Water activity

Funchal: Dolphin and Whale Watching Cruise

4.7 / 5

150 reviews

Activity provider: Magic Dolphin Atividades Maritimas
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    Water activity

    Funchal: Dolphin and Whale Watching Cruise

    Activity provider: Magic Dolphin Atividades Maritimas
    Likely to sell out
    Likely to sell out

    From US$ 53.65 per person

    Hop onboard a cruise from Funchal and see diverse groups of dolphins, whales, and turtles up close. Learn about the local flora and fauna from your marine biologist guide's informative commentary.

    About this activity

    Free cancellation
    Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund
    Covid-19 precautions
    Special health and safety measures apply. Learn more
    Reserve now & pay later
    Reserve now & pay later to book your spot without any charges today. Learn more
    Duration 2 hours
    Check availability to see starting times.
    Live tour guide
    English, Portuguese

    Experience

    Highlights
    • Learn about cetaceans from a certified marine biologist
    • Admire dolphins, whales, birds, and turtles in their natural habitat
    • Explore Madeira's coastline from the ocean
    • Enjoy a fast-paced, safe and comfortable wildlife adventure
    Full description

    Look for whales and dolphins in their natural environment on a cruise with a dedicated crew. Powered by 2x 250hp engines, you can expect to cover larger distances than any other boat in Funchal in comfort. This means you will have the best chance to spot marine wildlife. Listen to informative commentary about the sea life of Madeira, as your crew and marine biologist guide make sure you have a great time whilst learning about the local cetaceans, fauna, and flora.

    Encounter groups of dolphins, whales, and turtles, and get up-close sightings as you speed across large distances in little time. Marvel as the animals splash about in the water and learn more about these amazing creatures and life in the ocean from your guide.

    Wildlife spotters work hard on land to find the animals before you set out on your trip. Depending on the species and sea conditions, you can get very close to the whales and dolphins, but remember, it is wildlife, and the primary goal is to be respectful of their habitat.

    Includes
    • Round-trip cruise
    • Marine biologist guide
    • Captain and crew
    • Life vests
    • Food and drinks
    • Hotel pickup and drop-off
    Not suitable for
    • People with back problems
    • People with heart problems
    Covid-19 precautions
    Safety measures in place
    • All areas that customers touch are frequently cleaned
    • You must keep social distance while in vehicles
    • The number of visitors is limited to reduce crowds
    Traveler requirements
    • You are required to bring and wear a mask
    • Masks are required while indoors

    Select participants and date

    Participants

    Date

    Meeting point

    Meet at the Magic Dolphin office.

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    Important information

    Know before you go

    • Wear comfortable clothes
    • Please advise if you have any heart conditions, back problems or are pregnant
    • Sea life sighting is guaranteed. If you do not see any wild life you will be given a second trip free of charge (please do not leave this activity to your last day of your holiday). There is no cashback refund given
    • The boat holds 18 people and 2 crew members, including a marine biologist guide
    Customer reviews

    Overall rating

    4.7 /5

    based on 150 reviews

    Review summary

    • Guide
      4.9/5
    • Transportation
      4.9/5
    • Value for money
      4.6/5
    • Safety
      4.6/5

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    We had a wonderful experience with our biologist Anna and skipper Miguel. We were very lucky - we saw three kinds of whale (small fin pilot , bryde’s and fin). One was about 5m away! We didn’t see any dolphins but we have no complaints because whales are rarer to spot and we totally got our money’s worth. Highly recommended.

    December 28, 2021

    D
    Devesh – France Verified booking

    Helpful?

    With a choppy sea ahead the ride out to sea was like a rollercoaster ride. We were on the third row and felt all the bumps but it was great fun. Sitting at the back is better for those with a bad back though. The boat does provide a poncho if you are getting wet. Its a fantastic way to see the island and we got to watch planes landing from sea. After a while we came across a pod of pilot whales and they were beautiful. The marine biologist on board gave a huge amount of information and it was great to learn a lot about these dolphins.

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    November 28, 2021

    V
    Victoria – United Kingdom Verified booking

    Helpful?

    What a cool experience! The speedboat and amazing sights would be enough, but include the possibility of seeing sea life to it!? Amazing! We were able to see sperm whales and bottlenose dolphins in their natural habitat, and it was quite the sight to see! Our guides and other passengers were extremely patient and it was totally worth it!

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    November 8, 2021

    J
    Jeremy – United States Verified booking

    Helpful?

    Product ID: 141240