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.
Select date to see availability
Trip availability and prices
| Su | Mo | Tu | We | Th | Fr | Sa | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Customer reviews
Rating
Anglers' gallery (33)
All reviews (24)
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
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!
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
We had an absolutely amazing morning out on the water with Captain João and his fantastic team in Olhão, Algarve. Our group of six—mostly young adults—had such a fun and memorable experience. The crew were warm, professional, and made us feel welcome from the moment we stepped on board. The fishing itself was great—we caught plenty of fish and had lots of laughs along the way. Captain João shared his local knowledge and really made the trip feel personal and special. The best part? The youngsters took our catch home and grilled it later that day—fresh, delicious, and the perfect end to an unforgettable outing. Highly recommend this experience for anyone visiting the Algarve. Thank you again to João and the team!
Paula and family, thank you so much for your compliments. It is such a pleasure having clients like you on board, turning work to pleasure for all the crew. Next time you return to Portugal, please let us know to welcome you even better. Best regards for all of you and enjoy the vacations!
It started with helping us last minute when our other boat had to cancel. We were greeted with an amazing spread for breakfast while we rode to the spot to begin fishing. It wasn't too long till we were hooked up to a big fish. Then the crew got me set up and assisted me the whole time. Unfortunately we lost the fish after an hour of fighting but that is fishing. We then had an amazing lunch and we hooked up two more times and lost one at the boat and landed the other. Overall was above the experience I was hoping for and great memories were made. I highly recommend and will be back.
Thank you Aaron, it was a great pleasure having you aboard our boat, and the trip went according to plan, has we had hoped. The crew was happy to know you and your sons had fun fishing with us, and that you found the service to overtake your expectations! Enjoy the remaider of your holiday and we hope to see you all very soon!
FAQs about 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)
- €2,900 per group - Extended Full Day – Blue Marlin (12 hours)
- 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
- 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)
- Nearshore fishing (From 5 up to 15 nautical miles)
- Offshore fishing (From 15 up to 40 nautical miles)
- Light tackle
- Heavy tackle
- Trolling
- Popping
- Drift fishing
- Deep sea fishing
- 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.'
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 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
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 $876
4.8(8)35 ftGroup size 1 - 61 - 6
+75 hour trip • 6 personsUS $934
