Dolphins and Whales Watching Tour by RIB boat in Funchal

Dolphins, maybe whales, and a fast RIB. This Madeira RIB ride along the south coast is built for big ocean moments, with a small group and a genuine shot at wildlife search near Funchal. Two things I really like are how panoramic it feels from the water, and the fact that your chances for dolphins, whales, and even turtles are tied to what nature is doing that day. The main consideration is that sightings are never guaranteed, and the in-water option depends on conditions and whether it’s possible to enter safely.

I also like the rhythm of the trip: you start with views of Funchal, then the route can shift based on wildlife, and you end with a return view of Cabo Girão. If you choose the swim add-on, you might get to do snorkeling with the animals, but you only pay if they can actually get you in the water. For most people, it is a good mix of excitement and practical value at about 2 hours 30 minutes total.

Finally, this is the kind of outing that works best when you show up ready for open-air salt air, and you book with the weather in mind. The ride departs from Funchal Marina and uses a mobile ticket, so once you’re there, things are straightforward.

Key points to know before you go

• Small-group RIB ride with a maximum of 18 people, so the experience stays personal.
• Wildlife-driven routing, meaning you do not get stuck on a rigid script if dolphins appear.
• Strong scenic payoff, especially the return panoramic view of Cabo Girão.
• Swim with dolphins add-on is conditional, charged on-site only if entering the water is possible.
• Safety gear is provided, and the trip includes all fees and taxes in the base price.

A RIB boat in Funchal: built for speed and real sea views

This tour uses a RIB boat, the kind of fast, sturdy craft that lets you get out along the coast quickly. That matters on Madeira, because wildlife watching is often about timing and being in the right patch of ocean. You are not stuck waiting around too long in one place.

The group size helps too. With a maximum of 18 travelers, you generally get a more watchable, less crowded experience than on bigger boats. From my standpoint, that makes it easier to keep an eye on the water and to hear the crew when they point things out.

And you get the “Madeira from the sea” perspective right away. Departing from Funchal Bay means you start by seeing the whole city at a distance, then the coastline takes over, with cliffs and coves sliding by as the boat heads where the day’s activity is strongest.

First impressions: leaving Funchal Bay with panoramic city views

The trip starts at the Funchal Marina in São Martinho, right by the marina area where you can also rely on nearby public transportation. Once you’re aboard, the departure from Funchal Bay gives you an instant sense of scale. From the water, the city layout and the shoreline curve are easier to understand, and you get a feel for why Madeira’s west and south coasts can look so different in wind and water conditions.

This early phase is also where you can get your bearings for the rest of the outing. Even if you are mainly there for whales and dolphins, that first stretch helps you appreciate the coastline you’re traveling along. It is a good warm-up, and it keeps things lively while the crew scans for signs of wildlife.

The wildlife search off Madeira’s south coast, and what can change

Here’s the part that makes this tour exciting: the boat goes where nature takes it. Wildlife can appear in different zones, so the direction is not locked in. You can end up moving along Madeira’s south coastline, and on at least one real outing, the crew went all the way to the northern tip so the group could spot dolphins.

That tells you something important for planning your expectations. You are not paying for a static route. You are paying for a flexible search with the goal of getting you in the best place when dolphins or whales show up.

If you are bringing your phone or camera, this is when you want to think about stability and protection. You will be on open water, so consider a waterproof case or a secure way to carry gear. And if you get a glimpse, do not rush. Sometimes it takes a few minutes of watching for the pattern to show up, like a fin break or a quick surface moment that tells you dolphins are nearby.

Cabo Girão on the return: when the view becomes the payoff

On the way back, the tour is set up to deliver one of Madeira’s most iconic viewpoints: Cabo Girão. You get a panoramic view from the water, which feels different from looking at the cliff from land. From this angle, the cliff face and the coastline line up in a way that makes it easy to picture how dramatic this part of the island is.

The return can include wildlife-driven changes. If conditions require it, the Cabo Girão stop may be swapped for a similar highlight. Either way, you should expect the last part of the trip to stay scenic rather than just being a straight return.

There is also a pass-by navigation of a historical fishing village on the way. Even if you do not get a long stop on land, you get that coastal “Madeira working life” feel from the water, with buildings lining the edge of the sea. For me, that kind of passing view helps round out the trip so it feels more than just wildlife spotting.

How the swim with dolphins add-on works (and why it’s priced like that)

There is an optional add-on called swim with dolphins. The key detail is how it is charged and when you can do it.

• The add-on is 20€ per participant.
• It is only charged on-site if it is possible to enter the water with the animals.
• If the crew cannot safely get you in the water, you pay nothing extra and you just take the standard boat trip price.

That conditional pricing makes sense. It protects you from paying a fixed fee for something that depends on real-time conditions, like wildlife behavior and sea state. It also means you should not plan your day around the expectation of guaranteed swimming.

One more practical note: the add-on is charged on-site in cash only. That is the kind of detail that can throw people off if they do not read it carefully. If you think you might want the in-water option, bring cash just in case you’re able to go.

If you do get the chance to enter the water, you may want to prepare for short, action-heavy moments. That is when good footage happens, and it is also when you’ll appreciate having your personal items secured or kept minimal.

Price and value: what $62.26 really covers

The base price is listed at $62.26 per person. In value terms, the best thing about this pricing is what is included: all fees and taxes, plus the boat trip with the necessary safety equipment.

That reduces the “surprise extras” feeling that can come with tours. You still might spend a bit on top, but you can see the main items in advance.

What’s not included:

• The swim with dolphins add-on (+20€) only if it is possible
• Parking fees if needed
• Snacks

So, what should you budget? If you skip the add-on, your cost is basically the base price plus any parking and whatever you choose to eat. If you do want the in-water option and it is possible, plan for the extra 20€ cash on-site. Either way, you’re paying for time on the water, the search effort, and the safety setup.

Also, consider timing value. This is about 2 hours 30 minutes. That is long enough to feel like a true outing, but short enough that you can still enjoy the rest of Funchal that same day.

Logistics that matter in the real world

You meet at Madeira’s Funchal Marina (Marina do Funchal, São Martinho, 9000-054 Funchal). The tour ends back at the meeting point, so you are not dealing with a messy end-of-tour transit problem.

The tour also uses a mobile ticket, which is convenient. And it is near public transportation, which helps if you are not driving.

Booking-wise, the average booking time is about 10 days in advance. That tells me demand is steady enough that you should not wait until the last minute, especially if you are traveling in peak season or on weekends.

Weather matters here. The experience requires good weather, and if it is canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered another date or a full refund. Since this is an ocean-based activity, that is exactly what you want to happen, not a decision made at random.

Who should book this dolphins and whales RIB tour?

This is a great fit if you want:

• A small-group wildlife outing with a high chance of movement and scanning instead of a fixed loop
• A thrilling RIB ride along Madeira’s coastline
• The option to add swim with dolphins when conditions allow

It can also suit families, since most travelers can participate and the group size stays controlled. Still, this is an open-water boat activity, so if you are very prone to motion sickness, you may want to plan ahead with your own comfort measures.

For photographers and video fans, it’s also a strong choice because the ride keeps you searching. When dolphins show up, it can turn into fast, exciting viewing rather than slow sightseeing.

If you prefer guaranteed, schedule-like sightseeing with no waiting, this might feel a bit more “weather and wildlife dependent” than you’d like. But if you’re okay with that trade-off, it is a smart way to spend a half-day.

Should you book this dolphins and whales RIB tour from Funchal?

I’d book it if you want Madeira’s ocean wildlife experience in a time-efficient, small-group format. The base price is reasonable for what you get, especially since all fees and taxes are included and safety equipment comes with the trip. The chance to see wild dolphins and whales, plus the possibility of turtles, is the obvious draw.

I’d be cautious only about one thing: treat wildlife sightings, and the swim add-on, as conditional. If you show up knowing that the route can shift and that the in-water moment depends on what the sea allows, you’ll get more enjoyment and less stress.

If you can handle a RIB ride and you’re in Funchal with a day where the weather looks solid, this is the kind of tour that can turn into a standout memory quickly.

FAQ

How long is the Dolphins and Whales Watching Tour by RIB boat?

It lasts about 2 hours 30 minutes.

Where does the tour start in Funchal?

The tour starts at Funchal Marina, Marina do Funchal, São Martinho, 9000-054 Funchal, Portugal.

How many people are on the tour?

The tour has a maximum of 18 travelers.

How much does the tour cost?

The price is $62.26 per person.

Is a mobile ticket used?

Yes, the tour uses a mobile ticket.

What wildlife might you see?

The tour is designed for a high chance of seeing wild living dolphins and whales, and sometimes turtles.

Is swimming with dolphins included?

Swimming with dolphins is not included in the standard price. It is an add-on option.

How much is the swim with dolphins add-on, and how is it paid?

The add-on is +20€ per participant. If it is possible to enter the water, it will be charged on-site in cash only. If swimming is not possible, you pay only the standard trip price.

Is parking included?

Parking fees are not included, if needed.

What happens if the weather is bad or the tour is canceled?

This experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.