Madeira Whale MuseumLocals 

Madeira Whale Museum

The Madeira Whale Museum is located in the village of Caniçal and is a testament to the history of whaling and the activities associated with it.

Opened a new space in September 2011 , is one of the most innovative museums of its kind internationally .

Equipped with a valuable ethnographic collection / museum, which retrieves utensils and past experiences, the museum documents accurately the history of whaling in Madeira elapsed throughout the twentieth century.

The Museum uses a large room with models of whales and dolphins in real size, to make known the life of these fantastic creatures and their marine environment in a fun , interactive, using stereoscopic 3D movies.


Beyond museographic visitors can enjoy a range of services including : Public Library , Cafeteria with esplanade overlooking the sea; Museum Shop Museum with unique products associated with the themes of the sea and the whales and dolphins;

Educational Services developing activities for schools, including students from pre – primary through to secondary , temporary exhibitions that will bring new and diverse issues related to the sea , science, history, arts and culture.

On the other hand the institution also promotes scientific research projects on cetaceans and marine life in the seas of the wood, and the collection, preservation and study of heritage and documentation on the history of whaling in Madeira.

Virtual tour: https://www.visitasvirtuais.com/tours/museubaleia/visitavirtual.html

By car

Follow the via rápida direction Funchal-Caniçal, take the “Caniçal Oeste” exit, then turn right to Caniçal centre, and turn again, on the right in the 1st exit, and follow the “Museu da Baleia” (Whale Museum) sign”.

GPS Coordinates

32.735911, -16.740579 

Opening Hours

The Madeira Whale Museum exhibitions are open:

Monday: Closed.

Tuesday: 10 a.m.–6 p.m.

Wednesday: 10 a.m.–6 p.m.

Thursday: 10 a.m.–6 p.m.

Friday: 10 a.m.–6 p.m.

Saturday: 10 a.m.–6 p.m.

Sunday: 10 a.m.–6 p.m.

More info: https://www.museudabaleia.org/en/

Admission fees to visit the Madeira Whale Museum’s Permanent Exhibitions
Adult ticket10,00 €
Children (free for chidren below 6 years)5,00 €
Adolescents (12-17 years)/Students8,50 €
Seniors (over 65 years)8,50 €
Family Pack (2 adults and 1 child up to 11 years)20,00 €
Groups between 8 and 29 people (per ticket)8,50 €
Groups over 30 people (per ticket)8,00 €
The admission includes an individual audio guide device for your visit.

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4 Thoughts to “Madeira Whale Museum”

  1. Charles Lopez

    Worth the drive to Caniçal just for this.

  2. Jessica Jackson

    The life-size models were really impressive.

  3. Sarah Wilson

    Visited with family – super interesting and well done.

  4. Jennifer Martin

    Great for kids and adults alike.

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