Ocean Fun & Fishing – Big Game

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 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 Melo 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 and Atmosphere) for the study of various species.



Select date to see available trips and rates:

  • Private trip
    6 Hour Trip – Family Day Off
    In demand! Last booked: 1 day ago
    FREE Cancellation 14 days notice
    6 Hour Trip, starts at 9:00 AM
    Seasonal trip May 4 - Nov 5
    US $1,196
    Enjoy fishing whit your family up to 7 nautical miles offshore. The crew welcomes anglers of all skill levels. We are ready to teach you if needed. Our main targets will be the White Marlin, Mahi Mahi, Skipjack, and Bonito. This is a lifetime experience for you and your kids (the minimum age is 8 years old), and not to be missed! Seasonal.
    Types of fishing
    Nearshore Fishing
    Fishing techniques
    Light Tackle
    Trolling
    Targeted fish
    Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
    Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
    Marlin (White)
    White Marlin
    Tuna (Skipjack)
    Skipjack Tuna
    Tuna (Albacore)
    Albacore Tuna
    Bonito
    Bonito
    Tuna (Bigeye)
    Bigeye Tuna
  • Private trip
    8 Hour Trip – White Marlin
    FREE Cancellation 14 days notice
    8 Hour Trip, starts at 8:00 AM
    Seasonal trip Jul 1 - Nov 5
    US $1,522
    Discover the blue waters of Algarve up to 20 nautical miles offshore and see, catch, tag, and release White Marlin. You will be releasing all the fish you catch. This trip will provide a lifetime experience you do not want to miss! Seasonal.
    Types of fishing
    Offshore Fishing
    Fishing techniques
    Light Tackle
    Trolling
    Targeted fish
    Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
    Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
    Marlin (White)
    White Marlin
    Tuna (Skipjack)
    Skipjack Tuna
    Tuna (Albacore)
    Albacore Tuna
    Bonito
    Bonito
    Tuna (Bigeye)
    Bigeye Tuna
  • Private trip
    8 Hour Trip – Giant Bluefin Tuna
    FREE Cancellation 14 days notice
    8 Hour Trip, starts at 8:00 AM
    Seasonal trip Jun 1 - Aug 5
    US $1,685
    Enjoy a day of fishing for the giant Bluefin Tuna up to 12 nautical miles off the shore. Catch and release is mandatory. Join your friendly crew and create many unforgettable memories that you will gladly cherish for the rest of your life! Seasonal trip.
    Types of fishing
    Offshore Fishing
    Fishing techniques
    Heavy Tackle
    Trolling
    Targeted fish
    Tuna (Bluefin)
    Bluefin Tuna
  • Private trip
    10 Hour Trip – Blue Marlin
    FREE Cancellation 14 days notice
    10 Hour Trip, starts at 7:00 AM
    Seasonal trip Jun 1 - Nov 5
    US $2,284
    Discover the deep blue waters of Algarve up to 40 nautical miles offshore. You will have the chance to catch, tag, and release a Blue Marlin. Seasonal.
    Types of fishing
    Offshore Fishing
    Fishing techniques
    Heavy Tackle
    Trolling
    Targeted fish
    Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
    Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
    Marlin (Blue)
    Blue Marlin
    Marlin (White)
    White Marlin
    Tuna (Skipjack)
    Skipjack Tuna
    Tuna (Albacore)
    Albacore Tuna
There are 4 people looking at this charter.

FAQs about Ocean Fun & Fishing – Big Game

Ocean Fun & Fishing – Big Game offers the following trips to customers:
  • €1,100 per group - 6 Hour Trip – Family Day Off (6 hours)
  • €1,400 per group - 8 Hour Trip – White Marlin (8 hours)
  • €1,550 per group - 8 Hour Trip – Giant Bluefin Tuna (8 hours)
  • €2,100 per group - 10 Hour Trip – Blue Marlin (10 hours)

When you book a trip with Ocean Fun & Fishing – Big Game, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
  • Toilet
  • Air Conditioning
  • Fighting Chair
  • GPS Axion
  • Fishfinder Hondex - Sonar
  • Bed
  • Flybridge
  • Snorkeling Equipment
  • Live Bait Well
  • Kitchen
  • Refrigerator
  • Multimedia System
  • Outriggers
  • Ice Box
  • Radar Furuno

Trips booked with Ocean Fun & Fishing – Big Game include:
  • Rods, reels & tackle
  • Live Bait
  • Lures
  • Snacks (Breakfast )
  • Drinks (Limited )
  • First Mate
  • Fishing License
  • Lunch (Breakfast/Lunch - depending on the fishing trip)

Ocean Fun & Fishing – Big Game offers the following types of fishing:
  • Nearshore Fishing (From 5 up to 15 nautical miles)
  • Offshore Fishing (From 15 up to 40 nautical miles)

Ocean Fun & Fishing – Big Game offers the following fishing techniques:
  • Light Tackle
  • Heavy Tackle
  • Trolling
  • Popping
  • Drift Fishing
  • Deep Sea Fishing

Top targeted fish species with Ocean Fun & Fishing – Big Game include:
  • Bonito
  • Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
  • Marlin (Blue)
  • Marlin (White)
  • Swordfish
  • Tuna (Albacore)
  • Tuna (Bigeye)
  • Tuna (Bluefin)
  • Tuna (Skipjack)
  • Tuna (Yellowfin)

Meet the Charter Operator

Ocean Fun & Fishing – Big Game Portugal
Olhão, Faro District, Portugal
1 Fishing Report
ID & license verified
6 Customer reviews
Response time within an hour
Member since January 2018
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.

About this listing

Targeted species

Bonito Bonito
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi) Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Marlin (Blue) Blue Marlin
Marlin (White) White Marlin

Boat specs

Riviera (Sportfishing) originally built in 1999, and restored in 2023. Powered by 2 370HP Cummins engines, with a maximum cruising speed of 18 knots.

Length
36 ft
Capacity
6 persons

Types of fishing

Nearshore Fishing
From 5 up to 15 nautical miles
Offshore Fishing
From 15 up to 40 nautical miles

Fishing techniques

Light Tackle
Heavy Tackle
Trolling
Popping
Drift Fishing
Deep Sea Fishing

Amenities

Toilet
Air Conditioning
Fighting Chair
GPS
Axion
Fishfinder
Hondex - Sonar
Bed

Trip includes

Rods, reels & tackle
Live Bait
Lures
Snacks
Breakfast
Drinks
Limited
First Mate
Fishing License
Lunch
Breakfast/Lunch - depending on the fishing trip

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation up to 14 days prior to trip

You can cancel or modify your booking up to 14 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.

Listing policies

Pickup not included
Transfer to/from departure site is not included in trip rates.
Child Friendly
Older than 8 years
Catch and Release Allowed
TBF's Tag & Release Program

Payment

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
American Express
PayPal
Bank Transfer
When paying the remaining balance with a credit card, an additional 1.5% charge will apply.

Olhão Fishing Calendar

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Customer reviews

Rating summary
Excellent
4.9 / 5
out of 5 stars from 6 reviews
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience
Excellent
4.8 / 5
Photos & videos by reviewers (6)
Great crew and boat
Great crew and boat
Great crew and boat
+3
Angler rating
6
0
0
0
0
Anglers claimed
Good experience
100%
Friendly captain
100%
Recommend this charter
100%
Appropriate for children
75%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Caught fish
67%
Sort by:
Featured  
Showing:
5 of 6 reviews
David A.
Excellent
4.7 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Very good
4.0 / 5
Overall

Great crew and boat

VERIFIED   6 Hour Trip – Family Day Off on October 1, 2023
My wife and I booked a six hour big game trip $1300 CAD (blue/ white marlin, skipjack, bonito).  Four man crew who were very...
David A. recommends Ocean Fun & Fishing – Big Game
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  Ocean Fun & Fishing \u2013 Big Game Portugal Charter Operator replied

Frank B.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Beautiful day at sea

VERIFIED   6 Hour Trip – Family Day Off on October 11, 2023
From begin until end all 100% perfect Nice people and also nice foods and drinks. The fishing this day is perfect,...
Frank B. recommends Ocean Fun & Fishing – Big Game
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  Ocean Fun & Fishing \u2013 Big Game Portugal Charter Operator replied

Maude W.
Baden, ON
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Fishing with Joao

VERIFIED   6 Hour Trip – Family Day Off on September 21, 2023
Maude W. recommends Ocean Fun & Fishing – Big Game
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  Ocean Fun & Fishing \u2013 Big Game Portugal Charter Operator replied

James D.
Dublin, Ireland
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Day for Blue fin tuna

VERIFIED   Day trip on July 23, 2022
2 absolute gentleman on the boat myself and 3 pals went out for the day .. they couldn’t have tried any harder we had a great...
James D. recommends Ocean Fun & Fishing – Big Game
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1 person finds this review helpful
You and 1 other person found this review helpful
  Ocean Fun & Fishing \u2013 Big Game Portugal Charter Operator replied

Hugo M.
Funchal, Portugal
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Best day ever!

VERIFIED   White Marlin - Half Day on September 2, 2019
The Captain and first mate are just wonderful guys! The boat and all equipment is top notch. They prepared great snacks and...
Hugo M. recommends Ocean Fun & Fishing – Big Game
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2 persons find this review helpful
You and 2 people found this review helpful
  Ocean Fun & Fishing \u2013 Big Game Portugal Charter Operator replied