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 $184

Rating

4.8

59 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

89%

Recommend this charter

76%

Appropriate for children

98%

Satisfied with the boat

45%

Caught fish

All reviews (59)

Showing 1 – 5 of 59 reviews

Brendan Masterson
Ireland
•
Member since 2026
5.0
Verified
NEW
Once in a lifetime experience
Exclusive Big Game Fishing (PM) on September 8, 2026 • 6 adults
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
Reported catch:
Response from Charter operator
September 15, 2026
Thank you so much for the fantastic review, Brendan! Catching a large marlin is certainly a moment to remember, and we’re delighted we could be part of such an exciting experience. We’ll pass your kind words on to the crew. It was a pleasure having you onboard, and the crew also had a great time. Congratulations again on an incredible catch! Best wishes, Balancal Big Game Fishing
Patrik Alriksson
Repeat angler
Sweden
•
Member since 2025
•
2 trips
4.7
Verified
Great charter!
Exclusive Big Game Fishing (PM) on August 10, 2026 • 2 adults
I would highly recommend this charter! We spent an evening fishing for big game. The fishing was slow unfortunately. However the capitän and crew was great and was doing everything correctly. Also the fishin gear was real professional and well maintained, with good lines and leaders. Next time we hope to catch a grander :) Patrik
Response from Charter operator
August 11, 2026
Thank you so much for the great review and recommendation, Patrik! Unfortunately, the fishing was a little slow that evening, but that’s all part of the nature of big game fishing. We're really glad you appreciated the hard work of the crew and the quality of our fishing equipment. Hopefully next time that grander finds its way onto the end of the line! We’d love to have you back onboard. Best wishes, Balancal Big Game Fishing
Griffin Sassano
Repeat angler
Illinois, US
•
Member since 2019
•
4 trips
5.0
Verified
Great day on the water despite no bites
Exclusive Morning Big Game Fishing on August 8, 2026 • 1 adult
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 .
Response from Charter operator
August 11, 2026
Thank you so much for the fantastic review! We're really glad you had such a great experience out on the water with Captain Fabio and First Mate David. I'll be sure to pass your kind words on to them. They always work hard to give our guests the best possible fishing experience. Thank you again for the recommendation, and we hope to welcome you back onboard Balancal for another fishing adventure in Madeira! Best wishes, Balancal Big Game Fishing
Magnus Dimming
United Kingdom
•
Member since 2026
5.0
Verified
Superb Deep sea fishing experience
Exclusive Morning Big Game Fishing on August 17, 2026 • 5 adults • 1 child
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.
Response from Charter operator
August 17, 2026
Thank you so much for the fantastic review! We’re delighted you had such a brilliant experience with us. Catching his first-ever tuna on his birthday is definitely a special memory! Plenty of red snapper on top of that makes it even better! We’ll be sure to pass your kind words on to the crew. It was a pleasure having you onboard, and we hope to welcome you back for another fishing adventure in Madeira! 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