Funchal: RIB Whale Watching Cruise and Optional Dolphin Swim

Wildlife, close and fast. This small-group RIB cruise out of Funchal gives you intimate views of Madeira’s coast and a serious shot at dolphins and whales on a fast, maneuverable boat.

I really like how the team builds the outing around real ocean time, not endless standing around. I also like that the guides you meet, often named Anna and Paulo (and you may also hear Mark or Marc), focus on species ID and animal welfare, not just the thrill.

One thing to keep in mind is that this is a high-speed boat. The ride can feel bumpy on the return, and finding the boarding spot can be a little tricky if you arrive without checking the exact pin and waiting near the jetty door.

Key things you should know before you go

• Small-group format on a RIB: more personal viewing when dolphins or whales come close.
• High success rate for cetaceans: the operator cites an average around 99% for at least one cetacean species.
• They use local animal protection rules: the optional swim depends on behavior and legality on the day.
• Swim time is short and controlled: if approved, it’s typically 1 to 2 minutes per person while you hold the line.
• Optional snorkel gear is provided: mask and snorkel are available for the swim option.
• Cabo Girao photo stop on the way back: a scenic break that also helps break up the ocean time.

Leaving Funchal Harbor on a Small-Group RIB

Getting on board starts with the practical stuff: a safety briefing, a lifejacket, and quick prep before you head out. Then it’s straight into the good part, the panoramic seaside view of Madeira as you leave Funchal’s harbor.

This isn’t a big, slow sightseeing boat. A RIB is built to move quickly and hold its position well when wildlife appears. That matters because cetacean sightings in open water can be brief, and the best chance to see behavior is being in the right place at the right moment.

You’ll also notice the tour structure is designed for focus. You’re not just “out on the sea,” you’re actively searching. Expect a bit of patience, since wildlife can show up on its own schedule.

What you’ll do for 2.5 hours, from boarding to open-ocean search

The tour runs about 2.5 hours total. First comes boarding, briefing, and lifejacket time, then you cruise away from the marina toward the open ocean while tracking sightings and coastlines.

Once you’re out, the rhythm becomes: watch, listen, reposition, and watch again. Searching for wildlife is partly luck, partly skill, and partly the ability to read the water. The operator states a yearly average around 99% for successful sightings of at least one cetacean species, which is an encouraging number for a first-timer.

Most important, you should plan for real boat time. You’re out for at least 2:00 hours on the water, sometimes longer than the minimum, before heading back to disembark at Funchal’s marina.

The wildlife part: dolphins, whales, and why small-boat rules matter

This trip is built around dolphin watching, whale watching, and general marine life viewing. On the water, your best moments usually happen when the boat can slow or adjust quickly enough to match the animals’ movement.

The operator also highlights the possibility of seeing turtles sometimes, and that fits with what people describe on day-of outings in the Madeira area. If you want “one of those trips” where you come back with stories, this is the kind of outing where you can see multiple species, sometimes close to the boat, without turning it into a circus.

A key detail is how they handle animal welfare. For the optional swim, they are only allowed by Portuguese law to enter the water if they spot Common Dolphins or Atlantic Spotted Dolphins, and only when the animals are behaving in a way that allows it. That rule keeps the experience exciting, but it also keeps it ethical.

Also, you’ll feel the difference between “wildlife viewing” and “wildlife chasing.” A good crew aims for minimal disturbance and maximum observation time, and you’ll see that emphasis in how the guides talk, how they keep space, and how they decide when to put passengers in the water.

Your optional 20€ dolphin swim: what you’re actually signing up for

The “Swim with Dolphins” add-on is 20€ per participant, and the most important part is this: it’s charged on-site only if it’s possible to enter the water with the animals. If it’s not allowed that day, you still do the standard cruise price.

If the conditions are right, you can place yourself in the water attached to the boat for a short swim or snorkel. The crew provides mask and snorkel, and the typical time in the water is around 1 to 2 minutes per participant.

You don’t get a long, free swim here. You get a brief, controlled moment that follows the animals’ pace and stays within legal and welfare limits. That can be a good thing. Short, regulated water time usually means less stress for you and less disturbance for the dolphins.

You’ll also want to be comfortable holding on. Multiple people describe the need to hold the rope attached to the boat while dolphins swim around you. If you’re prone to panic in the water, or you hate being pulled along even gently, skip the swim and focus on the viewing from the boat.

The Cabo Girao photo stop: scenic reset without losing the plot

On the way back, the itinerary includes a Cabo Girao cliff photo stop. This is a solid timing choice. After time on the water, your brain and legs appreciate a quick shore break, and Cabo Girao offers dramatic coastal views in a way that feels made for cameras.

You’ll likely spend enough time to grab photos and take in the perspective from up high. The tour also includes sightseeing and a scenic drive, so this stop isn’t just a quick drop-off. It gives you a different angle on Madeira’s coastline, caves, and sea conditions that you didn’t fully see from the RIB.

One drawback to note: you are still coming from open ocean, so if you’re dealing with motion sensitivity, plan to keep your jacket and steady yourself when you transfer between boat, marina, and any vehicle portion. Many people love RIBs for feeling less nauseating than some larger boats, but conditions vary with wind and chop.

Guides, vibe, and the “small-group” advantage

What you really pay for here is the pairing of a fast boat with human guidance. A RIB can get you close, but you still need the guide to tell you what you’re seeing and when to watch.

In the accounts you’ll read, names like Anna and Paulo show up often, and the overall pattern is the same. The guides explain species and what you’re likely looking at, and they keep the tone eco-aware. People also talk about the crew being professional and kind, not pushy or overly scripted.

There’s also an extra “this team cares” moment that stands out in at least one account: a stop to fish plastic out of the water. It’s not a guaranteed feature you should plan around, but it fits the broader idea that they try to keep the sea clean and treat wildlife with respect.

Small-group size matters because wildlife encounters are unpredictable. When there are only a handful of people on board, the guide can manage movement safely, you’re less likely to be blocked, and you often get more attention when questions come up.

Price and value: $61 for the cruise, plus a smart 20€ add-on

At about $61 per person for the 2.5-hour RIB whale watching cruise, the value depends on what you care about most.

If you want the best odds of seeing something, this price starts to look strong. The operator cites an average around 99% for at least one cetacean species. That means you’re not buying a long shot. You’re buying a realistic chance at dolphins and whales, with the option to add snorkeling for dolphins if legal conditions allow it.

Then there’s the swim add-on. Many tours charge for the swim regardless of animal behavior. Here, the 20€ is charged only if entry is possible with the animals. That’s a fair approach, and it protects you from paying extra when conditions make it unsafe or unlawful.

Finally, consider the “no sightings” contingency. If you don’t see any cetacean species during your trip, you’re invited to join another trip free of charge within 1 year time, subject to availability and non-transferability. Again, it’s not a promise, but it’s a meaningful safety net that improves the value of booking.

Who this tour suits best, and who should think twice

This is a great fit if you:

• Want dolphins and whales without the long, slower pacing of bigger boats.
• Like small-group outings where you can actually watch behavior, not just watch other people.
• Prefer guided nature time with straightforward species explanations.
• Are okay with a fast boat ride and short, controlled water time if you add the swim.

You might think twice if you:

• Have a strong dislike of choppy rides. Even on calmer days, sea conditions can change.
• Are very uncomfortable in the water and dislike holding onto a rope while a boat moves.
• Want a slow, gentle experience with long stops on land. This is first and foremost an ocean trip.

It also works for families in a practical way, since people describe bringing children and having time on board that feels fun rather than dragged out. Just remember, you still need to follow safety instructions closely on a RIB.

Should you book the Madeira Divepoint RIB whale watching with optional dolphin swim?

I’d book this if your priority is a high-odds, small-group chance to see dolphins or whales from a fast RIB, plus the option to add snorkeling if dolphins behave in a way the law allows. The guides you’re likely to meet, including Anna and Paulo, seem to balance excitement with animal welfare, and that makes the whole thing feel more meaningful.

I’d also book it if you want a clear value deal: $61 for the cruise, a 20€ swim that only charges if it’s allowed, and a free replacement trip in the year if no cetaceans are spotted.

Skip or reconsider the swim add-on if the short water time, holding the rope, and strict legal conditions don’t sound like your kind of water activity. Otherwise, this is the kind of Madeira outing that gives you the sea views, the wildlife moments, and enough structure to feel satisfying even when the ocean is unpredictable.

FAQ

How long is the RIB whale watching cruise from Funchal?

The duration is about 2.5 hours, with at least 2:00 hours spent on the boat on average.

What does the tour cost?

The standard cruise price is listed as $61 per person. The dolphin swim is an optional add-on.

How much is the optional swim with dolphins?

The swim with dolphins add-on is 20€ per participant. The 20€ is only charged on-site if it is possible to enter the water with the dolphins that meet local animal protection rules.

Is snorkeling included?

Snorkeling equipment (mask and snorkel) is available for the dolphin swim option. Snorkeling is not described as included with the standard cruise unless you add the swim option.

What animals might you see?

The cruise is designed for wild dolphins and whales, and the operator also mentions turtles sometimes. For the water entry rule, they specifically state Common Dolphins and Atlantic Spotted Dolphins.

Are there small groups?

Yes. The boat tour is made in a small group, and people describe it as comfortable for that reason.

What happens if you see no cetaceans during the trip?

If there is no sighting of any cetacean species, you are invited to join another trip free of charge within 1 year time, as long as availability allows and the booking can be carried out under non-transferable terms.

What languages are offered for the live guide?

The live tour guide is available in English and Portuguese.

What should I bring for the sea?

Bring a windbreaker, sunglasses, sun hat, sunscreen, and a jacket. The boat can get windy quickly, so check conditions and dress for it.

Where do I meet the group?

The meeting point may vary depending on the option booked. The operator also mentions a separate entrance for skip-the-line convenience.