Spot whales and dolphins off Madeira coast
Madeira, Portugal • 
Must Do
Must DoMadeira, Portugal
Must Do
Best months to visit
Jun, Jul, Aug
18°C – 24°C, june brings warmer temperatures and minimal rainfall, ideal for marine excursions, high crowds, peak season
18°C – 24°C, june brings warmer temperatures and minimal rainfall, ideal for marine excursions, high crowds, peak season
Walking required
No
Walking may be required
Walking may be required
Value for money
Medium
Sightings are likely, but price can be a concern.
Sightings are likely, but price can be a concern.
Highlights we curated for you
See what similar travellers think of this activity
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Reviews from other travelers
Summarised by AI
Romantic Getaway
Couples loved the views! Dolphins and whales made for an unforgettable trip.
Wonderful Guides
Knowledgeable guides enhanced the experience, sharing insights about marine life!
Spectacular Sightings
Witnessing whales and dolphins up close was a breathtaking, shared moment.
Sea Sickness
Some couples felt ill. Recommend precautions if prone to motion sickness.
Weather Dependent
Tours are weather-dependent, so cancellations can disrupt couple's plans.
Pricey Experience
Some couples felt the price was a bit high for the length of the tour.
Hours of operation
Monday
09:00 AM - 06:00 PM
Tuesday
09:00 AM - 06:00 PM
Wednesday
09:00 AM - 06:00 PM
Thursday
09:00 AM - 06:00 PM
Friday
09:00 AM - 06:00 PM
Saturday
09:00 AM - 06:00 PM
Sunday
09:00 AM - 06:00 PM
In-depth experience
May contain spoilers
Watch curated videos from fellow travellers for a glimpse of what to expect.
A duo embarks on Whale Watching cruise adventure.
Experience breathtaking coastal views on Whale & Dolphin Watching cruise.
Join travelers on Whale & Dolphin Watching adventure.
When to visit
We've analysed user reviews and geographical data, and identified the best and worst months to visit.
Month
Crowd Level
Weather
Availability
Our recommendation
April
MEDIUM
15-22°C
Warmer temperatures with reduced rainfall.
Warmer temperatures with reduced rainfall.
Open
High demand during Easter may require advance booking; diverse species present.
High demand during Easter may require advance booking; diverse species present.
Recommended
April offers favorable conditions for whale and dolphin watching, with a variety of species and pleasant weather, though increased demand may affect availability and prices.
April offers favorable conditions for whale and dolphin watching, with a variety of species and pleasant weather, though increased demand may affect availability and prices.
May
MEDIUM
16-22°C
May in Madeira offers mild temperatures and low precipitation, providing comfortable conditions for outdoor activities.
May in Madeira offers mild temperatures and low precipitation, providing comfortable conditions for outdoor activities.
Open
Tours are subject to weather and sea conditions.
Tours are subject to weather and sea conditions.
Recommended
May is an excellent time for whale and dolphin watching in Madeira, with favorable weather and moderate crowd levels. Species such as fin whales and sperm whales are commonly sighted during this month.
May is an excellent time for whale and dolphin watching in Madeira, with favorable weather and moderate crowd levels. Species such as fin whales and sperm whales are commonly sighted during this month.
June
HIGH
18-24°C
June brings warmer temperatures and minimal rainfall, ideal for marine excursions.
June brings warmer temperatures and minimal rainfall, ideal for marine excursions.
Open
Tours are subject to weather and sea conditions.
Tours are subject to weather and sea conditions.
Recommended
June is a prime month for whale and dolphin watching, with increased sightings of various species. However, higher tourist numbers may lead to crowded tours and higher prices.
June is a prime month for whale and dolphin watching, with increased sightings of various species. However, higher tourist numbers may lead to crowded tours and higher prices.
July
HIGH
20-26°C
July features warm temperatures and very low chances of precipitation, perfect for sea activities.
July features warm temperatures and very low chances of precipitation, perfect for sea activities.
Open
Tours are subject to weather and sea conditions.
Tours are subject to weather and sea conditions.
Recommended
July offers excellent opportunities for whale and dolphin watching, with frequent sightings. Be prepared for larger crowds and higher prices during this peak season.
July offers excellent opportunities for whale and dolphin watching, with frequent sightings. Be prepared for larger crowds and higher prices during this peak season.
How to get there
Bus
Recommended
Several bus routes, including those operated by Horários do Funchal, SAM, and Rodoeste, stop near the Marina do Funchal. Key stops include Cais (1A) and Marina (1), both a short walk from the tour departure points.
Taxi
Recommended
Taxis are readily available throughout Funchal and at the airport. A taxi ride from Madeira Airport to the Marina do Funchal takes approximately 17-20 minutes. Within Funchal, a taxi ride is a short trip.
Walking
Recommended
The Marina do Funchal is centrally located and easily walkable from many hotels and attractions in downtown Funchal via the Avenida do Mar promenade.
Boat
For those arriving from Porto Santo, the Porto Santo Line car ferry docks near the marina, providing a sea-to-sea transition.
Car
Travelers with rental cars can access the Marina do Funchal via the VR1 expressway and Avenida do Mar. Parking is available at nearby garages such as Almirante Reis Car Park and Parking São Tiago.
Additional info
Here's what you need to know about this experience
Pregnancy
Not suitable for pregnancy
Not allowed during pregnancy
Pets
Pets not allowed
Driving
Driving License Required
Idp Required
