THE WHALE WATCHING GUIDE
The trips worth booking.
The 15 whale watching in portugal travellers rate most highly, gathered in one place. What you are likely to see, when the season runs, who skippers the boat, and what a place on deck costs.
Whale and dolphin watching off Ponta Delgada with a marine biologist guide, catamaran or Zodiac options, plus a backup tour.
Most Popular“Perfect. We saw everything that ocean had to offer at low season (lots of dolphins, 4 whales) Crew is coordinated and carrying for passengers Thank you.”
Azores zodiac whale tour with a marine biologist and a volcanic islet loop near Vila Franca do Campo, with a sighting guarantee.
“All of it was excellent . Saw Bryde Whales , dolphins and Tuna feeding frenzie . The gulls were in their hundreds dive bombing whatever tuna we’re eating . Amazing from start to finish . The guide and captain were great too x”
Luxury catamaran whale watching from Funchal with open bar, snacks, and a swim by Cabo Girão’s sea cliff.
“We only saw a couple dolphins in the distance but seeing wildlife was merely a perk to the amazing boat ride. The boat was amazing and very spacious and our view the entire ride was breathtaking. The captain and boat crew were very knowledgeable and attentive. The capital even offered to refill our drinks at…”
Azores whale and dolphin watching from Vila Franca do Campo with marine biologists on a RIB, plus an islet stop. 3 hours.
“Thanks to Marilou and Flora for a great tour. We saw a lot of common dolphins and three fin whales, the second biggest in the world.”
Eco-friendly catamaran sailing from Funchal for dolphin and whale watching, with land spotters, hybrid-electric engines, and Madeira coastline views.
“Highly recommended! Excellent value for money. Experienced and professional tour guides. Special thanks to Salvador, a truly pleasant and knowledgeable member of staff! The boat wasn't overcrowded. Everything was extremely well organized. We received a lot of information and even saw dolphins and whales several times.”
Luxurious whale watching from Funchal on a small catamaran, with drinks, snacks, and a swim/snorkel stop at Cabo Girao.
“Great start views of the coast were incredible, snack and drinks provided. All questions answered and recommendations given. Highlight of trip was the pilot whales swimming close to us. Thank you Nick and crew I’m sure we will be back. Maggie thanks for info on where to visit.”
RIB whale and dolphin watching in Calheta, Madeira. Spotter-led searches, expert commentary, and Atlantic views in about two hours.
“I had an absolutely amazing experience dolphin watching with H2O Madeira! From start to finish, everything was incredible. Seeing Madeira’s coastline from the Atlantic Ocean is simply breathtaking — the views are remarkably beautiful and unforgettable. I was beyond happy to see dolphins swimming so close to us, especially in January, which made the experience…”
Small-group whale and dolphin watching from Calheta Marina, with snorkel stops, warm water swims, drinks, and expert crew on Miranda.
“Seeing the island from the sea was an amazing experience as well as watching the dolphins jump in the water. Emanuel was a great captain, so knowledgeable and a lot of fun.”
Azores whale watching from Vila Franca do Campo on a RIB with a marine biologist, plus Princess Ring Islet views.
“Staff was super kind and knowledgeable. They are great in providing water gear and safety equipment. We saw dolphins and other fish on our tour. Beware if you have any degree of seasickness as the water can be quite aggressive.”
A 2-hour Madeira speedboat cruise with a marine biologist spotting dolphins and whales, plus turtles and birds from Funchal.
“Really well organised Great crew Felt very safe Excellent experience”
Azores whale watching from Ponta Delgada: guided boat trip for dolphins and whales, flexible routes, two boats, and a no-sighting refund.
“Excellent tour with good information. A fun morning! They prepare you well for the trip and make sure you will be warm and comfortable.”
3-hour catamaran dolphin and whale watching from Funchal, Madeira. Spot cetaceans, cruise the coast, and maybe swim at Cabo Girão.
“There is bar on board and toilets. They make home-made poncha. Be careful when on netting, water will splash. We saw big group of dolphins near ship. One of them was baby.”
Private dolphin and whale watching from Calheta in Madeira with snorkeling, sparkling wine, and a flexible 2.5-hour yacht charter for up to 5.
“It was a truly exceptional experience! Luca and Chiara were amazing! We learned so much about the island and the marine wildlife and the best part is that we saw incredibly rare whales and it was such a highlight of our honeymoon! I highly recommend!!”
RIB dolphin and whale watching in Madeira with a marine biologist, close-up sightings, and Madeira coast views from Funchal.
“Great tour. Lots of action. Saw many pilot whales and two different schools of dolphins on a three hour tour. Our tour guide was very knowledgable and made the whole experience memorable.”
A fast 2-hour Madeira sea safari from Funchal with expert guides, live commentary, and a real shot at dolphins, whales, turtles, and birds.
“My family did this activity last April 13. The operators are very kind and attentive to our needs. The boat was sturdy and layout of passengers seats are agreeable. We felt safe the whole time. However the activity fell short of expectations as we weren't able to see (and was hoping to see) whales. I…”
Every coast with a season worth booking, port by port.
