Guide
Deep-Sea Fishing in Madeira: Blue Marlin & Big Game Season
Madeira is one of the Atlantic's best-known big-game fishing grounds — Blue Marlin, tuna, wahoo and swordfish, with most charters departing straight from Funchal marina.
Madeira's deep, nutrient-rich Atlantic waters have made it one of Europe's best-regarded big-game fishing grounds, with Blue Marlin, Bigeye and Bluefin Tuna, Wahoo, Mahi-mahi and Swordfish all present year-round. Most charters run straight out of Funchal — Funchal Bay itself is productive enough for Blue and White Marlin that boats don't always need to travel far offshore.
Blue Marlin season starts in late May and peaks in August and September, when fish averaging 600–700 lbs come in close to Madeira's southern shores — this is the stretch serious big-game anglers plan trips around. Offshore trolling charters targeting Marlin, Yellowfin Tuna, Wahoo and Mahi-mahi typically include tackle, snacks, lunch and drinks, and keep the boat working known spots rather than anchoring in one place.
Billfish here are strictly catch and release — every Marlin brought boatside gets tagged and released alive, which is part of why the fishery has stayed strong. Based in one of our Madeira apartments in São Martinho or Zona Velha, Funchal marina and its charter operators are a short drive or taxi away.
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