Responsible Whale Watching in Madeira

Essential Guidelines and Regulations:

Whale watching in Madeira is a unique experience, allowing you to encounter fascinating marine life such as dolphins, whales, sea turtles, and rare seabirds. However, to protect this delicate ecosystem, Madeira has established clear regulations aimed at ensuring sustainable and responsible wildlife encounters.

At OceanSee, we prioritize responsible tourism and educate all our guests on these crucial guidelines, making your whale-watching tour both enjoyable and environmentally friendly.

Key Whale Watching Rules in Madeira:

• Distance and Speed: Boats must keep a minimum distance of 50 meters from whales and dolphins and 25 meters from sea turtles. Speeds must be gradually reduced: no more than 12 knots within 300 meters, and 8 knots within 100 meters.
  

• Observation Time: Maximum of 10 minutes per boat and 40 minutes cumulative per animal/group to minimize disturbance.
  

• Boat Coordination: Boats must coordinate using VHF radio to manage proximity, ensuring animals are not overwhelmed. A maximum of two boats can be within 50-100 meters, and up to four boats within 300-500 meters.
  

• Respectful Approach: Boats must approach animals calmly and from behind at a parallel angle, allowing a clear path ahead. Approaching whales or dolphins head-on, directly from behind, or perpendicular to their path is prohibited.
  

• Prohibited Activities: Chasing, touching, or feeding marine animals is strictly forbidden. Intentional swimming close to whales, dolphins, or turtles, unless authorized for scientific research, is prohibited. Nighttime whale watching is banned. Jet skis, aircraft, drones, and other disruptive devices are not allowed.
  

• Terrestrial Observation Guidelines: Maintain a distance of at least 5 meters from resting animals. Flash photography, intense lighting, or artificial calls near nesting seabirds are prohibited.
  

Our Commitment at OceanSee

By strictly adhering to these regulations, OceanSee ensures a sustainable whale-watching experience that actively supports conservation efforts in Madeira. Join us for an ethical, unforgettable marine wildlife adventure while helping protect Madeira’s extraordinary natural heritage.

Book responsibly. Explore respectfully. Protect our oceans.

Ready for an unforgettable marine adventure?

👉 Book your top rated whale watching tour in Madeira now!