It’s time to answer a question that almost all tourists have when they come to the island: when is the best time to go whale watching in Madeira?
With resident and migratory species living in the Atlantic Ocean next to Madeira, your chances of spotting whales and dolphins vary from season to season.
Many people don’t realise that the time of day is important, too. In this post, I’ll explain why I chose to go dolphin and whale watching in the morning instead of in the afternoon, as well as the best season for whale watching according to each species.
While you’re here, make sure to open a new tab with my guide to the best whale watching tours in Madeira, where I rank the best 6 tours based on reviews, ethical practices and cost.
I have also summarised absolutely everything you need to know in an easy-to-read guide to whale watching in Madeira.
Disclosure: This post may include affiliate links. If you decide to click through and make a qualifying purchase, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you – thanks for your support.
🐋 BEST WHALE WATCHING TOURS
1. Magic Dolphin eco catamaran: Affordable and ethical
2. Ventura speedboat: Best for preventing motion sickness
3. Blue Safari: Best for small-group tours
Best Season For Whale Watching in Madeira
The best months to go whale watching in Madeira are April to September. During this period, resident and migratory species are present.
However, the great thing about whale watching in Madeira is that your chances of spotting dolphins and whales remain high all year round.
My first sighting of pilot whales in Madeira
This is because resident species like pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins stay in Madeira for the entire year.
Which Species Can See You See According to the Seasons?
The short-finned pilot whale is the most common species in Madeira because it stays in the area all year round.
Sperm whales and beaked whales are also spotted all year round, but your chances of spotting them are lower.
Bottlenose dolphin
Meanwhile, for dolphins, bottlenose, common and Atlantic spotted dolphins are the most commonly seen
There are high chances of seeing bottlenose dolphins all year, whereas Atlantic spotted species are usually only seen from May to November.
| Species | Best Time to See Them | Chances of Spotting |
|---|---|---|
| Short-finned pilot whale | All year round | High |
| Sperm whales | All year round | Medium |
| Beaked whale | All year round | Medium |
| Bryde’s whale | June to September | Medium |
| Minke whale | All year round | Low |
| False killer whale | October to May | Low |
| Orca killer whale | March to September | Low |
| Fin whale | March to May | Medium |
| Sei whale | July to October | Medium |
| Humpback whale | March to May | Low |
| Blue whale | March to May | Low |
| Bottlenose dolphin | All year round | High |
| Atlantic spotted dolphin | May to November | High |
| Common dolphin | December to May | High |
| Striped dolphin | All year round | Medium |
| Risso’s dolphin | May to October | Low |
What Time of Day Should You Go Dolphin and Whale Watching in Madeira?
Tours in Madeira have two daily departures: morning (9am) and afternoon (2.30pm). Most tours last two to three hours.
1. Morning (9am – 12pm)
The morning is the best time to go whale and dolphin watching in Madeira. Not only are the sea conditions calmer in the morning, but whales and dolphins usually appear closer to the surface.
In the morning, the ocean surface has cooled during the night, which causes plankton and small fish to rise to the surface.
The whales and dolphins then chase their prey, small fish and squid, to the surface.
On my morning tour on the Magic Dolphin eco catamaran, I spotted several pods of pilot whales and a pod of bottlenose dolphins. The onboard marine biologist explained they were likely hunting for food.
The lighting is also good for whale watching in the morning, because the sun sits lower in the sky, making it easier to spot fins, spouts and tails. This also lends well to photography.
The downside of whale watching in the morning? Most tourists book the morning tour for the same reasons listed above, so they can be busy.
When there are 20-30 people trying to get the same view, the experience can quickly start to feel frustrating.
In retrospect, as a short person, I might have preferred a small-group tour such as the Blue Safari tour.
2. Afternoon (2.30pm – 5.30pm)
Afternoon tours still offer very good chances of spotting dolphins and whales – just not quite as optimal as the morning.
The trade-off is that the weather is warmer, the tours are less crowded and the sun is higher in the sky, which produces more dramatic shadows for photography.
Dolphins are known to become more social playful in the afternoon, even riding waves or boat wakes.
Whales are usually slightly less active than in the morning, but large whales like sperm whales can sometimes be seen resting (logging) near the surface when the water is calm.
That’s all for this guide to the best time to go whale watching in Madeira. I hope you found it useful!