Museu da Baleia da Madeira
Museu da Baleia da Madeira
4
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
About
The Whale Museum in Madeira is currently one of the most innovative museums of its kind in the world. Holder of a valuable museographic collection, this space rigorously documents the history of whaling in Madeira. Through stereoscopic 3D movies and among models of whales and dolphins in full size, visitors can learn about the life of these fantastic creatures and their marine environment in a fun and interactive way. The Whale Museum also promotes research on cetaceans and its preservation and study of the history of whaling in Madeira.
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
466 reviews
Excellent
221
Very good
170
Average
47
Poor
14
Terrible
14
Maps605591
2 contributions
Jan 2020 • Solo
Having had a lifelong interest in whaling but never been a supporter I must stress, I was really looking forward to visiting this museum and it was top of my “must do” list whilst in Madeira.
I must be honest and state that it was disappointing in the extreme. To describe this as world class is a bit of a joke. There are much better such museums in Norway and Hull Town Docks museum has a far better section on whaling with better exhibits and atmosphere.
Basically it’s a huge building which must have cost millions of euros with very little in it.
The staff however, all 5 or 6 of them with virtually nothing to do, were very helpful if only to give good directions to the bus out of the place.
Shame on the guidebooks for the exaggeration.
I must be honest and state that it was disappointing in the extreme. To describe this as world class is a bit of a joke. There are much better such museums in Norway and Hull Town Docks museum has a far better section on whaling with better exhibits and atmosphere.
Basically it’s a huge building which must have cost millions of euros with very little in it.
The staff however, all 5 or 6 of them with virtually nothing to do, were very helpful if only to give good directions to the bus out of the place.
Shame on the guidebooks for the exaggeration.
Written January 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We are sorry that the visit did not meet your expectations. However, we appreciate your opinion.
The Madeira Whale Museum was created on 1990 after 40 year of whaling, being this history a reality in Madeira. Not every historical fact is motive of pride but this does not invalidate that we doesn’t know about it. Whaling history cannot be told without social-economic contextualization from that time (1940-81) and is very important that we have the historical facts conscience and, as well, their consequences, for that we do not commit the same mistakes as before.
Regarding the number of employees, you certainly visited the museum on a very calm day, but I assure you that there are days when the number of employees is very low for the work they have to do. We believe that it is not up to visitor passing through the museum to make an assumption on this situation.
The Madeira Whale Museum team
Written May 4, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
MoonsterUK
UK1,680 contributions
Oct 2022 • Family
Whaling happened, times have changed and now it is important to educate why it is inappropriate. This museum does the opposite and glorifies this sad part of Madeiran history. Celebrating the names of the whalers should not be done.
The section on the science of the whale is more interesting, but the films would be better just in normal imaging rather than a poor attempt at 3D. No hands on sections so quite dull for young children. Wouldn't recommend or go back.
The section on the science of the whale is more interesting, but the films would be better just in normal imaging rather than a poor attempt at 3D. No hands on sections so quite dull for young children. Wouldn't recommend or go back.
Written October 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We would like to thank you for your visit and regret that you haven’t liked the Madeira Whale Museum. Our Museum was created on 1990 after 40 year of whaling, being this history a reality in Madeira. Not every historical fact is motive of pride but this does not invalidate that we doesn’t know about it. Whaling history cannot be told without social-economic contextualization from that time (1940-81) and is very important that we have the historical facts conscience and, as well, their consequences, for that we do not commit the same mistakes as before.
The science room shows the work done by the Museum regarding the cetacean’s conservation. The signalization, not to touch is for the safety of visitors, some skulls are complete with teeth, which are very sharp. In the 2 exhibition rooms of the museum, you have found several touchscreens, which were at your disposal to use, both by adults and children. The boat and the submarine are very popular by the children.
Best Regards
The Madeira Whale Museum team
Written November 10, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
AJ
Kirriemuir, UK8 contributions
Jun 2023
I knew from other reviews that this would be a museum on whaling as well as just whales, but found it really interesting. I am a huge whale nerd and there was so much detail. While the whaling information is harrowing, it is preserved really well and it is worth preserving it even in this unpleasant detail. I am from the UK, which has a much darker and deeper history with whaling which we pretend didn't happen, so it is good to see this part of history being preserved. The audio guide is great as is the hall on whale evolution and with various skulls, and I'm not sure I've seen a public collection as varied as this before. It would have been nice to have some info on current science e.g. any actual recordings by scientists and photo ID with information about local individual animals and populations.
Written June 3, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We thank you for your visit to the Madeira Whale Museum, as well as your evaluation and recommendation, which is very important to us.
We would also like to inform you that you can find out about our scientific and educational activities on our social media.
It will be a pleasure to welcome you again.
The Madeira Whale Museum team
Written June 16, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
MEL
Dijon, France23 contributions
Feb 2023 • Couples
We came to visit since it was raining outside. The museum in itself is in good condition but we did not expect it to be mostly on whale hunting. It is good to explain the practices that were used years ago by whale hunters and how was used the whale itself after it was killed. However, glorifying the fact that it was a difficult job and that “hopefully, no man died while hunting” was a bit indelicate. This museum should focus more on raising awareness about sea life and why we should protect it at all cost rather than anything else.
Overall disappointment.
Also, 10€ for the entrance it too pricy
Overall disappointment.
Also, 10€ for the entrance it too pricy
Written February 12, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We would like to thank you for your visit and regret that you haven’t liked the Madeira Whale Museum. The Madeira Whale Museum was created on 1990 after 40 years of whaling, being this history a reality in Madeira. Not every historical fact is motive of pride but this does not invalidate that we doesn’t know about it. Whaling history cannot be told without social-economic contextualization from that time (1940-81) and is very important that we have the historical facts conscience and, as well, their consequences, for that we do not commit the same mistakes as before.
Our museum is not only about the history of whaling in Madeira, we also generate and disseminate knowledge about cetaceans and the marine environment. (2nd. exhibition room).
Best Regards
The Madeira Whale Museum team
Written February 16, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sonja L
3 contributions
Aug 2022
Huge building with very little in it. Not really worth the money. A lot of films (pretty bad 3 D) but not a lot to look at otherwise. Films were interesting, but I don't need to go to a museum for watch a documentary. Children (12 and 14) were not impressed. It might have state-of-the -art technology, but I we thought it was a waste of money and all the media and audio guides that start automatically, are not necessary. On the plus side, staff were very friendly and there were only a handful of visitors, so lots of space. Would not go again and would not recommend.
Written September 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We are sorry that the visit did not meet your expectations. However, we appreciate your opinion.
The Madeira Whale Museum team
Written September 7, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Janet R
Newcastle upon Tyne, UK139 contributions
Sep 2022
Really interesting to learn about the whale hunting industry in Madeira and how it developed. Liked the old black and white films of how they caught and processed the whales and learning about all the uses the meat and oil was put to.
Bit sad to hear how many whales were killed but impressed by the bravery of the men who went out in small boats to capture these huge animals.
We got the service bus 113 from Funchal to Canical and it took about 1hr 15mins. Some hairy twists and turns on the roads but passed through lots of small towns we wouldn't have seen from the motorwary.
Bit sad to hear how many whales were killed but impressed by the bravery of the men who went out in small boats to capture these huge animals.
We got the service bus 113 from Funchal to Canical and it took about 1hr 15mins. Some hairy twists and turns on the roads but passed through lots of small towns we wouldn't have seen from the motorwary.
Written October 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We thank you for your visit to the Madeira Whale Museum, as well as your evaluation which is very important to us. It will be a pleasure to welcome you again.
Best Regards.
The Madeira Whale Museum team
Written October 16, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
AnEnglishmaninAsia
Hong Kong, China47 contributions
Feb 2013 • Family
I first visited the Canical whaling museum around 11 years ago. I remember it as being a small, somewhat gruesome, collection of exhibits housed in a slightly run-down building. 11 years later, the museum has been transformed - but unfortunately not for the better.
The museum exhibits remain largely the same as 11 years ago, however they are now housed in a massive, concrete warehouse of a building that is far too big for the collection. The main exhibits remain the limited collection of wooden whaling boats, harpoons and various knives, gaffs and other implements that were used to process the whale meat onshore. As a result, the museum contains a lot "dead space" and our visit lasted no more than one hour.
Challenged with what to fill the hangar-sized building with, the museum owners opted to fill one room with some life-size fibreglass whales. While these are visually impressive, these exhibits were not labelled in English, nor was there any other information provided about them.
The only other new exhibit is a small 3-D submarine ride, which is housed in a mock submarine shell. While I can imagine the owners of the museum congratulating themselves on this 'state of the art' piece, we found the ride unimaginative and having little educational content.
The same is true of the rest of the museum, which contains little educational content and makes no attempt to inform the visitor about the different species of whales which inhabit the waters of Madeira.
The Canical Whale museum is a prime example of why Europe's economy is in such a mess. Built with EU Funding, the museum is a shameful triumph of style, over substance. It is a 'white elephant', a wasted opportunity and a complete waste of 10 Euros entrance fee. Save your money and do not go there.
PS I would not recommend this museum for young children, as there is little to hold their attention. As mentioned, some of the exhibits are rather gruesome, containing photos and grainy film of whales being butchered.
The museum exhibits remain largely the same as 11 years ago, however they are now housed in a massive, concrete warehouse of a building that is far too big for the collection. The main exhibits remain the limited collection of wooden whaling boats, harpoons and various knives, gaffs and other implements that were used to process the whale meat onshore. As a result, the museum contains a lot "dead space" and our visit lasted no more than one hour.
Challenged with what to fill the hangar-sized building with, the museum owners opted to fill one room with some life-size fibreglass whales. While these are visually impressive, these exhibits were not labelled in English, nor was there any other information provided about them.
The only other new exhibit is a small 3-D submarine ride, which is housed in a mock submarine shell. While I can imagine the owners of the museum congratulating themselves on this 'state of the art' piece, we found the ride unimaginative and having little educational content.
The same is true of the rest of the museum, which contains little educational content and makes no attempt to inform the visitor about the different species of whales which inhabit the waters of Madeira.
The Canical Whale museum is a prime example of why Europe's economy is in such a mess. Built with EU Funding, the museum is a shameful triumph of style, over substance. It is a 'white elephant', a wasted opportunity and a complete waste of 10 Euros entrance fee. Save your money and do not go there.
PS I would not recommend this museum for young children, as there is little to hold their attention. As mentioned, some of the exhibits are rather gruesome, containing photos and grainy film of whales being butchered.
Written March 25, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AnaNeto
Funchal, Portugal26 contributions
Jul 2012 • Couples
Beautiful museum with a very modern feel to it. Interest exhibits about whale hunting in Madeira (which is not done any more) and lots of info about whales and whale conservation in interesting movies (some of which are 3D) and multimedia kiosks. Beautiful view over the sea as well. Good way to spend a couple of hours outside Funchal (it is about 30 minutes away from Funchal and 10 minutes from the airport).
Written January 18, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Robin O
London, UK97 contributions
May 2018 • Couples
As an exercise in making a little go a long way, this museum excels. There are only so many times that you can hear that the Madeiran whalers led a dangerous existence but through their skill and bravery none of them died. Similarly after the fourth explanation of how whale meat was boiled in pressure cookers then dried and minced your interest may wane a bit. Ours did, to the extent we could not face the second half of the museum which was a lot of 3D videos about whale conservation.
The hi-tech audio guide knows where you are and plays the relevant piece of audio. However it is way too sensitive. If you don’t stand stock still it jumps to another piece of audio. When you move back it starts over.
It seemed quite expensive compared with the museums in Funchal. That may be because the6 have to pay for the upkeep of what is, admittedly, an impressive building. Overall however, I felt it was a plodding apologia for a short-lived industry which had no romance and no redeeming features.
The prego in the cafe was delicious and good value however.
The hi-tech audio guide knows where you are and plays the relevant piece of audio. However it is way too sensitive. If you don’t stand stock still it jumps to another piece of audio. When you move back it starts over.
It seemed quite expensive compared with the museums in Funchal. That may be because the6 have to pay for the upkeep of what is, admittedly, an impressive building. Overall however, I felt it was a plodding apologia for a short-lived industry which had no romance and no redeeming features.
The prego in the cafe was delicious and good value however.
Written May 16, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you very much for your visit and for your review to our Museum
The Madeira Whale Museum Team
Written July 30, 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Smriti S
Farnborough, UK128 contributions
Apr 2017
Enjoyed strolling around the museum. It has good history about Madeira and sperm whale. You could spend quite a few hours knowing about the what they did with the oil of spermwhale and what they used for. Very informative.
Written April 24, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you very much for your visit and for your review to our Museum
The Madeira Whale Museum Team
Written April 26, 2017
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
ateix93
Canical, Portugal2 contributions
When is it open? Whenever I go past it always seems to be closed.
Pantelejka
Zurich, Switzerland74 contributions
10:30-18:00, all days except Mondays. Plan to enter at least 60 minutes before closing time (though 90-120 gives you more peace of mind, in case you happen to like one part of the exhibit more).
PaulAnJo
Germany610 contributions
Hallo,
wir interessieren uns für einen Besuch im Wal-Museum. Wir werden Funchal mit einem Kreuzfahrtschiff ansteuern. Wie kann man vom Hafen Funchal zum Museum gelangen? Es sind ja doch über 30km zu fahren, was würde ein Taxi in etwa kosten? Vielen Dank für eure Unterstützung!
Herzliche Grüße!
Ricardo
Madeira, Portugal77 contributions
Guten Tag aus dem Hafen von Funchal zum Museum der Preis für das Taxi sollte etwa 40/50 € sein, aber hat Busse, die für ca. 4 € Funchal Verbindung zum Schilfbeet machen
Sandfordretired
Reading, UK26 contributions
I will be staying at Royal Savoy and would like to visit this museum. I do not drive. Can I get there by bus, & if yes, which one? How much by taxi, & who would you recommend?
arover452
Stockton-on-Tees, UK207 contributions
HI.
Your Hotel Reception will have an up to date bus timetable.
A Taxi would be very expensive maybe 50 -60 Euros possibly more -- that is each way . I would go to the Bus Terminus which is on the west side of Dolce Vita Shopping Centre once you have established the bus times. It is an interesting journey .You should not need a taxi in Canical if you get off at the correct place. Most bus drivers speak English so ask.
Boa Viagem
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