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Overview

Madeira is one of Europe’s leading whale and dolphin watching destinations.

The Madeiran archipelago is one of the best places to observe ocean wildlife: spotted dolphins, sperm whales, storm petrels and cory’s shearwaters can be seen throughout the year, with loggerhead turtles, risso’s dolphins, bryde’s whales and pilot whales joining them at seasonal points in the year.

Whale tourism is key to the ecology of the Atlantic Ocean, helping to support cetacean studies and conservation. Trips to sea are much more than simply whale and dolphin watching – in the capable hands of our resident marina biologists, you’ll learn about the natural habitats of whales, the behavioural patterns of dolphins, and you’ll hear how different cetacean species communicate.

You’ll also have some time on dry land to explore Madeira’s spectacular landscapes: the rugged river valleys of the east, the secluded Curral das Freiras mountain retreat, and the remote seacliffs and celebrated swimming spots in the north.

Your home for the week is the seafront Hotel Quinta da Penha da Franca – it’s a shjort stroll on the quayside to Funchal’s marina, the stepping off point for your trips to sea, and the Madeiran capital’s best restaurants and café bars are a short taxi ride away.

Gallery

Itinerary

Day 1

You'll begin your holiday with a flight to Madeira. Our driver will collect you on arrival for your transfer into Funchal.

Day 2

We’ll leave your first morning free to you can relax and explore Funchal: capital of Madeira and the island’s bustling, cultural centre. In the afternoon, you’ll head down to the marina for the first of four whale and dolphin watching trip. The waters around Madeira are one of the best places to observe cetaceans and ocean wildlife, and Atlantic spotted dolphins and sperm whales can be seen throughout the year.

Day 3

You’ll return to the marina this morning for your second whale and dolphin watching trip, beginning at 8:45. In the afternoon, you might like to take the Teleferico cable car from Almirante Reis up to the Monte Palace Tropical Gardens, returning via the famous Carro de Cesto wicker toboggans.

Day 4

You’ll have a day on dry land, explore the river valleys and coastal towns of eastern Madeira with our resident guide. Your day includes visits to Pico do Arieiro, the miradouro at Balcoes, the Casas Tradicionais in Santana and the Ponta de Sao Lourenco peninsula.

Day 5

You’ll head back down to the marina for your third whale and dolphin watching trip. In the afternoon, you’ll explore central Madeira with a visit to the Curral das Freiras Nun’s Valley and the infamous miradouro at Cabo Girao.

Day 6

You’ll take a tour of northwest Madeira with visits to the Paul de Serra, the natural swimming pools at Porto Moniz and the Casacata Veu da Noiva Bridal Veil waterfall. You’ll also have the option to walk the Rabacal trail to the famous 25 Fontes lagoon.

Day 7

You’ll return to Funchal marina for your fourth and final whale and dolphin watching trip. Once you’re back on dryland, you might like to end your holiday with a tour of Blandy’s wine lodge where you can learn about the four main styles of Madeira wine: Sercial, Verdelho, Boal and Malvazia.

Day 8

You'll be transferred to the airport for your flight home.

From £1700 per person

We can create a tailor-made holiday to suit your budget.

INCLUDED: return flights from the UK, accommodation in a twin/double en-suite room on a B&B basis, return airport transfers, four whale and dolphin watching trips, two full-day guied tours and one half-day guided tour.

Accommodation

Hotel Quinta da Penha de Franca

Activities

Guided Tours Our Guided Tours are the best way to explore Madeira and Porto…

Location

Funchal Funchal's a friendly city that’s easily explored on foot, and the Teleferico…

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