The 10 Best RIB and Zodiac Boat Tours in Portugal

1.Pico Island: Azores Whale & Dolphin Watching on Zodiac Boat

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 408 reviews · 2.5 hours · from $53 a head Our pick

Meet at Lajes do Pico harbor for a safety briefing, then head offshore in a Zodiac with a skipper and marine wildlife guide. You may spot dolphins, sperm whales, pilot whales, blue whales, turtles, and seabirds. The ride can be wet and bumpy, but the crew travels carefully around wildlife and provides waterproof tops, life jackets, and a small refreshment on return.

“Beautiful experience. We saw a mother and baby blue whale. It was amazing. The captain was experienced and very considerate of the whales. He was able to guess where the whale would surface. Thanks for this experience.”

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2.From Calheta: Whale and Dolphin Watching RIB Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 298 reviews · 2 hours · from $70 a head

Set out from Calheta Marina on a fast RIB boat for two hours of whale and dolphin watching. An experienced guide and spotter help locate marine life, explain the species, and share views of Madeira from the sea. Bring a windbreaker, water, sunscreen, and camera. The trip is not suited to pregnant guests or people with back, heart, or mobility problems.

“What a fantastic trip! The boat trip itself was exciting - fast, exhilarating and a little scary (but safe)! We were so lucky with the wildlife we saw - pilot whales right next to the boat and dolphins riding the waves, leaping high out of the water and really showing off! You never know what you'll get with wildlife experiences, but we were really lucky.”

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3.Benagil Cave Boat Tour – Catamarans or Rib – 2 H From Portimão

★★★★★★★★★★3.5 · 288 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $21 a head Best value

Cruise from Portimão toward Benagil Cave on a catamaran or RIB, passing Praia Grande and Santa Catarina Fortress before entering sea caves along the Algarve coast. You’ll have a short swim stop and may hear useful local information from guides such as Gabriel. Boats and commentary vary, so arrive early and confirm your assigned vessel.

“It was good, short and sweet! We visited various caves, including the famous Benagil. Service was good, the ride beautiful.”

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4.RIB Whale Watching Cruise and Optional Dolphin Swim

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 273 reviews · 2.5 hours · from $61 a head

Join Anna, Paulo, Mark, or Ana aboard a fast RIB from Funchal for 2.5 hours of dolphin and whale watching. Small groups keep you close to the water, while land-based spotters help locate wildlife. Add a dolphin swim for €20 if conditions and animal behavior allow, then return past Madeira’s coast and Cabo Girão.

“The trip was very successful because we did see some baby whales and some dolphins. It was helped by the fact that spotters are used to pinpoint locations as well as being on a fast boat. As you are close to the water, visibility of these beautiful animals is easier to observe. We all loved it, even my teenage son!! The ride back was incredibly bumpy, but quick and as we hugged the coast on the way back, you get a beautiful view of the south coast and caves. Definitely recommend this trip, particularly for anyone suffering from sea sickness because you do not get usual sea motion sickness on…”

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5.Dolphins & Benagil Caves RIB Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 241 reviews · 2.5 hours · from $34 a head

Join AlgarExperience in Albufeira Marina for a 2.5-hour RIB trip along the Algarve coast. A captain and marine biologist guide the search for Common and Bottlenose Dolphins, then take you toward Benagil Cave when sea conditions allow. The fast boat carries up to 18 people, with English, Portuguese, and Spanish commentary.

“This was a great experience! We saw the dolphins which was a bonus and the caves were beautiful!! Even on the warmest day I would suggest taking a jumper or light jacket as it does get quite chilly! The tour guide was knowledgable and friendly and made the trip a great experience! Thank you! Would highly recommend.”

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6.Terceira: Whale and Dolphin Watching in a Zodiac Boat

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 230 reviews · 2.5 hours · from $82 a head

Set out from Angra do Heroísmo in a zodiac boat for 2.5 hours of whale and dolphin watching. A spotter on Monte Brasil guides the skipper by radio, while guides such as Viktor explain animal behavior and the sea around Terceira. Expect speed, open-water views, and a real chance of seeing dolphins, sperm whales, or other cetaceans.

“Amazing experience!!!! 🤩 Service 10/10 (everything was clear from the beginning to the end, all staff were nice and polite) Boat 10/10 (small, only 2 seats in a row, so everyone would have a clear view) Guide 10/10 (energetic, attentive) Skipper 10/10 (a professional) Service worth the price 👌 It seems like every person in a team really loves their job. Thank you guys, you are amazing 🤍”

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7.Horta: University Startup Whale and Dolphin RIB Boat Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 225 reviews · 3 hours · from $101 a head

Join Naturalist Science & Tourism in Horta for a three-hour RIB trip led by a marine researcher from the University of Lisbon and the Azores. After a short safety briefing, you’ll search for sperm whales, dolphins, seabirds, turtles, and seasonal whales. Tours run in English or Portuguese, with Spanish and French possible by request.

“We got to see 3 different kind of whales, dolphins and other wildlife (tuna, shearwater). In other words, we got what we came for. The fine weather was an added bonus”

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8.Guarantee Wild Dolphin&Whale Watching by RIB

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 28 reviews · 2.5 hours · from $70 a head

Set out from Funchal in a small RIB with an English or Portuguese guide, scanning Madeira’s coast for dolphins, whales, and turtles. The 2.5-hour trip includes safety gear and Cabo Girão views. A €20 swim add-on may allow a brief snorkel with Common or Atlantic Spotted Dolphins when conditions and animal-protection rules permit.

“Fantastische activiteit, hele fijne gids en stuurman, heel veel respect voor de dieren, en veel dolfijnen met baby's gezien! Gids hielp ons heel prettig bij zeeziekte, echt een hele gave en fijne ervaring”

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9.Dolphins & Caves on Rib Boat

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 13 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $34 a head

Set out from Albufeira’s Alameda da Orada on a small RIB boat for about two and a half hours. You’ll cruise the Algarve coast, visit the Benagil area, search for wild dolphins, and hear coastal commentary, with Ricky among the guides mentioned by name. The boat holds up to 18 people, and dolphin sightings are never guaranteed.

“Smooth ride despite rough seas. Saw loads of dolphins and beautiful views of the caves and coast!!!!”

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10.Coastal sightseeing tour by RIB boat

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2 reviews · 2 hours · from $57 a head Top rated

Join Mark and Anna’s crew for a fast, small-group RIB ride from Funchal toward Cabo Girão and Câmara de Lobos. You’ll see Madeira from the Atlantic, pause for swimming or snorkeling, and return after about two hours. Bring a windbreaker, since the sea can turn breezy even on a warm day.

“Awsome to see the island from the water and have a chance to dive in. Friendly captain. Absolultely worth it!”

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