Funchal: RIB Whale Watching Cruise and Optional Dolphin Swim

What makes this Madeira outing so interesting is that you’re not staring at a screen. You’re out on the water in a small RIB, chasing real wildlife around Funchal’s coastline, with the chance to see dolphins, whales, and sometimes even turtles. The guides work hard to put you where the animals are likely to be, and you get the kind of close-up viewing that bigger boats often can’t manage.

I love two things about it: the small-group boat feel (one trip even ran with a very comfy number of people), and the crew’s practical focus on animal welfare and good info. Guides like Anna and Paulo, Mark and Anna, and Marc and Paulo come across as friendly, prepared, and genuinely into both the sea and the island.

One drawback to plan for is the ride. RIBs are fast and fun, but the return can feel bumpy, and the swim option has strict legal rules and a very short time in the water if conditions are right.

Key things I’d watch for

• Small-group RIB setup, designed for more intimate wildlife viewing
• Multiple species on the hunt, with a strong track record of at least one cetacean
• Swim with dolphins is a paid add-on, only if animals behave properly under local law
• Cabo Girao photo stop built into the trip for added scenery value
• Fast access to viewing zones, helped by spotters and a quick boat approach
• Back-up if no sightings, with an invite to rejoin another trip within a year if available

What Makes This RIB Cruise Different From the Usual Whale Tour

In Madeira, whale watching can turn into a long day where you wait, wait, wait, then hope the horizon does you a favor. This one tries to fix that with a different style of trip: a small RIB that can reach good areas quickly and keep you in the action longer.

You also feel the “we’re trying” vibe fast. The guides give a clear safety briefing, put lifejackets on, and then head out toward open ocean while you’re still taking in the coast. The goal is simple, find dolphins and whales in a way that keeps the animals calm and unbothered.

And the best part is how intimate it feels. When dolphins come close, you’re not watching them from a distance through glass. You’re right there, with the boat doing the repositioning so you can keep sight lines.

From Funchal Harbor to the Open Ocean: Your 2.5 Hours in Motion

The trip starts at a meeting point that can vary based on the option you booked. Once you’re there, it’s a safety briefing and lifejacket donning before boarding. Then you leave Funchal’s harbor and follow the Madeira coastline early on, which is a nice warm-up even if your main goal is cetaceans.

What you should expect next is the “search rhythm.” Wildlife spotting is a mix of patience and luck. The operator notes an average of about 99% of trips finding at least one cetacean species in a typical year. That doesn’t mean you’ll get guaranteed dolphins or whales every time, but it does suggest they’re good at working the spots.

The boat typically stays out for at least 2 hours, which matters because it gives your group real time to move between likely areas rather than doing one quick pass and heading back.

The Dolphin and Whale Search: What the Crew Actually Does

This tour isn’t just scan the sea and hope. The crew uses spotters on land to help pinpoint where marine life might be. That’s why you can get to possible sightings fast, and why the experience can feel more “hunting with a plan” than “tourist waiting.”

You might see different types of dolphins at close range, and on some trips you may also find whales. Reviews include sightings of pilot whales, sperm whales, and multiple dolphin species, plus occasional sea turtles. Even when you don’t get the optional swim, the standard cruise part is built around finding wildlife and giving you multiple chances.

I also like how the guides keep the tone informational without turning it into a lecture. Names show up in the way you’ll remember them. People talk about guides like Anna and Paulo, Mark and Anna, and Marc and Paulo as the kind of crew who explain what you’re seeing and why the animals behave the way they do.

Cabo Girao Cliff Stop: The Scenic Bonus That Makes Time Feel Full

Not every whale tour also gives you a strong land view. Here, after the main ocean time, you head back and there’s a Cabo Girao Cliff photo stop with sightseeing and scenic driving.

Why this works: it breaks up the day. Even if you’re focused on dolphins and whales, it’s nice to swap the open-water scanning for a real viewpoint where you can pause, take photos, and reset your legs after the RIB ride.

One more practical thing: this stop gives you a chance to get your timing right. If you’re planning other things in Funchal the same day, you’ll usually still have your afternoon structured because the tour time is set at about 2.5 hours.

Optional Swim with Dolphins: The Add-On, the Rules, and the Reality Check

The swim option is called out as an add-on, and it’s not automatic. The 20€ per participant charge is handled on-site only if the crew is allowed to enter the water. If it isn’t possible under the local animal protection rules, you pay only the standard trip price.

Here’s what you need to know so you don’t get surprised:

• They can only place you in the water if dolphins are behaving in a way that fits the local law.
• They also specify that they’re only allowed to enter the water if they spot Common Dolphins or Atlantic Spotted Dolphins.
• Mask and snorkel are available for you.
• The time in the water is usually around 1 to 2 minutes per participant.

So yes, it’s brief. But the point is respectful interaction. Reviews describe it as holding onto a rope attached to the boat, with you getting carried by the boat while you watch dolphins around you. One person noted it can feel a bit hard physically because you have to hold on while keeping your head at the right angle, but they said it was worth it.

If you’re the type who wants a long swim session, this may disappoint. If you want the closest possible lawful experience, and you’re okay with a short window, it’s a big highlight.

Also, don’t count on it like a sure thing. Even when people did the swim add-on, some trips still end without the swim due to animal behavior or conditions. The core boat portion still delivers wildlife viewing in those cases.

Small Group Comfort and the Guides You’ll Actually Remember

A lot of wildlife tours feel crowded fast, especially on small boats. This one leans into the opposite by keeping the group small. Reviews mention only a handful of people on some departures, and that makes the boat feel more personal.

I like that because it changes the vibe. You’re easier to manage, you get clearer instructions, and everyone tends to keep eyes on the same direction when the guide spots something. Also, with a smaller group, the captain and crew can reposition without turning the whole trip into a chaotic scramble.

When you’re watching marine mammals, the guide matters. People repeatedly praise the crew for being kind and informative, and for keeping a steady focus on the animals’ welfare. It’s also a nice sign that they’ve been described as stopping to remove plastic from the water on at least one trip, which matches the overall “respect the sea” messaging.

Pricing and Value: Why $61 Can Make Sense Here

At $61 per person, this isn’t the cheapest way to do Madeira wildlife. But you’re paying for a setup that’s built for close viewing and quick repositioning, which often comes at a higher cost than big slow boats.

Here’s the value math I’d use:

• You’re on a fast RIB that can reach wildlife areas more efficiently.
• You get 2.5 hours total, with at least 2 hours out on the water.
• You have a shot at multiple species in a single outing, and sometimes more than one dolphin type.
• If you don’t see cetaceans on the trip, they offer a free rejoin option within a year (if available, and not transferable).

Then there’s the optional swim add-on. Since the 20€ is only charged when they’re legally allowed to enter the water, you’re not stuck paying extra on days where conditions or animal behavior don’t cooperate.

And yes, drinks and snacks are not included. That’s not a deal breaker, but you should plan for it by bringing a water bottle and a small snack if that’s your style.

Motion, Waves, and Who This Boat Ride Fits Best

RIB rides have a personality. They can feel thrilling, and some people explicitly choose them over catamarans because the whole thing feels more active and fun. Reviews describe the ride as fast and entertaining, and many people report that sea sickness is less of an issue on a RIB than on bigger boats.

Still, manage expectations. Another review notes the return can be quite bumpy. If you’re sensitive to rough water, bring a windbreaker and consider traveling with whatever motion-sickness plan you already trust.

The good news is that the crew includes a safety briefing and you have lifejackets, so at least you’re not improvising the safety part.

What to Bring So You’re Comfortable in Madeira’s Windy Sea Air

This is one of those tours where “what you wear” matters more than you’d think. The operator specifically suggests packing for wind and cool air at sea.

Bring:

• Windbreaker
• Sunglasses and sun hat
• Sunscreen
• A jacket (especially for winter months, when it can get colder fast)

I also suggest packing a small towel or extra layer if you run cold. You’re on open water, and even if the sun is out, the wind can make you feel chilly.

For the actual swim add-on, the crew provides the mask and snorkel, so you don’t need to buy equipment. You just need to show up ready to follow instructions and keep hold safely when you’re in the water.

Where People Get Stuck: Meeting Point Clarity

One practical thing from reviews: the boarding point can be a little tricky to find. The advice is straightforward, follow the Google pin and wait by the jetty door.

A small signage issue shows up in a review from a past date, where people walked around the quay unsure where to go. My takeaway: don’t wander too far. Get to the pin early, look for the jetty door, and be ready to board as soon as your group is called.

Should You Book This RIB Whale Watching and Optional Dolphin Swim?

I’d book this if you want:

• Close wildlife viewing from a small, quick boat
• A guided experience with animal welfare rules that limit risky behavior
• The chance to add a short swim with dolphins experience, if conditions allow
• Real structure in a short window, about 2.5 hours, not an all-day slog

I’d think twice if:

• You want a long swimming session (the time in water is usually only 1 to 2 minutes)
• Rough water will ruin your day, since the return can get bumpy

If your goal is that first real “we’re right there with them” feeling, this tour fits the bill. Add in the strong chance of seeing at least one cetacean species, plus the crew’s focus on respectful interaction, and it’s the kind of Madeira outing that feels worth the money for most people.

FAQ

How long is the RIB whale watching cruise from Funchal?

The duration is about 2.5 hours.

Where does the tour start?

The meeting point may vary depending on the option booked, and it can be different for different start/drop-off options.

Is swimming with dolphins included in the base price?

No. Swimming with dolphins is an optional add-on booked separately for 20€ per participant.

When do you charge for the swim with dolphins option?

The 20€ per participant swim charge is only charged on-site if it’s possible to enter the water with the dolphins under local protection laws. If it is not possible, you pay only the standard trip price.

Which dolphins can you swim with?

The operator says they are only allowed to enter the water if they spot Common Dolphins or Atlantic Spotted Dolphins.

What equipment is provided for the swim/snorkel?

The operator provides masks and snorkels for the dolphin swim option.

What should I bring for the trip?

Bring a windbreaker, sunglasses, a sun hat, sunscreen, and a jacket.

Are drinks and snacks included?

No. Drinks and snacks are not included.

If there are no cetacean sightings, do you get another chance?

Yes. If no cetacean species are sighted during your trip, they invite you to join another trip free of charge within 1 year time, if availability allows and as long as it is non-transferable.