Ocean Fun & Fishing – Big Game Portugal
Ocean Fun & Fishing – Big Game Portugal
Ocean Fun & Fishing – Big Game Fishing Portugal is a charter company and registered brand created in 2016 by Capt. João A. Melo, dedicated to Big Game Fishing on the Algarve shore, departing from the Olhão Marina.
The "Sal X” is a 36' Riviera refitted in 2023. It is stable, reliable, and designed for the deep blue ocean. The twin 370 HP Cummins engines give the boat a cruising speed of 18 knots and a top speed of 26 knots. Amenities on board include a toilet for your convenience, a galley to prepare your meals, and a comfortable area for leisure dining. But most importantly, it comes equipped with a fighting chair, outriggers, downriggers, and all the essentials of a true fishing machine.
Rods, reels, tackle, lures, and bait are all included. The crew is ready to welcome you aboard for an offshore fishing experience and will take care of you and your party throughout this one-of-a-kind adventure.
If Billfish is your passion, come to Portugal – the premier big game fishing destination in Europe. The warm waters flowing from the Mediterranean Sea into the Atlantic Ocean sweep up to the Gulf of Cadiz, making this area the only place in Europe where it is possible to catch, tag, and release Billfish and some of the largest Bluefin Tuna in the world.
Capt. João A. Melo, an IGFA CAPTAIN, and his crew welcome anglers of all skill levels, offering guidance when needed and helping you reach the pinnacle of the sport – having a giant Bluefin Tuna or a Blue Marlin on the end of your line in the fight of a lifetime. The ultimate big game fishing trips in the Algarve.
The large pelagic specimens are tagged and released, and ensuring the best conditions for their survival is a top priority, in accordance with the guidelines of international organizations such as the IGFA and the Billfish Foundation.
As in previous seasons, we have a Marine Biologist on board to provide insights into the marine life along our coastline and to explain the tagging study of White and Blue Marlins that we are conducting in partnership with IPMA/ICCAT.
Ocean Fun & Fishing – Big Game Fishing Portugal is a charter company and registered brand created in 2016 by Capt. João A. Melo, dedicated to Big Game Fishing on the Algarve shore, departing from the Olhão Marina.
The "Sal X” is a 36' Riviera refitted in 2023. It is stable, reliable, and designed for the deep blue ocean. The twin 370 HP Cummins engines give the boat a cruising speed of 18 knots and a top speed of 26 knots. Amenities on board include a toilet for your convenience, a galley to prepare your meals, and a comfortable area for leisure dining. But most importantly, it comes equipped with a fighting chair, outriggers, downriggers, and all the essentials of a true fishing machine.
Rods, reels, tackle, lures, and bait are all included. The crew is ready to welcome you aboard for an offshore fishing experience and will take care of you and your party throughout this one-of-a-kind adventure.
If Billfish is your passion, come to Portugal – the premier big game fishing destination in Europe. The warm waters flowing from the Mediterranean Sea into the Atlantic Ocean sweep up to the Gulf of Cadiz, making this area the only place in Europe where it is possible to catch, tag, and release Billfish and some of the largest Bluefin Tuna in the world.
Capt. João A. Melo, an IGFA CAPTAIN, and his crew welcome anglers of all skill levels, offering guidance when needed and helping you reach the pinnacle of the sport – having a giant Bluefin Tuna or a Blue Marlin on the end of your line in the fight of a lifetime. The ultimate big game fishing trips in the Algarve.
The large pelagic specimens are tagged and released, and ensuring the best conditions for their survival is a top priority, in accordance with the guidelines of international organizations such as the IGFA and the Billfish Foundation.
As in previous seasons, we have a Marine Biologist on board to provide insights into the marine life along our coastline and to explain the tagging study of White and Blue Marlins that we are conducting in partnership with IPMA/ICCAT.
Trip availability and prices
| Su | Mo | Tu | We | Th | Fr | Sa | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Customer reviews
Rating
Anglers' gallery (33)
All reviews (24)
Captain Joao and the guys on board made it a day to remember for the rest of our lives. We went out for white marlin in one of the toughest months of the season and we came back with one caught (20/25KG), one fish lost, saw 50+ dolphins and 2/3 pilot whales. Truly great morning out. We had a lovely breakfast laid on for us on arrival that all of us enjoyed. The boat had more than enough cold drinks of every type for us. They were all very knowledgable and spoke great English and spent time explaining all about the fishing and the fish. We had two kids with us (11 and 9) and the youngest felt sea sick so captain gave him anti sea sickness tablets that obviously worked as he managed to sneak off and eat half of the cake we were given for breakfast 🤣. The other boy caught the first fish we hooked and the guys tagged and released it, giving him a certificate that named the fish after him and gave him a memento of the capture that he will never forget. All in all a great trip and cannot recommend more. I'll definitely be looking to return and go out again with these guys. Thanks Joao and the boys.
Dear Henry, thank you for understanding our job, it's a requirement on Ocean Fun and Fishing to know all about Ria Formosa and the sea around us as the fishing in Portugal… explain to the anglers what is going on here, what you can fish or what you don't and the penalties for fishing illegally. The kids/young adults are our future and it's a great pleasure to have them on board and always do what is on our power to make the experience memorable, as always we'll be ready to welcome you again for another marvelous day of fishing and the seafari, as it was this year but with different species! Thank you Henry and you and the guys and lady always welcome on board. Joao
Captain and crew were very friendly and welcoming. Went Reef fishing and caught about a dozen fish between the 4 of us. Was hoping for some larger fish but experience was fun overall.
Dear Ricardo, It was realy a pleasure to have aboard tou and tour family, and for you have a experience that so long you wait for it. I hope you come back to the experience with pelagics like Bluefin tuna, White or Blue Marlin. Best regards e muito obrigado Capt.Joao A Melo
My son and brother inlaw wanted to fish offshore in the Algarve, I can't say enough about Joao and his crew. The crew and captain were a class act and very friendly. We will go back next year no doubt. 10 min into the trip, we hooked and landed a large white marlin, awesome day and can't say enough about this boat, Ty again gents, you made our trip
Mike it's always amazing having people like you and your family and friend on board. We are glad you enjoyed our boat as it's one of our top priorities to keep it clean and tidy. And we will welcome you next year, ready for another great day of fishing.
lovely experience. knowledgeable captain and crew. would definitely book them again.
Seth, it was a pleasure having you on board and we are glad you enjoyed the experience. The crew always strives to do their best so your compliments are very welcome. We hope you come back for another trip next year. Thank you and see you soon!
These guys no big fish
You and your family had a fantastic and a special day since it had been a long time since we'd seen so many marine species in one day. We started by seeing a swordfish and a hammerhead shark. A bit later, we saw a pod of common dolphins numbering about 50 individuals. To our surprise, behind the dolphins was a whale (I think a pilot whale), and whip we where watching them we had a white marlin strike, our newcomer Mels took to the rod and with some skill, released his first white marlin, he was radiant and had a huge smile on his face. We set everything up again, and in less than 10 minutes, his father, Coert, had caught the second white marlin of the day and skillfully brought to the boat to be tagged and released. It was very special day to the crew as well, hope you returned as soon as possible.
FAQs about Ocean Fun & Fishing – Big Game Portugal
What are the trip rates for Ocean Fun & Fishing – Big Game Portugal?
- €1,100 per group - Half day - Family Friends day OFF (5 hours)
- €1,100 per group - Half day - Reef fishing - Summer (5 hours)
- €1,400 per group - Full Day White Marlin (7 hours)
- €1,450 per group - Full Day Live Bait Bluefin Tuna (7 hours)
- €1,550 per group - Full Day Giant Bluefin Tuna (7 hours)
- €2,500 per group - Extended Full Day – Blue Marlin (10 hours)
Which amenities are available onboard with Ocean Fun & Fishing – Big Game Portugal?
- Toilet The bathroom is private. Sink, toilet and shower with hot water, we have moisturizing and sun creams, hairdryer and other details.
- Air conditioning
- Fighting chair
- GPS Raymarine Axion
- Fishfinder Hondex - Sonar
- Bed Captain authorization
- Flybridge You can seat 4 people
- Snorkeling equipment
- Live bait well
- Kitchen
- Refrigerator
- Multimedia system
- Outriggers
- Ice box
- Radar Furuno
What's included in the trip price with Ocean Fun & Fishing – Big Game Portugal?
- Rods, reels & tackle
- Live bait (We only use live bait on Reef fishing or deep sea fishing, and is included in the price.)
- Lures
- Snacks (Breakfast )
- Drinks (Limited )
- First mate (We have in all fishing trips 2 mates, the first mate is focused on fishing and the second is attentive to the needs of customers, drinks, food, etc. Normally the tip is 10% to 15% of the final price of the trip.)
- Fishing license (The fishing license we carry on the boat is valid for 24 hours, we need a angler identification number, like passport or drive license.)
- Lunch (Breakfast/Lunch - depending on the fishing trip)
What types of fishing does Ocean Fun & Fishing – Big Game Portugal offer?
- Nearshore fishing (From 5 up to 15 nautical miles)
- Offshore fishing (From 15 up to 40 nautical miles)
What fishing techniques does Ocean Fun & Fishing – Big Game Portugal offer?
- Light tackle
- Heavy tackle
- Trolling
- Popping
- Drift fishing
- Deep sea fishing
Which fish species can I catch with Ocean Fun & Fishing – Big Game Portugal?
- Bonito
- Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
- Marlin (Blue)
- Marlin (White)
- Swordfish
- Tuna (Albacore)
- Tuna (Bigeye)
- Tuna (Bluefin)
- Tuna (Skipjack)
- Tuna (Yellowfin)
Your operator
Olhão, Faro District, Portugal
'João Melo, the Skipper, born in 1969 in Portugal has the passion for the sea and fishing, since he was a child. With a wide professional experience in tourism and events, in 2013 he opened a tourist maritime business activity, focusing on Big Game fishing at the Olhao-Algarve, thus fulfilling the desire to work on what he likes the most. Along with this achievement, he is committed to practice sustainability and protection of the species, by catching, tagging, and releasing them, as well as collaborating with scientific researchers. His motto is: 'Protection is Fun' In 2016, Ocean Fun &Fishing Big Game Portugal was created, with the vessel EOLLA III, a Starfisher 840. The continued will to improve services of excellence lead to the current moment: the recent acquisition of the vessel 'SAL X', a Riviera 36 (renovated in 2023), prepared to provide the best experience of Big Game in Portugal.'
'João Melo, the Skipper, born in 1969 in Portugal has the passion for the sea and fishing, since he was a child. With a wide professional experience in tourism and events, in 2013 he opened a tourist maritime business activity, focusing on Big Game fishing at the Olhao-Algarve, thus fulfilling the desire to work on what he likes the most. Along with this achievement, he is committed to practice sustainability and protection of the species, by catching, tagging, and releasing them, as well as collaborating with scientific researchers. His motto is: 'Protection is Fun' In 2016, Ocean Fun &Fishing Big Game Portugal was created, with the vessel EOLLA III, a Starfisher 840. The continued will to improve services of excellence lead to the current moment: the recent acquisition of the vessel 'SAL X', a Riviera 36 (renovated in 2023), prepared to provide the best experience of Big Game in Portugal.'
What is the boat like?
What kind of fishing will you do?
Which fishing techniques you can try
Which amenities are available onboard
What's included in the trip price
How cancellations work
Free cancellation up to 30 days prior to trip
You can cancel or modify your booking up to 30 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
Book with 10% deposit, pay rest to captain
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
PayPal
Bank transfer
When paying the remaining balance with a credit card, an additional 1.5% charge will apply.
What’s biting in Olhão right now
Bonito
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Marlin (Blue)
Marlin (White)
Swordfish
Tuna (Albacore)
Tuna (Bigeye)
Tuna (Bluefin)
Tuna (Skipjack)
Tuna (Yellowfin)Compare similar fishing charters
5.0(4)35 ftGroup size 1 - 61 - 6
+104 hour trip • 6 personsUS $855
5.0(7)35 ftGroup size 1 - 61 - 6
+75 hour trip • 6 personsUS $912
