Charter operator

Magic Dolphin Atividades Maritimas Lda

Funchal, Portugal

50+ reviews

Madeira Marlin - Balancal is run by Magic Dolphin Atividades Maritimas Lda, specializing in excellent game fishing and incredible customer services. Their captains are experienced, passionate, and will do everything to provide their customers with an incredible fishing experience. Born in the Madeira, Captain Fabio Abreu grew up on the sea, surrounded with boats and fishing. He used to worked many years in Magic Dolphin Catamaran, but his heart was always in fishing. When opportunity came, we did not think twice about putting Fabio in charge of Balancal big game fishing. He is one of the top captains in the area, specializing in pelagics.

Charter

Madeira Fun Fishing

Funchal

Instant Confirmation

Trips from

US $180

Rating

4.8

61 reviews

4.8

Boat & Equipment

4.9

Captain & Crew

4.6

Fishing Experience

Anglers' gallery (46)

What anglers say

93%

Good experience

98%

Friendly captain

90%

Recommend this charter

76%

Appropriate for children

98%

Satisfied with the boat

43%

Caught fish

All reviews (61)

Showing 6 – 10 of 61 reviews

Tem Balanco
Texas, US
Member since 2026
5.0
Verified
Great experience
Exclusive Morning Big Game Fishing on June 30, 2026 • 4 adults • 2 children
Unfortunately we did not catch any fish, but we enjoyed the tour and the amazing views of Madeira. The crew is super friendly and professional.
Response from Charter operator
July 7, 2026
Thank you so much for taking the time to leave us a review! We're sorry the fish didn't cooperate on this occasion, that's all part of what makes fishing such an exciting and unpredictable sport. We're delighted to hear you still enjoyed the trip, the spectacular views of Madeira, and the company of our crew. I'll be sure to pass on your kind words to them. They'll really appreciate it! We hope to welcome you back onboard in the future for another adventure, and hopefully next time the fish will be a little more cooperative! Best wishes, Balancal Big Game Fishing
Whitney Keyes
Repeat angler
Connecticut, US
Member since 2023
2 trips
5.0
Verified
hooked a grander
Exclusive Full Day Big Game Fishing on June 29, 2026 • 2 adults
The crew and staff are incredible. We will definitely be back and we will definitely go out with him again to actually pull one of those Goliaths in.
Response from Charter operator
July 1, 2026
Thank you so much for the fantastic review! It was a real pleasure having your son onboard. Even though the "Goliath" got away this time, that's all part of what makes big game fishing so exciting. I'll also pass on your kind words to the crew! They always appreciate it. We'll be ready and waiting to help you hook that grander next time. Best wishes, Balancal Big Game Fishing
Benjamin Knight
Repeat angler
North Carolina, US
Member since 2026
5 trips
4.7
Verified
NEW
Great view ,great crew
Exclusive Big Game Fishing (PM) on September 6, 2026 • 2 adults
But no fish
Response from Charter operator
September 15, 2026
Thank you for your review! We’re glad you enjoyed the views and had a great experience with our crew. I'll pass on the message to them. Unfortunately, the fish didn’t cooperate with us this time. That’s part of the unpredictability of fishing, but we appreciate your recommendation and hope we can get you onto some fish next time! Best wishes, Balancal Big Game Fishing
Dennis Wolf
Repeat angler
United Kingdom
Member since 2026
2 trips
5.0
Verified
Great bottom fishing
Shared Bottom Fishing Half Day on April 6, 2026 • 2 adults • 1 child
We went out twice on different days. David is a great 1st deck hand. Declan captained once and Salvadore once. Looked after us well. Very Knowledgeable. Good Equipment. Caught on both days.
Response from Charter operator
April 8, 2026
Thanks so much for joining us not once, but twice. It was a real pleasure having you onboard! We’re delighted to hear you had a great experience with both trips. David will be especially happy to hear your kind words, and we’ll be sure to pass them along to both Declan and Salvador as well. It’s great to know you felt well looked after and enjoyed the overall experience. We really appreciate you taking the time to leave a review and hope to welcome you back again soon. Best regards, Balancal Big Game Fishing
Lucas Leardini
Repeat angler
Santa Catarina, Brazil
Member since 2025
2 trips
5.0
Verified
Fishing with Declan Dogac
Exclusive Morning Big Game Fishing on August 27, 2026 • 1 adult
Response from Charter operator
August 28, 2026
Thank you for your feedback. We're glad to hear you enjoyed the boat and had a great experience with our crew. Best regards, Balancal Big Game Fishing