Aboard · DOLPHIN WATCHING
Dolphins turn up close to shore, so these are shorter and cheaper than whale trips, and far better for children. The 15 below cover the Canaries, the Algarve and the Gulf coast, with running times and no-chase policies.
Join Travelin Lady from Los Cristianos for a 90-minute whale and dolphin trip on a purpose-built eco-yacht. Guides including Ines explain the wildlife in several languages, while the small, stable boat visits the Cave of Love and pauses for swimming and snorkeling when conditions allow.
“Watched whales, dolphins, and dolphins. Nice sunny weather and kids swam in the ocean.”
From Puerto Los Cristianos, you sail aboard the Bahriyeli with certified multilingual guides who explain Tenerife’s whales, dolphins, turtles, and ocean habitat. The strict no-chase rule means animals set the pace. Expect open-air viewing, an indoor salon, and no swim stop during this two-hour trip.
“Crewe were really knowledgeable. well organised... no chase policy.”
Cruise Madeira’s southern coast for three hours aboard Magic Dolphin, a purpose-built hybrid-electric catamaran. Land-based spotters help locate dolphins, whales, turtles, and seabirds, while certified guides explain the wildlife. Expect large viewing nets, two decks, toilets, a bar, and striking views of Cabo Girão.
“We were so lucky, we saw 4 sperm whales - it was amazing! The staff were wonderful and very knowledgeable about the species, giving us lots of information about these phenomenal mammals. My only suggestion would be to suggest that children should be at least 5 to be able to enjoy such a trip.”
Join Dream Wave Algarve for a 2 to 2.5 hour speedboat trip from Albufeira to Benagil. Guides such as Ana and skippers including Ruben explain the coast, enter the cave when conditions allow, stop for a swim, and search for dolphins in the wild.
“Thoroughly enjoyed every second of the trip Ana was very informative and interesting We were lucky enough to find a pod of dolphins which was great. Unfortunately, weather conditions prohibited entry into the caves but was still enjoyable and definitely worth the money”
Join Costasol Cruceros aboard the New Magic for a 100-minute dolphin-watching cruise from Benalmádena. Your captain and crew search for dolphins in open water, with shaded seating, a bar, restrooms, music, underwater viewing windows, and a possible summer swim stop. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed, but a future ticket is half price if none appear.
“Great value for money and great service on board too. We were lucky to spot a pod of dolphins and managed to spend time watching them.”
Set out from Funchal Marina aboard the Seaborn Catamaran for three hours of wildlife watching, island views, and a seasonal swim stop beneath Cabo Girão. The English and Portuguese crew explain the species you see, collect rubbish from the sea, and serve drinks for purchase at the onboard bar.
“Great experience! We saw some dolphins and whales, and ended the trip with a relaxing swim next to a stunning cliff point, definitely recommend!”
Sail from Puerto Colón into Tenerife’s Teno-Rasca Whale Sanctuary on a quiet, fuel-efficient catamaran. The crew, including captains Carlos and Miguel, explains the marine life, plays underwater sounds, serves snacks and drinks, and stops for a swim. Choose three or five hours.
“The trip was beautiful and we saw some turtles and pilot whales. The crew were really careful around the sea life and turned off the engines as soon as they felt they should. They were helpful and kind. One thing you need to be aware of (and there are plenty of warnings on the booking) is that it is very rough far out into the ocean and a fair few people were very seasick. It’s a wonderful trip and the crew were absolutely amazing with everyone who was ill but don’t let it ruin your trip and take tablets beforehand. Thank you to the crew for looking after my son…”
Sail from Puerto Base in search of dolphins, pilot whales, and minke whales, with views of Gran Canaria’s coast along the way. Watch from deck or below through glass panels, then stop near Taurito for swimming, snorkeling, and the onboard slide. Hotel pickup is optional.
“Fabulous trip. Seen lots of dolphins and flying fish. Fabulous opportunity to swim in the little cove aswell. Very much recommended”
Spend eight hours at sea with Go Shalabi, visiting Orange Bay, Giftun and Magawish Islands. Expect guided snorkeling, dolphin watching, breakfast, seafood lunch and unlimited drinks. Guides such as Ashraf, Ahmed and Talal help swimmers of different abilities, while the crew keeps the day lively and well organized.
“We had an amazing day out with Abobakr, Mohammed, and Mohammed!! Food was great, we were well looked after, beaches were beautiful, and snorkelling was amazing! If we could, we would have loved to be able to stay on each island just a little bit longer, especially Orange bay, as there’s so many places to take great photos there and then you run out of time to just relax. Otherwise wouldn’t change a thing! Thank you for a great day out!!”
From Los Gigantes Port, the Masca Express takes you into the Teno-Rasca Whale Sanctuary to look for pilot whales and dolphins, then along the cliffs before a swim stop in Masca, Barranco Seco, or Juan López. A cold drink is included, and guides such as Alejandro add local sea-life insight.
“A nice boat trip with skilled skippers. We saw pilot whales and dolphins.The Los Gigantes cliffs where impressive.It is worth going!”
Sail from Panama City Beach to Shell Island aboard Island Time’s roomy catamaran. Captain Keith, Clay, Heath, Sarah, Emma, and other crew members help with dolphin spotting, snorkeling, paddle boards, music, drinks, and the waterslide during this 3-hour outing.
“Tons of fun, great crew worth every penny. Loved seeing dolphins on the way out, shell island was amazing, saw even more dolphins on the way back”
From Albufeira Marina, ride a fast semi-rigid boat along 18 km of Algarve coast with a skipper and marine biologist. Search for wild dolphins, visit Benagil Cave if conditions permit, hear stories about the coast, and stop for a swim when the sea is calm.
“Absolutely fantastic. We didn’t see any dolphins this time but the caves were wonderful and the guides were so helpful.”
Join the Magic Dolphin for a two-hour wildlife cruise from Morro Jable. Search for dolphins, pilot whales, turtles, and flying fish with Spanish, English, or German guidance, then stop for a swim in Jandia. Drinks, a toilet, and optional resort pickup are included.
“Nimo and Fran were excellent captain and guide saw 3 pods of dolphins. Good explanations and comfortable boat to speed through the bay.”
Join Peter Pan from Los Cristianos for a two-hour, Blue Flag certified cruise with live commentary in five languages. Look for pilot whales, dolphins, and seabirds without chasing them, then take an optional 15 to 20 minute swim stop if the sea is calm.
“A very friendly crew. The boat was lovely to travel in.”
Board Ragnarok at Los Cristianos Harbour for a two-hour cruise along Tenerife’s south coast. A multilingual English and Spanish crew helps spot pilot whales and dolphins, while Viking décor, music, shaded seating, a bar, toilets, and wheelchair access keep the trip comfortable.
“Definitely worth the price. Staff were all friendly. Nice time out on the ocean spotting the whales and Dolphins. Would recommend.”
Pick a river, a coast or a harbour.
