Funchal: Guarantee Wild Dolphin&Whale Watching by RIB

Wildlife waits beyond Funchal’s harbor. This 2.5-hour RIB trip combines fast boat travel, wide views of Madeira’s coast, and a strong chance of seeing dolphins or whales in the wild. I like the small-group setup, which gives you a closer view than a large sightseeing boat, and I like that the crew treats sightings as a nature experience rather than a guaranteed animal performance.

The advertised yearly success rate is 99 percent for at least one cetacean species, though the ocean always gets the final vote. The main consideration is comfort: a small rigid inflatable boat can feel exciting, but it can also be windy and bumpy, especially when you leave the shelter of Funchal.

You can also request the swim-with-dolphins add-on for €20, charged only if entering the water is possible. This is tightly controlled, limited to Common Dolphins or Atlantic Spotted Dolphins, and usually lasts only one or two minutes per participant.

Key points before you book

• Small RIB boat: A compact boat offers an intimate view of dolphins and whales, but less protection from wind and spray than a larger vessel.
• Strong sighting record: The operator reports a yearly average of 99 percent of trips seeing at least one cetacean species.
• Cabo Girao views: The ride includes scenic views toward Madeira’s famous cliff as you travel along the coast.
• Swim option is conditional: The €20 dolphin swim fee is charged only if local rules and animal behavior allow entry into the water.
• Two-hour ocean search: Wildlife watching requires patience, and the boat remains at sea for at least two hours before returning.
• No-sighting promise: If no dolphin or whale is seen, you can join another trip free within one year, subject to availability.

Leaving Funchal in a fast, open boat

The trip begins at Xpoint Madeira, though the exact meeting point can vary with the option you book. Allow time to find the correct departure spot, since the information provided lists two possible starting and ending locations under the same operator.

Before departure, you receive a safety briefing and put on a life jacket. This is not a slow harbor cruise. The RIB heads away from Funchal and toward open water, giving you changing views of the Madeira shoreline almost from the start.

I like this format for people who want the ride itself to be part of the outing. The small boat gives the trip some energy, and the crew can focus on a limited number of passengers rather than managing a large crowd. The trade-off is simple: open boats expose you to the weather. Bring a windbreaker even on a warm day, and consider a warmer waterproof jacket during winter.

The operator provides the required safety equipment and covers applicable taxes, fuel surcharges, and other trip fees. Drinks, snacks, parking, and the dolphin swim option cost extra or require separate arrangements.

The Madeira coast and Cabo Girao views

As the RIB travels along the coast, you get a broad view of Madeira from the water. This changes the rhythm of the trip. You are not only scanning for fins; you are also watching Funchal and the island’s steep coast recede behind you.

Cabo Girao is included as a scenic point along the way. The cliff is one of Madeira’s best-known coastal sights, and viewing it from the sea gives you a different angle than a land-based visit. The available details describe sightseeing and scenic views on the way rather than a stop for disembarkation, so expect to see it from the boat.

That distinction matters. If you want a full Cabo Girao visit, treat this excursion as a coastal viewing opportunity, not a separate cliff tour. The boat keeps moving according to the wildlife search, weather, and sea conditions.

Searching for wild dolphins and whales

Wildlife watching is the heart of this trip, but it is not a zoo visit with animals on a timetable. The boat crew searches the open water for dolphins, whales, and sometimes turtles. Some trips may produce an unforgettable cluster of animals, while others can involve longer periods of scanning and waiting.

The operator reports a 99 percent yearly average for successful sightings of at least one cetacean species. That is a very strong figure, but it should not be read as a personal guarantee for your departure. Ocean conditions, animal movement, and luck still matter.

The best part of seeing animals in this setting is the uncertainty. You are watching living creatures that choose where to go. That can make even a short sighting feel meaningful, especially when the animals are close enough to identify but still clearly free in the sea.

The activity’s own instructions say the boat remains out for no less than two hours on the standard trip. The full experience lasts about 2.5 hours, allowing time for boarding, the briefing, the outward journey, the wildlife search, and the return to Funchal.

Recent trip feedback points to especially memorable sightings of dolphins and short-finned pilot whales, including groups with babies. One account also praised the crew’s help with seasickness. That is useful to know because a small boat can make motion more noticeable than it would be on a large vessel.

What the small-group format changes

A small group is more than a marketing detail here. On a compact RIB, fewer passengers generally mean a closer connection to the guide and a better chance of hearing information during the ride. You also avoid the feeling of being one face in a large crowd.

The boat’s size can help when animals appear. You are closer to the water, so a dolphin surfacing nearby may feel more immediate than it would from a high deck. At the same time, the low sides and open seating mean you should keep your belongings secure and dress for spray and wind.

The operator offers private groups as well. A private boat can carry up to 18 passengers, making it suitable for a family or friend group that wants the boat to itself. The supplied details do not specify a separate private-tour price, so you will need to check the amount for your date and group size.

The optional dolphin swim

The swim-with-dolphins option is not part of the basic $70 ticket. It is a €20 add-on, and the charge is made on-site only if entering the water is possible. If the conditions are not met, you pay only the standard trip price.

There are strict limits. The crew may enter the water only when the dolphins are behaving in a suitable way under local animal protection law. The only eligible species are Common Dolphins and Atlantic Spotted Dolphins. A sighting of whales, turtles, or another dolphin species does not qualify for the swim.

Even when permitted, your time in the water will usually be about one or two minutes per participant. A mask and snorkel are available. You remain attached to the boat for this short swim or snorkel, so think of it as a brief, carefully managed encounter rather than a long snorkeling session.

I see this option as a pleasant bonus, not the main reason to book. You should be comfortable paying for the regular wildlife trip even if the swim cannot happen. The operator’s policy is fair in that the €20 fee is not charged when the conditions are unsuitable.

Is $70 good value for Madeira?

At $70 per person, the basic trip offers 2.5 hours on the water, safety equipment, a live guide in English or Portuguese, fuel, and the wildlife search. I consider that reasonable for a small-group ocean outing, particularly if seeing wild dolphins or whales is high on your Madeira list.

The value depends on what you want from the day. If you mainly want a guaranteed attraction with a fixed schedule, this may feel uncertain. If you value the ride, the coast, and the chance to see animals in the wild, the price makes more sense.

The no-sighting policy also adds some protection. If the boat sees no cetacean species, you can join another trip free within one year, as long as space is available. The offer is not transferable, and returning for another trip may not help if you are leaving Madeira soon, but it shows that the operator recognizes the limits of nature watching.

Snacks and drinks are not included, so plan accordingly. Parking is also not included, and the meeting point may vary depending on the booking choice.

Weather, clothing, and seasickness

Madeira can feel warm in town while the sea feels cool and windy. Bring a windbreaker, sunglasses, a sun hat, and sunscreen. For winter departures, a warmer waterproof jacket is the safer choice.

You should also check the weather before leaving. Conditions can change quickly offshore, and the open RIB offers little shelter. The supplied trip guidance specifically warns that it can become windy at sea.

If you are prone to seasickness, prepare before boarding and tell the guide early. One recent passenger praised the guide’s help with seasickness, which suggests the crew is used to assisting people who find the motion difficult. Still, a small fast boat will not suit everyone.

This is best for people who can handle an exposed ride and accept that wildlife viewing involves waiting. Children, older passengers, and anyone with mobility or motion concerns should consider the boat style carefully, since no specific accessibility details are provided.

Who will enjoy this trip most?

I would recommend it to:

• Couples who want a lively ocean outing with a strong wildlife focus
• Families and friends who prefer a small group or private boat
• Visitors who want to see Madeira from the water
• Wildlife fans who value animals in their natural setting
• Active passengers who do not mind wind, spray, and boat movement
• Anyone interested in a possible short dolphin swim, with realistic expectations

I would be more cautious if you dislike fast boat rides, need a sheltered cabin, or want a full snack-and-drink service included. You also may prefer a land-based activity if your schedule cannot accommodate a repeat trip in the event of no sightings.

The most praised features are the crew’s attitude, the active search for animals, and the excitement of traveling on the RIB. The guide and skipper have been described as friendly and informative, while the crew’s respect for the animals is an important positive point. That matters because responsible conduct should come before getting the closest possible photograph.

Booking advice and final verdict

Book this Funchal dolphin and whale trip if you want a small, energetic boat ride and accept that nature sets the schedule. The reported sighting record is excellent, and the free repeat trip offers useful reassurance if the sea produces nothing.

I especially like it for a first or second day in Madeira, when you can still make use of the repeat-trip policy if needed. Choose a private boat if you are traveling with a group of up to 18 people and value privacy more than the basic shared-tour price.

Skip the swim add-on unless you are happy with a very short, conditional experience. The regular wildlife outing is the stronger reason to book. Bring proper clothing, protect your camera and belongings from spray, and treat the animals as the main event rather than expecting a guaranteed performance.

FAQ

How long does the dolphin and whale trip last?

The full activity lasts about 2.5 hours. The standard boat time includes at least two hours searching for wildlife before returning to Funchal.

How much does the standard trip cost?

The listed price is $70 per person. The price includes the boat trip, required safety equipment, applicable fees, taxes, and fuel surcharges.

What animals might I see?

The trip searches for wild dolphins and whales, and turtles may also appear. The operator reports a yearly average of 99 percent of trips with at least one cetacean sighting.

Is swimming with dolphins included?

No. Swimming or snorkeling with dolphins is an optional €20 add-on. The fee is charged on-site only if entering the water is possible.

When is swimming with dolphins allowed?

The crew may enter the water only when animal behavior meets local protection rules. The option applies only to Common Dolphins or Atlantic Spotted Dolphins, and the usual time in the water is one to two minutes per participant.

What happens if no dolphins or whales are seen?

You are invited to join another trip free of charge within one year, subject to availability. The offer is non-transferable.

What should I bring?

Bring a windbreaker, sunglasses, a sun hat, and sunscreen. For winter trips, bring warmer waterproof clothing because conditions can become windy at sea.