About Ventura do Mar
Ventura do Mar is a nature tourism company based at Funchal Marina that has been operating sustainable whale and dolphin watching, birdwatching, and sailing excursions around Madeira Island since 2001. Their fleet departs from Pier 8 at the marina, right in the heart of Funchal's waterfront, making them one of the most conveniently located operators for visitors staying in the capital.
Their signature experience is the whale and dolphin watching tour aboard purpose-built vessels, with each trip beginning with an educational briefing at their marina shop before heading out to sea. Species regularly encountered include sperm whales, Bryde's whales, pilot whales, bottlenose dolphins, and Atlantic spotted dolphins. They also offer birdwatching excursions targeting Madeira's endemic seabirds, sunset sailing cruises, and voyages to the uninhabited Desertas Islands — a protected nature reserve home to the rare Mediterranean monk seal.
With over two decades of continuous operation, Ventura do Mar has earned a strong reputation for responsible wildlife tourism. Their crews follow strict approach protocols to minimise disturbance to marine mammals, and their experienced skippers know the waters intimately. The central Funchal Marina location, combined with a range of marine experiences from two-hour cetacean trips to full-day Desertas expeditions, makes them a versatile choice.
