Madeira Whale & Dolphin Watching Tour: An Honest Review

Okay, so you’re probably wondering if that whale and dolphin watching boat tour in Madeira is really worth it, right? Like, is it actually as cool as it looks in the pictures? Well, you’ve definitely come to the right spot because I’m gonna spill the beans on what it’s actually like, what you can maybe expect, and maybe some ways you can kinda get the most out of it.

What to expect during the Madeira Whale and Dolphin Watching Tour

Basically, the tour that I went on, well, it lasted about two hours, give or take a few minutes, and generally, it promised sightings of, like, whales and dolphins—shocker, I know. So, we shoved off from Funchal, which is the island’s capital city and a really pretty harbor that you just sort of have to see, I mean, seriously, the views are stunning. Actually, while you are looking out, keep a keen eye open for various marine life as it can start from there. Like, it was a fairly smooth ride out to the open water; the crew was just super informative, you see, giving us little factoids and that kinda stuff about the different species we might potentially spot and all the conservation efforts underway around the archipelago.

So, once we actually got to what seemed a decent distance away from the shoreline, well, it didn’t take super long before we encountered, really, a pod of dolphins. They were playing around and jumping in and out of the water, putting on a really entertaining show. I guess they like doing that to please people! It’s really special. After that, it did take some time, as in, probably around forty minutes of just cruising before, ta-da, we finally saw whales—baleen whales, if you really must know all of the technical details, so majestic. The crew said it was rare to see them so far out of season, that was just incredible, so that made it extra special, even though, basically, I don’t have another example to judge it on.

In addition to all the sea life, one of the most appealing benefits was probably, that the viewpoints from the boat just offered really different ways to get new perspectives of Madeira’s coastline. The cliffs seemed that much grander and the shoreline took on an extra shimmer. A detail, yet worth keeping in mind; there’s just really a fantastic feeling being on that boat.

The pros and cons of the Whale and Dolphin watching boat tour

Actually, every tour tends to have both good things and less good things, so you should definitely check both before doing one. Here’s what I really think about it:

The good parts

Incredible Sightings: Seriously, if you do see them, whales and dolphins in their natural habitat are amazing, but if not, it’s also a fun boat trip.
Knowledgeable Crew: The people on board have lots of good info, which can mean you get an insider’s look at how and why.
Fantastic views: Viewing the coast from a boat opens up vistas you never imagined you could find, so bring a camera.

The not-so-good parts

Seasickness: If, for some reason, you do get queasy, then being on a boat in the middle of the water is not the right call; get some preventative medication ahead of time.
Weather Contingency: You know, boat rides do get impacted because of poor weather and choppy seas, and, like your hair, things might get rather wind-blown.
Wildlife Spotting Inconsistencies: Basically, even though they say you will get to see something, it still may vary from the brochure. So, in these circumstances, ask to be allowed back on another day so that you don’t waste your money.

Tips for making the most of your tour

Okay, here’s what you should do if you are, in any way, thinking about taking a tour. This really helps make the most of it. Let me explain further.

Book Ahead: It’s almost a certainty that, during touristy seasons, these excursions fill up quickly, right? So, you can just plan to avoid the feeling of disappointment.
Dress Smart: Just layering clothes is what is helpful; it keeps you prepared for changes in the weather, which is a real benefit when on the water all day long. Don’t forget to wear sunscreen and a hat too.
Camera Ready: I mean, it goes without saying that bringing along binoculars can just significantly increase the joy of viewing any wildlife off in the distance; it helps for pictures, too, when getting closer is just not an option.
Stay Alert: Yeah, that’s a captain obvious thing, I suppose, but pay attention to the crew announcements and guidelines, just to stay safe but to get real, true learning benefits at the same time, right?

Which company should you choose?

Basically, Madeira has lots of companies, but picking out the one that just ticks the boxes you want can be a challenge, in some respects. I think you should carefully assess things such as boat sizes, on-board services and how eco-friendly they might happen to be, too. Reviews on websites, for example, provide really helpful insights for choosing tour companies that fit whatever preferences you seem to have.

More to do in Madeira

So, whale and dolphin watching is good fun, yet Madeira basically overflows with additional activities as well. Look into going hiking or on walking tours that will show off Madeira’s singular natural scenery, right? Also, maybe tasting some of Madeira’s very fantastic wines or enjoying a meal right down on the waterfront. Either one of those activities gives you the opportunity to enjoy the native scenery from just another fantastic angle, to be honest.

Was it worth it for me?

Okay, in that case, to round this all up: Yes, honestly, I really felt the tour I went on brought a genuinely awesome opportunity to get to know Madeira a lot better from offshore while still experiencing wildlife up close, even if briefly, arguably. Should you want a mix of exploration, enjoyment and ecological discovery, this trip comes strongly recommended, right?

I would, therefore, definitely recommend that you bring sunscreen!

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