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 26 – 30 of 61 reviews

Brian De Greef
Repeat angler
Belgium
Member since 2025
2 trips
5.0
Verified
Fishing with Declan Dogac
Winter Big Game Fishing 7h on March 23, 2025 • 3 adults
Kate Lillard
Repeat angler
Member since 2021
3 trips
5.0
Verified
Amazing day!
Exclusive Morning Big Game Fishing on August 7, 2021 • 5 adults • 1 child
We are a family of five, Mom, Dad, & three boys ages 10, 20 & 23. We are forever struggling to find things for the whole family on holiday. The fishing trip with Balancal did not disappoint! We were out for a day on the water, so catching something was a bonus not a necessity. First three hours we lazed about eating all the food & drink prepared by tge crew - top notch. The last hour our son worked with the crew to reel in a 900 lbs, 4 meter blue marlin. It was so exciting … even for spectators! Honestly, it was a great experience & highly recommended for families with mixers ages like ours. Thanks for a great day out guys!!!
Jussi Koljonen
Repeat angler
Finland
Member since 2021
2 trips
5.0
Verified
Morning half day trip that was absolutely perfect!
Exclusive Morning Big Game Fishing on July 28, 2021 • 2 adults
I have been dreaming of going big game fishing a long time and finally decided to do it. The crew was very kind and helpful and gave me good introduction to the equipment and what to do if we hook one before we started fishing. After two hours we were very lucky to hook a big blue marlin about 850lb! We got the fish next to the boat after little over 30 min battle and were able to release it in good condition. Absolutely perfect day with very professional and enthusiatic crew. Definately going to do this again some day and would recommend this boat to everyone who has a chance to try big game fishing in Madeira!
Nigel Patrick
Member since 2026
3.3
Verified
Never felt we were going to have any interest let alone catch
Exclusive Full Day Big Game Fishing on May 27, 2026 • 2 adults
Response from Charter operator
May 30, 2026
Thank you for your feedback. We’re sorry to hear that the experience did not meet your expectations. Big game fishing can unfortunately be unpredictable at times. We do appreciate your positive comments regarding the boat and crew. Best, Balancal Big Game Fishing
Jamie Treby
United Kingdom
Member since 2025
4.7
Verified
Fishing with Declan Dogac
Winter Big Game Fishing 4h (PM) on March 6, 2025 • 2 adults