Madeira

21 Fishing Charters

Madeira Fishing Charters

Search top fishing charters in Madeira

Top Madeira Destinations

Madeira: 21 fishing charters available
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(34 reviews)
Calheta
 Instant Confirmation
trips from $465
Excellent
4.9 / 5
(14 reviews)
Funchal
 Instant Confirmation
trips from $370
Excellent
4.8 / 5
(10 reviews)
Machico
 Instant Confirmation
trips from $317
Excellent
4.9 / 5
(69 reviews)
Calheta
 Instant Confirmation
Excellent
4.9 / 5
(46 reviews)
Calheta
 Instant Confirmation
trips from $370
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(14 reviews)
Funchal
 Instant Confirmation
trips from $137
Excellent
4.3 / 5
(14 reviews)
Funchal
 Instant Confirmation
trips from $740
Excellent
4.9 / 5
(10 reviews)
Funchal
 Instant Confirmation
trips from $634
Very good
4.0 / 5
(2 reviews)
Funchal
 Instant Confirmation
trips from $740
Calheta
 Instant Confirmation
trips from $381

Frequently Asked Questions about Fishing Charters in Madeira

According to customer reviews, Grand Holiday Tours, Aventura Fishing Charters, and ODF - Ocean Dive & Fishing LDA are some of the most popular fishing charters in Madeira. Full list of top fishing charters in Madeira.

The average price for a private 4 hour Madeira fishing trip is $553, while an 8 hour private trip will cost you $1,226 based on prices on FishingBooker.com.

Grand Holiday Tours, Aventura Fishing Charters, and ODF - Ocean Dive & Fishing LDA all received great reviews from families who booked fishing trips in Madeira.

The most popular fish species you can target are Dolphin (Mahi Mahi), Wahoo, and White Marlin. Top fishing techniques include Heavy Tackle, Deep Sea Fishing, and Bottom Fishing. Offshore fishing, nearshore fishing, and inshore fishing are commonly offered by local guides.

Madeira is hands down one of the best places in the world to go fishing. Located some 500 miles off the coast of Morocco, this Portuguese island features in bucket lists for gander Blue Marlin fishing all over the internet. Madeira fishing, quite simply, is epic.
 
What makes fishing in Madeira so great? For starters, the fish get really big. Blue Marlin aside, everything from Bigeye Tuna to Bluefish hit incredible sizes here. You don’t have to travel far to find them, either. Even on a half day trip, you have plenty of time to turn your arms to jelly. And if you’re just out for a fun day at sea and a few fish to show for it, you can catch a boatload of delicious table fare with the dramatic cliffs of Madeira as your backdrop. There’s something for everyone on “the Pearl of the Atlantic'.”

Types of Fishing

 

Offshore

The big game fishing Madeira is famous for draws in the world's top sportfishers. The seafloor drops almost vertically from beach to bedrock, so you can catch bluewater species just a couple of miles from land. And there are plenty to choose from. Blue and White Marlin, Bluefin, Albacore, and Bigeye Tuna, Longbill Spearfish, Mahi Mahi, and Wahoo all show up over the course of the year.
 
May through October is the peak Billfish season. Show up in September, and you can catch the full range of big game species on offer here. But you can catch huge Wahoo even in the middle of winter and Albacore live here all year round. There’s never a bad time to fish offshore in Madeira.
 

Nearshore

There’s never a bad time to fish the reefs, either! Huge Snappers are reeled in every month of the year, and resident Amberjack hit incredible sizes on the island’s deep-water reefs. Grouper, are always around, too, although they’re not nearly as common as Snappers. If you want to add some extra fight to your day, monster Bluefish hunt around the island’s rocky nearshore waters.
 

From Shore

More interested in variety than size? Shore fishing in Madeira can be a great way to bag a variety of fish. You can hook Bluefish and Barracuda from shore in many spots, alongside weird and wonderful species like Ornate Wrasse and Canary Damselfish. If you’re fishing from the rocks on Madeira’s north shore, you should watch out for the high winds and swells that batter the island during much of the year.

Fishing Techniques

Madeira Marlin fishing focuses almost exclusively on trolling. Fast-trolling with lures is the most popular tactic here as it lets you cover more ground on the hunt for big fish. Most boats use heavy trolling rods and reels, hoping for the island’s next grander. You can sometimes find kites flying above bigger boats, especially when they’re targeting big Tunas.
 
Up for something with a bit more finesse? There are a few specialist charter companies which offer everything from saltwater fly fishing for White Marlin, Tuna, and Almaco Jacks to spinning and popping for monster Bluefish. You won’t find much finesse on bottom fishing trips, though. Not with the size that Amberjack and Snapper reach here!
 
If you’re fishing from shore, you can pick up great baits at the local fish market. If you prefer artificial baits, be careful–Pufferfish can and will take a chunk out of anything that comes their way, so leave your favorite soft plastics in the box.

Need to Know

 

Getting there

Most charters operate out of the region’s capital, Funchal, or the beach resort of Calheta, a 40-minute drive up the coast. Flights from London take around 4 hours and can cost as little as   €110 return, even in the middle of Marlin season. Flights from Lisbon take less than half that and cost about the same. You can get direct flights from cities all over Europe, but you’ll need to change in London if you’re flying from the US.
 

Budget

Madeira fishing prices vary greatly depending on the style of angling you’re after. A half day on the nearshore reefs will bag you a ton of tasty fish for around €350-400. Full day trips targeting Marlin, Tuna, and other deep sea species cost anywhere from €1000-1300. Boats vary from center console-style vessels to large sportfishers with outriggers, tuna tubes, fighting chairs–the works. If you’re looking to land a grander Marlin, it’s well worth the extra money to get a good boat.
 

Rules & Regulations

Anglers planning on fishing from shore will need to buy a Sport Fishing License (Licença de Pesca Desportiva) before they can even think about making a cast. Get these by contacting the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries. By all accounts, this can be a bit of a nightmare as a foreigner. The good news is that you don’t need a license to fish aboard Madeira fishing charters, as you will be covered by the boat’s operating license.
 
Madeira is the ultimate island escape. Stunning scenery and great weather meet deep waters and some of the world’s best sportfishing. This is a popular vacation spot for people in Europe, even without the angling. Throw in the chance of a grander Marlin or a record Amberjack, and you wonder why you’d go anywhere else!
Madeira
Excellent
4.3 / 5
Based on 27733 reviews by FishingBooker anglers

January

Wahoo season ends as the year starts, so head out and bag these bluewater bullets before they move on. Otherwise, there are a ton of different bottom fish to go after.

February

It’s Carnival in Madeira! This week-long festival brings a storm of color and music to the streets of Funchal. There’s plenty of fun on the water, too, with Snappers, Amberjack, and so much more.

March

Bigeye Tuna explode onto the scene in March, kicking off an 8-month season of huge, tasty fish. There are plenty of monsters on the reefs, too, with Grouper, Snapper, Amberjack, and more.

April

The first few Marlin start to show up in April. Head out in search of these monsters, and you could also run into Bigeye and Albacore Tuna. As always, the reefs are full of tasty fish!

May

Blue and White Marlin arrive in huge numbers around Madeira in May, joined by the often-overlooked Longbill Spearfish. If you’re after a Billfish Grand Slam, this is a good time to try.

June

Madeira celebrates these incredible waters with the month-long Atlantic Festival. Enjoy everything from roots and arts events to pyromusical shows. Don’t let it distract you from the ocean itself, though!

July

All over the world, pro sportfishing teams head offshore to take part in the Blue Marlin World Cup. Madeira has won this event more than once in the past. Are you feeling lucky?

August

August is the hottest month of the year in Madeira, so expect the beaches to be busy. There’s plenty of space out at sea, though, if you don’t mind fighting Marlin for it! 

September

Every big game species is biting hard in September. Blue and White Marlin, Bigeye, Albacore, and Bluefin Tuna, Longbill Spearfish, Wahoo, Mahi Mahi–they’re all here and they’re all going crazy!

October

October is your last chance to catch Marlin in Madeira, and the Bigeye Tuna are about to move on, too. Don’t miss your chance–get out there and battle some sea monsters!

November

The Billfish may have moved on, but Wahoo, Albacore, and Bluefin Tuna are still around in force. The reefs never go quiet here, either. Just take your pick and enjoy. 

December

Christmas in Funchal is a wonderland of colorfully-lit streets and seasonal joy. Hit the reefs to catch some delicious bottom fish and bring home a real Christmas feast!

Madeira Fishing Calendar

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The boat was well appointed, spotlessly clean. Hennie and Franklin made a great team, professional, courteous and hard working. They really worked hard, and agreed plans were always flexible as they sought out fish for us. We would thoroughly recommend them as we had a great experience. We arrived as clients and left as friends so will be booking again as soon as we can.
Excellent
4.7 / 5
The boat was well appointed, spotlessly clean. Hennie and Franklin made a great team, professional, courteous and hard working. They really worked hard, and agreed plans were always flexible as they sought out fish for us. We would thoroughly recommend them as we had a great experience. We arrived as clients and left as friends so will be booking again as soon as we can.
Michael  C.
Michael C. Aberdeen, Scotland
Plan the fishing trip according to the weather and the direction of the wind. Fish in the wind shadow of the island for smaller waves.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Plan the fishing trip according to the weather and the direction of the wind. Fish in the wind shadow of the island for smaller waves.
Lukas  R.
Lukas R. Madeira, 30
Book with Native Crew! Theyโ€™ll do the rest. Captain is fluent in English which helped communication greatly. Be sure to get out early in the morning while still cool and fish are biting.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Book with Native Crew! Theyโ€™ll do the rest. Captain is fluent in English which helped communication greatly. Be sure to get out early in the morning while still cool and fish are biting.
Nancy  E.
Nancy E. Lake Junaluska, NC
Don't expect to catch a big game first time! I've been 4 times all over the world and still not had my big catch but still pulled up all kinds of colourful fish!! And some big snapper! A day out on the boat is better than a day not on the boat! Just go and have fun and you may get lucky! Also check season times, summer is best for certain types of fish so can be hard before the season
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Don't expect to catch a big game first time! I've been 4 times all over the world and still not had my big catch but still pulled up all kinds of colourful fish!! And some big snapper! A day out on the boat is better than a day not on the boat! Just go and have fun and you may get lucky! Also check season times, summer is best for certain types of fish so can be hard before the season
Craig  A.
Craig A. London, England
Use a local captain. If you can fish with Capt. Anders, do not hesitate to do it. My wife and I stayed at a convenient Airbnb Loft - Madeira - Funchal - Calheta.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Use a local captain. If you can fish with Capt. Anders, do not hesitate to do it. My wife and I stayed at a convenient Airbnb Loft - Madeira - Funchal - Calheta.
HENRY  B.
HENRY B. Bethune, SC
The fishing trip on Flipper 2 was excellent. Could not recommend it any more enthusiastically. Practical tips before your trip - Bring change for the metered parking at Calheta Marina and we would not recommend using the Calheta Marina ATM which offers a really poor exchange rate. Get any cash you need before you arrive at the Marina.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
The fishing trip on Flipper 2 was excellent. Could not recommend it any more enthusiastically. Practical tips before your trip - Bring change for the metered parking at Calheta Marina and we would not recommend using the Calheta Marina ATM which offers a really poor exchange rate. Get any cash you need before you arrive at the Marina.
Tim  J.
Tim J. Figueira Da Foz Municipality, Coimbra
You can try everything you like. The captains always will ask you what you want to fish and how. I have chosen trolling but there is also bottom fishing,... We rent an appartement near the harbour. So it was an easy walk in the morning (5 minutes)to the boat. And as you leave very early in the morning you can get breakfast at the harbour promenade. There is a nice Cafe which was open at 8 when I arrived.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
You can try everything you like. The captains always will ask you what you want to fish and how. I have chosen trolling but there is also bottom fishing,... We rent an appartement near the harbour. So it was an easy walk in the morning (5 minutes)to the boat. And as you leave very early in the morning you can get breakfast at the harbour promenade. There is a nice Cafe which was open at 8 when I arrived.
Guenter  K.
Guenter K. Baden Bei Wien, 3
Not to worry, the people from Madeira are so helpful. Just take sun cream and a coat as it can get cold at night.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Not to worry, the people from Madeira are so helpful. Just take sun cream and a coat as it can get cold at night.
John  P.
John P. Edinburgh, SCT
Bottom-fishing out by the islands is awesome, super-rich with fish. Smaller fish but still very fun.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Bottom-fishing out by the islands is awesome, super-rich with fish. Smaller fish but still very fun.
Thomas  M.
Thomas M. Funchal, 30
If you can wait as late as possible to book so you get the right weather conditions and be patient !
Excellent
5.0 / 5
If you can wait as late as possible to book so you get the right weather conditions and be patient !
Jude  S.
Jude S. Stockton-on-Tees, England

Aventura Fishing Charters
Aventura Fishing Charters
Fishing charter in Funchal
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(14 reviews)
Crew were fab, had a great half day, good introduction for my two sons who had never fished on a boat. When we come back Iโ€™ll take them for tuna.
Marshall  H.
Marshall H.
Native Crew โ€“ Fishing & Tours
Native Crew โ€“ Fishing & Tours
Fishing charter in Funchal
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(14 reviews)
Pedro e il suo aiutante sono stati molto gentili disponibili e professionali! Nonostante non sia stata una giornata di pesca fortunata, hanno cercato di darci pescare piรน pesci possibili, e infatti qualche cattura รจ stata fatta!! Consiglio a chi vuole passare mezza giornata in questo stupendo oceanro a pescare di andare con Pedro!!!
Giampiero  G.
Giampiero G. Campobasso, 67
Native Crew โ€“ Fishing & Tours
Native Crew โ€“ Fishing & Tours
Fishing charter in Funchal
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(14 reviews)
We went out with captain Pedro on a half day fishing trip. The trip was well organized, food and drinks were available. Even though we didn't catch big fish, we caught some "smaller" ones for dinner. Pedro even stayed longer than the initial 4 hours, so we maybe catch a big fish, but the big ones weren't biting. Never the less we were satisfied with the trip and would recommend fishing with Pedro. He is a competent fisherman and is keen to make his customers happy.
Lukas  R.
Lukas R. Madeira, 30
Aventura Fishing Charters
Aventura Fishing Charters
Fishing charter in Funchal
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(14 reviews)
Captain and Franklin were absolutely amazing! They went out of their way to try get us the big one... albeit we only got medium size fish the day out was one to remember. Between grouper and snapper we landed 26 fish between us which is just unfathomable!!! Well done Franklin and skipper Hennie! Would definitely recommend and next time I am here they will be my first point of call.
Cade  B.
Cade B. Funchal, Madeira
Madeira Sea Fishing
Madeira Sea Fishing
Fishing charter in Funchal
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(10 reviews)
Nuno and Jose are just amazing ! The trip was great and the boys are very helpfull and kind ! Book now , you can trust them . We catch snappers and bottom fish ! It was a very magic moment ! Thanks to the boys ! Iโ€™ll book next Time for sure !
Luca  B.
Luca B. Funchal, Madeira
Aventura Fishing Charters
Aventura Fishing Charters
Fishing charter in Funchal
Very good
4.0 / 5
(14 reviews)
Great half day out not many fish caught unfortunately but thatโ€™s why itโ€™s called fishing and not catching. I Would recommend this charter
Russell  W.
Russell W. Sao Vicente, Madeira
Aventura Fishing Charters
Aventura Fishing Charters
Fishing charter in Funchal
Excellent
4.7 / 5
(14 reviews)
Everything was great, unfotunately we didnt catch any fish. I wanted to stay longer to have more time, but my family had another program. Anyway it was great time with the crew to be on the boat. Peter
Peter  K.
Peter K. Funchal, Madeira
Native Crew โ€“ Fishing & Tours
Native Crew โ€“ Fishing & Tours
Fishing charter in Funchal
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(14 reviews)
Great fishing experience with Captain Pedro and Alberto. Both were very nice guides and put a lot of efforts to be sure we brought back fish to discover the species we do not have home. Great knowledge about fishing but also about their areas as they were able to share with us many information about madeira islands and their culture. Really appreciated our experience and eould recommend them for sure. Would go again with them if it was to redo.
Francis  G.
Francis G. Val-d'Or, QC
Aventura Fishing Charters
Aventura Fishing Charters
Fishing charter in Funchal
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(14 reviews)
Hennie and Franklin are great team, very nice people and gave us a great time on the trip. They tried hard to give us the catch of our lifetime! Too bad our big marlin broke the line. But still we had a great day! The Boat und the equipment we're great and we had plenty of beer and snacks.
Thomas  H.
Thomas H. Marinha Grande, Leiria
Grand Holiday Tours
Grand Holiday Tours
Fishing charter in Calheta
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(34 reviews)
The captain and crew were very very nice, explanatory and considerate with the guests, especially with the child. The trip lasted about 4 hours, several kilometers out to sea. The captain did not look after the time to return to the harbor within the booked time. Even after several catches, it was again steered to the open sea. We enjoyed the trip very much and we can only recommend the agency to everyone, even with children. Thank you, we will come back!
Erich  P.
Erich P. Vienna, Vienna
Native Crew โ€“ Fishing & Tours
Native Crew โ€“ Fishing & Tours
Fishing charter in Funchal
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(14 reviews)
We had a wonderfull trip with Pedro and his colleague. Despite the difficult weather conditions he has driven us to the best fishing places. He even extended by 2 hours! We were very happy with this trip and with the catch. Thank you Pedro!
Sandy  I.
Sandy I. Lisbon, Lisbon
Native Crew โ€“ Fishing & Tours
Native Crew โ€“ Fishing & Tours
Fishing charter in Funchal
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(14 reviews)
An enjoyable trip with a knowledgeable and friendly crew, we enjoyed the fishing and helpful tips
Nick  D.
Nick D. Devizes, England
Fish Point
Fish Point
Fishing charter in Calheta
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(7 reviews)
It was great, was a nice day at enough fish in the boat, thanks Nelson, my familie has join it.
Cornee  H.
Cornee H. Funchal, Madeira
Native Crew โ€“ Fishing & Tours
Native Crew โ€“ Fishing & Tours
Fishing charter in Funchal
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(14 reviews)
Wir hatten einen mega geilen Ausflug und ne Menge SpaรŸ. Der kaptain und sein Kollege waren super nett und zuvorkommend. Ich kann sie nur weiterempfehlen und wenn ich nochmal auf madeira bin buche ich hier definitiv nochmal!
Jonas  K.
Jonas K. Grosswallstadt, Bavaria
Madeira Sight Casting
Madeira Sight Casting
Fishing charter in Funchal
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(43 reviews)
Great 1/2 day with professional and friendly Team, Ricardo & Sergio are very friendly and they know the best spots around Madeira. It was great to se the sunrise from the boat. We caught a beautiful Dentex and lost a big Grouper. We will be back for more. Thank you Ricardo & Sergio for a great day. Best Wishes Johannes, Monica & Tom
Thomas  H.
Thomas H. Vienna, Vienna
Madeira Fishing Charters
Madeira Fishing Charters
Fishing charter in Calheta
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(46 reviews)
Captain Anders and David made us very welcome we had a great afternoon fishing with them, both very knowledgeable would definitely recommend.
Stephen  L.
Stephen L.
Madeira Sight Casting
Madeira Sight Casting
Fishing charter in Funchal
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(43 reviews)
Went out again and caught some nice fish. Hooked a big tuna but unfortunately couldnโ€™t land it. We will be back for more! Highly recommend to go fishing with these 2 experts. Thx Ricardo & Sergio.
Thomas  H.
Thomas H. Vienna, Vienna
Grand Holiday Tours
Grand Holiday Tours
Fishing charter in Calheta
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(34 reviews)
Captain Viktor has been giving us a nice tour taking care of making the trip very nice for the kids too. Nice fishing equipment and tackles. We had 3 bites and could catch one small tuna. Another bought caught an impressive Marlin of almost 500kg !
Olivier  B.
Olivier B. Toulon, Provence-Alpes-Cรดte D'Azur
Aventura Fishing Charters
Aventura Fishing Charters
Fishing charter in Funchal
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(14 reviews)
We have choose an half fishing day (4 hours) in the morning. The Captain and his assistant was very nice and ask often what we want to catch. We have on board fresh water and soft with sandwichs if we want. We was four and each of us have taken a red snapper on jig.
CEDRIC  G.
CEDRIC G. Paris, รŽle-de-France
Fish Point
Fish Point
Fishing charter in Calheta
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(7 reviews)
We had a blast. The Capt. was great, he worked hard. We caught some nice fish. The whole family said it was one our favorite highlights of our week here.
Todd  T.
Todd T. Vero Beach, FL