On the water · DOLPHIN WATCHING BOAT TRIPS

Dolphin Watching by Boat: 15 to Book

123 tours  ·  from $13 a head

Resident pods beat lucky ones, which is why the same few coasts appear again and again. These 15 cover the Algarve, the Canaries and Madeira, priced per person and honest about chase policy and how long you are actually out.

Tenerife: Eco-Yacht Whale and Dolphin Watching and Swimming - Why the Travelin Lady feels different
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Tenerife: Eco-Yacht Whale and Dolphin Watching and Swimming

1.Eco-Yacht Whale and Dolphin Watching and Swimming

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 15,619 reviews · 1.5 hours · from $13Our pick

Set out from Los Cristianos on the Travelin Lady, Tenerife’s purpose-built whale-watching eco-yacht. In 90 minutes, look for pilot whales, dolphins, turtles, and other marine life, visit the Cave of Love, then swim and snorkel if conditions allow. Guides including Ines explain the animals in four languages.

“absolutely brilliant, can't recommend enough! our guide Ines was bubbly and kind and checked on everyone and was full of facts. I was travelling solo and she came over to talk and tell me things multiple times, highly recommend. Our captain Sergio was fantastic, he got us close and kept us smooth, spotting and turning at all the right points. We saw lots of whales and a small pod of dolphins, super experience, very good value for money. no complaints.”

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Los Cristianos Respectful No-Chase Whale and Dolphin Safari - From Zone A to open water
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Los Cristianos Respectful No-Chase Whale and Dolphin Safari

2.Los Cristianos Respectful No-Chase Whale and Dolphin Safari

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 12,782 reviews · 2 hours · from $29

Sail from Puerto Los Cristianos aboard the Bahriyeli, a spacious ketch with open decks and an indoor salon. Certified guides explain pilot whales, dolphins, turtles, and the local ecosystem in Spanish, English, French, German, and Italian. The strict no-chase rule means no swimming stop, but it gives marine life the time and space to approach naturally.

“Lovely trip, we saw dolphins, whales and even turtles. So surprised to see so many and so up close but there was no chasing whatsoever. It was peaceful, calm and respectful. The guides were very informative. Just get there early because it was super busy and a little difficult for later arrivals to sit their whole group together.”

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From Funchal: Ecological Catamaran Dolphin Whale Watching - Leaving Funchal Marina for open water
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From Funchal: Ecological Catamaran Dolphin Whale Watching

3.From Funchal: Ecological Catamaran Dolphin Whale Watching

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 8,204 reviews · 3 hours · from $41

Set out from Funchal Marina aboard the 2022 Magic Dolphin, Madeira’s purpose-built hybrid-electric whale-watching catamaran. Land-based spotters help locate wildlife, while certified guides explain the species you see. Look for dolphins, pilot whales, sperm whales, turtles, and seabirds, then return past Cabo Girão and Câmara de Lobos.

“A lovely afternoon and highly recommended. The highlight was seeing pilot whales 🐋”

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Albufeira: Benagil Caves & Dolphin Watching Speed Boat Tour - From Albufeira Marina to the open coast
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Albufeira: Benagil Caves & Dolphin Watching Speed Boat Tour

4.Albufeira: Benagil Caves & Dolphin Watching Speed Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 6,316 reviews · 2 - 2.5 hours · from $40

Cruise from Albufeira to Benagil Caves on a fast small-group boat with guides such as Ana, Ruben, and Diogo. Expect dramatic cliffs, São Rafael and Marinha beaches, a short swim stop when conditions allow, and a search for dolphins. The boat can enter Benagil only briefly, and sightings are never guaranteed.

“Anna our guide was very informative and Ruben our pilot made sure we were comfortable. we were lucky to see the dolphins and the beautiful caves. all was wonderful”

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Benalmadena: Dolphin Watching Boat Tour - Finding dolphins off the Costa del Sol
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Benalmadena: Dolphin Watching Boat Tour

5.Benalmadena: Dolphin Watching Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 5,786 reviews · 1h 40m · from $22

Set out from Benalmádena Marina aboard the New Magic for a 100-minute dolphin-watching cruise. Your captain and crew search the open water while you enjoy coastal views, shaded seating, music, snacks, and underwater viewing windows. Dolphin sightings are not guaranteed, but a half-price return ticket is offered if no dolphins or whales appear.

“Fantastic trip and saw lots Crew excellent! Boat lovely! Brilliant value for money!of Dolphins!”

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Funchal: Dolphin and Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise - Searching for dolphins, whales, and turtles
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Funchal: Dolphin and Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise

6.Funchal: Dolphin and Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 5,697 reviews · 3 hours · from $41

From Funchal Marina, you spend three hours scanning Madeira’s open waters for dolphins, whales, and turtles aboard the stable Seaborn catamaran. The crew shares information in English and Portuguese, then heads toward Cabo Girão for coastal views and, in summer, a swim stop. Drinks and snacks cost extra, and wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.

“Our cruise was from 6pm-8:30. It was an ideal time as the sun was not too strong at that time and we also got to see the sunset on our way back. We saw quite a few dolphins but not any whales. We also made a stop at Cape Girao for a quick swim.”

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Costa Adeje: Whale & Dolphin Eco-Cruise with Snacks & Drinks - Watching whales in the Teno-Rasca Whale Sanctuary
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Costa Adeje: Whale & Dolphin Eco-Cruise with Snacks & Drinks

7.Costa Adeje: Whale & Dolphin Eco-Cruise with Snacks & Drinks

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 5,096 reviews · 3 - 5 hours · from $52

Sail from Puerto Colón with White Tenerife into the Teno-Rasca Whale Sanctuary. Expect expert commentary, underwater audio, pilot whales and dolphins, a swim stop, and drinks with a sandwich. The five-hour trip adds Los Gigantes and Masca Bay. Crew members including Carlos, Miguel, Abian, and Omar have been praised for their care and humor.

“Clean and pleasant experience, helpful commentary. Good snacks and drinks supplied. We would definitely take this trip again.”

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Gran Canaria: Catamaran Dolphin Watch Cruise with Snorkeling - Two hours of searching for dolphins and whales
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Gran Canaria: Catamaran Dolphin Watch Cruise with Snorkeling

8.Catamaran Dolphin Watch Cruise with Snorkeling

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 4,761 reviews · 3.5 hours · from $44

Set sail from Puerto Base on a 3.5-hour catamaran cruise with English and Spanish guides. Search for dolphins, pilot whales, and minke whales, watch through the lower-deck glass panels, then stop in a sheltered bay for swimming, snorkeling, soft drinks, and the onboard slide. Hotel pickup is optional.

“Best day ever, watching the dolphins and then a swim in the sea.”

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Hurghada: 3 Islands, Dolphins & Snorkel Yacht Trip w/ Lunch - Orange Bay gives you an easy start
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Hurghada: 3 Islands, Dolphins & Snorkel Yacht Trip w/ Lunch

9.3 Islands, Dolphins & Snorkel Yacht Trip w/ Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 4,609 reviews · 8 hours · from $47

Spend eight hours aboard a Go Shalabi yacht visiting Orange Bay, Giftun, and Magawish. You’ll get two snorkeling stops, dolphin watching, breakfast, seafood lunch, fruit, and unlimited drinks. Guides such as Fouad, Ahmed, Saef, and Captain Talal help with safety and the day’s lively atmosphere. Group and private options are available.

“It was all absolutely amazing, great team on the boat”

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Los Gigantes: Dolphin & Whale Watching Cruise with Swim Stop - Boarding the Masca Express at Los Gigantes Port
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Los Gigantes: Dolphin & Whale Watching Cruise with Swim Stop

10.Los Gigantes: Dolphin & Whale Watching Cruise with Swim Stop

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 4,539 reviews · 2 hours · from $33

Join Flipper Uno at Los Gigantes Port for a two-hour cruise on the Masca Express. Look for pilot whales and dolphins in the Teno-Rasca Whale Sanctuary, pass the towering cliffs of Los Gigantes and Masca, then stop for a swim in Juan López, Masca, or Barranco Seco. A cold drink is included, and Alejandro may be among the friendly crew.

“Amazing 2h boat trip! There was everything & even more than we expected. Turtles, dolphins swimming as near as they could, laughter, jokes, beer, entertainment on the boat, swimming near the Masca beach. The crew was best in the whole wide world - friendly, smiling. Don't have any second thoughts - take it!”

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Shell Island Snorkel and Dolphin Catamaran Cruise with Island Time - Snorkeling, paddle boards, and the slide
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Shell Island Snorkel and Dolphin Catamaran Cruise with Island Time

11.Shell Island Snorkel and Dolphin Catamaran Cruise with Island Time

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 4,362 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $57Top rated

Sail from Panama City Beach aboard Island Time’s broad catamaran to Shell Island, with dolphin watching, snorkeling in St. Andrews Bay, paddle boards, and a waterslide. Captains and crew members such as Heath, Clay, Keith, Sarah, Emma, and Carter help run the trip. Plan on three hours, plus a 30-minute early check-in.

“We had the perfect time on Island Time! The two captains and bartender took the time to get to know us, were so helpful in spotting dolphins (easily over 100)! They slowed down and stopped so we could take videos/photos. Then spending time walking the beach on shell island was more beautiful than expected. My husband snorkeled and we found sand dollars and gorgeous shells. The music was relaxed but fun, the drink offerings were spot-on (go for the rum punch) and the 3 hours on the trip were some of the best spent on our entire trip!”

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Albufeira: Dolphin Watching and Benagil Cave Boat Cruise - Why the small boat matters at Benagil Cave
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Albufeira: Dolphin Watching and Benagil Cave Boat Cruise

12.Albufeira: Dolphin Watching and Benagil Cave Boat Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 4,226 reviews · 2.5 hours · from $35

From Albufeira Marina, you’ll ride a semi-rigid boat 18 km along the Algarve coast with a skipper and marine biologist. Look for wild dolphins, visit Benagil Cave when sea conditions permit, see Alfanzina Lighthouse, and swim offshore if the water is calm. Guides such as Tomas, Maria, Rui, and Rafael are known for lively commentary.

“Absolutely fantastic. We didn’t see any dolphins this time but the caves were wonderful and the guides were so helpful.”

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Morro Jable: Dolphin & Whale Watching Cruise, Drinks & Swim - Dolphins, pilot whales, and smaller surprises
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Morro Jable: Dolphin & Whale Watching Cruise, Drinks & Swim

13.Morro Jable: Dolphin & Whale Watching Cruise, Drinks & Swim

★★★★★★★★★★4.1 · 4,158 reviews · 2 hours · from $58

Board the Magic Dolphin in Morro Jable for a two-hour search for wild dolphins, whales, turtles, and flying fish. Guides such as Carmen, Karol, Luis, and Nino explain the wildlife in English, Spanish, or German. Drinks, a toilet, and a swim stop in Jandía are included, with optional resort pickup.

“It was a great fun. We have managed to see whales, dolphins, turtles and flying fish. Amazing experience, highly recommend.”

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Tenerife: Whale & Dolphin Watching Cruise with Swim Stop - Looking for pilot whales and dolphins in open water
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Tenerife: Whale & Dolphin Watching Cruise with Swim Stop

14.Whale & Dolphin Watching Cruise with Swim Stop

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 3,227 reviews · 2 hours · from $29

Sail from Los Cristianos aboard Peter Pan, a pirate-style ship, for two hours of ethical whale and dolphin watching. Your multilingual crew explains local marine life and conservation while you look for pilot whales, dolphins, and seabirds. The trip ends with an optional 15 to 20 minute swim stop, sea conditions permitting.

“A very friendly crew. The boat was lovely to travel in.”

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Los Cristianos: Viking Cruise Whales & Dolphins Watching - The first 15 minutes: photos and coastal views
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Los Cristianos: Viking Cruise Whales & Dolphins Watching

15.Los Cristianos: Viking Cruise Whales & Dolphins Watching

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 3,132 reviews · 2 hours · from $47

Board Ragnarok at Los Cristianos Harbour for a two-hour cruise along Tenerife’s south coast. A multilingual crew helps you spot pilot whales and dolphins, explains the marine life, and keeps the Viking theme fun without taking over. Expect shade, restrooms, a snack bar, wheelchair access with a manual chair, and possible motion on the Atlantic.

“Excellent experience! What could be more fun than seeing a couple whales with the experienced crew and guide? Seeing 5 whales! And a spectacular view of the island from sea. Will probably go again next week.”

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