For the chance to see dolphins, whales and turtles in their natural habitat, look no further than this relaxing half-day cruise from Funchal. You'll sail along the stunning south coast of Madeira admiring the sea views and keeping a lookout for marine animals in the distance.

Madeira's location in the North Atlantic Ocean makes it an ideal place to spot dolphins, whales and turtles, but to have the highest chance you'll need to cruise out into the open seas. Step on board a Turkish-style gulet boat in Funchal then depart for the dramatic south coast. You'll be able to watch the coastline twist and turn with steep cliffs rising from the sea as well the horizon for signs of activity.

We'll head out in search of dolphins, whales and turtles – all of which are familiar sights in the seas around Madeira all year round. There's also a stop for swimming and cooling off before returning to Funchal marina where the cruise ends.

The boat was comfortable. Weather overcast but plesent and calm sea. It only took about 1.5 hours to get to an area where we found the dolphins were feeding! It was an amazing experience watching them jump out of the water for 15 minutes, then closely followed the beautiful coastline back to the harbour. We also stopped below the glass floor at Cabo girao that gave us a different perspective of the site. Great team and we also met a lovely lady from Stuttgart. We all thought it was worth it!

We were collected at our hotel on time, but when we arrived for the boat trip we were left waiting for 45 minutes before we could get on the boat. We could have gone for a drink if this had been explained. The sea was very choppy and so many people were sick/ill. There was no information about the area, as we travelled down the coast from the guide and nothing mentioned about whales or dolphins. None seen

The boat trip going out to sea was calm and relaxed but the weather changed and our return visit was very bumpy and like being on a rollercoaster.Unfortunately we didn't see any animals but we were aware that this could happen prior to booking.The transfer to and from the marina was efficient and both drivers were friendly.The boat crew were friendly and organised. January is probably not the best time to do this activity.I wouldn't recommend for people who suffer with motion or travel sickness

Well organised and operated. Friendly. We got to see some wonderful creatures and lovely experience out at sea. The seating could have been a bit more comfortable perhaps.

We did see dolphins, but there was no identification of what kind of dolphins. There was no safety briefing - man overboard, life jackets for example. Staff were welcoming, polite and professional. The captain was in touch with other craft to identify sightings of animals which was good. Boat was beautiful and classic with amenities on board. A very pleasant and relaxing trip..

Very good service throughout our trip. We were unable to take photos though as we had to hang on to the side of the boat. However we saw pilot whales and bottle nosed dolphins up close. Spectacular!

Why you’ll love this…

Half-day dolphin spotting cruise
Sail along the south coast of Madeira
Swimming stop
Chance to see dolphins, whales and turtles

Important to know

Name of the boat is Bonita da Madeira
Food and drinks not included
Not suitable for guests with reduced mobility
Children must be supervised by an adult (over 18 years) at all time
Bring bathing gear and sunblock
Bring money for extras or gratuities
Subject to weather conditions
Please note that all times are approximate and subject to change
This experience doesn't follow our general cancellation policy. If you need to cancel, you must do so at least 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund

Cancellation policy

Receive a 100% refund if you cancel up to 1 day before the experience begins.

What’s included

Transport
Gulet boat ride

Booking fee

Good news! No extra fees are applied to this booking.

Pickup points

To see which pickup points are available, check under availability & prices.

Provider

TUI PORTUGAL

What people say about this experience

4.4/5

All reviews are verified

Based on 168 reviews

Review categories

Safety

4.5/5

Service

4.5/5

Staff

4.5/5

Value for money

4.4/5

All ratings (168)

5 stars (95)

57%

4 stars (55)

33%

3 stars (15)

2 stars (2)

1 star (1)

M
Manton
Traveled as a couple
March 1, 2026
4.2
United Kingdom
The boat was comfortable. Weather overcast but plesent and calm sea. It only took about 1.5 hours to get to an area where we found the dolphins were feeding! It was an amazing experience watching them jump out of the water for 15 minutes, then closely followed the beautiful coastline back to the harbour. We also stopped below the glass floor at Cabo girao that gave us a different perspective of the site. Great team and we also met a lovely lady from Stuttgart. We all thought it was worth it!
S
Shep
Traveled as a couple
February 18, 2026
3.4
United Kingdom
We were collected at our hotel on time, but when we arrived for the boat trip we were left waiting for 45 minutes before we could get on the boat. We could have gone for a drink if this had been explained. The sea was very choppy and so many people were sick/ill. There was no information about the area, as we travelled down the coast from the guide and nothing mentioned about whales or dolphins. None seen
S
Shazhawk
Traveled as a couple
January 29, 2026
4.2
United Kingdom
The boat trip going out to sea was calm and relaxed but the weather changed and our return visit was very bumpy and like being on a rollercoaster.Unfortunately we didn't see any animals but we were aware that this could happen prior to booking.The transfer to and from the marina was efficient and both drivers were friendly.The boat crew were friendly and organised. January is probably not the best time to do this activity.I wouldn't recommend for people who suffer with motion or travel sickness
A
Andrew
Traveled as a couple
January 27, 2026
4.2
United Kingdom
Well organised and operated. Friendly. We got to see some wonderful creatures and lovely experience out at sea. The seating could have been a bit more comfortable perhaps.
C
CF
Traveled with a group of friends
January 17, 2026
4.2
United Kingdom
We did see dolphins, but there was no identification of what kind of dolphins. There was no safety briefing - man overboard, life jackets for example. Staff were welcoming, polite and professional. The captain was in touch with other craft to identify sightings of animals which was good. Boat was beautiful and classic with amenities on board. A very pleasant and relaxing trip..
P
Pammi
Traveled as a couple
January 16, 2026
5
United Kingdom
Very good service throughout our trip. We were unable to take photos though as we had to hang on to the side of the boat. However we saw pilot whales and bottle nosed dolphins up close. Spectacular!