We found the Whaling Museum was a bit disappointing, suffering from the widespread fault of putting technology above content, with too many videos. These had a radio commentary through the provided headsets, but moving a little out of position could lead to them switching to that for another display and then restarting the original one. There were some interesting artefacts, but for a museum devoted to something that only took place for about 40 years (1941-81) it felt overblown. In the second main hall, the videos were unnecessarily in a rather wonky 3D, and included an explanation of the Gulf Stream narrated by “a mermaid” - very 1990s, when the museum opened. There was insufficient space given to the negative aspects of whaling, and to wider issues around sustainable (or otherwise) fishing. There's a small car park for visitors behind the museum.

Comprehensive section about the whaling industry (1941-1981) - although audio guide a little confusing. Second room focused on sealife, with life sized models and commentary on them. We visited on a saturday afternoon and the cafe only had drinks, ice creams and a few snacks rather than the range of meals advertised.

Interesting type of museum. I found the first section very interesting. This is on the history and people of Madeira starting and finishing whaling. If you know what whaling is you should not be shocked. The second section on the animals is interesting but in parts very "preachy" about human actions on the sea and planet. Bit of a switch off. The cafe was fine and you can sit out on the balcony.