Duration
Around 2–2.5 hours
Format
Small-group wildlife boat trip
Location
Coastal waters around Madeira
Activity Level
Relaxed
Availability
Advance booking recommended, subject to availability and sea conditions
Highlights
- Head out in search of dolphins, whales and other marine life
- Travel by fast, manoeuvrable small boat and cover more water during the trip
- Spend around 2–2.5 hours focused on wildlife and the ocean
- Learn more about the animals you encounter from an experienced guide
- Enjoy a smaller-group experience with a more adventurous feel
- Choose from departures in different parts of Madeira
Available options
Small-group trips from Funchal head out in search of dolphins, whales and other marine life, with an experienced guide on board.
Trips are also available from Madeira’s eastern coast, exploring the waters around Ponta de São Lourenço and the surrounding coastline.
Some trips may include time for swimming or snorkelling during the warmer months when conditions are suitable.
Private trips can also be arranged if you would prefer to have the boat to your own group.
How we'll help you choose
Tell us when you would like to go, who is travelling and what kind of experience you have in mind.
We’ll help you find a trip that works for your group, whether you would prefer to leave from Funchal, explore the eastern coast or have a smaller private experience.
We can also check departure times, availability and whether any swimming stops are possible.
Pickup & meeting
Trips leave from different departure points depending on the experience you choose.
We’ll send you the exact meeting point and departure time once your trip is confirmed.
Plan to arrive a little early so there is enough time for check-in, the safety briefing and boarding.
Requirements & restrictions
- You should be comfortable travelling on a fast small boat
- Trips depend on suitable sea and weather conditions
- Wildlife sightings depend on the animals and conditions on the day
- Swimming or snorkelling may be possible on some trips when conditions allow
- Age requirements may differ between trips
- Let us know about any mobility or physical considerations that could affect the experience
What to bring
- Sun protection
- Light jacket or windbreaker
- Comfortable clothing
- Camera or phone
- Reusable water bottle
- Motion-sickness medication if you normally need it
- Swimwear and towel if your trip may include a swimming stop
Good to know
Dolphins and whales are wild animals, so every trip is different and sightings can never be guaranteed.
In case of no wildlife sightings, rebookings can be a accepted but their conditions are dependant on the providers.
Trips depend on suitable sea and weather conditions and may occasionally need to be rescheduled.
Some experiences have their own arrangements if no wildlife is seen; we’ll explain what applies to your trip before you book.
What we'll need from you
- Preferred date
- Number of adults and children
- Ages of any children
- Preferred time of day
- Where you are staying
- Whether a swimming stop is important to you
- Any mobility or physical considerations we should know about
