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Dolphin watching in Madeira is one of the most memorable ways to take in the island’s stunning coastline. Imagine the salty breeze on your skin, the sun setting over the Atlantic, and a group of excited travellers lounging on a catamaran with a drink in hand, marvelling at cliffs plunging into the sea. That was the scene on our recent Click&Boat dolphin watching tour in Madeira with Urlaubsguru – and although the dolphins stayed hidden, the magic was all around us.
Meet Francisco – Our Local Skipper
Before setting sail, we sat down for a chat with the skipper, Francisco. At just 28, he’s already spent two decades on the water. “I started very young, maybe seven or eight,” he told us, smiling. “I began with small dinghies and just went from there. It went from sport to job, naturally.”
Growing up on Madeira – an island encircled by deep-blue ocean and dramatic cliffs – boating was almost inevitable. “Football is still the biggest thing here,” Francisco laughed, “but water sports are still very popular. It just makes sense.”
Francisco has seen the towering cliffs a thousand times and still finds it magical. “We don’t have white sand beaches everywhere,” he says, “but the views – the cliffs, the sea life – they’re the main attraction for me.”
And it’s true. Once we left the port and the boat gently cut through the waves, we found ourselves facing some of the most spectacular scenery Madeira has to offer: steep cliffs rising straight from the ocean, dotted with waterfalls and mysterious caves.
What Makes Madeira a Great Destination for Dolphin Watching?
Thanks to the deep waters surrounding the island and its year-round mild climate, Madeira is one of the best places in Europe for dolphin and whale watching. Several species of dolphins can be seen regularly, including bottlenose, common, and spotted dolphins.
Most tours leave from Funchal, Madeira’s capital, although trips are also available from Calheta or Machico. The southern coast is particularly well-suited for sightings due to calmer seas and deeper waters close to shore.
What’s It Like on a Madeira Dolphin Watching Trip?
The boat of our tour was a dream – a spacious, modern catamaran with a flybridge that gave us the perfect front-row seat to Madeira’s coastal drama. Francisco and his crew had thought of everything: local drinks and pastries, fresh towels, snorkel masks, and even someone snapping photos throughout the trip to capture the moments.
Click&Boat is all about making boating accessible to everyone – even those who have never set foot on a boat before. This trip was proof of that. Some of the travellers had never done anything like this before, but within minutes of boarding, shoes were off, sunglasses were on, and people were stretched out on soft cushions, fully embracing the boating experience.
Francisco shared that his tours are kept intentionally small: “We don’t take big groups. Everyone has space, and we can really talk, get to know each other. The atmosphere is what makes it special.”
And that atmosphere? It was unbeatable. Whether lounging on the various spots on deck, chatting over a cold drink, or jumping into the fresh Atlantic for a swim stop (yes, we all did it – and yes, in March it was cold but worth it!), the vibes were high and the mood relaxed.
Can You Always See Dolphins in Madeira?
This boat trip usually brings guests face-to-fin with dolphins, and you can tell the crew truly loves these encounters and is highly experienced in whale watching experiences. “We see dolphins and whales almost every day,” Francisco told us, “but sometimes, they’re just not around.”
That doesn’t stop some eager guests from turning every ripple into a potential dolphin sighting. Often, Francisco can hear gasps as soon as they leave port. “The first thing that moves, people are convinced it’s a dolphin, every wave gets the hopes up.” he laughed.
But honestly? We didn’t need flippers to be wowed. As we sailed along Madeira’s dramatic coast, one of the crew members shared stories about the towering cliffs and their secrets: waterfalls that only appear after rain, hidden beaches you can only reach by boat, and even a few solitary houses tucked into the rocks—secluded enough for peace and quiet, yet somehow rentable on Airbnb.
Toward the end of the trip the crew apologized that the dolphins hadn’t made an appearance that evening—but thanked us for choosing to come out to sea anyway. “Once you see them out here, in the wild, free and playful,” one of them said, “you’ll never want to see them any other way.”
How to Prepare for a Dolphin Boat Tour in Madeira: Tips from a Local Skipper
If you’re planning a boat trip in Madeira, Francisco has a few tips:
“First of all – wear comfortable clothing. You want to be able to move around and relax. And come prepared. Even if it’s sunny when we leave, this is a subtropical island – rain can show up out of nowhere. And most importantly: eat before you come on board! Sailing on the Atlantic waves is better with a full stomach.”
Francisco’s favourite thing about these trips? The people. “We get guests from all over the world. Small groups mean we can really talk and share stories.” The catamaran naturally sets the stage for unforgettable memories. “We’ve even had marriage proposals on board – not all of them successful,” he laughs, “but usually the atmosphere makes it a perfect setting.”
And you could feel exactly what he meant that evening. There was music, laughter, shared toasts, sea spray, and golden light dancing on the water.
What Makes a Madeira Boat Trip Unforgettable?
As we slowly made our way back to the harbour, the sun lit up the island in gold tones, slowly dipping behind the horizon and turning the sea into a canvas of purples and oranges. Under a sky slowly filling with stars, there was a quiet sense of contentment.
There’s something deeply relaxing about seeing a place from the water. Maybe it’s the perspective – how small everything feels when you’re surrounded by endless sea. Maybe it’s the freedom – no cars, no plans, just the wind and the waves. Or maybe, like Francisco said, it’s the people – when everyone’s on the same boat, literally, it’s easy to connect.
Our Madeira boat trip was a reminder of what makes Click&Boat unique. It’s not just about boats; it’s about the memories you create on them. With the right crew, a bit of sun, and a group of curious travellers, even a few hours on the water can turn into something unforgettable.
Interested in exploring more of Portugal by sea? Don’t miss our guide to boat trips in the Azores.
