thrilling and fast, but it can also be windy and bumpy. Bring a windbreaker or waterproof jacket, and do not book this as a guaranteed close encounter with a particular species.

Key points to know before booking

• About 99 percent yearly sighting success: The operator reports at least one cetacean species on nearly all trips, but no wild animal sighting can be promised on a particular departure.
• Small RIB, close-to-the-water views: The boat gives you an intimate position for watching dolphins and whales, with less shelter from wind and spray.
• Dolphin swimming costs 20 euros only if it happens: The add-on is booked in advance, but you are charged on site only if entering the water is possible.
• The swim is brief and tightly controlled: Expect roughly 1 to 2 minutes per participant, and only with Common Dolphins or Atlantic Spotted Dolphins.
• Cabo Girao appears along the route: You get scenic views of Madeira’s famous cliff while cruising between Funchal and the open sea.
• Private boats are available: A private group can include up to 18 passengers, useful for a family or group of friends wanting the boat to themselves.

Leaving Funchal in a fast, open RIB

The trip begins at Xpoint Madeira in Funchal, although the exact meeting point can depend on the option you book. After boarding, you receive a safety briefing and put on a life jacket before leaving the marina.

That opening routine matters. A RIB is not a padded sightseeing vessel with a high enclosed cabin. You sit close to the water, and the boat’s speed makes the ride part of the attraction. It is a good fit if you enjoy a little motion and excitement, but you should dress for the conditions rather than the weather you see from a café in town.

As the boat leaves Funchal, you get an unusual view back toward Madeira. The coastline rises sharply from the sea, and the changing angle from the water gives the island a scale you cannot get from a road or viewpoint. The cruise is not only a wildlife search. The journey itself gives you a moving panorama of the coast.

The guide speaks English or Portuguese and remains with the group during the trip. Since this is a small boat, instructions and updates should be easy to hear, and you are not lost in a crowd of dozens of people.

Searching the open water for dolphins and whales

The main activity is not a set route from one fixed wildlife spot to another. The crew searches the sea, watches for signs of movement, and adjusts course as needed. That makes patience part of the experience.

You might see dolphins moving beside or ahead of the boat, whales at a greater distance, and occasionally turtles. The animals are wild, so the timing and closeness of any sighting can vary. A high annual success rate is encouraging, but it does not turn nature into a scheduled performance.

The supplied information reports an average of 99 percent of trips with at least one cetacean sighting over the year. That is a strong reason to consider this trip if seeing marine life is high on your Madeira list. Still, you should book it for the search as well as the result. Some departures may produce an extended encounter, while others may bring only a brief sighting.

The small RIB helps here. You are seated close to sea level, so a dolphin breaking the surface can feel much more immediate than it would from a large upper deck. The tradeoff is that the boat offers less protection from spray, sun, and wind. Sunglasses and sunscreen are useful, and a hat should fit securely.

Several guests specifically praised the active search and the sense of movement on the fast boat. That is worth noting if you want a quiet, slow cruise. This outing has an energetic side. It can feel like a wildlife trip and a short sea adventure at the same time.

Cabo Girao views add a scenic second act

Cabo Girao is included as a scenic point along the way rather than as a long land stop. The famous cliff gives the route a strong visual marker, especially when viewed from the sea.

I like this part because it keeps the trip from feeling narrowly focused on spotting animals. If the dolphins are slow to appear, you still have Madeira’s coastline and cliff scenery to watch. The view also helps you understand the island’s steep character, with the land rising quickly away from the water.

Do not expect a separate sightseeing visit with time to walk around Cabo Girao. The information describes sightseeing and scenic views on the way. This is a boat-based wildlife outing first, with coastal scenery woven into the cruise.

The optional dolphin swim is exciting but very limited

The swim with dolphins is not part of the standard price. You can book the 20 euro add-on, but the charge is made on site only if the crew is allowed to enter the water with the animals.

The conditions are strict. The dolphins must be behaving in a way that meets local animal protection law, and only Common Dolphins or Atlantic Spotted Dolphins qualify. The presence of another cetacean species does not automatically mean you can swim.

If the crew does place participants in the water, the time is usually only 1 to 2 minutes per person. You receive a mask and snorkel, and you remain attached to the boat during the short swim. This is not a long free-swimming session, and you should not choose the trip mainly for an extended snorkeling experience.

I see the short duration and firm rules as a positive sign for animal welfare, but they also make the add-on uncertain. You may pay the standard trip price only if no swim is possible, yet you still need to accept that the experience may never happen. If your main goal is to spend time in the water, this may not meet your expectations. If you see it as a rare extra during a responsible wildlife trip, it can be a memorable bonus.

What the small group changes

The boat tour is designed around a small group, and private use is available for up to 18 passengers. A small shared group gives you more direct contact with the guide and a better chance of seeing the water without heads and phones blocking your view.

It also makes the experience feel less packaged. You are not simply being carried past a string of landmarks. The group searches, waits, turns, and reacts to what is happening at sea.

A private boat can make sense for a family or a group of friends. It gives you privacy and lets your own group share the experience without strangers around you. The private option is especially worth considering if you are already traveling with a larger party, since up to 18 people can come along.

The smaller boat has clear limits, too. You should expect more exposure to the elements and more movement than on a large vessel. Anyone prone to seasickness should think carefully about the conditions and bring suitable medication if they normally use it. One particularly useful detail from the trip feedback is that the guide helped with seasickness, but you should still prepare yourself rather than rely on help once you are already uncomfortable.

Is 70 dollars good value for 2.5 hours?

At 70 dollars per person, the trip sits in the moderate price range for a short marine wildlife outing. The value depends on what you want from the morning or afternoon.

You are paying for a 2.5-hour boat experience, safety equipment, fuel surcharges, taxes, and the chance to see several types of wild marine life. You also get coastal views and the excitement of a quick RIB ride. For a first Madeira visit, that combination gives the outing more value than a simple point-to-point boat transfer.

The price is less attractive if you expect guaranteed whales, a long dolphin encounter, or a full snorkeling session. None of those can be promised. The operator’s no-sighting policy helps: if no cetacean species is seen, you are invited to join another trip free within one year, subject to availability. That offer is useful only if you will still be in Madeira or plan to return, and it cannot be transferred.

The dolphin swim is not included in the 70 dollar fare. The possible 20 euro charge applies only when the crew can legally and safely place people in the water. Drinks and snacks are also not included, and parking is your responsibility.

Weather, clothing, and comfort on the water

Madeira can feel mild in town while the open sea feels much cooler. Wind can rise quickly, so a windbreaker is the most important item to pack. In winter, bring a warmer waterproof jacket.

I would also take sunglasses, a sun hat, and sunscreen. The boat leaves you exposed to the sun, and glare from the water can be tiring even on a day that does not feel especially hot.

Wear practical clothing that can handle spray. The supplied guidance does not promise that you will get wet, but a small open RIB makes some spray possible. Keep loose items secure, especially hats and phones.

There are no drinks or snacks included. For a 2.5-hour trip, eat beforehand or bring what you need, provided the operator permits it on board. Parking is not included, so check your arrival plan before heading to the meeting point.

The tour has free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Starting times depend on availability. The meeting and drop-off point is Xpoint Madeira, though the precise meeting arrangement can vary with the option selected.

How the experience feels in different conditions

The strongest reports from the trip describe large numbers of dolphins, including mothers with babies, and sightings of pilot whales with calves. Those are the kinds of encounters that can make the price feel very fair.

The trip also earns praise for its guide and skipper, for punctual organization, and for an educational approach. One useful point is the crew’s respect for the animals. That is especially important on a fast boat, since excitement should not come at the cost of careless approaches.

But the results can vary. One recent departure produced few dolphins, which is a useful reminder not to measure the outing only by the number of animals seen. A wild encounter can be brief, distant, or partly hidden by the sea. The most honest way to book is to accept that uncertainty while appreciating the strong annual sighting record.

The rating is 4.8 from 28 ratings, which supports the overall picture of a well-liked activity. The more specific pattern matters more than the number: people praise the guide, skipper, organization, animal care, and excitement of the RIB, while the main weakness is that wildlife sightings are not equally generous on every trip.

Who should book this Madeira boat trip?

I would choose this for you if you want an active wildlife outing rather than a calm cruise. It suits couples, families with older children, friends, and anyone who likes being close to the sea.

It is also a good choice if you want several experiences in one booking: a fast boat ride, open-ocean searching, views of the Madeira coast, Cabo Girao scenery, and a possible short dolphin swim.

I would be more cautious if you dislike wind, motion, or uncertainty. A large boat might feel easier for you if you need shelter or stable footing, but this specific experience is built around the small RIB format.

The optional swim should not be the sole reason you book. Local rules, species, and animal behavior decide if it happens. Book it for the chance to see wild dolphins and whales from a close, low boat, with the swim treated as an extra.

Should you book it?

Yes, if you want a lively and personal way to search Madeira’s waters for wildlife. The 2.5-hour length is manageable, the reported sighting rate is strong, and the small RIB gives you a more direct connection to the sea than a large sightseeing vessel.

Book with sensible expectations. You may see dolphins with babies, pilot whales, turtles, or several cetacean species, but you may also have a quieter search. Bring warm layers, protect yourself from the sun, and consider the 20 euro swim option only if you are comfortable with its short duration and strict conditions.

FAQ

How long does the Funchal dolphin and whale trip last?

The boat trip lasts 2.5 hours. The standard time spent out on the boat is at least two hours before returning to Funchal marina.

How much does the boat trip cost?

The listed price is 70 dollars per person. Taxes, fuel surcharges, applicable fees, and necessary safety equipment are included.

Are dolphin and whale sightings guaranteed?

No. The operator reports a yearly average of 99 percent of trips with at least one cetacean species, but wild animals cannot be guaranteed on every departure.

What happens if no cetaceans are seen?

You are invited to join another trip free of charge within one year, subject to availability. The replacement trip is not transferable.

Is swimming with dolphins included?

No. Swimming with dolphins is an optional add-on. It costs 20 euros per participant only if entering the water with the animals is possible.

How long is the dolphin swim?

The time in the water is usually about 1 to 2 minutes per participant. You use a mask and snorkel and remain attached to the boat.

Which dolphins allow the swimming option?

The crew may enter the water only with Common Dolphins or Atlantic Spotted Dolphins, and only when the animals’ behavior meets local animal protection rules.

What should I bring?

Bring a windbreaker, sunglasses, a sun hat, and sunscreen. A warmer waterproof jacket is recommended in winter or when sea conditions are windy.

Is a private boat available?

Yes. A private group option is available, and a private boat can accommodate up to 18 passengers.