Human-cetacean conflict solutions
The activity of whale watching and the compliance of maritime tourism operators to the legislation are overseen by the Instituto das Florestas e Conservação da...
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Explore Madeira, “the flower island,” with its lush laurel forests and rich marine life. Discover diverse cetaceans and enjoy exceptional whale watching in protected waters. Madeira lies between the Azores and the Canary Islands in the North Atlantic and is the main island of an archipelago. Madeira’s waters, which include Marine Protected Areas, are characterised by steep slopes, deep underwater canyons and plateaus attracting cetaceans that normally occur in the open ocean close to the coast. Year-round whale watching has become an important part of Madeira’s tourism industry, with tourists attracted to the region’s mild climate and continuous abundance of cetaceans.
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Stories
Conservation success
Madeira’s history of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) began with the Selvagens Island Nature Reserve in 1971, the largest MPA in Europe with total protection. This...
Education and research
One of Madeira’s most iconic educational initiatives about cetaceans is the Madeira Whale Museum (Museu da Baleia da Madeira) in Caniçal. While acting as a...
Experiences
Responsible whale watching
Boat-based wildlife tours
Whale watching began about two decades ago on the archipelago and is a regulated activity where guests can expect to experience the diverse marine life surrounding the archipelago with our beautiful island as a backdrop. Madeira’s mild climate and the constant presence of different species of cetaceans makes it an all-year-round destination for the experience.
Whale Museum
Visitor centres or museums
The Madeira Whale Museum is a testimony to the history of whaling in Madeira and the activities associated with it as well as an informative centre on the cetaceans visiting Madeira’s waters. Exhibits can be experienced in person at the museum in Caniçal or via a virtual tour online. The museum also accommodates art exhibitions related to marine life and hosts workshops or presentations related to cetaceans.
ARTE.M Artistic and Cultural Association
Visual or performance art
ARTE.M is an art association that brings together art managers, social workers, artists, creative individuals, and professionals from the artistic and creative industries. The association is committed to fostering collaboration and synergy among these diverse fields. ARTE.M actively engages in local environmental initiatives, leveraging its expertise in creative and artistic tools to complement ecological endeavours.
Species & habitat
So far, researchers have confirmed 26 species of cetacean in the waters of Madeira, which is equivalent to almost a third of the planet’s known species! Bottlenose dolphins and short-finned pilot whales can be encountered all year round, along with deep divers like sperm whales and beaked whales. Seasonal visitors include Atlantic spotted dolphins and the occasional blue whale, with orcas and humpback whales rarely seen.
This diversity makes Madeira an incredible whale watching destination and, above all, underlines the region’s importance as a habitat for cetacean populations in the Atlantic.
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Threats
The threats faced by cetaceans in Madeira include global issues such as rising ocean temperature, in addition to localised threats such as harassment, ocean plastics, noise pollution, and entanglement in fishing nets. A rise in tourists visiting the island's waters and a growing local population has resulted in increased harassment from boat traffic and noise pollution. Resident short-finned pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins are particularly vulnerable to coastal boat traffic, whale watching vessels, and fisheries.
Supporters & Assessors
Why visit a Wildlife Heritage Area?
Trustworthy
Visitors to Wildlife Heritage Areas can take part in outstanding wildlife watching experiences that put wildlife first. Staying in a Wildlife Heritage Area helps local communities invest in animal welfare and wildlife conservation, benefitting community well-being and driving forward sustainable practices.
Designated for excellence
Communities achieve Wildlife Heritage Area designation by playing a central role in protecting wild animals and their habitats. With support from responsible travel organisations and wildlife experts, these communities are committed to help turn the tide on biodiversity loss and the climate crisis, adopt a zero tolerance for wildlife suffering in tourism, and advocate for positive change through a willingness to collaborate.
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Explore more Wildlife Heritage Areas
Each Wildlife Heritage Area is designated by experts who advise dedicated local people passionate about preserving their unique wildlife and natural heritage.
Helpful links
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