Responsible Whales and/or Dolphins Watching Tour
Overview
✔️ First WCA (World Cetaceans Alliance) certified operator in Funchal
✔️ Small, intimate groups – We limit the number of guests on board to offer you a more personal and comfortable experience.
✔️ Fast, agile boat – We can reach the animals quickly and respectfully, getting you closer than the larger vessels.
✔️ Best location in Madeira – We operate in the area with the highest concentration of whales and dolphins.
✔️ Ethical and responsible – No chasing, no feeding—just real, respectful encounters in their natural habitat.
✔️ Guided by experts – Our marine biologists and experienced crew provide fascinating insights throughout the tour.
✔️ Support marine research – Every tour contributes to ongoing conservation and scientific studies.
Join us for a fast, exciting, and truly meaningful experience with these incredible animals!
What's Included
- Life Jackets
- All Fees and Taxes
- Transfer. We do not organize hotel transfers.
Meeting Location
Marina do funchal Gate 4
9000-055 Funchal, Portugal
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
What To Expect
Are you ready for a whale and dolphin watching experience that goes beyond sightseeing?
Join us aboard Blue Safari, a custom-built, high-speed vessel designed specifically for small groups seeking a close, respectful, and meaningful encounter with Madeira’s incredible marine wildlife.
Unlike large tourist boats, we limit the number of guests onboard to ensure comfort, exclusivity, and a more personal connection with nature—while minimizing our impact on the animals and their environment. But this is not just any tour. At Blue Safari Madeira, we are a responsible company deeply committed to marine conservation and scientific research. Our tours are conducted in collaboration with marine biologists and local researchers to monitor the behavior, migration, and health of the cetaceans we encounter.
Madeira is one of the best locations in the world for observing whales and dolphins, with over 20 species recorded in its waters.
Every tour is led by an experienced crew trained in marine wildlife observation and safety. Step aboard, and let the adventure begin.
After 2 hours out at sea you’ll return back to the pier.
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 18 travelers
Frequently Asked Questions (10)
Q: Do we get to swim with or touch the dolphins?
Cancellation Policy
Still have questions?
We're here to help.
Activity code: C-39129P6
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 4.91 out of 5 stars based on 311 traveler reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
Similar Tours & Activities
Join on a private half-day jeep tour and discover the stunning landscapes of the east or west side of the island. East Tour: Head to...
$437
Go green with the premier dolphin and whale watching Eco-experience on Madeira Island! Magic Dolphin Eco is the only purpose built dolphin & whale watching...
$40
Whale Watching Tour: Treat yourself to a comfortable yacht and a professional crew! How about a glass of sparkling wine while watching whales and dolphins?...
$595
Madeira's southwest coast is the star of this all-inclusive cruise on 'Living Sea'. And after setting out from Funchal port, you'll head up the less-explored...
$79
Join on a private half-day jeep tour and discover the stunning landscapes of the east or west side of the island. East Tour: Head to...
$437
Go green with the premier dolphin and whale watching Eco-experience on Madeira Island! Magic Dolphin Eco is the only purpose built dolphin & whale watching...
$40
Whale Watching Tour: Treat yourself to a comfortable yacht and a professional crew! How about a glass of sparkling wine while watching whales and dolphins?...
$595
Madeira's southwest coast is the star of this all-inclusive cruise on 'Living Sea'. And after setting out from Funchal port, you'll head up the less-explored...
$79
Travelers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought
Whales and Dolphins Watching Tour: Come experience the marvellous nature of the south west sea of Madeira Island on board a refined and comfortable motor...
$84
Permit arrangements - we are partnered with Simplifica and have a certified company status/protocol - must be requested by all guests* Self Guided Hiking -...
$53
Funchal Hop-On Hop-Off Tour 3 in 1
This combination lasts 48 hours or 5 days (depending on the option selected), allowing you to explore three scenic circuits with one ticket: Funchal Tour,...
$31
The 25 Fontes Levada Walk (PR6) is one of Madeira’s most famous and beautiful hikes. Starting in Rabaçal, the trail takes you through the lush...
$59
Whales and Dolphins Watching Tour: Come experience the marvellous nature of the south west sea of Madeira Island on board a refined and comfortable motor...
$84
Permit arrangements - we are partnered with Simplifica and have a certified company status/protocol - must be requested by all guests* Self Guided Hiking -...
$53
This combination lasts 48 hours or 5 days (depending on the option selected), allowing you to explore three scenic circuits with one ticket: Funchal Tour,...
$31
The 25 Fontes Levada Walk (PR6) is one of Madeira’s most famous and beautiful hikes. Starting in Rabaçal, the trail takes you through the lush...
$59
Frequently Asked Questions (10)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Balloon Tours customers.
Filter by:
As an active member of the Dolphin SMART program, we do not have physical contact with the dolphins on Responsible Whales and/or Dolphins Watching Tour. We watch them in their natural habitat from the boat.
Dec 2022If you have any doubts about becoming seasick on the water, we recommend taking a Dramamine® Motion Sickness Relief tablet the night before your trip. Some people recommend taking it the night before your cruise and then again that morning so you will not feel so drowsy.
Feb 2023- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (WET).
- This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
- Life Jackets.
- All Fees and Taxes.
- Transfer. We do not organize hotel transfers.
This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Apr 2025The minimum age to participate is 6. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the Responsible Whales and/or Dolphins Watching Tour is as follows:
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Responsible Whales and/or Dolphins Watching Tour will be included in your confirmation email from City Balloon Tours. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.
Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.
If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.
Oct 2026What's Included
- Life Jackets
- All Fees and Taxes
- Transfer. We do not organize hotel transfers.
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 18 travelers
