Tenerife produces blue marlin, yellowfin tuna, bigeye tuna, wahoo, and dorado year-round. That combination of species diversity, proximity to deep water, and 12-month accessibility puts the island alongside Cape Verde, Madeira, and the Azores as one of the premier big game fishing destinations in the eastern Atlantic. The difference is logistics: Tenerife has direct flights from most European cities, reliable infrastructure, and sheltered sea conditions on its southern coast that keep cancellation rates low.
At AMAR Yacht, we run big game charters from Puerto Colón on a dedicated professional fishing fleet — Makestrike, Tanoa, Barco 33, No Limits One, and No Limits Two — purpose-built for the waters off South Tenerife. Our approach to trophy fishing follows the same principle that guides everything we do — The Art of Loving the Ocean — which translates to heavy-duty equipment, captains who read these specific waters daily, and honest conversations about what the ocean is likely to deliver on any given day. Blue marlin off Tenerife is not a brochure promise. It's a real possibility backed by geography, currents, and a deep-water shelf that starts closer to shore than almost anywhere else in Europe.
The Big Game Species — What Swims Off Tenerife and When Blue Marlin
The flagship species. Blue marlin are present in Tenerife waters from late May through November, with peak activity between July and October. Fish in the 200–400 kg range are caught every season, and specimens over 500 kg have been recorded off the Canary Islands. Blue marlin are surface feeders — they hit trolled lures and live bait at speeds of 7–9 knots, often announcing themselves with an explosive surface strike. Catching one is a physical contest that can last 30 minutes to over two hours, depending on size. All blue marlin caught on AMAR charters are released alive — this is a non-negotiable practice for billfish conservation.
White Marlin
Smaller and less common than blue marlin, but present in the same season window. White marlin average 30–60 kg and are faster, more acrobatic fighters relative to their size. They tend to appear in the same deep-water corridors as blues, often hitting smaller lures. A white marlin strike is arguably the most visually spectacular moment in Atlantic game fishing — repeated jumps, tail-walks, and sudden direction changes.
Yellowfin Tuna
The most consistently available big game species in Tenerife waters. Yellowfin tuna are present year-round, with peak sizes (20–60 kg) between spring and autumn. They respond to trolling, live bait, and jigging. A yellowfin fight is raw power — fast initial runs, deep dives, and sustained resistance. On a full-day charter aboard the Makestrike, targeting tuna along temperature breaks between the Canary Current and warmer equatorial flows is one of the most reliable big game experiences available.
Bigeye Tuna
Deeper-dwelling than yellowfin, bigeye tuna favour cooler water and are more active in Tenerife's winter and early spring months (November through March). They inhabit depths of 200–500 metres during the day and rise to shallower water at night and during dawn. Targeting bigeye requires deeper trolling or jigging techniques and a captain who understands the thermal layers off the southern shelf. When conditions align, bigeye provide a powerful, deep-pulling fight that tests both tackle and angler.
Wahoo
One of the fastest fish in the ocean — wahoo have been clocked at over 95 km/h. They appear off Tenerife primarily between late spring and autumn, though solitary fish are caught year-round. Wahoo strikes are violent and sudden — a screaming reel with no warning. Average size is 10–25 kg, with larger specimens over 40 kg possible. High-speed trolling with skirted lures is the primary technique.
Dorado (Mahi Mahi)
Brilliantly coloured and aggressive feeders, dorado are abundant around Tenerife from spring through early winter. They school around floating debris, current edges, and bait concentrations. Average size is 5–15 kg, with larger bulls reaching 20+ kg. Dorado are excellent fighters on lighter tackle and among the best-eating fish in the ocean. On a big game day where the marlin aren't cooperating, dorado often save the trip.
For full species identification with photos, sizes, and technique recommendations, read our Fish Species Guide for Tenerife.
Why Tenerife Has a Year-Round Big Game Season — When Most Destinations Don't Most big game destinations operate in narrow windows. The Mediterranean marlin season is short and unreliable. Cape Verde peaks from March to June. Even Florida's big game season compresses into summer months.
Tenerife is different because of three geological and oceanographic factors working together. The deep-water shelf starts close to shore. The ocean floor drops from 100 metres to over 2,000 metres just miles from Puerto Colón. Standard deep-water drops for tuna or dorado are accessible in about 30 minutes from the marina. For true big game like Blue Marlin, the captain will make a 1 to 1.5+ hour run toward the island of La Gomera to find the major temperature breaks and current edges where the giants hunt.
The Canary Current creates a permanent feeding zone. Cool, oxygen-rich water flowing south from the Iberian coast collides with warmer equatorial flows around the Canary Islands. That collision zone generates upwelling, concentrates bait, and attracts predators year-round. In summer, warm-water species dominate (marlin, wahoo, dorado). In winter, cold-water species move in (bigeye tuna, occasional swordfish). The food chain never stops.
South Tenerife is sheltered from trade winds. The island's 3,700-metre volcanic peak blocks the northeast trade winds that make the northern coast rough. The result is a calm corridor from Los Cristianos through Costa Adeje, where sea conditions remain fishable on 80–85% of days throughout the year. Fewer weather cancellations, more time with lines in the water.
How a Big Game Charter Works — From Dock to Strike Preparation and Departure
Big game trips depart Puerto Colón Marina early in the morning. On the Makestrike, the flagship of AMAR's fishing fleet, everything is built for the task: heavy-duty Penn International and Shimano Tiagra reels, a reinforced fighting chair, rod holders engineered for marlin-class strikes, and the fuel capacity to reach distant offshore structure.
Reading the Water
A big game captain doesn't just drive to a spot and drop lines. The first 1 to 1.5 hours are spent running to the big game grounds while reading the ocean — scanning for temperature breaks on the fish finder, watching bird activity (diving birds mean bait, bait means predators), tracking current edges where warm and cold water meet, and looking for floating debris that concentrates dorado and smaller tuna. An experienced captain in these waters knows exactly where the shelf edges run, where temperature breaks typically form, and how the current shifts between seasons.
The Troll
Once the captain identifies productive water, the mate deploys the lure spread — typically 4–6 lines at varying distances behind the boat, running different lure sizes, colours, and depths. The boat trolls at 6–9 knots depending on the target species. Marlin respond to larger skirted lures and live bait. Tuna and wahoo hit smaller, faster-moving lures. The spread is adjusted throughout the day based on what the ocean shows.
The Strike
When a big game fish hits, everything happens fast. The reel screams, the rod loads, and the mate identifies which line is hit. On a marlin strike, the initial run can strip 200–300 metres of line in seconds. The angler moves to the fighting chair, the mate clears the other lines, and the fight begins. The captain manoeuvres the boat to support the angler — backing down on the fish to recover line, turning to keep pressure, reading the fish's movements underwater. A blue marlin fight typically lasts 30–90 minutes. A large tuna can take the same.
Landing or Releasing
All billfish (marlin, sailfish) caught on AMAR charters are tagged and released alive. The mate handles the leader at the boat, removes or cuts the hook, and the fish swims free. For tuna, wahoo, and dorado, you choose: keep or release. The best restaurants near Puerto Colón will cook your catch that evening.
The Fleet — Which Vessel for Which Big Game Ambition Makestrike & Tanoa — The Super Yachts
AMAR's premier big game vessels. Built for serious anglers targeting blue marlin and 100kg+ bigeye tuna. They feature advanced underwater radars, fighting chairs engineered for marlin, and the range for dedicated 8-hour offshore expeditions.
No Limits One & No Limits Two — Range and Versatility
Excellent, reliable offshore platforms that go out every day. They are used for both 4-hour standard trips and 8-hour big game charters. They are also the exclusive vessels for AMAR's Shared Ticket Fishing.
Barco 33 — Versatile and Comfortable
A strong platform for mixed big game days — trolling for pelagics while keeping the option to drop jigs over reef structure for amberjack and grouper. The “Barco 33” accommodates groups of varying experience levels comfortably. Half the group can troll while the other half jigs, and the captain manages both seamlessly. For groups that include both experienced anglers and first-timers, the “Barco 33” balances serious fishing with a welcoming atmosphere.
Shared Ticket Fishing — Access Without the Full Charter
Not every serious angler travels with a group large enough to charter a whole boat. AMAR's Shared Ticket Fishing puts individual anglers and smaller groups on a professional fishing vessel alongside other like-minded enthusiasts. The same waters, the same equipment quality, the same captain expertise — shared cost. For solo anglers visiting Tenerife who want genuine offshore access without the private charter price, shared tickets are the entry point to these waters. Private charters remain the best format for dedicated marlin targeting, but shared tickets deliver real big game fishing for anyone willing to share the deck.
The Honest Reality — What Big Game Fishing Delivers and What It Doesn't A big game charter works when: You've allocated a full day and have realistic expectations. You understand that marlin fishing means hours of trolling interrupted by moments of extreme intensity. You value the hunt, the ocean, and the experience as much as the catch. You're physically prepared — a marlin fight is demanding, especially in warm conditions, and a full day on the water requires stamina and hydration.
A big game charter does not work when: You expect a guaranteed marlin. No honest captain promises that — the ocean doesn't operate on demand. You're booking for a group that includes people who don't want to fish and will be bored on a trolling boat for 8 hours. The Makestrike is a dedicated fishing vessel, not a cruise ship. You get severely seasick and haven't tested yourself on the water before — a full-day offshore trip is the wrong place to find out.
Big game fishing is not for: Budget-first holiday tourists looking for the cheapest ocean experience. Families with young children (under 10) — the hours are long, the action is unpredictable, and the fighting chair is built for adults. Try our family fishing trips instead. Groups who want music, drinks, and a party atmosphere — that's a different product entirely.
How to Choose the Right Big Game Charter in Tenerife If blue marlin is the primary target →
Book a full 8-hour private charter on the Makestrike or Tanoa. The captain needs that time to reach the waters near La Gomera and work the temperature breaks.
If you want big game but have limited time →
Book a 4-hour private charter on the No Limits or Barco 33. You won't be targeting marlin, but you'll have excellent chances at dorado, smaller tuna, and wahoo closer to shore.
If you're an experienced IGFA angler →
We provide IGFA-standard tackle and can target record-class fish. Discuss your goals before booking — line class, species, tag-and-release protocols. The captain will prepare accordingly.
If your group mixes experienced and beginner anglers →
The Barco 33. Versatile platform, multiple techniques simultaneously, and a crew that gives first-timers confidence while keeping experienced anglers engaged.
If you're a solo angler or a pair →
Shared Ticket Fishing on the No Limits gets you on the water with professional equipment. The per-person cost is a fraction of a private charter.
If conditions are poor on your scheduled day →
We reschedule. Running a big game trip in marginal conditions wastes your money and our fuel. Better to move the date than spend 8 hours trolling dead water.
If you're deciding between Tenerife and another destination →
Tenerife's advantage is accessibility and consistency. Direct flights from most European cities, year-round season, sheltered seas, and deep water close to shore. Cape Verde may have higher marlin density in peak months, but Tenerife delivers big game without the logistical overhead.
Our Big Game Credentials AMAR Yacht's fishing fleet operates from Puerto Colón with equipment that matches the ambition:
- Penn International and Shimano Tiagra reels,
- IGFA-rated line in multiple classes,
- custom trolling lures sourced for Atlantic pelagics,
- live bait wells,
- and fighting chairs engineered for marlin-class fish.
The Makestrike, No Limits One, No Limits Two, and Barco 33 are inspected and maintained before every trip — a worn drag washer or frayed line is the difference between landing a trophy marlin and watching it swim away with your lure.
Our captains fish these waters daily. They know where the shelf edges run south of Adeje, how the temperature breaks shift between the Canary Current and equatorial flows week by week, and where the bait concentrations form after weather changes. That accumulated local knowledge is the most important piece of equipment on the boat — no amount of premium tackle replaces a captain who understands the water underneath.
Big game fishing off Tenerife is not a manufactured experience. The ocean produces extraordinary days and slow ones. We don't guarantee marlin — anyone who does is lying or doesn't understand the fishery. What we guarantee is that every element we control — the vessel, the tackle, the captain's judgment, the condition of every reel and rod — is at the highest standard we can deliver. The ocean handles the rest. Frequently Asked Questions About Big Game Fishing in Tenerife What big game fish can you catch off Tenerife?
Blue marlin, white marlin, yellowfin tuna, bigeye tuna, wahoo, and dorado (mahi mahi). Blue marlin is the premier target, with fish over 200–400 kg caught every season. Tuna and wahoo provide consistent action year-round.
When is the best season for blue marlin in Tenerife?
Peak season runs July through October, with September typically producing the highest catch rates. Blue marlin are present from late May through November, with occasional catches outside that window.
How much does a big game fishing charter cost?
8-hour private charters on the Makestrike, Tanoa, and No Limits vessels are quoted based on season. Contact AMAR Yacht at +34 659 987 284 for current rates.
Is big game fishing catch and release?
All billfish (marlin, sailfish) are tagged and released alive on AMAR charters — no exceptions. For tuna, wahoo, and dorado, the choice is yours: keep or release.
Do I need big game fishing experience?
Not for tuna, wahoo, or dorado. The crew handles all rigging, boat positioning, and coaching. For blue marlin, prior fishing experience is helpful — the fight is physically demanding and can last over an hour — but first-time marlin catches happen regularly with good crew support.
What is the biggest fish ever caught off Tenerife?
Blue marlin over 500 kg have been recorded in the Canary Islands waters. Yellowfin tuna over 80 kg and bigeye tuna over 100 kg are caught seasonally. These are Atlantic-class game fish in a world-class fishery.
How far offshore do big game boats go?
It depends on the target. Standard drops for tuna and dorado take about 30 minutes from Puerto Colón. For serious big game like Blue Marlin, the boat will travel 1 to 1.5 hours (or more) toward La Gomera to reach the most productive temperature breaks.
What happens if the weather is bad on my booked day?
The captain assesses conditions in advance. If the sea conditions are unsafe or unproductive, we will reschedule your charter to another day that fits your holiday schedule. If rescheduling is not possible before your departure, we provide a 100% refund of your deposit.
Book Your Big Game Charter with AMAR Yacht Blue marlin, tuna, wahoo — the waters off South Tenerife deliver genuine big game fishing year-round. Private 8-hour charters on the Makestrike or Tanoa for marlin-class ambition. Shared Ticket trips for solo anglers who want real access at a real price.
WhatsApp / Phone: +34 659 987 284
Email: amartravel@gmail.com
Tell us what you're after. We'll match you with the right vessel, the right day, and a captain who knows exactly where the fish are.