A speedboat ride in Madeira is an instant story. This Sea Safari heads offshore fast, then works with cetacean spotters and a certified marine biologist for respectful close-up wildlife viewing.

Two things I really like: the small size (just 18 guests) keeps the experience personal, and the boat is purpose-built—rebuilt in 2023 with twin 250hp engines so you can cover more water than slower cruise ships. One drawback to weigh: it can get bumpy and wet, and it’s not suitable for people with back/heart issues, pregnant women, or kids under 6.

If you’re hoping for a whale moment, here’s the good news: dolphins or whales are guaranteed. And if you see neither, you can return for €10 per person for another go.

Key Points You Should Know Before You Go

• Small group (18 guests) means less crowding at sightings and more time with the animals
• 2023 rebuilt Sea Safari with twin 250hp engines helps you reach more places offshore
• Spotters first, then chase: land-based spotting with binoculars directs the captain to where wildlife is
• 360° views and cushioned seating make the ride feel less like you’re stuck behind glass
• Respect comes first: you’ll approach with distance and timing, not the other way around

Meeting Magic Dolphin and Getting Ready for Offshore Madeira

Your trip starts at Magic Dolphin, where you’ll check in and get boarding cards. Arrive 30 minutes early—boarding begins about 15 minutes before departure, and the boat leaves on time. That matters because with wildlife cruises, late arrivals don’t just slow you down; they affect the whole schedule.

Before you even leave the dock, I suggest you treat this as a wet-day outing. Your belongings may get wet, so skip anything you can’t afford to lose some salt spray or splash marks on. The good part: you’ll still have a chance at big views from the water once you’re underway.

Health-wise, be honest with yourself. This one is not suitable if you have back problems or heart problems, and it also isn’t for pregnant women or children under 6. That’s not a buzzkill—it’s about keeping the ride safe when the sea gets choppy.

Why This Sea Safari Speedboat Reaches Wildlife Faster

This isn’t a slow sightseeing ferry. The Sea Safari was completely rebuilt in 2023 and runs on two brand new 250hp engines, which helps it cover more distance offshore than other boats operating from Funchal.

There’s also a comfort-and-view design reason it works: double cushioned seats plus 360° viewing. You’re not stuck only facing one direction. You can rotate, scan for blows and fins, and actually react when the captain calls out movement.

The boat sits low on the water, so when dolphins or whales are near, you’ll feel close to the action without needing to crane your neck toward the horizon. And because it’s a speedboat style craft, it can reduce distance in a way that bigger boats often can’t. The overall theme is simple: reach faster, observe carefully, then give the animals space.

On some days, the team also uses a smart workflow. Cetacean spotters watch from land with powerful binoculars, then the captain steers the Sea Safari toward the area where dolphins and whales are active. That’s why you’ll often feel like you’re not just cruising—you’re searching with purpose.

Funchal Coast Views Before You Chase Cetaceans

You’ll begin with a guided stretch around Funchal—think sightseeing and scenic coastal views while you get oriented. Even if you already know the basics of Madeira, it helps to see how the coastline sits against the Atlantic before you go offshore.

This early leg also serves another practical purpose. By the time you’re pointed outward, you’re already in scanning mode. You know what kind of changes to watch for—surface movement, birds diving, and the telltale timing of blows.

The guides don’t just run commentary like background music. The plan is to set you up to understand what you’re seeing: where dolphins tend to travel, why whales appear at certain spots, and how birds and turtles fit into the same food-and-migration patterns around Madeira.

How the Captain and Marine Biologist Find Dolphins and Whales

Once you’re offshore, the experience turns into a real-time hunt guided by professionals. The Sea Safari is “dedicated” to encountering whales, groups of dolphins, sea turtles, and oceanic birds, and the way you experience it is very different from a big-ship approach.

Here’s what to expect during the search:

• the team scans for activity using spotters and then navigation from the captain
• when wildlife is located, the crew positions the boat to give you viewing time
• a marine biologist provides educational commentary on Madeira’s cetaceans and their behavior
• the goal stays respectful: this is wildlife, so you watch without trying to force interaction

The commentary is one of the best parts because it gives you mental hooks. Instead of seeing a dolphin and thinking, cool, you start recognizing patterns—traveling groups, feeding behavior, and how the animals move relative to the boat.

If you’re lucky, you might also notice the difference in how various guides talk about the animals. Names you could hear include Clara, Florine, Natasja, and Natasha. Not every departure will have the same guide, but the style is consistent: friendly, excited, and focused on animal behavior rather than hype.

Wildlife Highlights: What You’ll Most Likely See (and What’s a Bonus)

Let’s separate expectations into the reliable stuff and the wonderful surprises.

Dolphins and whales: the core expectation

Dolphins or whales are guaranteed, and many outings include multiple sightings. From what tends to show up around Madeira, you could see:

• bottlenose dolphins
• pilot whales (often described as pilot whales or short-finned pilot whales)
• other dolphin types like Atlantic spotted dolphins and common dolphins

Whales are less frequent than dolphins, but they do happen. You may encounter smaller whale species or larger ones depending on the day, with sightings including sperm whales and humpback whales mentioned in the experience.

Sea turtles and oceanic birds: keep an eye up and down

Sea turtles and oceanic birds are part of the target list for the cruise. Even when the main show is dolphins and whales, birds often give you a clue that food is in the area.

The very best part: the surprise species

Sometimes your day includes an unexpected cameo. On at least one outing, a hammerhead shark appeared near the end of the cruise. It’s not something you can plan for, but it’s a reminder that you’re not in a sterile viewing spot—you’re in a living ecosystem.

Comfort, Safety, and the Wet-Boat Reality

This cruise is often described as fast-paced and thrilling, and that comes with trade-offs.

Comfort is supported by the setup: double cushioned seats and life vests are included. The capacity stays small, so you’re less likely to feel packed in like on huge catamarans.

But the sea is the sea. On choppier days, you might feel bumpy movement, and you may get splashed. Many people are fine, but a few report seasickness. If you’re even slightly prone to motion sickness, plan ahead. Bring your usual travel-sickness remedies, and consider choosing a seat where you feel steadier.

Also, gear matters. Pack for getting wet:

• wear clothes you won’t mind drying slowly
• a waterproof jacket with a hood is a smart move
• bring a towel if you have one you can afford to ruin a little
• if you use an action camera (GoPro or similar), a waterproof setup can be great for photos and video

One more practical note: some people sit front and get more spray than others. If that’s your row, plan accordingly.

Time on the Water: What 2 Hours Feels Like in Practice

The cruise is listed as 2 hours, and that’s a very workable length for Madeira. It’s long enough to have time for searching, repositioning, and then settling in for real sighting time.

You may see slightly different schedules depending on the departure window. Some listings include a longer variation, but the main rhythm stays the same: you go out, search, then return without dragging the middle into a long waiting game.

A big value point here is timing. When the crew spots animals and moves quickly, you spend less of your trip “in transit” and more of it “in the moment.” That’s also why the rebuilt speedboat setup matters—reaching where the activity is often beats being stuck far away and waiting.

Price and Value: Is $58 a Good Deal in Funchal?

For $58 per person, this cruise is priced in the “active adventure” category, not the “sit and observe” category. And the value comes from what’s included and what’s guaranteed.

You get:

• round-trip cruise
• a marine biologist guide
• captain and crew
• life vests

Then there’s the big confidence boost: dolphins or whales are guaranteed. If you don’t see either dolphins or whales, you can book again for a reduced ticket price of €10 per person. That’s meaningful because wildlife isn’t a theme park. It shifts the risk from you to the operator.

Food and drinks aren’t included, so budget a quick snack and water if you need it. But the trade-off is that your money is going into the water time, the professional guidance, and the boat that can move when opportunity shows up.

If you’re comparing this kind of excursion to larger-ship whale tours, the smaller boat and faster access are often the deciding factors. You’ll likely feel closer to the action, with less crowding around your line of sight.

Who Should Book This Cruise (And Who Should Skip It)

I’d recommend this to you if:

• you want dolphins and whale watching without the mega-ship feel
• you like learning in real time from a marine biologist, not just generic narration
• you’re comfortable with a fast speedboat style outing
• you want good chances at seeing dolphins and possibly whales, sea turtles, and ocean birds

I’d skip it if:

• your doctor has told you to avoid rides with physical strain, or you deal with back or heart problems
• you’re pregnant
• you’re traveling with kids under 6
• you strongly dislike boats in choppy water and aren’t willing to manage motion sickness

Also, if you’re the type who wants a calm, leisurely scenic cruise, you might find the pace more intense than you expected. This trip is about finding wildlife quickly and respectfully.

Should You Book the Funchal Dolphin and Whale Watching Cruise?

Book it if you want a Madeira wildlife outing that feels active, guided, and focused on what’s actually happening offshore. The small group, the 2023 rebuilt Sea Safari, and the marine biologist commentary make this more than a generic boat trip.

Think twice if you’re sensitive to rough water or you’re in one of the groups the operator lists as not suitable. If that’s you, it’s better to choose a gentler Madeira option.

If you can handle some splash and motion, this is one of the more rewarding ways to experience the island from the Atlantic—where dolphins and whales are the reason you’re there, not an optional bonus.

FAQ

How long is the cruise?

The experience runs for about 2 hours.

How much does it cost?

The price is listed as $58 per person.

What if I don’t see dolphins or whales?

If you see neither dolphins nor whales during your trip, you can book again for a reduced ticket price of €10 per person.

What animals can you look for on this cruise?

The trip is set up for whale and dolphin sightings, and it also targets sea turtles and oceanic birds.

Who is on board?

There’s a captain and crew, plus a marine biologist guide. Life vests are included.

What languages do the guides speak?

The live tour guide offers English and Portuguese.

Where do I meet, and when should I arrive?

Meet at Magic Dolphin. Arrive 30 minutes early to check in at the local partner kiosk and pick up boarding cards. Boarding begins 15 minutes before departure.

Is food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included.

Is this tour suitable for everyone?

No. It’s not suitable for people with back problems, people with heart problems, children under 6, or pregnant women.

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