VENTURA|nature emotions | Whale & Dolphin Watching      ventura|nature emotions is a nature tourism company based on Madeira Islands, Portugal with a clear ambition – organize whale & dolphin watching tours, birdwatching tours, and outdoor activities around Madeira Island, and the others islands of the archipelago, Desertas Islands and Selvagens Islands.
Managed by a family with great respect and passion for the sea and nature since 2000 we give the opportunity to watch several species of marine mammals and marine birds on a classic sailing boat, Ventura do Mar and on safe RIB boat, TIGER. To give the best experience watching wildlife in these beautiful islands on the Atlantic Ocean, we have in our family team people with great motivation and experience in the several fields. Marine biologists, skippers, naturalist’s guides, and tour managers are always prepared to welcome visitors and, associated to the always-present professionalism, they contribute to a delighted atmosphere during the tours. A rich biodiversity characterizes the clear and blue waters and many species can be found like the spotted dolphins, common dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, pilot whale, sperm whales and Bryde's whales. It is also guaranteed to find several species of marine birds like shearwaters and petrels including the madeiran storm-petrel, white faced storm-petrel, fea's and zino's petrel and bulwer's petrel. On 2006 we stared promoting organized tours on the island to watch endemic birds like the zino's petrel, torcaz pigeon and the madeira firecrest in the mountains where can be found the Laurel Forest, part of the UNESCO Heritage. We are capable to organize week tours covering all of the best of the islands nature. ventura|nature emotions is totally committed to the conservation of our natural world and loves to give to all that came in our tours a different experience of watching and understand the natural species. We believe that is necessary to have correct knowledge of the species and their habitats to contribute for successful conservation attitude. MonthsJanuary • February • March • April • May • June • July • August • September • October • November • December DurationHalf-day (3-6 hours) • Full day (6-9 hours) • Multi-day Vessel typesSmall boat (0-50 passengers) • Under sail / Yacht Times and pricesWhale and Dolphin Watching Twice a day, everyday except friday, all year 10:30h - 13:30h Price per person: 28.00€ All fridays, all year 9:00h - 19:30h price per person: 80 € Minimum: 6 persons Máx.: 16 persons About our skippers and naturalist guidesLuis Dias is our Main Skipper and Pelagic Tours Leader. Luis has an Ocean Skipper Certificate and will guide you through the Atlantic waters around Madeira Island. His academic formation in Marine Biology and Fisheries together with is experience in several research projects in marine birds ecology and cetaceans conservation on atlantic islands (Azores, Madeira, Cape Verde) allow him to lead pelagic tours with all knowledge. Luis has a great enthusiasm by all of the marine activities being also a dive master and a known nature and underwater photographer. www.luisdias.net
Jorge Alves is our Substitute Skipper. With a Coastal Skipper Certificate Jorge has a great and close relation with the sea. Born in a madeiran fishermen's village, Caniçal, since childhood he is an enthusiast by the maritime themes. As a captain of a sailing boat, that was owner, he sailed around Madeira Archipelago several times. He is one of the most experienced sailors in Madeira Island and he has many histories to tell you during our sailing trips.
Filipe Alves is our consulter and organizer for the ecotourism activities. He is a Marine Biologist with master in Ecology and has large experience developing pleasant seawatching and sailing programmes for you. With an Ocean Skipper Certificate and a Dive Rescue Certificate is well known of the Madeira waters. You can find him many times in the sea.
FacilitiesDeck with 360?vision • Disabled access • Naturalist guide(s) as well as skipper • Posters / displays / maps • Public participation in research • Reading material available • Restrooms / toilets on board • Snacks / drinks • Support conservation • Swim / snorkel included • Use a code of conduct We frequentlySee leaping dolphins • Watch whales and dolphins Baleen WhalesBryde's Whale • Sei Whale Toothed WhalesShort-finned Pilot Whale • Sperm Whale Beaked WhalesBlainville's Beaked Whale • Cuvier's Beaked Whale • Sowerby's Beaked Whale Ocean DolphinsAtlantic Spotted Dolphin • Bottlenose Dolphin • Rough-toothed Dolphin • Striped Dolphin Other wildlife and points of interestFalse Killer Whale; Pygmy Sperm Whale; Risso's Dolphin; Killer Whale / Orca; Mediterranean Monk Seal; Zino's Petrel, Desertas Petrel; Bulwer's Petrel; AddressMarina do Funchal - Pontão B
Town / CityFunchal
State / CountyMadeira Islands
Zip / Postcode9000 Funchal
CountryPortugal
WebsiteTel+351 291 280 033
 Joana Silva Fantastic!!! ;) Traveled: 2013-08-08, Reviewed: 2014-08-06
Safe approach to whales / dolphins
Valuable learning experience
Trip meets expectations
Minimal impact on the marine environment
Own research / support for conservation
Everytime i'm in Madeira Island i just can't miss this trip! It's relaxing and exciting at the same way! The contact with the nature and the opportunity to see the animals in their natural habitat, respecting them! The tripulation is very nice and give us interestig information during the trip! I really recommend everyone to try! :)
Luis Goncalves Fabulous!!! Traveled: 2010-09-14, Reviewed: 2013-11-18
Safe approach to whales / dolphins
Valuable learning experience
Trip meets expectations
Minimal impact on the marine environment
Own research / support for conservation
This review comes a bit outdated but I wanted to leave it here anyway for all of you who want to come to Madeira and are not sure about what whale watching company you should choose from. We left in the morning for a trip with some friends to the "Desertas" islands. The weather was nice and we had the chance to see some dolphins and some birds on the way. We stopped for lunch (an amazing "escabeche" tuna) around noon and then went on a guided walk with one of the park rangers. At the end of the afternoon, on our way back, we saw a few more dolphins and a couple of whales. Overall I rate this trip 5 stars. From the crew (everyone is well educated about marine mammals and birds and are always available to clarify you regarding any doubts or questions) to the organization everything was perfect. It was one of the highlights of my vacations in Madeira and I totally recommend it to anyone who visits the island. Thank you very much guys!!
Francisco Nascimento Don't miss it! Traveled: 2013-12-18, Reviewed: 2013-10-10
Safe approach to whales / dolphins
Valuable learning experience
Trip meets expectations
Minimal impact on the marine environment
Own research / support for conservation
Fantastic experience aboard the charming Ventura! The company is managed by a marine biologist with comprehensive knowledge of marine mammal ecology and biology as well as the measures that need to be taken to minimize the impacts of such boat trips to the marine environment. I have also learned that the company is involved in several local research inatiatives that aim to support conseration efforts in marine areas of Madeira Island. The crew is extremely pleasant, helpful and pedagogic and places a strong emphasis on safety. A thourable enjoyable trip to Cabo Girão, definately to repeat! If you are going to visit Madeira don't miss it!
José Romão Ferreira Valente We've made three trips, and we'll return! Traveled: 2013-08-11, Reviewed: 2013-10-10
Safe approach to whales / dolphins
Valuable learning experience
Trip meets expectations
Minimal impact on the marine environment
Own research / support for conservation
The team was extremely friendly, pedagogical, and they're always ready to answer all the questions asked during the trips. I've travelled to Desertas and Cabo Girão several times, always watching different species!
The helmsman was very careful when approaching the various groups found along the trip. Beautiful sights, pluridisciplinar team and different services offered to the gests, that made us return and have new experiments. It is definitely a place to return and enjoy Nature with such a professional team. Highly recommended! Cora The first of future trips to Desertas Traveled: 2013-09-22, Reviewed: 2013-10-10
Safe approach to whales / dolphins
Valuable learning experience
Trip meets expectations
Minimal impact on the marine environment
Own research / support for conservation
A Fantastic day aboard Ventura with an amuzing and very efficient crew all the way to Desertas.
I had a wondeful experience on my first trip to these islands with the luck of observing a variety of sea creatures such as dolphins, whales a turtle and a monk seal always respecting the distance within the approach to these animals, as well as, we got to know a bit more of the habits of these sea life animals! An outstanding experience to be repeated and that i highly recommend! Filipa Loja Fantastic Traveled: 2013-04-06, Reviewed: 2013-10-08
Safe approach to whales / dolphins
Valuable learning experience
Trip meets expectations
Minimal impact on the marine environment
Own research / support for conservation
Great experience, always respecting the distance between the boat and the whale, non the less, big adrenaline and explanations about Nature and about what we see . The trip runs with both professionalism from all the team and a very relaxed environment. Wonderfull friendly moments, Thanks Ventura!
Highly recommended. Leonardo Mata One of th ebest boat trips ever... Traveled: 2006-09-12, Reviewed: 2013-09-09
Safe approach to whales / dolphins
Valuable learning experience
Trip meets expectations
Minimal impact on the marine environment
Own research / support for conservation
Ventura do Mar took us on an amazing journey to the Desert islands, where we had the opportunity to spot whales, dolphins and plenty of bird life. The crew was fantastic and the organization level excellent. I would recomend it to anyone going to Madeira Islands
Catarina Costa Muito bom! Traveled: 2013-09-11, Reviewed: 2013-09-09
Safe approach to whales / dolphins
Valuable learning experience
Trip meets expectations
Minimal impact on the marine environment
Own research / support for conservation
Jean Faulkner `many trips over years all excellent Traveled: 2013-01-19, Reviewed: 2013-09-03
Safe approach to whales / dolphins
Valuable learning experience
Trip meets expectations
Minimal impact on the marine environment
Own research / support for conservation
Over a number of years my husband my friends, and family have taken trips aboard the Ventura. We like the way they explain about dolphins possibly being visible but sometimes not, this levels our expectations. Then when we see dolphins and even whales it is very special. On one memorable occasion we saw dolphins and then a sperm whale which we were able were able to keep alongside for nearly half an hour, at a distance but close enough to see clearly. We were given a lot of imformation and the sense of wonder of nature was evident. Always the skipper and crew have always been delightful and wanting us to enjoy nature. Thankyou Ventura and all your staff.
Yevgen Gertsev Thank you for quality service. Traveled: 2013-07-25, Reviewed: 2013-08-31
Safe approach to whales / dolphins
Valuable learning experience
Trip meets expectations
Minimal impact on the marine environment
Own research / support for conservation
We will travel with you again for sure!
Filipe Freitas Fantastic journey into the sea Traveled: 2012-08-20, Reviewed: 2013-08-30
Safe approach to whales / dolphins
Valuable learning experience
Trip meets expectations
Minimal impact on the marine environment
Own research / support for conservation
With a fantastic and competent crew, Ventura took us into an amazing trip, in which whales and dolphins could be seen without ever forgetting the required respect they deserve. I will certainly do it again when I return to Madeira and Ventura undoubtedly will be my choice. I urge you to try such an intense experience along with these caring people.
Isabel Over my expectations! Traveled: 2011-10-16, Reviewed: 2013-08-30
Safe approach to whales / dolphins
Valuable learning experience
Trip meets expectations
Minimal impact on the marine environment
Own research / support for conservation
This was my second trip on Ventura and, hopefully, not the last. Such welcomingness, professionalism and respect toward sea life, along with knowledgeable crew makes it an unforgettable experience again and again. I totally recommend such an experience!
Carole Baggaley looking forward to going next year Traveled: 2013-06-27, Reviewed: 2013-08-29
Safe approach to whales / dolphins
Valuable learning experience
Trip meets expectations
Minimal impact on the marine environment
Own research / support for conservation
What a great way to see marine mammals and the island, the Ventura is a great traditional boat, and the crew were friendly and had good knowledge and respect for the animals, and happy to answer any questions.
We are looking forward to sharing the experience next year when we travel back to Madeira. I am definitely recommending the trip on the Ventura! José Jesus How to work with minimum impact on the marine environment... Traveled: 2010-06-09, Reviewed: 2013-08-29
Safe approach to whales / dolphins
Valuable learning experience
Trip meets expectations
Minimal impact on the marine environment
Own research / support for conservation
Martin Dixon Fantastic Whale and Dolphin Watching Trips Traveled: 2013-06-02, Reviewed: 2013-08-24
Safe approach to whales / dolphins
Valuable learning experience
Trip meets expectations
Minimal impact on the marine environment
Own research / support for conservation
I had 4 trips with Ventura in June and was extremely impressed with their professionalism and friendliness. They certainly know what they are doing and have great respect for their surroundings.
I would definitely recommend a trip with them and hope to return to Madeira later this year for some more whale and dolphin watching adventures. morten munkhaus petersen wonderfull Desertas Traveled: 2013-01-25, Reviewed: 2013-08-23
Safe approach to whales / dolphins
Valuable learning experience
Trip meets expectations
Minimal impact on the marine environment
Own research / support for conservation
A great trip to Desertas, with a very professional and responsable team. Who had a great knowlegde and a respectfull approach to the marine mammals and seabirds.
I recommend the Desertas trip to everyone, who like the sea, dolphins, whales and birds. João Ferreira great day whale watching in Madeira Traveled: 2012-07-17, Reviewed: 2013-08-22
Safe approach to whales / dolphins
Valuable learning experience
Trip meets expectations
Minimal impact on the marine environment
Own research / support for conservation
The best day of my Madeira holidays, with the company of a great crew, with lot's of scientific information and a huge concern with the animals, the approaching rules, the understanding their behaviour!! Just great!!!
Will do it again on my next visit (hopefully soon :-) ) to Madeira! Luis Oliveira Amazing team and tour Traveled: 2012-08-15, Reviewed: 2013-08-16
Safe approach to whales / dolphins
Valuable learning experience
Trip meets expectations
Minimal impact on the marine environment
Own research / support for conservation
It's a very professional team! Lots of scientific knowledge because they have a young biologist on board and the skipper is also a biologist! They use a very carefully way to approach the sea wild-life and the tour I had done took us to Desertas Islands with lots of sea birds, dolphins and whales spotted! I recommend Ventura to all whale-watching entusiasts when visiting Madeira!
cheve Amazing day in Madeira Traveled: 2013-08-02, Reviewed: 2013-08-16
Safe approach to whales / dolphins
Valuable learning experience
Trip meets expectations
Minimal impact on the marine environment
Own research / support for conservation
My girlfriend and I were on the Ventura do Mar on the 02/08/2013 to a sea trip from Funchal to Desertas island.
When we were arriving near from National Parc HQ, a monk seal has come next to the boat (curiosity, I suppose), swam few seconds, close to us, then disappeared. During the return to Funchal, near from the harbour, we have seen a group of most of ten dolphins playing with the boat during long minutes before leaving. It was the 1st time for us to watch a seal and some dolphins. We advise all people around us to go to Madeira and do the trip with Ventura do Mar ! It was a fantastic day ! Eva Van Meervenne Favorite place on Madeira Traveled: 2013-06-19, Reviewed: 2013-08-15
Safe approach to whales / dolphins
Valuable learning experience
Trip meets expectations
Minimal impact on the marine environment
Own research / support for conservation
Every time we visit Madeira, the boat of Ventura is our favorite place to be. We joined them on more than 15 trips. Very nice people, lovely boat and a lot of respect for the wildlife!!! We like the fact that they do not guarantee any sightings, which indicates that they do not chase the marine mammals. The boat always keeps its distance from the animals, which makes it especially nice when the animals decide for themselves to come and have a look at us, :-). When Ventura notices stress signals among the members of a group it will redraw.
Overall, each trip has been a terrific experience and both the marine mammals of Madeira as Ventura have gained a place in our heart!!! Laura Wise Very friendly tours Traveled: 2013-08-01, Reviewed: 2013-08-15
Safe approach to whales / dolphins
Valuable learning experience
Trip meets expectations
Minimal impact on the marine environment
Own research / support for conservation
I went with a group of friends and we found it very good, professional and friendly. It was interesting to find a marine biologist onboard that explained us all about the whale/dolphin species we were able to see and the most common ones in this area. They also have a great knowledge on birds. They have several types of tours and given the opportunity we will definitely travel with Ventura again. Thanks again for the great experience!
Ariana Fernandes amazing Traveled: 2013-08-07, Reviewed: 2013-08-15
Safe approach to whales / dolphins
Valuable learning experience
Trip meets expectations
Minimal impact on the marine environment
Own research / support for conservation
It was an amazing trip, very friendly and responsable crew, a beautiful and respectfull approach to the whales and dolphins, magical experience, loved it <3
Virginie Wyss Superbe expérience Traveled: 2012-04-09, Reviewed: 2013-08-14
Safe approach to whales / dolphins
Valuable learning experience
Trip meets expectations
Minimal impact on the marine environment
Own research / support for conservation
J'ai eu la chance d'embarquer une dizaine de fois avec ventura do mar pour collecter des données sur les espèces rencontrées. Les guides sont adorables et très compétents. Madère étant un lieu exceptionnel pour voir une faune marine riche et variée, a chaque sortie on est casi sure de voire des dauphins ou des baleines. Cette compagnie a a coeur de respecter les animaux, de les approcher a une distance réglementaire et de respecter au mieux les règles de conduite.
Le voilier est plus petit que les autres compagnies et l'ambiance est plus intime, mais le bateau est plus lent. Ventura est la seule compagnie qui propose des tours d'une journée aux iles desertes, c'est très sympas, souvent remplis de faune marine sur le chemin et c'est la meilleure compagnie pour observer les oiseaux de madere. Bref je recommande Ventura en tout point. jesus caballero an adventure unforgetable Traveled: 2013-06-14, Reviewed: 2013-08-13
Safe approach to whales / dolphins
Valuable learning experience
Trip meets expectations
Minimal impact on the marine environment
Own research / support for conservation
We have repeated the experience of sailing on an authentic wooden sailboat the last 2 years with Ventura for watching marine life of Madeira, especially whales, dolphins and some rare species of seabirds. We always come back to ventura for their professionalism, experience, knowledge and success of travels. Our favorite sailing trip is to the islands desertas, and be lucky enough to see the monk seal. The treatment is very familiar and the company always promotes conservation spirit always explaining safety distances to avoid disturbing wildlife. The company also owns other nature watching tours very interesting and complete. I advise really enjoy some of their trips!!
João Cysneiros Esteves personalised tours Traveled: 2013-08-01, Reviewed: 2013-08-13
Safe approach to whales / dolphins
Valuable learning experience
Trip meets expectations
Minimal impact on the marine environment
Own research / support for conservation
highly professional, dedicated and friendly crew, providing small (almost) private and friendly tours.
learning and sharing environment on board. high respect for all marine life, experienced marine biologists and trained professionals, make the best of all trips and programmes (we've been to most of them, coming back year after year). always improving and innovating, making each trip unique and unforgetful. great variety of activities all over the island all year around. family friendly (and recommended). marten bril We went back every year :) Traveled: 2012-10-16, Reviewed: 2013-08-13
Safe approach to whales / dolphins
Valuable learning experience
Trip meets expectations
Minimal impact on the marine environment
Own research / support for conservation
A crew with great knowledge about the whales and dolphins and about nature in general. We did experience almost all whale and dolphin company´s in Madeira and every year we choose Ventura to be the best, without any discussion. They respect the whales and dolphin ou can see on the way they approach them , lot of knowledge about the sea birds to!! The trip is relaxing and you enjoy a nice vieuw over the Madeira Islands........also the Trip to the Desertas is amazing, good professional and you feel at home :)
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