Funchal: RIB Whale Watching Cruise and Optional Dolphin Swim

Wild dolphins meet a fast ride. This Funchal RIB cruise combines small-group wildlife watching with broad views of Madeira’s south coast, giving you a closer-to-the-water experience than a large catamaran. I like the use of land-based spotters to help locate animals, and I like that the crew keeps animal welfare at the center of the trip. The main catch is that the optional dolphin swim is brief, tightly controlled, and never guaranteed.

The boat ride is part of the fun, especially when the RIB picks up speed across the open water. You may see dolphins, pilot whales, sperm whales, turtles, or other species, but wildlife is wild, so patience still matters. Bring a windbreaker or waterproof jacket. Even on a sunny Madeira day, the ride can turn cool and bumpy.

Key points to know before booking

• Small boats bring you close to the water: Groups can be pleasantly intimate, with one reported departure carrying only seven people.
• Land spotters help locate wildlife: This gives the crew a practical advantage when searching for dolphins and whales.
• The dolphin swim is short and conditional: If allowed, each person is usually in the water for about one or two minutes.
• Only certain dolphins qualify for swimming: The activity can happen only with Common Dolphins or Atlantic Spotted Dolphins, and only when their behavior meets local rules.
• Cabo Girão adds a scenic finish: The return route includes a photo stop and views of Madeira’s dramatic south coast.
• The $61 price covers the main cruise: The dolphin swim is a separate €20 option, charged only if entering the water is possible.

What the Funchal RIB trip is really like

This is a 2.5-hour ocean outing from Funchal, built around wildlife watching rather than a fixed sightseeing route. You begin at Xpoint Madeira, though the precise meeting point can vary with the option you book. The boarding area can be a little hard to spot, so follow the map pin carefully and look for the jetty entrance.

Before leaving, the crew gives you a safety briefing and provides the necessary life jacket. English and Portuguese are available, and the crew combines wildlife information with general details about Madeira and the coastline.

I like this opening because it is practical without taking too long. You get settled, learn how to sit safely in the RIB, and understand what to expect before the boat reaches open water. The small boat also means you are not simply one face in a crowd. You have a better chance of seeing the water from a low angle, where dolphins can feel much closer.

Leaving Funchal Harbor with Madeira beside you

The boat heads out from Funchal harbor toward the open ocean, with Madeira’s south coast visible along the way. This gives the trip a useful two-part rhythm: the ride itself provides scenery and speed, while the wildlife search supplies the main excitement.

The RIB can travel quickly between possible sighting areas. That matters because wildlife may appear in more than one place, and the crew does not need to spend the whole trip slowly covering the same patch of sea. Several recent outings recorded dolphins in separate locations, along with pilot whales and sperm whales.

The speed comes with a tradeoff. A RIB is lively, and the return ride can be quite bumpy, especially when the sea is less calm. That is part of the appeal if you enjoy a brisk boat ride, but it may not suit you if you want a quiet, smooth cruise. The boat stays close enough to the water for excellent visibility, but you should keep your hands secure and follow the crew’s instructions.

One useful point is that a RIB can reduce the rolling sensation some people associate with a larger boat. That does not make motion sickness impossible, and the sea can still be rough, but the ride feels quick and direct rather than slow and swaying.

Searching for dolphins, whales, and turtles

Wildlife watching is a mix of skill, timing, and luck. The crew works with spotters on land to help identify where animals are moving, then the RIB heads toward those areas. The operator reports a yearly average of successful sightings on 99 percent of trips, but that figure should not be treated as a promise for your particular departure.

The strongest sightings described from this experience include Atlantic Spotted Dolphins, Common Dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, pilot whales, sperm whales, and turtles. One outing recorded two dolphin types and four whales. Another included spotted dolphins close to the boat, pilot whales, and a sea turtle.

That variety is a major reason I rate this outing highly. You are not booking a simple ride around the harbor. You are heading into an active marine area where several species may appear, sometimes during the same trip.

Still, it is important to set your expectations correctly. You may spend time scanning the water before anything appears. A good crew will explain what you are looking for and why the boat is changing direction, but there can be quiet stretches. The trip offers a free return within one year if no cetacean species is seen, subject to availability and the stated conditions. That policy provides some comfort, though it is useful only if you plan to remain in Madeira or return.

Why the small RIB makes sightings feel special

The small-group format is one of the strongest reasons to choose this cruise over a larger boat. With fewer people, you have less obstruction and a better chance of hearing the guide. A group of seven was reported on one departure, and the private version can carry up to 18 passengers.

The low seating position also changes the experience. You are near the water rather than looking down from a high deck. Dolphins may pass close to the boat, and the crew can position the RIB carefully while respecting the animals’ space.

The guides and skippers receive especially strong praise for their approach. Anna, Paulo, Mark, and Ana are among the crew members named by people who enjoyed their trips. The best part is not only their information about species. They also explain the island and keep the mood friendly during the search.

I also value the conservation-minded tone. On one outing, the crew stopped to remove a piece of plastic from the sea. That small act says a lot about the way the trip is run. The animals are not treated as stage performers, and the crew’s job is to watch without chasing or frightening them.

The optional dolphin swim, and its strict limits

The dolphin swim is not part of the standard $61 cruise. It is a €20 add-on, but the amount is charged on site only if conditions allow you to enter the water. If a swim cannot happen, you pay only for the boat trip.

This distinction matters. You are not buying a guaranteed swim. Local animal protection rules allow entry only when the dolphins are behaving in a suitable way, and only Common Dolphins or Atlantic Spotted Dolphins qualify. Even then, the crew decides if the conditions are right.

If it goes ahead, each participant usually spends about one or two minutes in the water. You wear a mask and snorkel and hold a rope attached to the boat while the boat moves in a controlled way near the dolphins. This is not a long, free-swimming session. It is a brief chance to see the animals from the water while following strict rules intended to avoid disturbing them.

That can feel more awkward than some people expect. One account describes holding the rope while being pulled along as the dolphins moved around the boat. For some, that will be thrilling. For others, it may feel too short or too structured to justify booking the option.

I would treat the swim as a possible bonus, not the reason to book the cruise. The boat trip remains worthwhile even if you never enter the water. Dolphins and whales can be seen from the RIB, and several excellent outings did not include a swim.

Cabo Girão and the return along Madeira’s coast

The route includes a photo stop at Cabo Girão Cliff. This gives you a change of pace after the wildlife search and brings Madeira’s steep south coast into view from the sea.

The return leg can be fast and bumpy, but it also offers some of the best coastal scenery. One described route hugged the coast and passed views of the south coast and sea caves. From a low boat, the cliffs feel especially imposing, and the angle is quite different from seeing them from land.

Cabo Girão is not a long land visit in this format. Think of it as a scenic boat stop and photo opportunity rather than a full attraction visit. The main value is the combination of cliff views, open sea, and a lively return ride before you head back to Funchal.

After at least two hours on the water, the RIB returns to the marina for disembarkation. The full activity lasts about 2.5 hours, including the briefing, boarding, cruise, wildlife search, and return.

Is $61 good value?

At $61 per person, the standard trip offers solid value if you want a small boat, wildlife search, and coastal views in one outing. The price includes the boat trip, safety equipment, taxes, fees, and fuel surcharges. It does not include parking, drinks, or snacks.

The value improves if you see several species. Recent outings included combinations of dolphins, pilot whales, sperm whales, turtles, and different dolphin types. But even with a quieter wildlife day, you still receive a proper coastal boat trip and views of Madeira from the water.

The small-group format is the key comparison point. A larger vessel may give you more room to walk around and a steadier ride, but this RIB puts you closer to the sea and can move quickly between possible sighting areas. You are paying for access to a more direct, energetic outing, not a luxury boat with extensive onboard comforts.

The dolphin swim adds a possible extra cost of €20, but because payment happens only if the swim is possible, the financial risk is limited. I would book it only if you are comfortable with a short rope-assisted swim and understand that animal behavior controls the outcome.

What to wear and bring for the open sea

Madeira can feel warm on land while the ocean air feels cool. Bring a windbreaker, sunglasses, a sun hat, sunscreen, and a jacket. A warmer waterproof jacket makes sense in winter or when the forecast looks unsettled.

The boat is open, so you are exposed to wind and spray. Dress for the ride, not just the weather at your hotel. Drinks and snacks are not included, so plan ahead if you need something during the 2.5-hour activity.

Check the marine weather before leaving. The crew may operate in changing conditions, but your comfort depends heavily on wind and sea state. If you dislike fast, bumpy rides, a larger boat may be a better match.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

I would recommend this experience to you if you want wildlife watching with a little speed and excitement. It suits couples, families with children, and friends who prefer a small boat to a large sightseeing vessel.

Children can enjoy the short format and the chance to see animals close to the boat, but the motion and bumpy sections should be considered before booking. The private option is useful for a family or friend group that wants the boat to itself, with room for up to 18 passengers.

This is also a good choice if you care about how wildlife is approached. The crew explains the animals, uses spotters, and follows limits around entering the water. The focus is observation, not guaranteed contact.

I would be more cautious about recommending it to you if you want a calm, polished cruise with plenty of space, food service, or a guaranteed swim. You should also avoid treating the 99 percent sighting figure as certainty. Nature still sets the schedule.

Booking details worth knowing

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Starting times depend on availability, so check the schedule for your chosen date.

The meeting and drop-off point is connected with Xpoint Madeira, but the exact location can vary by booking option. Since the boarding point has been described as tricky to find, follow the map pin and allow extra time to locate the jetty door.

The experience is available with an English or Portuguese guide. A private group is also available, which may be worth considering if you are traveling with a larger family or group of friends.

Should you book the Funchal RIB whale-watching cruise?

Yes, if you want a close, energetic wildlife outing rather than a slow sightseeing cruise. The strongest reasons to book are the small boat, fast movement between sighting areas, land-based spotters, and the crew’s clear respect for marine life.

Book the dolphin swim add-on only as a possibility. The swim may last just one or two minutes, and it happens only with the right dolphin species and behavior. The main cruise is the better value and the safer choice for your expectations.

Bring warm layers, prepare for a bumpy ride, and leave room in your plans for nature to be unpredictable. If dolphins or whales appear, the low RIB can give you a memorable view. If the sea is quiet, you still receive a scenic trip along Madeira’s coast and a Cabo Girão photo stop.

FAQ

How long is the Funchal RIB whale-watching cruise?

The activity lasts 2.5 hours. You spend at least two hours out on the boat, with time also used for boarding, the safety briefing, and returning to Funchal marina.

How much does the boat trip cost?

The standard price is $61 per person. The price includes the boat trip, safety equipment, applicable fees, taxes, and fuel surcharges.

Is swimming with dolphins included?

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

Is the dolphin swim guaranteed?

No. The swim depends on the dolphins’ behavior and local animal protection rules. It is allowed only with Common Dolphins or Atlantic Spotted Dolphins when conditions are suitable.

How long do you swim with the dolphins?

The time in the water is usually about one to two minutes per participant. You use a mask and snorkel and hold a rope attached to the boat.

What wildlife might you see?

Possible sightings include dolphins, whales, and turtles. Sightings recorded on the trips include Common Dolphins, Atlantic Spotted Dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, pilot whales, sperm whales, and sea turtles.

What languages are available?

The live guides speak English and Portuguese.

What should you bring?

Bring a windbreaker, sunglasses, a sun hat, sunscreen, and a jacket. A warmer waterproof jacket is recommended during winter or when the weather may turn windy. Drinks and snacks are not included.