Dolphins Experience
Funchal (Portugal)
Location
OUR BOAT
Our boat is a 300-horsepower speed boat, allowing us to move quickly to increase our chances of encounters. The manoeuvrability of the boat allows us a controlled and serene approach. Our boat is equipped with a very quiet engine, for your comfort and one of the cetaceans.
SMALL GROUPS
AZUL DIVING offers trips in small groups, 12 people maximum, to give you a unique and more intimate experience. You will be accompanied on board by our Marine Biologist.
We might offer you the possibility to enter the water with the dolphins if the following conditions are met:
- Correct species: Common dolphins or Spotted Dolphins
- Good sea conditions
- No juvenile dolphins in the pod
- The animals are not avoiding the boat and do not show signs of stress
Madeira’s regulations are strict to preserve the natural habitat, and for this reason, is not always possible to get in the water. It is possible only with 2 species of dolphins only: common and spotted dolphins as you enter the water in groups of 4, remaining safely connected to the boat at all times.
Advantages of a Speed boat tour:
Fewer people than a catamaran trip (+100), this is an intimate and familiar tour that takes a maximum of 12 persons.
Powerful engines ensure you can cover larger distances quickly, giving you more chances to see multiple groups of whales or dolphins.
You can observe marine life from really close distances
Lots of fun and adrenaline
No motion sickness
Animal Welfare Principles
Our Experiences go beyond the typical tours and classes. Designed and led by inspiring locals, hosts use their expertise to immerse each guest in a unique world. For experiences that include animals, we are committed to protecting their welfare.
These guidelines were created in consultation with World Animal Protection, an organization committed to improving the lives of animals. They apply to experiences involving wild animals in the wild and in captivity, as well as domesticated animals under human care. We believe all animals should be respected for their intrinsic value and role in the global ecosystem, so experiences that violate these guidelines or otherwise threaten the welfare and/or conservation of animals are not what we believe in.
What's included?
- Life jacket,
- Wetsuit
- mask and snorkel
- Certified guide
Exclusions
- Food and drinks
Please Note
SIGHTING GUARANTEED: In our Whale watching and Swimming with Dolphins activity, we cannot predict if it will be only dolphins, only whales, or both on a single tour since we work with wild animals, and their behaviour is unpredictable. However, we guarantee to sight at least one dolphin or whale species! If no dolphins and no whale species are sighted during the tour which is extremely rare, the customer will have the possibility of another free tour, or in case of unavailability due to weather conditions, a free trip voucher valid for 2 years.
RULES: Madeira’s regulations for swimming with wild dolphins are quite strict in order to preserve the subtle natural balance that these magnificent animals deserve. And we totally agree with that. It is possible to get in the water with 2 species of dolphins, Common Dolphins and Spotted Dolphins. Due to environmental and behavioural factors, we cannot guarantee that we will always enter in water but our crew will always do everything possible for a successful trip. The success rate of the trips is 90%. In case swimming is not possible or if we see whales or dolphins we cannot swim with, you will be refunded the difference between the price of the observation trip and the swimming trip.
What do I need to bring?
- Please arrive with your swimwear ready.
- A light jacket is recommended
Meeting Points
Cancellation Policy
Please contact WorldGift for more information.