Wild dolphins and whales, up close. This 2.5-hour RIB trip from Funchal is built for small-boat encounters with wild living cetaceans, and the optional snorkel add-on can turn watching into a quick swim when the animals behave right. You also spend the time looking at Madeira from the water, with constant coastal views while the crew searches.

One thing to plan for: it can get windy out on the open ocean, and a fast ride can mean motion sickness for some people. If you’re even a little sensitive, bring your wind protection and be ready to take it slow with your breathing when the sea gets bumpy.

Key things to know before you go

• Small-group RIB format keeps your sightlines tight and the experience more personal than big-boat cruises
• High chance of sightings: the operator cites a 99% yearly average for at least one cetacean species
• Wildlife rules shape the experience: the dolphin-swim option only happens when animals meet local protection conditions
• Short time in the water: when allowed, snorkel/swim time is typically 1–2 minutes per participant
• If nothing is seen, you get a free chance to join another trip within 1 year (subject to availability)

Funchal RIB Basics: Why This Format Feels More Intimate

This is a fast, small-boat style outing—RIB, not a slow ferry. That matters because cetaceans often appear suddenly, then move on. A nimble vessel plus a smaller group helps you stay in the right place without feeling like you’re watching from the back of a crowd.

You’ll also appreciate the vibe: this isn’t built around turning wildlife into a performance. The crew searches from outside the harbor toward open ocean, using positioning and timing to maximize the chance of encounters while still following animal-protection rules. When people talk about how close it feels, it’s usually because the boat is small enough to make the moments feel personal.

One of my favorite parts, value-wise: there’s an optional add-on for a dolphin swim/snorkel. You’re not forced to do it, and you’re not paying upfront for something that might get canceled by conditions. The swim add-on is structured so it only charges on-site if getting into the water is allowed.

Safety Briefing and Boarding: What Happens Before You Ever See Wildlife

Before the engine ever runs, you’ll do the basics: boarding, a safety briefing, and lifejacket donning. The goal is simple—so you don’t waste the first part of the trip trying to figure out what to do.

You’ll also want to dress for “sea weather,” not just Madeira weather. The ride can turn cool quickly, especially when wind hits the water. If you show up in just a T-shirt, you’ll feel it fast once you’re moving away from the harbor.

If you’ve added the dolphin swim/snorkel, you’ll have equipment waiting for you—mask and snorkel are available. The key detail is that you only get into the water under certain conditions, so it’s not a free-for-all. Think of it like a carefully timed bonus, not the main event.

Leaving Funchal and Searching the Open Ocean

Your boat heads out from Funchal’s harbor with the Madeira coastline in view at all times. That panoramic setup is a real plus even if wildlife sightings are quiet at first. You’re not stuck in a featureless expanse; you’re cruising past cliffs and shoreline shapes that make Madeira look even more dramatic from the sea.

Wildlife search comes down to patience and luck. The operator notes a yearly average of 99% of trips with successful sightings of at least one cetacean species. That doesn’t mean it’s guaranteed every single time, but it does signal that they’re actively looking rather than just performing a standard route.

The targeted sightings include wild living dolphins, whales, and sometimes turtles. In practice, the most unforgettable moments tend to happen when animals are actively moving near the surface. You’ll likely hear the crew monitoring and adjusting position as sightings come in.

A specific detail worth knowing: for the dolphin swim/snorkel option, you’re only allowed into the water if the crew spots Common Dolphins or Atlantic Spotted Dolphins and the animals are behaving in a way that meets local animal protection law. If you’re hoping for the in-water moment, that narrow rule is why the add-on is only charged when they can legally do it.

Wildlife Moments: Why Small-Boat Viewing Changes the Whole Trip

When cetaceans appear, the difference between big and small boats shows up immediately. With fewer people and a more maneuverable RIB, the crew can keep the encounter feeling close without turning it into a long, loud chase.

That also explains why many guests rate this so highly: they’re not just seeing a distant spout. They’re often getting the kind of sightings where you can make out body shape, swimming patterns, and behavior. And you may catch extra details like social groups—people have reported seeing dolphins and even whales with calves, which makes the encounter feel more alive than a single animal passing by.

Still, keep your expectations flexible. Wildlife is wild. Some trips feel action-packed from start to finish; others have a slower rhythm where you spend more time scanning and less time watching. The payoff is that even during quieter stretches, the scenery keeps you busy.

Cabo Girao Cliff Stop: A Scenic Breather on the Way

As the trip moves along, you’ll include a sightseeing stop near Cabo Girao Cliff. You’re looking for that Madeira “wow” factor—steep coastal views that make the island feel engineered for dramatic lookouts, except this time you’re seeing it from sea level.

This isn’t a long land excursion, so don’t expect time to wander. But it’s a good reset for your body—especially if you’ve been bracing against wind and spray. Cabo Girao fits the trip well because it gives you a guaranteed scenery highlight even if wildlife comes late.

Dolphin Swim and Snorkel Add-On: Worth It, With Real Rules

If you want a deeper interaction, this is where the trip can level up. The swim/snorkel add-on costs 20€ per participant, and the important part is how it’s handled:

• The add-on price is only charged on-site if the crew can legally place you in the water.
• If entering the water isn’t allowed, you only pay the standard trip price.
• The in-water moment usually lasts about 1–2 minutes per participant.

Why so short? Local animal protection law limits the conditions for entering the water. The operator can only do it when the animals are behaving appropriately and when they spot the correct dolphin types (Common Dolphins or Atlantic Spotted Dolphins). You’ll also be attached to the boat, so it’s controlled and brief rather than open-ended.

My practical take: this add-on is best viewed as a high-impact bonus. If you’re prone to anxiety in choppy conditions, you might prefer staying on the boat. If you enjoy hands-on nature and you’re comfortable with quick snorkeling in wind and sun, the add-on can feel like the highlight of your Madeira trip—because you’re not just observing.

Value and Pricing: What $70 Really Buys You

At around $70 per person for a 2.5-hour RIB experience, you’re paying for more than movement on water. You’re paying for the search effort, the small-boat setup, and the safety coverage that comes with a dedicated wildlife outing.

What’s included:

• the boat trip
• all necessary safety equipment
• applicable fees, taxes, and fuel surcharges

What’s not included:

• drinks and snacks
• parking
• the dolphin swim/snorkel add-on (priced separately as the optional 20€)

The value piece I like most is the “second chance” option. If the trip doesn’t include any cetacean sighting, the operator invites you to join another trip free of charge within 1 year, as long as availability allows. It’s also noted as non-transferable, so think of it as a promise of fairness—not a guaranteed refund strategy.

If you’re comparing this to longer cruises or bigger boats, the math often works in favor of this format. You get a shorter time commitment, you’re out on a fast RIB, and you’re aiming for the kind of wildlife encounter that’s over quickly. For Madeira, that’s a practical way to spend a morning or afternoon.

What to Bring (and What to Wear) for a Windy Sea Ride

The trip gives you a clear packing list, and I’d follow it closely. The essentials are:

• windbreaker
• sunglasses
• sun hat
• sunscreen

Then adjust for season. The note about weather is real: conditions can change fast on the water, and wind can make even mild temperatures feel cold. In winter months, bring a warmer waterproof jacket so you’re not shivering through the ride.

Also, keep your comfort in mind even if you think you’re tough. On a RIB, the spray and motion can add up. Reviews include mentions of the crew helping people with sea-sickness, which is a good reminder that they’re prepared for the reality of motion on open water. Still, you’ll want to manage your own comfort too.

Private Tour Option: When You Want Your Own Boat Time

If you’re traveling with family or friends and you prefer fewer variables, there’s a private tour option. You can book your own boat and bring up to 18 passengers.

This is a strong choice if:

• you’re coordinating a family schedule
• you want a calmer experience with your own group
• you’d rather not share the ride with other parties

It also makes sense if you’re traveling with kids or mixed ages and want everyone to feel supported during the safety briefing and the open-ocean stretches.

Who Should Book This RIB Trip From Funchal?

Book this if you want a wildlife-focused Madeira outing with real odds and a small-boat feel. It’s a good fit for:

• nature lovers who don’t want a museum vibe
• people who like being outdoors and moving quickly to where the action might be
• anyone who wants the option of a dolphin snorkel moment without committing to it blindly

Consider other options if you:

• hate boats or get motion-sick easily
• can’t handle wind and spray even with proper clothing
• want long, slow sightseeing rather than a search-and-sighting style outing

In short: this trip works best when you treat wildlife as the main character, and you’re flexible enough to let the ocean set the pace.

Should You Book This Wild Dolphin & Whale Watching by RIB?

I think it’s a solid choice if you’re in Madeira and you want a high-energy, wildlife-first experience. The strongest reasons to book are the small-group RIB format, the operator’s stated high likelihood of sightings, and the thoughtful dolphin swim add-on rules that keep the experience both special and controlled.

Before you commit, do one honest check: can you handle windy open water? If yes, you’re set. If no, pack smart and consider whether you’ll enjoy scanning the sea for long enough to wait for that one dolphin or whale moment.

If you’re choosing between “just sightseeing” and “chasing a wild encounter,” this one leans clearly toward the chase—with good value baked into the safety, the included boat time, and the backup plan if nothing is spotted.

FAQ

How long is the RIB dolphin and whale watching tour?

The tour duration is listed as 2.5 hours (standard time).

Where does the tour start and meet?

The meeting point may vary depending on the option you book.

Is the swim with dolphins included in the price?

No. The swim with dolphins is an add-on. The option costs 20€ per participant and is only charged on-site if it is possible to enter the water with the animals.

What wildlife are they searching for?

They are looking for wild dolphins and whales, and sometimes turtles.

What are the rules for swimming or snorkeling with dolphins?

Swimming/snorkeling is only possible if animals behave in a way that meets local animal protection law, and it’s only allowed when they spot Common Dolphins or Atlantic Spotted Dolphins.

What happens if no cetaceans are sighted?

If no cetacean species are seen during your trip, you can join another trip free of charge within 1 year time, subject to availability and noted as non-transferable.

What’s included in the ticket price?

Included are the boat trip, necessary safety equipment, and applicable fees, taxes, and fuel surcharges.

Are drinks and snacks included?

No. Drinks and snacks are not included.

What should I bring for the trip?

Bring a windbreaker, sunglasses, sun hat, and sunscreen. Also check the weather conditions, since it can quickly get windy at sea.

Is a private tour available?

Yes. A private tour option is available, and up to 18 passengers can be included.

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