Author
Pedro Andrade
Licensed Skipper · Marine Biologist · Wildlife Guide
Funchal, Madeira
About Pedro
Funchal-based licensed skipper and trained marine biologist with 14 years guiding across Madeira's full boat-tour spectrum — from sunset cruises to Desertas-island days to deep-water whale-watching trips. Pedro is on the water 200+ days a year, runs the monthly cetacean-sighting log used by several local operators, and writes every category review himself after a current-season trip.
Credentials
- Portuguese Maritime Authority Skipper Licence
- BSc Marine Biology, University of Madeira
- 14+ years guiding in Madeira waters
- Cetacean Identification Field Course (SPEA, 2017)
- STCW maritime safety certification (current)
Areas of expertise
- Cetacean sightings (dolphins / pilot whales / sperm whales)
- Desertas Islands access + landing rules
- Porto Santo logistics (ferry vs day-cruise)
- Boat type selection (catamaran / RIB / sailing / motor)
- Seasickness mitigation by boat type
- Cabo Girão swim-stop options
- Pirate ship + family-friendly tour reviews
Methodology
Quarterly category sampling — sunset, swim/snorkel, wildlife, Desertas, Porto Santo. Operator audits as fee-paying client trips, never disclosed in advance, with assessment focused on captain competence, safety briefing depth, ratio compliance, and inclusions accuracy. Cetacean sightings cross-checked against the SPEA Madeira log and our own monthly observations. We never accept hosted trips without disclosing them.