Portugal · DOLPHIN WATCHING

The 15 Best Dolphin Watching Trips in Portugal

50 tours  ·  ★★★★★★★★★★ 4.6 average  ·  from $34

Common dolphins off the Algarve, bottlenose in the Sado estuary, and whole pods out past Madeira. These 15 trips are priced and timed, with a note on which run a sighting guarantee and which put you in a small boat rather than a catamaran.

Albufeira: 2.5-Hour Benagil Caves & Dolphin Watching - São Rafael to Armação de Pêra
Algarve Tours, Benagil Cave Tours, Dolphin Watching, Dolphin Watching Trips in the Algarve, Tour Reviews

Albufeira: 2.5-Hour Benagil Caves & Dolphin Watching

1.2.5-Hour Benagil Caves & Dolphin Watching

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 10,710 reviews · 2.5 hours · from $40Our pick

Review of Albufeira’s 2.5-hour Benagil caves and dolphin cruise, with practical tips on swim stops, sea conditions, guides, value, and access.

“I had an incredible experience. We were able to see the dolphins. The staff was very friendly and knowledgeable. Well done to Maria and the boat captain, who made the trip even more special. I didn't expect the bathroom and the bar with drinks to be available, and they have jackets available for those who get cold. This experience truly exceeded my expectations. Thank you!”

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Albufeira: Benagil Caves & Dolphin Watching Speed Boat Tour - The Algarve cliffs between Albufeira and Benagil
Algarve Tours, Benagil Cave Tours, Boat Tours in the Algarve, Cruises & Boat Tours, Dolphin Watching, Dolphin Watching Trips in the Algarve, Tour Reviews, Tours

Albufeira: Benagil Caves & Dolphin Watching Speed Boat Tour

2.Benagil Caves & Dolphin Watching Speed Boat Tour

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

Review of Albufeira’s Benagil Caves and dolphin speed boat tour, with swimming, coastal views, practical tips, value, and honest drawbacks.

“Fab experience, speedboat was definitely the way to travel and good tunes were played as we sped out to sea! Tried their best to find us some dolphins but sadly the dolphins were having non of it. Caves were stunning, our guide was so engaging and maintained everyone's attention. Definitely recommended!!”

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From Funchal: Ecological Catamaran Dolphin Whale Watching - How the electric engines change the wildlife experience
Boat Tours in Madeira, Cruises & Boat Tours, Dolphin Watching, Dolphin Watching Trips in Madeira, Madeira Tours, Sailing, Tour Reviews, Whale Watching

From Funchal: Ecological Catamaran Dolphin Whale Watching

Funchal: Dolphin and Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise - Searching for dolphins, whales, and turtles
Boat Tours in Madeira, Cruises & Boat Tours, Dolphin Watching, Dolphin Watching Trips in Madeira, Madeira Tours, Sailing, Tour Reviews, Whale Watching

Funchal: Dolphin and Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise

4.Dolphin and Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise

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

Cruise Madeira’s coast from Funchal, spot dolphins and whales, swim beneath Cabo Girão, and enjoy a comfortable three-hour catamaran ride.

“A good experience. The guide made no effort for everyone to hear what he was saying and only covered half the boat. We saw plenty of pilot whales and had a great swim. Timings were good too.”

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Albufeira: Dolphin Watching and Benagil Cave - Watching for dolphins off the Algarve
Algarve Tours, Benagil Cave Tours, Dolphin Watching, Dolphin Watching Trips in the Algarve, Tour Reviews

Albufeira: Dolphin Watching and Benagil Cave

5.Dolphin Watching and Benagil Cave

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 5,658 reviews · 2.5 hours · from $34Best value

Review the Albufeira dolphin and Benagil Cave cruise, with practical tips on weather, swimming, dolphins, caves, price, and what to bring.

“This activity was very fun and of course the landscape was beautiful. The people working on the boat were very friendly and spoke fluently many different languages.”

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Dolphins Search and Benagil Caves from Albufeira - Leaving Albufeira Marina on a fast boat
Albufeira Tours, Benagil Cave Tours, Dolphin Watching, Dolphin Watching Trips in Albufeira, Tour Reviews

Dolphins Search and Benagil Caves from Albufeira

6.Dolphins Search and Benagil Caves from Albufeira

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 4,814 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $36Top rated

Review of Albufeira’s small-group dolphin search and Benagil Caves boat tour, with practical tips on price, sea conditions, dolphins, and comfort.

“Our tour guides, Diogo and the captain, Osvaldo were absolutely the best in entertaining us along the ride with historical facts, jokes and music. Osvaldo’s ability to steer the boat at high speed made the ride exhilarating while we felt safe. Diogo was friendly and serviceable. Always making everyone laugh with his jokes and offering to take pictures of us at the Benagil cave. The views of the caves, beaches and shoreline were amazing. To top it off, we were lucky to have seen a few dolphins frolicking and jumping in the ocean on our way back to the marina. Definitely recommend this tour when in the Algarve region. It’s…”

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From Ponta Delgada: Whale and Dolphin Watching Trip - Catamaran comfort or Zodiac excitement?
Azores Tours, Dolphin Watching, Dolphin Watching Trips in the Azores, Tour Reviews, Whale Watching

From Ponta Delgada: Whale and Dolphin Watching Trip

7.Whale and Dolphin Watching Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 4,109 reviews · 3 hours · from $82

Watch whales and dolphins from Ponta Delgada with marine biologists, choosing a catamaran or Zodiac for a thoughtful Azores sea trip.

“I loved it! We saw two species of whales and bunch of dolphins. Felt a bit sick because of sea sickness, but fortunately everything was good! Highly recommend this tour. We really enjoyed it.”

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Portimão: Benagil Caves & Dolphins Watching with Biologist - Marinha Beach and the limestone coast
Algarve Tours, Benagil Cave Tours, Dolphin Watching, Dolphin Watching Trips in the Algarve, Tour Reviews

Portimão: Benagil Caves & Dolphins Watching with Biologist

8.Benagil Caves & Dolphins Watching with Biologist

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 3,795 reviews · 2.5 hours · from $47

Review of Portimão’s Benagil Caves and dolphin cruise, with a marine biologist, swimming stop, practical tips, value, and honest drawbacks.

“We’ve been on so many dolphin trips before and always ended up a bit disappointed, nature shows up when it wants to! 🐬 But this trip was incredible. The guides knew exactly where to go and what signs to look for, and we weren’t disappointed this time! Families of dolphins surrounded us, jumping in and out of the water, some even doing flips! 😍 The icing on the cake was spotting a whale, a total surprise! 🐋 The caves and coastline were absolutely stunning, and the company was super organised and professional. Would 100% recommend this trip, it was unforgettable! 🌊”

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Lisbon: Tagus River Cruise to the Ocean & Dolphin Watching - Commerce Square and the First Views of Lisbon
Boat Tours in Lisbon, Cruises & Boat Tours, Dolphin Watching, Dolphin Watching Trips in Lisbon, Lisbon Tours, River Cruises, River Cruises in Lisbon, Tour Reviews

Lisbon: Tagus River Cruise to the Ocean & Dolphin Watching

Albufeira: Dolphin Watching and Benagil Cave Boat Cruise - Why the RIB boat changes the coastal sightseeing
Algarve Tours, Benagil Cave Tours, Boat Tours in the Algarve, Cruises & Boat Tours, Dolphin Watching, Dolphin Watching Trips in the Algarve, Tour Reviews

Albufeira: Dolphin Watching and Benagil Cave Boat Cruise

10.Dolphin Watching and Benagil Cave Boat Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 3,008 reviews · from $38

Review of Albufeira’s dolphin and Benagil Cave cruise, with practical tips on rough seas, wildlife sightings, guides, price, and access.

“The guides Miguel and Daniel were great! The experience was amazing, caves and the dolphins - wow! But Benagil cave was disappointing because we couldn't get to this closer because of the high water. Everything was safe, understandable, I recommend it to everyone!”

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Funchal Bay: Dolphin & Whale Watch Luxury Catamaran Cruise - The first 45 minutes: leaving Funchal for open water
Boat Tours in Madeira, Cruises & Boat Tours, Dolphin Watching, Dolphin Watching Trips in Madeira, Madeira Tours, Sailing, Tour Reviews, VIP, Whale Watching

Funchal Bay: Dolphin & Whale Watch Luxury Catamaran Cruise

All Inclusive Whale and Dolphin Watching Luxury Tour - Searching for dolphins, whales, and turtles
Dolphin Watching, Dolphin Watching Trips in Madeira, Madeira Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, VIP, Whale Watching

All Inclusive Whale and Dolphin Watching Luxury Tour

12.All Inclusive Whale and Dolphin Watching Luxury Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 2,573 reviews · 3 hours · from $93

Review of Madeira’s luxury whale and dolphin catamaran tour, with Cabo Girão, swimming, small groups, local snacks, and unlimited drinks.

“The whole way there to see the dolphins was, to say the least, exciting and thrilling - they were going pretty fast during decent waves and it was amazing. The staff was constantly bringing little trays with different food to try, and also drinks. Everyone was super friendly and the whole experience would definitely repeat if we get our memory erased.”

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Lagos: Combo Dolphin and Benagil Tour with Marine Biologist - Searching for dolphins in their own waters
Benagil Cave Tours, Dolphin Watching, Dolphin Watching Trips in Lagos, Lagos Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Lagos: Combo Dolphin and Benagil Tour with Marine Biologist

13.Combo Dolphin and Benagil Tour with Marine Biologist

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 2,352 reviews · 2.5 hours · from $63

Review of Lagos’ dolphin and Benagil Cave speedboat tour, with marine biologists, wild dolphins, cave visits, practical tips, and honest drawbacks.

“Great fun trip and we got to see dolphins and a porpoise 😬 and beautiful caves/coastline. Friendly and helpful guides. Very enjoyable trip. Would recommend.”

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Madeira Dolphin and Whale Watching on a Ecological Catamaran - Why the 2022 catamaran matters
Boat Tours in Madeira, Cruises & Boat Tours, Dolphin Watching, Dolphin Watching Trips in Madeira, Madeira Tours, Sailing, Tour Reviews, Whale Watching

Madeira Dolphin and Whale Watching on a Ecological Catamaran

14.Madeira Dolphin and Whale Watching on a Ecological Catamaran

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,957 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $42

Review of Madeira’s 3-hour eco catamaran cruise, with dolphins, whales, coastal views, practical tips, pricing, weather advice, and booking help.

“This was a great trip with a friendly professional team, from boarding the catamaran we felt very comfortable and were kept informed throughout. The catamaran was spotlessly clean, well equipped and with plenty of of seats and viewing areas. As soon as any wildlife was spotted we stopped far enough away so as not to disturb anything which is really important. The dolphins actually came towards us and came up from under the catamaran and were a delight to see and then later we were informed that there was a pod of pilot whales just resting ahead of. We stopped and the captain gently turned the catamaran around so everyone…”

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Lisbon: Dolphin Watching with Marine Biologist - Meeting the boat beneath Lisbon’s red bridge
Dolphin Watching, Dolphin Watching Trips in Lisbon, Lisbon Tours, Tour Reviews

Lisbon: Dolphin Watching with Marine Biologist

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