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Magic Dolphin Atividades Maritimas Lda
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

Rating

4.8
62 reviews
4.8
Boat & Equipment
4.9
Captain & Crew
4.6
Fishing Experience

What anglers say

93%
Good experience
98%
Friendly captain
90%
Recommend this charter
76%
Appropriate for children
98%
Satisfied with the boat
42%
Caught fish

All reviews (62)

Showing 21 – 25 of 62 reviews
  • Eric Springman
    Eric Springman
    Repeat angler
    us
    Pennsylvania, US
    Member since 2023
    7 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Great half day afternoon w Capt Solomão & mate Nelson

    Exclusive Morning Big Game Fishing • 1 adult

    First of all, Funchal is one of the most beautiful places I've ever fished. To find pelagics this close to shore is amazing. Bait is in the water by the time you are out of the harbor. I fish a lot, but mostly in-shore or near shore in Florida, where you have to motor a long way for this kind of fishing. Great instruction from Nelson and excellent teamwork. The day didnt bring us the cloud cover we'd hoped for, but the crew adapted. Soon enough Nelson spotted a swirl and called out to Captain, who immediately steered the bait into the path of a sizable Mahi. Again, great teamwork from the crew in landing the fish. Another exciting moment when we has a spearfish have a go at the bait 3 times, leaping at it... but unfortunately missing. That's fishing. Can't wait to see the video! All around great day on the water, fun fishing and easy conversation with Nelson along the way. Highly recommended.

    Reported catch:
    Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
    Bigeye Tuna
  • Ariana Hershon
    Ariana Hershon
    us
    California, US
    Member since 2025
    5.0
    Verified

    Great time!

    Exclusive Morning Big Game Fishing • 3 adults • 1 child

    The crew and boat really made this an awesome introduction to Madeira. Although we didn’t catch any fish we still had a great time. Amazing crew and Declan made the booking process from US very easy.

    Response from Charter operator

    Thank you for the kind words and we hope you enjoy Madeira Island!

  • Francesca Wise
    Francesca Wise
    gb
    United Kingdom
    Member since 2025
    5.0
    Verified

    No fish today but a lovely trip all the same

    Winter Big Game Fishing 4h (PM) • 4 adults

    We unfortunately didn't catch anything, but we did see Bottlenose Dolphins, had wonderful scenery. Crew were friendly and provided snacks, beer and water. Highly recommend.

    Response from Charter operator

    Hi Francesca, Thank you for your nice review. All the best, Declan

  • Kimberly Galloway
    Kimberly Galloway
    us
    Florida, US
    Member since 2024
    5.0
    Verified

    Great excursion despite no fish!

    Exclusive Morning Big Game Fishing • 2 adults

    We enjoyed the trip even though we had no luck. We were focused on billfish, and they were just not biting that afternoon: that’s why they call it fishing, not catching! Nice boat, equipment, beverages, and Nuno did a fantastic job and helped make it a fun excursion despite not catching the elusive billfish!

  • James Carey
    James Carey
    gb
    United Kingdom
    Member since 2025
    4.7
    Verified

    Fun, easy going and also exciting day out!

    Bottom Fishing 4h (AM) • 2 adults

    I caught a few fish and was able to eat a red snapper for the first time! Delicious - the team on the boat made the experience even better- good guys

    Response from Charter operator

    We are glad you enjoyed it!

Real catches shared by our community

  • Madeira Fun Fishing
    Madeira Fun FishingFunchal, MA
    Angler seated in a fishing chair aboard a trolling boat, surrounded by heavy-duty rods and reels with rugged Madeira coastline scenery in the background.
    Corné H.
    Corné H.
    What an absolutely fantastic day we had! Even though we unfortunately didn’t catch any fish, it was still an unforgettable experience! And that was all thanks to David and Fabi! What incredible people! From the very first moment, they created such a wonderful atmosphere on board. Their enthusiasm, kindness, humor, and passion for fishing made this day truly special. They did everything they could to help us land a great catch, but that’s fishing! And luckily, a day like this is about so much more than just catching fish! To top it all off, we even got to see dolphins swimming in the wild! 🐬 Such a beautiful moment that made an already amazing day even more special. David and Fabi, thank you so much for your dedication, great company, and wonderful hospitality. You proved that even without catching a single fish, you can still leave the boat with a huge smile on your face! We would highly recommend this experience to absolutely everyone, and we will definitely be back! Hopefully, next time with a big catch! 🎣❤️
  • Madeira Fun Fishing
    Madeira Fun FishingFunchal, MA
    A majestic Marlin leaps out of the water during a deep-sea fishing adventure, showcasing the thrill of sport fishing.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    Striped Marlin
    Great day on the water, the blue marlin bite is hot right now! This one was around 700lbs!
  • Madeira Fun Fishing
    Madeira Fun FishingFunchal, MA
    A group of anglers actively fishing on a boat, with a fish jumping out of the water in the background, showcasing an exciting moment on the open sea.
    Fish 1
    Blue Marlin
    Brendan M.
    Brendan M.
    The guys on the boat bring great vibes and a fun experience. We caught a large Marlin when we were out and I don’t think in life there are many things that top that excitement. Great time had by all of us
  • Madeira Fun Fishing
    Madeira Fun FishingFunchal, MA
    A marlin is seen jumping out of the water during an exciting fishing trip on a sportfishing boat.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    Blue Marlin
    Today was a great trip! 4 hours fishing produced a 450lbs blue marlin and some skipjack tuna.
  • Madeira Fun Fishing
    Madeira Fun FishingFunchal, MA
    Two fish visible in clear blue ocean water during an active fishing scene, including a long silver fish and a brightly colored reef fish.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    Little Tunny (False Albacore)
    Magnus D.
    Magnus D.
    Brilliant experience. It was my sons birthday and he caught his first ever tuna. Got plenty of red snappers as well. Crew was very friendly and had great experience. Would highly recommend.
  • Madeira Fun Fishing
    Madeira Fun FishingFunchal, MA
    Heavy-duty trolling rods and reels secured at the stern of a fishing boat, with a coastal mountain harbor in the background.
    Griffin S.
    Griffin S.
    Captain Fabio and First Mate Davide were wonderful and did everything they could to get me on the fish. Both super friendly and wealths of fishing knowledge and experiences. Would definitely recommend anyone fish with them .
  • Madeira Fun Fishing
    Madeira Fun FishingFunchal, MA
    Angler proudly displaying a large Snapper while fishing off the coast, with scenic hills in the background.
    Today we had a lovely morning aboard Balancal, a shared bottom fishing charter. The sea conditions have been on and off but this morning we managed to put a great group of people together for a trip! The highlight was this 4kg red snapper (pargo cabeçudo), a rare example of the species due to its bulky head! Congrats to our clients and crew!
  • Madeira Fun Fishing
    Madeira Fun FishingFunchal, MA
    Two anglers proudly displaying a large fish on a charter boat near Madeira Island, showcasing a successful fishing trip.
    Lars O.
    Lars O.
  • Madeira Fun Fishing
    Madeira Fun FishingFunchal, MA
    Two anglers proudly displaying a large Amberjack on a fishing charter near Madeira Island, showcasing a successful day on the water.
    We were trolling for wahoo and had a nice surprise, a large Amberjack!
  • Madeira Fun Fishing
    Madeira Fun FishingFunchal, MA
    A young angler proudly displaying a large Snapper while fishing off the coast of Madeira, showcasing a beautiful backdrop of mountains and ocean.
    Fish 1
    Red Snapper
    Victorien T.
    Victorien T.
    tres bonne partie de peche. equipage tres sympa

What's biting with Madeira Fun Fishing in Funchal

Top catches for November

Fishing reports

A majestic Marlin leaps out of the water during a deep-sea fishing adventure, showcasing the thrill of sport fishing.

700lb Blue Marlin Bites Hot

Sep 8, 2026 • Funchal
Great day on the water, the blue marlin bite is hot right now! This one was around 700lbs!
Show more
A marlin is seen jumping out of the water during an exciting fishing trip on a sportfishing boat.

450 lb Blue Marlin and Skipjack Catch

Aug 24, 2026 • Funchal
Today was a great trip! 4 hours fishing produced a 450lbs blue marlin and some skipjack tuna.
Show more
Angler proudly displaying a large Snapper while fishing off the coast, with scenic hills in the background.

Fun fishing in Madeira Island!

Mar 5, 2026 • Funchal
Today we had a lovely morning aboard Balancal, a shared bottom fishing charter. The sea conditions have been on and off but this morning we managed to put a great group of people together for a trip! The highlight was this 4kg red snapper (pargo cabeçudo), a rare example of the species due to its bulky head! Congrats to our clients and crew!
Show more
Two anglers proudly displaying a large Amberjack on a fishing charter near Madeira Island, showcasing a successful day on the water.

10kg Amberjack in Funchal!

Jan 6, 2026 • Funchal
We were trolling for wahoo and had a nice surprise, a large Amberjack!
Show more
Two anglers proudly displaying their catch of Mahi Mahi and another fish while enjoying a sunny day on the open ocean.

White Marlin, Skipjack and Dolphin Fish

Sep 18, 2024 • Funchal
A fun morning out, went 0-1 to a white marlin, unfortunately it shook the hook a few minutes in... At least some dinner for our clients who caught this Skipjack and Dorado on some light gear, great fun!
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Two adult anglers pose aboard a sportfishing boat beside multiple large tuna displayed on the deck at sunset near Madeira Island.

Like father like son ? well done ???

Sep 20, 2022 • Funchal
Hatrick but 2-3 .... 240lbs and 265lbs Bigeye Tuna . Lots of them around ???
Show more