On the water
Whale and dolphin watching
28 species of whales and dolphins in deep water close to the coast
What it is like here
The sea floor falls to around 3,000 m close to the island, and 28 species of whales and dolphins have been recorded in Madeira’s waters. The ones seen most often are common, Atlantic spotted and bottlenose dolphins, sperm whales, short-finned pilot whales and Bryde’s whales, and loggerhead turtles are frequent too. A small colony of Mediterranean monk seals lives on the Desertas Islands.
Trips run all year from the marinas at Funchal, Calheta and Machico and from Porto Santo, and last 1 to 4 hours. The south coast gives the best chances, and some trips stop for a swim.
Before you go
- Watching marine mammals, sea turtles and seabirds is regulated by Regional Legislative Decree 15/2013/M, and IFCN licenses the boats: go with a licensed operator. Source
Where
- Calheta — Calheta marina, on the sunny south-west coast; trips of 1 to 4 hours
- Funchal — Funchal marina, with the most operators and trips every day of the year
- Machico — Machico, on the east coast: dolphins, whales and sea turtles
- Porto Santo — Porto Santo marina; trips along the island’s golden coast On Porto Santo, which the 3D island does not show yet.
Who runs it
- Adventure Kingdom
- Atlantic Pearl Catamaran
- Lobosonda
- LokoLoko
- Madeira Sea Emotions
- Magic Dolphin
- OceanSee
- On Tales
- RECMAD
- Rota dos Cetáceos
- Scorpio Madeira Diving Center
- Scorpio Madeira Wildlife
- Ventura Nature Emotions
- VIP Dolphins
- VMT Madeira
Members of the tourism board’s association, as Visit Madeira lists them. A list, not a recommendation.
Sources: Visit Madeira · Madeira Ocean & Trails · Checked November 3, 2026