Xavelha Ocean Roots
Xavelha Ocean Roots
Step aboard history and discover Madeira from a truly local perspective.
Xavelha Ocean Roots offers a unique fishing experience aboard an authentic Xavelha, a traditional wooden fishing boat built in 1936 and carefully restored to preserve Madeira’s maritime heritage. Originally used by fishermen from Câmara de Lobos, this remarkable vessel became part of Portugal’s maritime history after completing a seven-day voyage from Madeira to Lisbon for Expo ’98.
Today, Captain Diogo welcomes guests aboard for unforgettable fishing adventures along Madeira’s stunning coastline, sharing his passion for the ocean and the island’s fishing traditions.
Whether you are an experienced angler or discovering fishing for the first time, you will enjoy a relaxed and authentic day at sea aboard one of Madeira’s most iconic traditional boats. Depending on the season and sea conditions, you may have the opportunity to target species such as Grouper, Snapper, Triggerfish, Barracuda, and other local catches.
Fishing techniques may include bottom fishing, trolling, jigging, light tackle fishing, and other methods adapted to the conditions and target species of the day.
Your adventure begins at Marina da Praça do Povo in Funchal. The Xavelha accommodates up to six guests, with fishing trips designed for a maximum of four anglers to ensure comfort and personal attention throughout the experience.
All fishing equipment is provided, including quality rods, reels, and tackle. Complimentary drinks and light snacks are also included, allowing you to relax and enjoy your time at sea.
Families are warmly welcome, and children can enjoy a safe and memorable introduction to Madeira’s fishing traditions. Life jackets are available on board.
At the end of the trip, guests may keep their catch in accordance with local regulations and protected species requirements.
More than a fishing charter, Xavelha Ocean Roots is a journey into Madeira’s maritime heritage aboard a historic vessel.
Step aboard history and discover Madeira from a truly local perspective.
Xavelha Ocean Roots offers a unique fishing experience aboard an authentic Xavelha, a traditional wooden fishing boat built in 1936 and carefully restored to preserve Madeira’s maritime heritage. Originally used by fishermen from Câmara de Lobos, this remarkable vessel became part of Portugal’s maritime history after completing a seven-day voyage from Madeira to Lisbon for Expo ’98.
Today, Captain Diogo welcomes guests aboard for unforgettable fishing adventures along Madeira’s stunning coastline, sharing his passion for the ocean and the island’s fishing traditions.
Whether you are an experienced angler or discovering fishing for the first time, you will enjoy a relaxed and authentic day at sea aboard one of Madeira’s most iconic traditional boats. Depending on the season and sea conditions, you may have the opportunity to target species such as Grouper, Snapper, Triggerfish, Barracuda, and other local catches.
Fishing techniques may include bottom fishing, trolling, jigging, light tackle fishing, and other methods adapted to the conditions and target species of the day.
Your adventure begins at Marina da Praça do Povo in Funchal. The Xavelha accommodates up to six guests, with fishing trips designed for a maximum of four anglers to ensure comfort and personal attention throughout the experience.
All fishing equipment is provided, including quality rods, reels, and tackle. Complimentary drinks and light snacks are also included, allowing you to relax and enjoy your time at sea.
Families are warmly welcome, and children can enjoy a safe and memorable introduction to Madeira’s fishing traditions. Life jackets are available on board.
At the end of the trip, guests may keep their catch in accordance with local regulations and protected species requirements.
More than a fishing charter, Xavelha Ocean Roots is a journey into Madeira’s maritime heritage aboard a historic vessel.
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Trip availability and prices
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Customer reviews
Rating
Anglers' gallery (4)
Reviews (3)
Maciej MuchowiczRepeat angler•
Poland•Member since 20246 trips4.7VerifiedCery nice morning trip.
4 Hr – Traditional Experience on July 3, 2026 • 2 adults • 1 childVery friendly and professional crew. We had a great morning and we caught some fish. Nice experience I can recommend.
Gareth Roberts•
United KingdomMember since 20265.0VerifiedLovely crew of three, great traditional boat and fantastic experience!
4 Hr – Traditional Fishing Escape on July 23, 2026 • 4 adults • 1 childWe really enjoyed our fishing trip. The crew did everything possible to make it as enjoyable as possible. They really did do everything they could - from dolphin/whale spotting, to great fishing techniques / knowledge, to providing a range of drinks and local traditional foods. We could have spent the whole day on the boat. Would highly recommend. Book the trip.
Jan SalaetsRepeat angler•
Belgium•Member since 20253 trips5.0VerifiedGreat authentic fishing trip!
4 Hr – Traditional Experience - 2:00 PM on July 3, 2026 • 5 adultsVery nice family fishing trip. Nice authentic an colorfull boat. Crew very kind, helpfull and experienced. Top coastal views from the boat. Good action, caught about 20 smaller and tasty fish. Would reccomend if you are are looking for a relaxed fishing and nature experiance from Funchal area.
Rating
Anglers' gallery (4)
All reviews (3)
We really enjoyed our fishing trip. The crew did everything possible to make it as enjoyable as possible. They really did do everything they could - from dolphin/whale spotting, to great fishing techniques / knowledge, to providing a range of drinks and local traditional foods. We could have spent the whole day on the boat. Would highly recommend. Book the trip.
Very nice family fishing trip. Nice authentic an colorfull boat. Crew very kind, helpfull and experienced. Top coastal views from the boat. Good action, caught about 20 smaller and tasty fish. Would reccomend if you are are looking for a relaxed fishing and nature experiance from Funchal area.
Thank you so much for your review! We're really happy to hear that you and your family enjoyed the fishing trip, the coastal views, and the experience aboard our traditional boat. It was a pleasure having you with us and what a great day of fishing!
Very friendly and professional crew. We had a great morning and we caught some fish. Nice experience I can recommend.
FAQs about Xavelha Ocean Roots
- €150 per person - 4 Hr – Traditional Fishing Escape (4 hours)
- €150 per person - 4 Hr – Traditional Fishing Escape - 2:00 PM (4 hours)
- €450 per group - 4 Hr – Traditional Experience (4 hours)
- €450 per group - 4 Hr – Traditional Experience - 2:00 PM (4 hours)
- €700 per group - 7 Hr – Traditional Experience (7 hours)
- Ice box
- Rods, reels & tackle
- Snacks (We don't serve snacks, we serve tradition. Weather permitting, every trip includes a stop in the bay of Câmara de Lobos for an authentic black scabbardfish sandwich, eaten the fishermen's way, with stories of the village's centuries-old fishing life told )
- Drinks (Every drink on board is local: madeiran beer, island fruit juices, spring water, and regional wine. Because authenticity shouldn't stop at the fishing rod.)
- Nearshore fishing
- Light tackle
- Heavy tackle
- Bottom fishing
- Jigging
- Drift fishing
- Deep sea fishing
- Amberjack
- Barracuda (European)
- Grouper (Gag)
- Grouper (Goliath)
- Grouper (Red)
- Mackerel (Atlantic)
- Snapper (Lane)
- Snapper (Mangrove)
- Snapper (Red)
- Yellowtail Amberjack
Your captain
Funchal, Madeira, Portugal
Benefit from Captain Diogo’s extensive knowledge of Madeira’s local fishing grounds and enjoy a memorable fishing trip in Funchal. Using techniques such as bottom fishing, drifting, jigging, and more, you’ll have the opportunity to target species like Atlantic Mackerel, Goliath Grouper, and Gag Grouper. The best way to learn is to join him on the water and experience Madeira’s fishing traditions firsthand.
Real catches by this captain
What is the boat like?
What kind of fishing will you do?
Which fishing techniques you can try
Which amenities are available onboard
How cancellations work
You can cancel or modify your booking up to 3 days before the trip date, free of charge. If you cancel or modify your booking later, or fail to show up, you'll forfeit 100% of what you've paid.
What the listing policies are
Pickup not included
Transfer to/from departure site is not included in trip rates.
How you can pay
When the captain confirms your trip, FishingBooker charges your credit card a 10% deposit to guarantee your reservation.
The remaining balance is to be paid directly to the charter operator on or prior to your trip date in one of the following payment methods:
Cash
Visa
Mastercard
American Express
When paying the remaining balance with a credit card, an additional 1.5% charge will apply.
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