Whale watching in Madeira at a glance
The regional tourism site says whale and dolphin watching is possible all year around Madeira. There is no single best month that we can back with a current source, so do not build your whole trip around one. What matters more is the sea on the day and the boat you choose.
Several harbours offer trips, and the typical outing lasts a few hours. Sightings can never be promised. These are wild animals, and a good operator will say so before you book.
Madeira whales and dolphins: species you may see
The animals reported most often on trips around Madeira.
| Animal | Type |
|---|---|
| Common dolphin | Dolphin |
| Atlantic spotted dolphin | Dolphin |
| Bottlenose dolphin | Dolphin |
| Short-finned pilot whale | Whale |
| Sperm whale | Whale |
| Bryde's whale | Whale |
| Loggerhead turtle | Reptile |
Some trips also go to the Desertas islands, where a colony of monk seals lives. We cannot say which species is most likely in which month. An older survey, from 2009, pointed to a main season for the large whales between February and August, but it is too old to rely on.
Madeira whale watching season
Trips run all year. One operator listed by the regional tourism site runs two trips a day from November to April and three from May to October, so the schedule changes with the season while the animals do not follow a calendar we can confirm.
Our picks: whale and dolphin trips
The basic catamaran or the all-inclusive boat.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in euros (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
All-inclusive whale and dolphin watching
Three hours with a swim stop, snorkel gear, local snacks and all drinks including alcohol.
Check availability →Dolphin and whale watching by catamaran
Certified crew and guides with a spotter on land. No hotel pick-up, and food and drinks are sold on board.
Check availability →Whale and dolphin watching trips in Madeira
Boat trips for whales and dolphins from Funchal and other harbours, with live prices, durations and availability.
Where the boats leave from
Four areas, named by the regional tourism site.
Whale watching from Funchal marina
The easiest base for whale and dolphin watching if you stay in the capital. See our Funchal guide for the town itself.
Funchal →Calheta
A marina on the south-west coast, the second largest on the island, with a sunny climate.
Machico and Caniçal
Harbours on the east side of the island.
Porto Santo
Boats also operate from the second island, which you reach by ferry or a short flight.
Porto Santo →What a typical trip looks like
One operator listed by the regional tourism site runs two trips a day from November to April, at 9:00 and 13:30. From May to October it runs three, at 9:00, 12:30 and 16:00. This whale watching tour in Madeira lasts 2 hours 30 minutes. The boats are semi-rigid inflatables with 18 seats, a skipper and a marine biologist, and the crew gives a 10-minute briefing before departure. Swimming with dolphins is offered for an extra fee.
This is one example, not a rule for all companies. Boats and durations differ, so check the details when you book. We do not list prices on this page because we could not verify them. The booking widget on this page shows live prices.
- Semi-rigid boats: small and close to the water, so expect spray and bring a windproof jacket.
- Larger boats: more shelter and a steadier ride, but you sit further from the water.
Choosing a responsible boat
What to check before you pay.
Ask about distance
No legal minimum distance is known for Madeira. The Madeira whale museum recommends at least 100 m and no sudden changes of course or speed. This is a recommendation, not a law. A good crew can tell you how they keep their distance.
Look for a guide on board
A biologist or trained guide adds to the trip, explains behaviour and helps with identification.
Think about swim-with-dolphin offers
Some operators sell a swimming add-on. We have no evidence about any specific company, so ask how they handle it and whether the animals can leave freely.
Plan the rest of your trip
Trips depend on the sea, so build in a spare day.
Madeira tours compared
Jeep, boat and hiking trips side by side.
Weather and best time
Month by month, the dry summer and the wetter, milder winter.
Funchal
The old town, the market and the cable car up to Monte.
Where to stay
Funchal, the sunny south or the green north: which base suits you.
Madeira whale watching: frequently asked questions
When is the best time for whale watching in Madeira?
Trips are possible all year. No single best month is known. Check recent sightings with the operator and keep a spare day in case the sea is too rough.
Which animals can I see?
Commonly reported are common, Atlantic spotted and bottlenose dolphins, short-finned pilot whales, sperm whales, Bryde's whales and loggerhead turtles. Sightings are never guaranteed.
Where do the boats leave from?
From Funchal marina, Calheta, Machico and Caniçal, and Porto Santo.
How long does a trip take?
One example operator runs trips of 2 hours 30 minutes, with a 10-minute briefing. Other operators differ, so check the duration when you book.
How close may boats get to the animals?
No legal distance rule is known for Madeira. The Madeira whale museum recommends at least 100 m and calm, steady movement. Treat that as a recommendation.