Dolphins and Whales by RIB Boat — Swim with Dolphins in Madeira

Chase wild cetaceans along Madeira's dramatic coastline and dive in for an unforgettable encounter.

This dolphin watching Madeira experience puts you aboard a high-speed RIB boat departing from Funchal Marina, heading into open Atlantic waters where wild dolphins, whales, and occasionally sea turtles roam freely. With a 99% annual sighting success rate, this trip delivers genuine ocean wildlife encounters rather than staged shows. A guided safety briefing, professional crew, and an optional swim add-on make this a standout activity for all skill levels.

The journey begins at Funchal's marina, where the crew provides a thorough briefing on marine life and onboard safety before you don your lifejacket and board the RIB. As the boat powers out of the harbour, the sweeping panoramic view of Madeira's coastline unfolds alongside you, offering a spectacular backdrop even before the first cetacean is spotted.

Once offshore, the search for wildlife begins in earnest. The open Atlantic surrounding Madeira is home to numerous cetacean species year-round, and the crew's expertise in reading ocean conditions significantly increases the likelihood of close sightings. Common Dolphins and Atlantic Spotted Dolphins are among the most frequently encountered species, and their natural curiosity often brings them right alongside the boat.

For those who have added the swim option, local animal protection law dictates exactly when and how participants may enter the water. If conditions and animal behaviour permit, swimmers are placed in the water attached to the boat for a supervised one-to-two-minute snorkel alongside the dolphins. Mask and snorkel equipment is provided, keeping the process simple and accessible even for non-divers.