Rota dos Cetáceos is dedicated to the observation of dolphins and whales in Madeira Island. Our dolphin and whale tours are always accompanied by our marine biologists team. Before each trip there is a short introduction, then the adventure starts! We have lookouts on land who guides us to the animals in vessels fully equipped for observing wild dolphins and whales. You can even swim with dolphins in Madeira, a truely unforgettable experience! During our trips, you might observe a large diversity of Dolphins, whales and turtles on Madeira Island sea.

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Meet the Dolphins and Whales of Madeira

Throughout the year we can see 28 different species of cetaceans. The most frequent are:

See Why Rota dos Cetáceos is Highly Rated!

Great Fun!

Great couple of hours on a very fast (35 knots) semi-rigid inflatable dolphin and whale watching. Unfortunately we didn't see any whales but did see masses of dolphins, including mothers and babies. Very well organised, completely safe, great commentary, immense fun. And sitting at the back of the boat we got soaked from the spray, but who cares!!

– wendyanddavid536, TripAdvisor

Go for a swim with dolphins!

Had a great experience! A few people on the boat are allowed to swim (conditions permitting) as an extra you can book. As there were no whales in sight we spent all our time with the dolphins (which may have disappointed some but was exactly what I wanted), and I got to swim with the pod! I brought my own full-face snorkeling mask for that, which I would personally recommend. I feel I had a better experience than the other swimmers using eye-only masks and no snorkel.

– JJ81G, TripAdvisor

Great Experience

We were lucky with sunshine, calm sea conditions, and sightings: common and bottle-nose dolphins, and pilot whales. However, we also felt the staff were doing their best to give us the best experience while protecting the interests of the animals. Tried a different company the next day and quite different. So, happy to recommend this team highly.

– Martin, TripAdvisor

Great time exploring sea life

We loved our experience of Whale & Dolphin watching. We did the half day exersion and saw Pilot Whales, Dolphin and a gorgeous sunfish. The staff made us feel very safe and gave a great explanation of their conservation and preservation efforts. You can tell they love and care about what they do.

– Debra O., TripAdvisor

They really know their stuff

Had a great time the afternoon on this tour. There were plenty of pilot whales but little else, so we were taken on a tour of the western cliffs and farms beside them.

– phobic1d, TripAdvisor

Magical moments

A chance to see whales and dolphins was too good a chance not to miss- a great set up and knowledgeable guide but always depending on the stars off the show to turn up! We encountered Atlantic Dolphins and for a few special moments I was in the water almost touching them, a magical few moments ! Then a juvenile sperm whale going about it’s business and then a pair of female pilot whales. Even without the stars of the show you felt safe

– Simon J., TripAdvisor