Dolphin and whale watching in Madeira (Calheta)

4 out of 5 based on 5 Reviews
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Whale and dolphin watching tours in small groups off the south coast of Madeira on board a motor yacht. A peaceful nature excursion from Calheta including swimming and snorkelling in the Atlantic Ocean (near the coast where only boats can go). All passengers are close to the action on this whale and dolphin watching tour.

  • Tour / activity duration: ~ 2.5 hours
  • Languages: English, Portuguese
  • Transfer: no, not included
  • The best insider tips
  • English-speaking service
  • Hassle-free booking change or cancellation
  • Usually cheaper than at site

Calheta boat trip for dolphin and whale watching off Madeira's coast

Dolphin tour in Madeira with warm service on board and a respectful approach to nature!

Booking option: Boat trip from Calheta for whale and dolphin watching

Experience the amazing underwater world of the south-west coast of Madeira Island on board a comfortable motor yacht for small groups and with 2 professional crew members assisted by a spotter on land. Whales & dolphins take centre stage on this boat trip from Calheta. On board the motor yacht, wildlife fans embark on a 2.5-hour adventure tour. The experienced skipper will take the best route for the day to find dolphins or whales and approach them respectfully and non-invasively. On the cosy boat, all passengers are close to the action and learn lots of interesting facts about marine biology. If you want to keep to yourself with your family or friends, book a private motor yacht (for up to 6 or 12 people). The boat tour includes an anchor stop for swimming and snorkelling in the Atlantic Ocean (near the coast, where only boats can go).

Overview

  • Duration: ~ 2.5 hours
  • Hours: 10:00 AM, 1:30 PM, 4:30 PM
  • Days: daily
  • Months: possible all-year
  • Languages: English, Portuguese
  • Pick-up not included
  • Starting points: Calheta

Included

  • Skipper, fuel, swim stop(s), snorkeling mask, boat ride, drinks, toilet on board
  • Refreshments and towels for your stay on board
  • Shared whale and dolphin watching Madeira from Calheta (2.5 hours) - per person 69.-€
  • Private whale and dolphin watching Madeira from Calheta (2.5 hours) - up to 5 people 490.-€
  • Private whale and dolphin watching Madeira from Calheta (2.5 hours) - up to 12 people 750.-€
Swimming and snorkelling in the Atlantic
Important information

This activity is not suitable for guests weighing more than 110 kg / 242 pounds.
Unfortunately, the boat is not wheelchair accessible.
Pregnant women should seek medical advice before booking (limited to no medical assistance can be provided on board).

Dolphin and whale watching in Madeira on board a small motor yacht

When planning their holiday, many people already know that they want to experience a whale watching boat trip in Madeira. With its unique natural environment, the Portuguese island is the perfect place for such a spectacle. From pilot whales to bottlenose dolphins, turtles to tuna, the sea is alive with life off the coast of Madeira. Often it takes only a few kilometres of coastline to find yourself in the middle of a pod of dolphins or to watch a family of whales from a safe distance.

Experience whale and dolphin watching in Calheta on board a comfortable motor yacht in the company of just a few passengers. Two boats with a maximum of 6 or 12 passengers are available for whale watching. Each of these boats can also be booked for a completely private tour.

Boat trips depart three times a day and great care is taken to ensure a respectful, non-invasive approach to the marine mammals. Whale watching from Calheta is supported by a spotter on shore and a passionate captain who can tell you more about the marine life of his homeland. Although sightings are not 100% guaranteed, the chances of seeing whales or dolphins on your Madeira holiday could hardly be higher.

Conditions

Valid on the reserved day or for 12 months after date of purchase if no date has been selected. You will receive the tour operator's details with the purchased ticket. Attention: reservation is required! The reservation can be made through sunbonoo as part of the booking process or later by contacting the tour operator directly via phone or email.

Customer Reviews Calheta boat trip for dolphin and whale watching off Madeira's coast

4.0  /5
based on 5 Reviews
Pierre L. wrote on Jun 14, 2025
Overall rating
4 von 5

exceptional dolphin watching

great experience at sea

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observation de dauphins exceptionnelle

belle expérience en mer

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Luc T. wrote on Jun 14, 2025
Overall rating
4 von 5

Whales and dolphins in Calheta, a memorable adventure

Great outing! Seeing these creatures up close, incredible 🌊🐋! Be prepared to get wet when swimming, but it's worth it!

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Whales et dauphins à Calheta, une aventure mémorable

Super sortie! Voir ces créatures de près, incroyable 🌊🐋! Préparez-vous à être mouillé lors de la baignade, mais ça vaut le coup!

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LarsP79 wrote on Apr 22, 2025
Overall rating
4 von 5

Fantastic!

The trip was a great way to experience Madeira's wildlife. I enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere on board and the respectful approach to the sea creatures. Although we didn't see many whales, the dolphins were amazing! Swimming and snorkelling was a nice bonus. 🌊🐬

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Fantastisk!

Turen var en dejlig måde at opleve Madeiras dyreliv på. Jeg nød den afslappede atmosfære ombord og den respektfulde tilgang til havets skabninger. Selvom vi ikke så mange hvaler, var delfinerne fantastiske! Svømning og snorkling var en fin bonus. 🌊🐬

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MaxMuster79 wrote on Mar 3, 2025
Overall rating
4 von 5

Experience whales and dolphins up close, but the price is a little high

We had a great time on the dolphin and whale watching tour in Madeira. The captain was friendly and the boat was comfortable. We saw some dolphins but no whales. The crew was competent and there were drinks on board. The price is quite high but the experience was worth it, especially swimming in the Atlantic. In winter the conditions were calm.

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Wale und Delfine hautnah erleben, aber der Preis ist etwas hoch

Wir hatten eine tolle Zeit beim Delfin- und Walbeobachtungstour in Madeira. Der Kapitän war freundlich und das Boot komfortabel. Wir sahen einige Delfine, aber keine Wale. Die Crew war kompetent und es gab Getränke an Bord. Der Preis ist ziemlich hoch, aber die Erfahrung war es wert, besonders das Schwimmen im Atlantik. Im Winter waren die Bedingungen ruhig.

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Alexandre_M wrote on Feb 4, 2025
Overall rating
4 von 5

Dolphin watching

We enjoyed our dolphin and whale watching trip in Madeira. The duration was perfect and the crew were competent and respectful of nature. Even in winter, it was a pleasant experience. It's a shame there's no transfer included, but overall a great activity.

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Observation des dauphins

Nous avons apprécié notre excursion d'observation des dauphins et des baleines à Madère. La durée était parfaite et l'équipage était compétent et respectueux de la nature. Même en hiver, c'était une expérience agréable. Dommage qu'il n'y ait pas de transfert inclus, mais globalement une belle activité.

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