Funchal: RIB Whale Watching Cruise and Optional Dolphin Swim

Wild dolphins and whales are the main event here, but the small RIB is nearly as memorable. You leave Funchal’s harbor at water level, scan the open Atlantic with a guide, then speed along Madeira’s coast in search of dolphins, pilot whales, sperm whales, turtles, and other marine life. The boat carries a small group, so you get a much better view than you would from a crowded sightseeing vessel.

I like two things right away: the crew uses land-based spotters to help locate animals, and the guides take marine welfare seriously. Anna, Paulo, Mark, Ana, and other crew members have been praised for explaining the species and the island without turning the trip into a lecture. The main drawback is that the dolphin swim is not guaranteed, and when it happens, each person is in the water for only about one or two minutes.

Key points to know before booking

• Small RIB groups: You stay close to the water, with a better chance of seeing animals without a crowd around you.
• Strong sighting record: The operator reports sightings of at least one cetacean species on 99 percent of yearly trips, but wildlife is never fully predictable.
• Optional dolphin swim: The €20 add-on is charged only if entering the water is possible and legal conditions are met.
• Fast coastal ride: The trip includes open-ocean searching, a scenic return, and views of Cabo Girão and Madeira’s south coast.
• Wildlife-first rules: Swimming is allowed only with Common Dolphins or Atlantic Spotted Dolphins, and only when their behavior meets local law.
• Dress for wind: Bring a windbreaker or waterproof jacket, even on a warm day. The ride can feel much cooler offshore.

Why this RIB trip feels different from a standard boat tour

Madeira is one of Europe’s better places for seeing cetaceans, and the setting helps. From Funchal, you can reach open water quickly, while the island’s steep south coast gives you a fine view during the ride out and back.

The RIB sits low on the sea. That makes the wildlife feel close, though it also means you are more exposed to wind, spray, and bouncing waves. You are not sitting in a tall cabin behind large windows. You are part of the outdoor experience from the start.

The boat is also quick. Several people particularly enjoyed the speed between sighting areas, and the ride back can be lively when the sea is choppy. If you prefer a calm, slow cruise, a catamaran may suit you better. If you like a brisk ride and want to reach possible wildlife locations without wasting time, the RIB has a clear advantage.

The company reports a 99 percent yearly average for spotting at least one cetacean species. Treat that as an encouraging record, not a promise. Wild animals choose the schedule, and a sighting may be brief or far from the boat. If no cetacean is seen, you can join another trip free within one year, subject to availability. That gives the booking more protection than many wildlife excursions.

Boarding in Funchal and the short safety briefing

The experience starts at Xpoint Madeira, though the exact meeting point can vary with the option you book. The quay entrance can be hard to identify, so follow the booking map pin carefully and allow a little extra time. A simple sign would make this part easier, but once you find the jetty door, the process is straightforward.

Before departure, the crew explains the boat and safety rules. You put on a life jacket, receive the basic briefing, and take your seat. This is also the moment to ask about the dolphin swim if you paid for the add-on option.

The RIB can carry a small group for the shared trip. That matters because wildlife watching depends on sight lines. With fewer people around you, you have a better chance of seeing an animal surface without someone blocking your view. It also lets the guide talk to the group without shouting across a large deck.

A private boat is available for groups of up to 18 people. This could work well for a family gathering or group of friends who want the boat to themselves. The private option changes the social feel, but it does not change the fact that sightings depend on wild animals and sea conditions.

The ride from Funchal harbor to open water

You leave Funchal with Madeira’s coastline in view. The harbor departure is gentler than the open-sea section, giving you time to settle in and take in the city and hills from the water.

Once the RIB heads farther out, the crew begins searching. This is not a nonstop show. There can be quiet stretches while everyone scans the surface, and the boat may change direction when a spotter reports activity. That waiting is part of responsible wildlife watching. A fast boat does not remove the need for patience.

Land-based spotters help the crew decide where to go. This system has been credited with helping the boat reach dolphins and whales more quickly, including large pods and several species on the same trip. It is one of the practical reasons this excursion can make good use of its roughly two and a half hours.

Keep your eyes moving. Dolphins may appear beside the boat, while whales can surface farther away. The crew can point out what to watch for and explain the difference between species. Sightings can include Common Dolphins, Atlantic Spotted Dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, pilot whales, sperm whales, and occasionally turtles.

Watching dolphins, pilot whales, and sperm whales

The best part is the change from searching to spotting. One moment you are looking across empty water, and the next you may see a fin, a back, or a pod moving beside the RIB.

The low seating position helps you observe animals close to the surface. Several trips have included Atlantic Spotted Dolphins near the boat, along with pilot whales and sperm whales. The exact mix changes from day to day, so you should book for the experience of being at sea, not for a guaranteed species list.

The guides add useful context. Anna, Paulo, Mark, and Ana have been praised for explaining the animals, the ocean, and Madeira itself. Their role is not just to point toward a fin. Good guiding helps you understand why the boat slows, why it changes course, and why it may keep a respectful distance.

That distance matters. The crew has been careful about animal welfare, and one group even saw the team stop to remove a piece of plastic from the water. The operators also follow local rules that limit when people can enter the sea with dolphins. Those rules may reduce the time you spend close to an animal, but they protect the quality of the encounter.

You may also see turtles. They are occasional rather than promised, so keep expectations broad. The trip is built around wild marine life, not a fixed performance.

The optional dolphin swim and what it really involves

The dolphin swim costs €20 per person, but the charge applies on-site only if entering the water is possible. If the conditions are not right, you pay only for the standard boat trip.

This is not a free swim beside a stationary boat. If Common Dolphins or Atlantic Spotted Dolphins are present and their behavior meets local animal protection rules, you may enter the water while holding a rope attached to the boat. A mask and snorkel are provided.

Each person usually spends about one or two minutes in the water. You are pulled along with the boat for a short time while the dolphins move nearby. One person described the experience as physically demanding because you must hold the rope while watching the animals. That detail is important. You need enough strength and comfort in the water to hold on securely.

The crew cannot offer the swim with every dolphin species. The rules allow it only with Common Dolphins or Atlantic Spotted Dolphins, and only when the animals are behaving in a suitable way. If the dolphins are moving away, acting unpredictably, or conditions are not safe, the swim will not happen.

I would treat this as a possible bonus, not the reason to book the whole trip. The boat ride itself can be worthwhile, and several people had excellent wildlife sightings without entering the water. If the swim does happen, it is brief, controlled, and shaped by animal welfare rules rather than by a promise made to customers.

The return past Cabo Girão and Madeira’s south coast

After at least two hours at sea, the RIB heads back toward Funchal. The return can be quick and bumpy, especially when the water is unsettled. That may be fun for you, but it can be uncomfortable if you dislike speed or rough motion.

The route also provides a useful change of view. Instead of looking toward open water, you see Madeira’s steep coast, sea caves, and the Cabo Girão area. The itinerary includes a photo stop and sightseeing near Cabo Girão Cliff, so have your camera ready, but do not expect a long land visit. This is a boat excursion, not a full Cabo Girão attraction tour.

The coastline is especially valuable on the way back because it gives you something to enjoy even during a quiet wildlife period. A good day can include both animals offshore and a striking view of the island’s cliffs from sea level.

How much value do you get for $61?

At $61 per person for about two and a half hours, this is a fair price for a small-group wildlife trip in Madeira. The cost includes the boat, safety equipment, taxes, fuel surcharges, and a live guide in English or Portuguese.

The value comes from the combination of the RIB, the small group, and the use of land-based spotters. You are not simply paying for transport across the water. You are paying for a crew that searches for wildlife, explains what you see, and adjusts the route as conditions change.

The price is strongest if you value an active ride and close views of the sea. It is less compelling if you want a long, quiet cruise with plenty of room to move around. Drinks, snacks, parking, and the optional dolphin swim are extra.

The €20 swim option is reasonably priced because you pay only when the swim can actually take place. Still, remember that the water time is short and the activity requires you to hold the boat rope. The core boat trip should feel worthwhile without it.

What to wear and how to prepare

Madeira can feel warm in town while the Atlantic feels cool and windy. Bring a windbreaker, sunglasses, sun hat, sunscreen, and a jacket. A warmer waterproof jacket is sensible in winter or whenever the forecast looks unsettled.

You should check the weather before leaving. The operator may spend extra time on the water, and the boat is open to the elements. Secure loose items and expect spray or a rough ride.

If you are prone to seasickness, do not assume the RIB will solve the problem, but its low, fast ride has worked well for some people who dislike the rolling motion of larger boats. Conditions vary, so this is not a guarantee. The same speed that reduces some side-to-side movement can also make a rough return feel more intense.

Wear practical clothing and bring only what you need. There is no mention of drinks or snacks being included, so plan accordingly.

Who will enjoy this most?

I would choose this trip if you want a small-group wildlife search with a lively ride and real attention to animal welfare. Families have enjoyed it, including families with children, and the guides can add useful facts without making the trip feel formal.

It also suits couples, friends, and anyone who prefers a RIB to a larger catamaran. The open seating gives you a close view of the water, while the small group makes it easier to hear the crew and move your attention quickly when an animal appears.

You may want another type of boat trip if you need a very stable platform, dislike wind, or want guaranteed swimming time. The dolphin swim is tightly controlled and may not happen at all. This is best approached as a marine wildlife excursion with an optional short encounter, not as a dedicated swimming activity.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and reserve-now, pay-later booking make it easier to fit into a changeable Madeira schedule. The separate entrance and live guide keep the start simple once you have located the correct meeting point.

Should you book the Funchal RIB whale-watching cruise?

Yes, if you want the best chance of seeing dolphins and whales from a small, fast boat, and you are comfortable with wind, spray, and a bumpy ride. The combination of spotters, experienced guides, close water-level views, and strong sighting records makes the $61 fare good value.

Book the dolphin swim only if you understand its limits. It may not happen, it is allowed only with certain dolphins under suitable conditions, and your time in the water will usually be one or two minutes. For most people, the wildlife search and coastal ride are the main reasons to go.

If you want a lively half-day on the Atlantic, this is a strong choice. Bring warm layers, find the jetty carefully, and let the crew handle the search.

FAQ

How long does the Funchal RIB whale-watching trip last?

The activity lasts about 2.5 hours, with at least two hours usually spent on the water before returning to Funchal marina.

What wildlife might I see?

Possible sightings include Common Dolphins, Atlantic Spotted Dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, pilot whales, sperm whales, turtles, and other cetacean species. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed, though the operator reports a 99 percent yearly average of seeing at least one cetacean species.

Is swimming with dolphins included?

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

How long do I spend in the water with the dolphins?

The water time is usually about one to two minutes per participant. You hold a rope attached to the boat while the dolphins swim nearby.

What happens if no cetaceans are seen?

You are invited to join another trip free of charge within one year, subject to availability. The replacement booking is not transferable.

What should I bring?

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