Private experience - Funchal, Madeira

Dolphin & whale watching

The waters off Funchal are among the richest in the Atlantic for cetaceans - met quietly, privately, on their own terms.

From
EUR 480
Duration
3 hours
Guests
Up to 7
Departs
Funchal
01The experience

28 species. One private boat.

Madeira's waters host over 28 cetacean species. Bottlenose dolphins, common dolphins and pilot whales live here year-round, with more species appearing from spring through autumn.

On a private boat your captain isn't tied to any timetable - he can slow down, hold position, and let you watch without engine noise or crowds.

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Bottlenose - Common - Pilot whale
🐋

Respectful approach

We keep a careful distance and let the animals come to us - no chasing, no crowding the pod.

🧭

Local skipper

A Madeira-born captain who knows where the dolphins feed and travel through the seasons.

🍷

Drinks & snacks

Madeira wine, poncha and soft drinks aboard. Bring sunscreen and a swimsuit, we handle the rest.

02The wildlife

Quiet enough to actually see them

Big tour boats push wildlife away with engine noise and crowds. A small private boat can hold position silently, so the dolphins stay close and you get the moment - and the photos.

Sightings can never be guaranteed with wild animals, but our skipper's knowledge of the coast gives you the best possible chance, year-round.

Whale tail at golden hour
The day, hour by hour

Your itinerary

09:00

Depart Funchal Marina

Meet at Pontoon B, settle in, drinks aboard as we cast off.

09:30

Head offshore

3-5 nautical miles out where the seafloor drops to 800m.

10:15

The feeding grounds

Where pilot whales feed in the morning - engine off, eyes on the water.

11:00

Time with the pods

Bottlenose and common dolphins, watched quietly and up close.

11:45

Hidden cove stop

If we have time, a quick swim or a coffee on board.

12:00

Back at the marina

Three hours, prime morning hours for cetaceans.

Good to know

Questions, answered

Are you guaranteed to see dolphins or whales?+

Sightings are very common - Madeira hosts over 28 cetacean species year-round - but as these are wild animals nothing is guaranteed. Our local skipper knows where they feed and travel, which gives the best possible chance.

How long is the tour?+

The private tour lasts about 3 hours and departs from Marina do Funchal, usually first thing in the morning when cetaceans are most active.

Is the boat private?+

Yes - the boat is yours alone, up to 7 guests plus the skipper. No shared groups, ever.

Marina do Funchal

Go meet them

Check live dates and reserve your private trip in a couple of minutes - your group only.

Or call directly - +351 937 200 320