Whale and dolphin watching in Madeira – why you should definitely head out to sea
Hiking in Madeira? Sure. Yoga, poncha, and sunsets? Also.
But what many people underestimate is that this island also has an incredible amount to offer underwater.
Between the deep blue Atlantic Ocean and steep coastal cliffs, whales, dolphins, turtles, and other sea creatures frolic all year round.
How a few photos sparked my desire to see the sea
I have been on a whale watching tour myself, but I usually only do things like that when friends or family come to visit. You know how it is—what is a highlight for others quickly becomes something you “do again sometime” in your everyday life.
Recently, however, an acquaintance from Paul do Mar, who works at Lobosonda in Calheta, sent me a series of great photos—including impressive shots of whales and dolphins. The pictures I am able to show in this blog post are not mine, but were taken by someone who sees these animals regularly. And I must admit: after seeing the photos, I really felt like going out there myself again.
On the Atlantic
The waters around Madeira are considered to be particularly rich in species. Over twenty different species of whales and dolphins have already been sighted. Depending on the season, you may encounter sperm whales, pilot whales, fin whales, or bottlenose dolphins—some species are only there temporarily, while others, such as dolphins, can be observed almost all year round.
What I particularly like about the tours with Lobosonda is that they are calm, respectful, and mindful. The team not only has a wealth of knowledge, but also a great love for the sea. The animals are not hunted or harassed, but are allowed to remain at their own pace and in their own space—which makes every encounter all the more special.
My tour tip: Lobosonda Calheta
The tours start at the small port of Calheta. You can choose between a traditional wooden boat and a fast Zodiac, depending on whether you prefer a leisurely or adventurous trip. And if you’re unlucky and don’t see any animals, you’ll get the chance to take part in a second tour free of charge.
If you now feel like seeing whales or dolphins in Madeira yourself, I have a little bonus for you:
Use the code VAMOS to get a €4 discount per person when booking via www.lobosonda.com.
Encounters on the shore
Even without a boat, Madeira can surprise you. For example, last week in Paul do Mar, I saw a turtle and swam over it, and once I spotted a small shark on my SUP. And some time ago, I even had a completely unexpected encounter with a monk seal, one of the rarest seal species in the world. If you want to know more about this moment, you can find my blog post about it here – it was one of those moments you never forget.
Conclusion: Not just hiking – experience the sea too
One thing is certain for me: Madeira is not just a hiker’s paradise. The island has so much more to offer—especially if you are willing to turn your gaze toward the water. A boat trip on the Atlantic Ocean, the play of the waves, the vastness, and perhaps an encounter with a sea creature—these are experiences that will stay with you forever.
So, if you’re here, take the time to go out to sea and just drift along. And maybe, who knows, a dolphin will jump past your boat at that very moment.
This post is also available in: German
