Science & Conservation

Science & Conservation at Blue Safari Madeira

At Blue Safari Madeira, whale watching goes far beyond observation. We are actively involved in scientific research, conservation initiatives, and educational projects that contribute to the long-term protection of marine life in Madeira and the wider Atlantic Ocean.

Our work is rooted in collaboration with respected research institutions, NGOs, and international databases, ensuring that every encounter at sea has a purpose.

Scientific Collaboration & Research Projects

Photo-Identification & Population Studies

We actively collaborate in photo-identification (Photo-ID) projects to help researchers understand migration patterns, population dynamics, and individual behavior of cetaceans.

In partnership with Museu da Baleia da Madeira
In collaboration with MARE – Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre

High-quality images collected during our trips are used to identify individual whales and dolphins, contributing valuable long-term data to regional and international research programs. Photos are also used for local research projects and to create Photo ID catalogues.

Featured in National Geographic

Blue Safari Madeira’s scientific work has reached a global audience — we were featured in a National Geographic article that highlighted a rare and significant encounter with killer whales (Orcinus orca) off the coast of Madeira. The article documents astonishing footage of a pod of orcas hunting a pygmy sperm whale, one of only a few such observations recorded worldwide, and includes contributions and observations from our team’s research at sea. This recognition in one of the world’s most respected nature publications underscores our role in advancing marine science and raising awareness of cetacean behaviour and conservation.

You can check out the article here

Contribution to Happywhale

Blue Safari Madeira is a contributing partner to Happywhale, the global platform that connects whale sightings worldwide.

By submitting verified photo-identification data, we help:

Track individual whales across oceans
Improve knowledge of migration routes
Support open-access scientific research

This global collaboration strengthens conservation efforts far beyond Madeira.

Killer Whale Research & Scientific Publication

OUR research

Download here

Our commitment to research is backed by peer-reviewed science.
Blue Safari Madeira has co-authored and published a scientific article on killer whales (Orcinus orca), contributing new insights into their presence and behavior in the waters around Madeira.

This publication reinforces our role as an active research partner, not just an observer.

Proud Member of WHA (Whale Heritage Areas)

Blue Safari Madeira is a proud stakeholder of WHA – Whale Heritage Areas, a global initiative that recognises destinations committed to responsible whale watching, marine conservation, and community engagement.

Being part of WHA means our operations:

Follow internationally recognised best practices
Support research and conservation of cetaceans
Promote sustainable marine tourism
Actively engage with the local community and scientific institutions

This recognition reinforces Blue Safari Madeira’s role as a trusted, conservation-driven whale watching operator in Madeira.

Marine Turtle Monitoring & Conservation

We collaborate closely with the Marine Laboratory of Funchal on projects focused on tracking and monitoring marine turtles.

Our involvement includes:

Reporting sightings
Supporting monitoring efforts at sea
Contributing observational data used in conservation strategies

These efforts help protect vulnerable turtle populations and improve understanding of their movements around the archipelago.

Supporting Local Cultural & Environmental Events

We actively support and participate in events that promote ocean awareness and cultural engagement, including:

Whale Festival
Martístico
Other community and environmental initiatives in Madeira

Media Recognition & Community Events

Blue Safari Madeira is not only active in research and conservation but also in community engagement and ocean awareness events. We were recently featured in local media for our participation in Ocean Movie Night Madeira, an initiative celebrating marine life through film and education. This coverage highlights our commitment to promoting ocean literacy, inspiring conservation, and connecting the public with the wonders of Madeira’s marine ecosystem.

These events help bridge science, art, culture, and conservation, reaching a wider audience with meaningful impact.

Blue Safari Madeira has been featured on French national TV, including TF1, highlighting our work in marine wildlife conservation and responsible whale and dolphin watching. Watch the video below to see how we combine thrilling encounters with scientific and conservation efforts.

Whale Watching With a Purpose

Every trip with Blue Safari Madeira contributes to:

Scientific research
Conservation initiatives
Education and awareness
Responsible marine tourism

By choosing Blue Safari Madeira, you are directly supporting ethical whale watching, scientific discovery, and the protection of marine ecosystems for future generations.

Speed Boat or Catamaran for Whale Watching in Madeira? Why We Choose the Speed Boat

Speed Boat or Catamaran for Whale Watching in Madeira? Why We Choose the Speed Boat

When it comes to whale and dolphin watching in Madeira, one of the most common questions we hear is:
“Should I choose a catamaran or a speed boat for the tour?”

At Blue Safari Madeira, we proudly operate with custom-built speed boats — and here’s why we believe it’s the best way to experience marine wildlife in the waters around Madeira.

1. Speed Means More Sightings

Our speed boats are faster and more agile, which allows us to cover a much wider area of ocean in less time. This increased range boosts our chances of finding multiple species of dolphins and whales in a single outing. While catamarans follow a more fixed route and pace, our boats can quickly respond to real-time sightings and updates from our professional spotters on land.

2. A Closer, More Intimate Experience

Speed boats offer a small-group experience, which means:

Less crowding
More personalized attention
Better photo opportunities

You’re closer to the water and to the action. You’ll feel the magic of a pod of dolphins swimming just meters away or the powerful presence of a whale surfacing nearby — all without being packed on a large vessel.

3. Environmentally Conscious and Respectful

Our boats are specially designed for minimal impact, and our experienced marine biologists ensure that every encounter respects the animals’ natural behavior. Being smaller and more maneuverable, speed boats can observe from a respectful distance without disturbing the wildlife, unlike larger vessels that may struggle to adapt to animal movement.

4. More Adventure, Less Waiting

Let’s face it — a speed boat is simply more exciting. The thrill of gliding across the Atlantic in search of whales and dolphins adds an adventurous edge to your day. No long waits to board, no large groups — just the ocean, the animals, and you.

Why Not a Catamaran?

Catamarans are great for those who prefer a relaxed, scenic cruise. They offer bar service and plenty of lounging space, but they usually host larger groups and follow slower, less flexible routes. If your main goal is spotting marine life up close and maximizing your time with the animals, the speed boat is the clear winner.

Come See for Yourself!

Join us on a speed boat tour in Funchal and experience Madeira’s marine life the way it’s meant to be seen — up close, respectfully, and guided by experts.
We’re confident you’ll walk away with unforgettable memories (and maybe a few amazing photos too!).

👉 Book your speed boat whale watching tour with Blue Safari Madeira today!

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.

A Guide to Spectacular Sightings

27 November 2023 8 January 2026
Marco Faccio
Non classé
dolphins, Guide, Madeira Island, Migratory species, resident species, whale watching

Whale watching in Madeira Island with Blue Safari Madeira

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.

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.

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).

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.

Whales and dolphins of Madeira

whales and dolphin madeira tours funchal

Here some of the species we can encounter

Madeira's whales and dolphins

Atlantic spotted dolphins

Atlantic spotted dolphins are fast swimmers and are active at the surface, often performing acrobatics and surfing in the waves created by boats.

They live only in warm and tropical water areas of the Atlantic Ocean. They usually form groups of five to 50 individuals but sometimes travel in groups of up to 200.

Other names: spotted dolphin; Atlantic spotter; bridled dolphin

whale dolphins watching madeira funchal tour

Sperm Whale

Sperm whales are totally unique. Colossal giants of the deep, their presence commands reverent awe.

They possess the largest brain in the animal kingdom and spend much of their lives in the light-starved depths of the oceans hunting prey.

Fin Whale

Some whales are big, some are fast, some have unusual looks. The fin whale somehow manages all three.

Nicknamed ‘the greyhounds of the sea’, fin whales are the second biggest mammals in the world.

Other names: Finner; Razorback; Finback; Flathead; Common rorqual; Herring whale

Bryde's Whale

The only baleen whales to spend their entire lives in tropical and subtropical waters, these great whales are over 44 tons of sheer awesomeness.

Both the identity and the exact number of Bryde’s whales are a bit of a grey area. As well as ‘ordinary’ Bryde’s whales found in the Pacific, Indian and Atlantic oceans, there are also one or smaller forms who tend to prefer more coastal waters. Currently, though their status is unclear, with only two sub-species recognised for sure: B. e. brydei (offshore Bryde’s whale) and B. e. edeni (Eden’s whale).

Other names: Common Bryde’s whale; Pygmy Bryde’s whale; Tropical whale; Eden’s whale

Bottlenose dolphin

Along with great apes, elephants and humans, common bottlenose dolphins have one of the most sophisticated intellects on our planet.

Exploited by the ‘entertainment’ industry for years, common bottlenose dolphins are the most widely recognised species of dolphin. Watching a pod of common bottlenose dolphins hunting or playing together is an experience that will stay with you for life.

Other names: Bottle-nosed dolphin; Bottlenose dolphin

BLAINVILLE’S BEAKED WHALE

With its steeply arched jaw, Blainville’s beaked whale is both striking and easily recognisable.

Known for its unmistakable arch, Blainville’s beaked whale’s lower jaw curves sharply upwards. Especially striking, the male’s arch is topped with prominent tusks that point upwards past the upper jaw. Denser than elephant ivory, these distinctive features have earned Blainville’s beaked whales the epithet “dense-beaked whales”.

Other names: Dense-beaked whale

PILOT WHALE

The pilot whale is recognizable by its globular head and its long, low and rounded dorsal fin.

Mainly black, the pilot whale nevertheless has an anchor-shaped spot on its belly. It’s also one of the most social cetaceans, which even goes so far as to maintain physical contact with its peers during rest sessions!

Other names: Globi