Frequently Asked Questions
Maritime laws differ in every country and Team Boca Raton prides themselves in ensuring that the boat is completely within the maritime safety regulations. We ensure that the engines are serviced regularly, that all safety equipment such as the AIS, EPIRB, Radio are working and licenced. Life jackets have also been upgraded to more comfortable ISO standards and worn around the waist for your comfort and safety while at sea. We are fully licensed and insured for all fishing activities as well as if you want to stop and take a dip in the sea.
Where do we meet our crew?
Our rendez-vous point is the terrace of the bar-restaurant “Aki Kalheta” in the Calheta marina. We’ll meet you there 30 minutes before the start of your trip, so we can get acquainted and discuss details of your trip.
What are the fishing times?
During a full day charter, we fish between 10am and 6pm. During a half day charter, we fish either between 10am and 2pm or between 2pm and 6pm.
What's the best time for fishing?
Boca Raton aims to primarily chase after the migratory species; primarily Blue Marlin and Blue Fin Tuna across Canaries, Madeira and Azores. She will be on the move out of her home port in Madeira between March/April through to September/October. The dates for Boca Raton’s migration will depend on how the fish are moving year to year so it’s best to get in touch to see where we will be for the month you wish to come. This way you will have the best chance of catching a PB or possibly even a record fish. Outside of these months; September through to March, Boca Raton will be in her resident port of Calheta, Madeira. During these months, there is always bottom fishing, jigging, inshore trolling and night fishing to be enjoyed where species such as wahoo, pargo (snapper), grouper, amber jack, barracuda, giant squid and even tuna are known to be caught. Boca Raton is able to offer mixed trips as well if you would prefer to do various types of fishing in one day.
Do I need to have experience?
No you don’t. Our crew will guide you every step of the way based on your level of proficiency.Boca Raton is able to offer mixed trips as well if you would prefer to do various types of fishing in one day.
What's the weather like?
Madeira has a very moderate climate, with temperatures in summer ranging between 22 and 28 degrees.
What if I get seasick?
If you’re not sure, it’s good to take a pill and eat something before you board. They are available in every pharmacy and we have some on the boat. Alternatively, chewing on a slice of fresh ginger has been proven a great alternative.
Can women engage in big game fishing?
For sure! In fact, some of the most successful anglers are women. Big game fishing is much more a skills game than a strength game.
Can I bring children on board?
We suggest a minimum age of 8. From that age, children can participate in bottom fishing and because of the high chances of catching a fish, it makes for a fun filled, exciting family activity. For trolling, we suggest a minimum age of 12.
Will I see dolphins and whales?
There’s a very good chance of that. In fact, tuna often hunt with dolphins. And whilst we can’t stop the boat while trolling, dolphins tend to use the bow water to come and play and rid themselves of parasites. Because these highly intelligent creatures use sonar for hunting, they never mistake the lures at the back of the boat for a fish.
Are tips included in the charter price?
Your charter price covers working hours of your crew, but they don’t mind a little extra financial appreciation for their efforts. In case of a successful completion of a big game hook up, it is customary to tip, as the skill and experience it takes to land a fish is not entirely without risk for our crew.
What languages do the crew speak?
Our captain and crew speak Portuguese, English and some German. Our booking staff speaks Portuguese & English.
How do I pay?
You pay a deposit through this website and can settle the balance on arrival by cash payment or by bank transfer via IBAN..
What if I need to cancel?
We understand that a vacation doesn’t always go as planned. You will find more information on our cancellation policy here.
What if the trip gets cancelled?
We have very little control over the weather and water conditions. Strong winds, high swells and waves can make it uncomfortable of downright unwise to go out. We study the conditions before your trip closely. If we have any doubts, we will work with you to reschedule your trip, or refund your deposit when this is impossible.
What if I am late?
Late arrivals cannot be guaranteed an extended fishing time and is subject to the Operator's discretion. Arrivals later than 2 hours will be considered a cancellation.
Will there be alcohol?
We usually have some beers or alcohol of your choice on board if pre-arranged. However, for safety purposes we reserve the right to cease the consumption of alcohol on the boat should the situation deem it necessary.
Terms & Conditions
Effective Date: 2025-07-16
Business Name: Boca Raton Fishing Charters Madeira
Website: www.madeiramarlin.com
Contact Email: jovelynroden@gmail.com
Terms and Conditions
Read this agreement carefully before booking a trip with us. It is a legally binding contract.
Please understand that we reserve the right to update these policies without prior notice. Our goal is to keep our guests informed and safe, and our policies fair and sustainable.
The following policies apply:
These terms and conditions constitute the entire understanding and agreement between you, the trip participant (“Participant”), and Boca Raton Fishing Charters (“Boca Raton Fishing Charters”, “we,” or “us”) with respect to any and all bookings or transactions made with BocaRaton Fishing Charters.
By submitting a booking, paying a deposit, or signing this agreement for yourself or a minor under your custody, care or control (“Minor”), you accept all of the terms in this agreement and direct us to perform services on your and any Minor’s behalf. These booking terms and conditions also incorporate by reference our liability waiver.
Reservations
A deposit of 30% is required at the time of reservation. A reservation is not accepted and there is no contract between us until receipt of your deposit. You can pay the remainder of your charter price either cash on the day or before by money transfer to our IBAN account. If a reservation is not fully paid before the start of your trip on the day, we reserve the right to treat the reservation as cancelled and subject to the cancellation terms.
Cancellations by You and Refunds
To cancel your booking, you must send notification in writing to us by email. Cancellation fees will be applied according to the following schedule, based on the date we receive your written notification:
Standard cancellation fee schedule for Custom Tours:
Deposit is nonrefundable.
91 to 60 days prior to departure: 30% of the trip price
60 to 30 days prior to departure: 50% of the trip price
30-10 days prior to departure: 75% of the trip price
10-0 days prior to departure: 100% of the trip price
Change of dates may be accommodated if notified at least 5 days prior to the trip and if those dates are available and at the discretion of the operator.
Trips cancelled by the operator due to bad weather or any unforeseen circumstances like machinery failure etc will be rescheduled to another suitable date as soon as possible after the cancellation. Customers must be flexible to accept a date that is available which will be offered to them giving them at least 5 days notice. We will endeavour to give you a date of your choice but that might not always be possible. If the Customer fails to accept the given dates on more than 2 occasions the operator can cancel the booking and refund the deposit minus a 50 euro admin fee which will be retained. Any credit card fee paid at the time of making the booking cannot be refunded.
Trips cancelled due to an “act of God” or a “Pandemic” where there might be a partial or total lock down and the scheduled trip cannot go ahead, the trip will be rescheduled to another date on mutual agreement and the deposit paid will be carried forward to the new date. If for some reason the customer is unable to do another date and requests the trip to be cancelled then the deposit that was paid will be forfeited by the customer. Deposits forfeited cannot be carried forward and used at a later date.
Use of Rods and Gear
Customers are required to treat equipment with care. The operator will charge for items that are damaged due to faults or misuse by the customer. Any gear lost overboard will have to be paid for by the person responsible for the loss.
Your Charter
Customers are required to be available at the departure point at least 30 minutes prior to the allocated time of departure. Failure to turn up on time may result in the customer missing the trip. No compensation will be made for such trips missed and the customer DOES NOT have the option of booking another date.The customer will still be required to pay any outstanding amounts owed towards the trip.
The operator has the right to cut a trip short and make a decision to return to harbour at any time due to any conditions that are deemed unsafe or unsuitable.
Customers are always required to act in a manner that is safe for themselves and for others on board.
Customers are required to comply with any safety instructions given by the captain. Failure to do so may result in the termination of the trip.
Use of any illegal substance or being under the influence will result in the termination of the trip.The skipper has the sole discretion to make these decisions and no refunds will be made.
All personal gear brought on board is the responsibility of the customer. Please make sure that you have adequate insurance for such items if required. We will make no compensation for any items lost or damaged whatsoever.
Photos taken aboard our vessels could be used for advertising purposes and social media purposes.
We reserve the right to refuse anyone entry on the boat due to operational or safety reasons.
Health and safety: It is your duty to ensure that you are fit enough to cope with the activities of the day. Please advise us when making a booking of any medical conditions,illness or disability that might not be suitable for the trip.
Download here the Liability Waiver
📩 Contact Us
To cancel or modify your booking, or if you have any questions about the Terms & Conditions, please contact us at:
Boca Raton Fishing Charters Madeira
Melanie Robinson
Phone / WhatsApp: +351-926-952-136
melsrobinson26@gmail.com