Wildlife at sea is never boring. This is a small-group RIB-style dolphin and whale hunt run from Funchal with 500 hp engines that help get you to sightings faster. What I like most is the pace, and the way the guides focus on what you’re seeing, not just where you’re going. One thing to keep in mind: sightings are wildlife-dependent, and weather can shut the plan down.

You’ll start with a purpose-built boat designed to move smoothly. People come for dolphins and whales, but you can also get bonuses like birds and turtles when the day lines up. If you’re prone to motion sickness, the trip is built around a smoother ride, but choppy conditions can still happen on the Atlantic.

If your priority is wildlife first—then scenery and story second—this hits the mark. And if your first trip is a no-show for wildlife, the operator offers a second tour free.

Magic Dolphin in Funchal: speed, spotting, and a smart boat

This is a sea safari built for getting to animals fast. The company uses a purpose-built boat with 500 hp engines, and there are spotters on land helping point you toward where whales and dolphins are before you even depart. That setup matters. In open water, minutes count.

You’re not stacked onto a giant catamaran. Maximum 18 travelers per trip and two certified guides means you’re less likely to feel like background noise. I like that the guides don’t treat this as a drive-by. They’re actively watching, explaining, and adjusting as the action moves.

6 key things that make this sea safari worth your time

• Spotters on land help you head in the right direction quickly, before the boat even pulls out
• 500 hp engines mean a smoother, more maneuverable ride and faster repositioning toward wildlife
• Small group size (18 max) gives you more direct attention from the guide team
• Wildlife-first plan often includes multiple species in the same 2 hours
• Guaranteed wildlife sightings via a free second trip if nothing is seen on the first ride
• Ethical handling of animals: limited boats around wildlife and short time near sightings

How the 2 hours work: from harbor to whales, then the Madeira coast

1) Setting out: finding dolphins and whales faster than you expect

You meet at Magic Dolphin at Praca do Povo, Av. Do Mar, São Martinho, 9000-900 Funchal. Then it’s straight to the business of spotting wildlife.

The big difference here is the approach: land spotters locate where whales and dolphins are likely to be, and the boat uses its power and handling to reach those zones quickly. In practical terms, that’s the difference between “maybe later” and “we’re already there when the animal surfaces.”

You’ll also get live commentary on board, so you aren’t just staring at sea foam and hoping for the best. The guides link behavior to what you’re seeing, from dolphin pods to whale surfaces and movement patterns.

What it feels like: like a focused safari, not a long scenic cruise.

Possible downside: if a day’s animals are scarce or keep their distance, you may end up with partial sightings rather than whales-on-demand.

2) The main action: whales and dolphins, often with surprises

The priority is to see whales and dolphins first. On many outings, you can come across 2 or 3 different species during the same 2-hour window. That’s important because it makes the experience feel like more than a single “hit or miss” moment.

From real examples of what people report on this route, you might see:

• Pilot whales and sperm whales (including dramatic surface moments)
• Bottlenose dolphins and common dolphins
• Spotted dolphins and sometimes other dolphin types
• Bonus sightings like a turtle or birds when conditions line up

Some days are all dolphins. Other days go big with whales close enough for you to appreciate their size and behavior. I also like that the staff seems excited in a genuine way, especially when the sightings come suddenly.

3) Coming back along Funchal Bay: scenery plus real talk

Once the whale-and-dolphin window has done its job, the plan shifts. You head back while staying closer to the Funchal Bay coastline, and this is where the guides widen the lens.

You’ll get info not only about the animals, but also about Madeira’s fauna and flora and some history of the island. This part is less about adrenaline and more about meaning. It helps you connect what you saw in the ocean to the place you’re standing on.

Why this matters: it turns the trip from a quick wildlife lottery into a more rounded Madeira experience.

If you get fewer sightings: this is still the portion that keeps the tour from feeling like dead time, so pay attention during the explanation.

4) Camara de Lobos viewpoint: Churchill’s old painting spot

There’s also a stop that leans local and scenic: Camara de Lobos, a small fishing village tied to the view Sir Winston Churchill enjoyed while painting.

From the boat, you’ll get a chance to see this bay from the Atlantic side. It’s a nice counterpoint to all the animal focus: bright coastal scenery, working-water vibe, and a reminder that Madeira’s famous viewpoints weren’t invented by Instagram.

Trade-off: if your main goal is whales at close range, this stop is best viewed as an extra. The tour’s core is still wildlife.

Why the RIB-style setup helps (and when it won’t)

You’ll hear two themes a lot with this operator: speed and comfort.

The boat’s 500 hp engines are designed to maneuver quickly toward animals. Also, the company emphasizes a smooth ride with less chance of motion sickness. That lines up with the general advantage of a smaller, faster craft versus larger boats that plow through waves.

Still, the ocean is the ocean. If it’s windy or choppy, you might get wet, and some people can still feel it. One smart move: wear layers you don’t mind getting damp, and bring a cap or sunglasses. The Atlantic has a way of reminding you it exists.

The wildlife guarantee: what it really means for your risk

Wildlife is never truly guaranteed in the way a museum exhibit is. Animals have their own schedules.

But here’s what makes the policy practical: wildlife sightings are guaranteed, and if you don’t see anything on the first trip, you can take the second trip free of charge. That’s a big deal for people who hate paying full price for an empty boat.

Also note the operator’s general approach from what people describe: they prioritize finding animals and give you time to look. If you’re going to gamble on nature, doing it with a safety net helps.

Who this tour suits best (and who should skip it)

This is a strong pick if:

• You want dolphins and whales and you like being on the water for a short, focused chunk of time
• You prefer smaller groups where the guide can actually keep an eye on what the whole boat is seeing
• You care about animal-focused explanation instead of just sightseeing

It might not be your best match if:

• You want a guaranteed whale-size spectacle every time. Even with a great operation, wild animals don’t read your itinerary.
• You’re deeply seasick-sensitive and worry about wind. The boat is designed to help, but conditions still control comfort.

If you’re traveling with kids, it can work well since it’s only about 2 hours and children must be with an adult.

Price and value: $60-ish for a focused wildlife hit

At $60.49 per person for about 2 hours, this sits in the “fair value” zone for a guided Madeira sea safari.

Here’s why I think it’s good value:

• The trip aims for multiple species in one outing, so you’re not just paying for a single dolphin sighting.
• You’re getting live commentary and a guide team (not just captain + seat).
• The small group increases the odds of a better explanation and a more organized search.
• The free second trip if nothing is seen on the first ride reduces the “empty outing” downside.

What’s not included is also clear: drinks and food aren’t part of the price, and there’s no hotel pickup. Bring a water bottle if you want one, or plan to grab something after you’re back.

Practical tips before you go

These are the small things that make the trip smoother.

• Wear shoes you can handle on a boat. No high heels on tour.
• Dress for spray and wind. Even when conditions are decent, you might get wet.
• Bring sunglasses and something to keep your phone secure if you’re snapping pics.
• Don’t overpack expectations. You’re buying a search for wildlife, not a zoo show.

Language is English and you’ll get confirmation at booking. The ticket is mobile, and the meeting point is near public transportation—so you don’t need to build your day around a pickup van.

A quick reality check: weather and what happens if it fails

This experience needs good weather. If it’s canceled for poor conditions, you’ll either get a different date or a full refund.

Also watch the timing mindset. The best plans feel flexible because the ocean is in charge.

Should you book Magic Dolphin?

Yes—if your top priority is wildlife on Madeira’s water and you like a fast, small-group search.

Book it especially if:

• You’re okay with nature uncertainty and you want a real chance at whales, not just dolphins in passing
• You appreciate a boat that’s built to maneuver toward sightings quickly
• You’d rather have an operator that offers a free second trip when nothing is seen

Skip it if you’re expecting a guaranteed whale guarantee every time, or if you know rough water reliably knocks you out. In that case, you may want to plan a different Madeira activity that doesn’t depend on the Atlantic behaving.

If you do book, go in ready to look up and watch for spouts, pod changes, and surfacing patterns. When it clicks, it’s the kind of two hours you remember for years.

FAQ

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at Magic Dolphin, Praca do Povo, Av. Do Mar, São Martinho, 9000-900 Funchal, Portugal and ends back at the same meeting point.

How long is the sea safari?

The duration is about 2 hours.

What’s the group size?

This tour allows a maximum of 18 travelers and includes two certified guides.

What language is the tour offered in?

The experience is offered in English with live commentary on board.

Is wildlife actually guaranteed?

Wildlife sightings are guaranteed, and if you don’t see anything on the first trip, you can take the second trip free of charge.

What’s included in the price?

Included are local taxes, live commentary on board, and a local guide.

What’s not included?

Drinks and food are not included, and there is no lunch, plus no hotel pickup and no transportation to/from attractions.

Do I need good weather?

Yes. The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered another date or a full refund.

Are there any rules for what to wear or bring?

No high heels are allowed on the tour. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

How far in advance should I book?

On average, this experience is booked about 15 days in advance.

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