Madeira sea and adventure: dolphins and canyoning
At sea, dolphins and whales all year round; in the mountain streams, canyoning for beginners. Always with licensed operators.
In short. Dolphin and whale watching trips last about 2 to 3 hours and leave from Funchal, Calheta, Machico and Caniçal; beginners’ canyoning often takes place in the Ribeira das Cales, above Funchal. Both activities are run by licensed operators, and we get the price for your day from them.
These are the activities we organise with partners: licensed operators on the island, with their own boats and guides.
For both, the sea and the rain decide whether they go ahead on the booked day.
Sea and adventure · 2 tours
Whale and dolphin watching
Boat trips with licensed operators
With a licensed operator
Canyoning for beginners
Ribeira das Cales, a first canyon descent
With a licensed operator
A tailor-made tour
Tell us what you’d like to see, when, and how many of you there are
No-obligation proposal
Side by side
| Tour | Duration | Route | Level | Official cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Whale and dolphin watching | 2 to 3 hrs by boat | By boat | 1 of 5, easy | With a licensed operator |
| Canyoning for beginners | 2 to 3 hrs in the stream | 850 m of stream | 3 of 5, moderate | With a licensed operator |
Tips before you set off
- Ask what happens if there are no sightings: some operators offer another trip.
- For canyoning, check the minimum age and the level of the canyon.
- Take a light jacket for the boat and a change of clothes for after the canyon.
Frequently asked questions
Are dolphins guaranteed?
No: sightings are frequent, but no operator guarantees them.
How much does it cost?
The price is set by each operator. We ask for a proposal with a fixed price for your day.
Other types of tour
Levadas
Water channels with a path alongside, through the forest. Three to choose from, from a family stroll to a full day out.
3 tours
Peaks and trails
The mountains at the heart of the island and the eastern peninsula: two very different trails, the same 2026 rules.
2 tours
Island tours
For those who want to see a lot without walking much: two days on the road, one for each side of the island.
2 tours
In Funchal
The city and Monte in a day or two: the market, the painted doors, Madeira wine, the cable car and the toboggans.
2 tours
Can’t find your tour? We’ll tailor one for you.
Tell us what you’d like to see, when, and how many of you there are. We’ll reply with a proposal, with no obligation.