From whaling to conservation in Madeira

Madeira is much more than a horticultural paradise in the sea, a floating garden.

Once a haven for whale hunting, it has set the world an example in both nature and animal conservation by banning the hunting of whales and dolphins and by setting a national park for marine mammals 200 sea miles around the whole archipelago.

"Rota dos Cetáceos" started with whaling between 1940 and 1981 and it is presently involved in wild cetacean conservation through ecotourism. It is an example of benign and sustainable use of marine resources, contributing to their conservation.

Swimming with dolphins - before each trip takes place lookouts on land monitor the movements of the animals. Once the course is set clients will be briefed on what will happen and the adventure begins.

These expeditions are made on vessels fully equipped for observing wild dolphins and whales and the clients are always accompanied by a team of marine biologists that will explain all about the animals.

And if watching is not enough it's also possible to swim with the dolphins, a truly unforgettable experience!