
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 twins 370 HP Cummins engines give the boat a cruise speed of 18 knots and a top speed of 26 knots. Amenities on board include a toilet for your convenience, a kitchen to prepare your meals, and a comfortable area for leisure dining. But most important, it comes with a fighting chair, outriggers, downriggers, and all essentials of a fishing machine.
Rods, reels, tackle, lures, and bait are included. The crew is ready to receive you aboard for the offshore fishing experience and will accommodate you and your party in this unique adventure.
If Billfish is your passion, come to Portugal, the best big game fishing location in Europe. The warm waters from the Mediterranean Sea entering the Atlantic Ocean run up to the Gulf of Cadiz, making this area the only place in Europe where it is possible to catch, tag, and release the Billfish and some of the biggest Bluefin Tuna in the world.
Capt. João A. Melo a IGFA CAPTAIN and his crew welcome anglers of all skill levels, teaching you if needed and helping you reach the climax of having a giant Bluefin Tuna or a Blue Marlin at the end of the line, and it’s a fight of a lifetime. The ultimate big game fishing trips in Algarve.
The big pelagic specimens are tagged and released, and ensuring the best conditions for their survival is a priority, following the guidelines of international associations such as the IGFA and the Billfish Foundation. We also collaborate with scientific researchers from IPMA (Portuguese Institute for Sea aand Atmosphere) for the study of various species.
Rating summary
Photos & videos by reviewers (33)
Angler rating
Anglers claimed
Good experience
100%
Appropriate for children
92%
Friendly captain
100%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Recommend this charter
100%
Caught fish
70%
Aug 6, 2025
Half day - Family Friends day OFF
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.
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...
Jul 27, 2025
Half day - Family Friends day OFF
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!
We had an absolutely amazing morning out on the water with Captain João and his fantastic team in Olhão, Algarve. Our group of...
Aug 5, 2025
Half day - Family Friends day OFF
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
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...
Jun 14, 2025
Full Day Giant Bluefin Tuna
Really professional set up and great crew would recommend. Did everything they could to get us a catch. Thanks again!
Really professional set up and great crew would recommend. Did everything they could to get us a catch. Thanks again!
Oct 2, 2025
Full Day White Marlin
lovely experience. knowledgeable captain and crew. would definitely book them again.
lovely experience. knowledgeable captain and crew. would definitely book them again.
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Rating summary
Photos & videos by reviewers (33)
Angler rating
Anglers claimed
Good experience
100%
Appropriate for children
92%
Friendly captain
100%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Recommend this charter
100%
Caught fish
70%
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Half day - Family Friends day OFF on August 6, 2025
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.
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...
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Half day - Family Friends day OFF on July 27, 2025
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!
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...

Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Half day - Family Friends day OFF on August 5, 2025
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
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
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Full Day Giant Bluefin Tuna on June 14, 2025
Really professional set up and great crew would recommend. Did everything they could to get us a catch. Thanks again!
Really professional set up and great crew would recommend. Did everything they could to get us a catch. Thanks again!
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Full Day White Marlin on October 2, 2025
lovely experience. knowledgeable captain and crew. would definitely book them again.
lovely experience. knowledgeable captain and crew. would definitely book them again.
