The Best RIB Boat Tours in Portugal — 7 to Book

1.Pico Island: Azores Whale & Dolphin Watching on Zodiac Boat

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 408 reviews · 2.5 hours · from $53Our pick

Meet Aqua Açores at Lajes do Pico harbor for a 2.5-hour Zodiac trip along Pico’s coast. Your guide and skipper look for whales, dolphins, turtles, and seabirds, while explaining cetacean behavior. Waterproof tops, life jackets, insurance, and a short return refreshment stop are included.

“Really a really great tour. We could watch three sperm whales and many pilot whales and dolphins. We were well looked after on the boat. All around a great experience!”

Check availability →Read our full review

2.From Calheta: Whale and Dolphin Watching RIB Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 298 reviews · 2 hours · from $70Top rated

Set out from Calheta Marina on a two-hour RIB boat ride with an English- or Portuguese-speaking guide and an experienced spotter. You will search for dolphins, whales, turtles, and flying fish while enjoying close sea views of Madeira. Wear a windbreaker and leave large bags at the office.

“Amazing experience on a rib boat tour. Would highly recommend”

Check availability →Read our full review

3.Benagil Cave Boat Tour – Catamarans or Rib – 2 H From Portimão

★★★★★★★★★★3.5 · 288 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $21Best value

From Portimão, you’ll cruise toward Benagil Cave aboard a catamaran or RIB, passing Praia Grande and Santa Catarina Fortress. Expect coastal views, several cave passages, a short swim stop, and an English-speaking crew. Gabriel and the captain have been praised for friendly service, though boarding can be crowded.

“The check-in at the dock was chaotic to say the least and they tried to do a switcheroo with us into a different smaller and uncovered boat (so they could accommodate a last minute larger party - shame on them) but we held fast and stuck to our reserved boat. The ride was a bit cramped but overall comfortable. We explored several caves with the famous Benagil cave as the finale (too bad only kayakers and swimmer can land on shore). The captain and skipper spoke a little English but there was ZERO guiding of history, cultural significance, etc. The size of the boat was small-medium which is good because…”

Check availability →Read our full review

4.Funchal: RIB Whale Watching Cruise and Optional Dolphin Swim

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 273 reviews · 2.5 hours · from $61

Join a small RIB boat from Funchal with guides such as Anna, Paolo, or Mark, then search Madeira’s coast for dolphins, whales, and turtles. The €20 dolphin swim is only charged if conditions and species allow it. Expect a fast, breezy ride, close water-level views, and about 2.5 hours at sea.

“The skipper and guide were really nice and know their stuf!”

Check availability →Read our full review

5.Dolphins & Benagil Caves RIB Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 241 reviews · 2.5 hours · from $34

Join a small RIB boat from Albufeira Marina for a 2.5-hour search for wild dolphins, coastal caves, and Benagil Cave. A marine biologist explains the wildlife, while an experienced captain handles the fast ride. Guides speak English, Portuguese, and Spanish. Bring a warm, waterproof layer.

“Just beautiful. Dolphins on one side and sunset on the other, while in the middle of the sea. It can't get any better.”

Check availability →Read our full review

6.Terceira: Whale and Dolphin Watching in a Zodiac Boat

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 230 reviews · 2.5 hours · from $82

Set out from Angra do Heroísmo in a Zodiac boat for 2.5 hours of whale and dolphin watching. A spotter on Monte Brasil guides the skipper by radio, while guides such as Victor explain marine life in Portuguese, English, or Spanish. Expect fast searches, open-sea views, and changing weather.

“The guides were great. we loved the boat ride and saw whales and two types of dolphins.”

Check availability →Read our full review

7.Horta: University Startup Whale and Dolphin RIB Boat Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 225 reviews · 3 hours · from $101

Join Naturalist Science and Tourism in Horta for a three-hour RIB trip led by a marine researcher from the University of Lisbon and the Azores. Expect a short safety briefing, land-based whale spotting, close wildlife viewing, waterproof gear, and current information in English or Portuguese.

“Perfect! Best Information about whales - biologist- work- very friendly. Superb tour- thanks a lot!”

Check availability →Read our full review