When Is the Best Time to See Whales in Madeira?

Madeira is one of the best places in Europe for whale watching, offering unforgettable encounters with these magnificent creatures all year round. Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, a nature-loving traveler, or simply looking to experience something extraordinary during your holiday, you don’t want to miss a whale watching tour with Blue Safari Madeira. But when is the best time to go?

Whale Watching in Madeira: A Year-Round Adventure

Unlike many other destinations, Madeira boasts resident species of whales and dolphins that can be seen throughout the year. These include:

  • Sperm whales

  • Short-finned pilot whales

  • Bottlenose dolphins

  • Atlantic spotted dolphins (seasonal)

However, different species visit the waters around Madeira at different times of the year—so depending on when you visit, you may have the chance to spot some real ocean giants.

 

Spring to Early Summer (April to July): The Peak Season

If you’re aiming for the best chance to see a wide variety of whale species, this is the time to come.

During these months, you might encounter:

  • Fin whales – the second-largest animal on the planet

  • Sei whales – sleek and fast, usually passing close to the coastline

  • Bryde’s whales – tropical visitors that often surprise with close surface swims

  • Beaked whales – elusive but occasionally spotted in deep waters

  • Atlantic spotted dolphins – playful and often seen in large groups during warmer months

This period offers excellent weather, calm seas, and a high diversity of both resident and migratory species.

Autumn to Winter (October to March): Quiet, But Still Rewarding

Although there’s a drop in migratory species during the cooler months, there are still incredible opportunities for whale watching. Species like:

  • Sperm whales and

  • Pilot whales

  • Common Dolphins

can be seen year-round, often in calm groups or family pods. With fewer boats on the water, autumn and winter tours also offer a more tranquil and personal experience with nature.

What to Expect on a Tour with Blue Safari Madeira

We operate with marine biologists on board and use spotters on land to guide our boats toward the best sightings. All tours are run with a deep respect for marine life—no feeding, chasing, or disturbing the animals—just pure observation in their natural environment.

Final Tips

  • Book in advance, especially in spring and summer.

  • Bring sunscreen, a hat, and a windbreaker—it can get breezy at sea.

  • Don’t forget your camera (but also take a moment to just watch and enjoy!).

No matter when you visit Madeira, the ocean has a story to tell—and whales are some of its most majestic characters. Join us at Blue Safari Madeira and be part of the adventure.

Ready to go whale watching? Book your tour here and let nature amaze you.

Discovering Madeira’s Diverse Cetacean Wonderland: A Guide to Spectacular Sightings

Madeira boasts a stunning array of over 26 cetacean species, solidifying its position as a premier global destination for observing these magnificent animals. Among the resident species available for encounters year-round are Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus), short-finned pilot whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus), and sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus). Seasonally, varying species make appearances depending on factors like the season and sea temperature.

whales madeira

 

Throughout the summer months, typically from April to October, visitors can expect frequent sightings of Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis), Bryde’s whales (Balaenoptera edeni), Striped dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalb), Sei whales (Balaenoptera borealis), Cuvier’s beaked whales (Ziphius cavirostris), Risso’s dolphins (Grampus griseus), and Rough Toothed dolphins (Steno bredanensis). Winter brings opportunities to witness resident species along with the arrival of Short-beaked Common dolphins (Delphinus delphis) from December to April.

dolphins whales madeira
Situated in the North Atlantic Ocean, the Archipelago of Madeira serves as a location to observe migrating cetaceans like humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae), blue whales (Balaenoptera musculus), and Fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus).

dolphins whales tour madeira funchal
While rarer in sightings, orcas (Orcinus orca), false killer whales (Pseudorca crassidens), Fraser’s dolphins (Lagenodelphis hosei), and other species have also been spotted in Madeira’s waters, adding an element of excitement to the experience.