Belek Big Game Fishing Tour for Open Sea Trophy Catches
Head offshore on a private boat targeting tuna, swordfish and mahi-mahi.
Set out from Belek on a private boat into open Mediterranean waters and chase the big catch.
Big Game Fishing with Professional Equipment
A fully private, adrenaline-packed deep sea fishing experience targeting Mediterranean heavyweights such as tuna, swordfish, mahi-mahi and shark.
Belek Big Game Fishing Tour Price
This tour is offered in two different formats. The standard private boat trip is an affordable option for families and groups of friends; you can choose between a small or large boat, and a fixed price applies for up to 7 guests, with a surcharge for each additional person. The big game fishing trip uses jigging and trolling techniques to target heavyweight species such as tuna, swordfish and mahi-mahi in open waters. This option accommodates a maximum of 4 to 5 guests and is offered at a fixed price. If you wish to join on your own or with a small group, a per-person participation option is also available; in that case you will share the boat with other guests.
| Tour Option | Capacity | Price (up to 7 guests) | Extra Per Person |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Trip — Small Boat | Up to 10 guests | €500 | €50 / person |
| Standard Trip — Large Boat | Up to 12 guests | €600 | €50 / person |
| Big Game Trip (Jigging and Trolling) | Up to 4–5 guests | €900 (fixed) | — |
| Big Game Trip — Per Person | Individual participation | €300 / person | — |
Standard Trip: A fixed boat fee applies for groups of up to 7 guests. Each additional participant beyond 7 is charged an extra €50 per person. The small boat holds up to 10 and the large boat up to 12 guests.
Big Game Trip: The boat price is €900 and is fixed for groups of 4 to 5 guests. No additional guests are accepted; the boat is reserved entirely for your group. If you wish to join solo or with 2–3 people, you can choose the per-person option at €300 each. In this case, other guests may also be on board.
Tour Program
- 06:30 — Pre-dawn pick-up from hotels in air-conditioned, comfortable vehicles
- 07:00 — Arrival at Aksu river marina and boarding the private boat
- Departure towards open sea; breakfast served on board during transit
- Arrival at fishing grounds, equipment preparation and captain's briefing
- Big game fishing using jigging and trolling techniques
- Lunch break (extra charge)
- 13:00 — Return to harbour (trip duration or time slot can be adjusted on request)
- 13:30 — Drop-off back at hotels
Things to Keep in Mind
- Waves and rolling are significantly stronger offshore than near shore, so the risk of seasickness is higher.
- Fighting a large fish requires physical strength; if you have back, spine or shoulder issues, inform the crew before the trip begins.
- Follow the captain's and crew's instructions closely during a fight, as a big fish can pull the line suddenly and powerfully.
- When using the fighting chair and harness, make sure all safety buckles are properly fastened.
- Never touch the fishing line with bare hands; friction can cause serious cuts and burns.
- Stay clear of the deck when a large fish is being brought on board, as tail and head strikes can be dangerous.
- Sun exposure is much longer offshore; wear long-sleeved UV-protective clothing and reapply sunscreen at least every two hours.
- The trip lasts longer than a standard excursion, so bring a sufficient supply of any personal medication.
- Drink plenty of water; wind offshore can mask thirst, yet the risk of dehydration is high.
- The boat may make sudden manoeuvres; stay near handholds when seated.
- Never touch species such as shark or swordfish by hand; they can be dangerous even when injured.
- If a swimming break is offered, do not enter the water without the captain's approval, as current conditions differ in open sea.
- Mobile phone signal may be lost far from shore; share your emergency contact details with the crew before departure.
Owerview
If a standard fishing trip sounds too tame and you are after something far more intense, big game fishing is the answer. Picture a private boat powering mile after mile from the Belek coastline into open Mediterranean waters, professional tackle at the ready, a seasoned captain at the helm, and the chance to go head-to-head with some of the most powerful fish in the sea. That is exactly what this Belek big game fishing tour delivers in a single unforgettable day.
This programme is a dedicated Belek deep sea fishing charter that targets heavyweight species living in the Mediterranean depths, including bluefin tuna, swordfish, mahi-mahi, shark and amberjack. The boat is reserved exclusively for your group, with no other guests on board.
What Is Big Game Fishing and Who Is It For
Big game fishing is the discipline of heading far offshore into deep water to pursue large, powerful fish species. It differs from standard coastal angling in three key ways: the sheer size of the target species, the heavy-duty equipment required, and the physical battle involved in landing a catch. This excursion appeals to thrill-seekers, experienced anglers looking for a serious challenge, and holidaymakers who want something truly out of the ordinary during their stay. It is also a popular choice for celebrating special occasions such as birthdays, stag parties or anniversaries with a twist.
How It Differs from a Standard Fishing Trip
A standard Belek fishing trip typically takes place in inshore waters, using bottom-fishing methods to catch small to medium species like sea bream and sea bass on a shared boat. The Belek big game fishing tour, by contrast, takes place on a fully private vessel far from shore, employing trolling and jigging techniques to target species that can weigh tens or even hundreds of kilograms. The two experiences complement each other nicely: those who prefer a relaxed morning on the water can opt for the standard trip, while anyone seeking a real physical contest should choose big game fishing.
The Big Predators of the Mediterranean
Several prized species can be found in the waters off Belek.
- Bluefin tuna is the most prestigious game fish in the Mediterranean. Individuals exceeding 200 kg exist, and the fight can last upwards of half an hour. Their most active period runs from midsummer through to autumn.
- Swordfish, instantly recognisable by its long bill and incredible speed, is most active during night fishing but can also be targeted by daytime trolling.
- Mahi-mahi, known for its striking tropical colouring that shifts as it is landed, travels in schools and is plentiful in open surface waters during summer.
- Among shark species, blue shark and shortfin mako are the most common in the Mediterranean. Encounters depend entirely on natural conditions.
- Amberjack is renowned for its powerful resistance and its tendency to dive hard towards the bottom. Grouper and leerfish are also valuable species that appear on the line from time to time in this area.
Catch and Release Policy
All shark species are fished strictly on a catch-and-release basis; after a photo they are returned to the sea. Any species under a conservation status is released in the same way. For edible species such as tuna and mahi-mahi, the choice is yours: you may have your catch prepared on the boat or take it with you.
Fishing Techniques and Boat Equipment
Several techniques are used throughout the day. Trolling involves dragging artificial lures behind the moving boat to target species near the surface. Jigging uses heavy metal lures that are rhythmically dropped to the seabed and pulled back up. Popping employs surface lures that create noise to attract predatory fish. The captain selects the most effective method based on the conditions of the day. On board you will find a fighting chair, outrigger arms, heavy-duty rods, electric reels and a fish-finder sonar system. Safety equipment includes life jackets, a first-aid kit, VHF radio and GPS.
The Atmosphere of a Big Game Day
You are collected from your hotel before dawn. At the marina the boat is ready and waiting; the engines start and breakfast is served while the shoreline fades behind you. Once the open sea is reached the captain scans for fish schools with sonar and the lines go in. Then the waiting begins. The moment a reel suddenly starts screaming, adrenaline peaks. You settle into the fighting chair, buckle up the harness and the one-on-one battle begins. Depending on the species, this contest can last anywhere from a few minutes to half an hour. Multiple strikes typically occur throughout the day.
Physical Preparation
Wrestling a large fish can be physically demanding. Although the fighting chair and support harness absorb much of the load, the pulling motion still requires considerable effort. If you have any lower-back or spinal issues, let the crew know in advance. Wearing gloves during the fight is recommended, as line friction can cause burns on bare skin.
Belek big game fishing seasonal calendar is summarised in the table below.
| Species | Peak Season | Technique Used |
|---|---|---|
| Bluefin Tuna | June to October | Trolling, live bait |
| Swordfish | July to November | Trolling, night fishing |
| Mahi-Mahi | May to September | Trolling, popping |
| Amberjack | Spring and Autumn | Jigging |
| Shark | Summer and Autumn | Live bait, trolling |
| Grouper and Leerfish | Spring to Early Summer | Jigging, popping |
Weather Conditions and Cancellations
Wind speed, wave height and current direction offshore directly affect both safety and fishing success. In the event of strong southerly winds or a storm warning the trip is postponed and an alternative date is offered. Predatory species become noticeably more active once the sea temperature climbs above 22 degrees.
Advantages of a Private Charter
Unlike group excursions, a private Belek trophy fishing tour is arranged solely for you. The boat belongs entirely to your party. Fishing hours are flexible: the trip can be extended or the departure time adjusted on request. The captain tailors the route and techniques to your group's experience level. In this Belek private boat fishing format, between 2 and 8 guests can participate, though groups of 2 to 4 produce the most productive fishing.
No Experience Required
You do not need to be a professional angler. The captain and crew guide you through every step, from handling equipment to fighting techniques. Many first-time offshore guests return at the end of the day with a memorable catch. Even on target-specific programmes such as a Belek tuna fishing tour, the crew's expertise ensures a safe and enjoyable process for complete beginners.
Catch Guarantee and Managing Expectations
Nature offers no guarantees, and this is an inherent reality of big game fishing. That said, experienced captains use sonar data to locate the most productive spots and try multiple locations throughout the day. The chance of returning completely empty-handed is low, but expecting a record catch every day is equally unrealistic. Setting the right expectation greatly increases your enjoyment of the experience.
Offshore Routes from Belek
After leaving the harbour the boat heads south and south-west. The route extends 5 to 15 nautical miles from shore, reaching depths that start at 100 metres and can exceed 500 metres. For Belek swordfish fishing the boat generally heads to deeper waters, while mahi-mahi can be targeted closer to shore in surface layers. Warm-water currents in the eastern Mediterranean basin lie along the migration route of large predators, and Belek is one of the most accessible points on the Turkish coast for intercepting them. Through TourBelek you can easily arrange this experience.
Trophy Photos and Keepsake Value
One of the most rewarding moments of a big game day is the trophy photo taken after a successful catch. Shots alongside your fish on the boat create unforgettable images for social media and personal albums. A waterproof case for your camera is highly recommended.
Factors That Affect Pricing
- Trip duration is the single biggest factor; a half-day programme costs less than a full day.
- Boat type and size are reflected in the price; larger, better-equipped vessels carry a higher cost.
- The number of participants does not change the boat price directly, but it does affect the per-person cost.
- Seasonal demand can also play a role in pricing.
Experiences
- A one-on-one fight with Mediterranean heavyweights such as tuna, swordfish and mahi-mahi from the fighting chair
- A fully private boat reserved exclusively for your group, with a flexible and personalised fishing programme
- A genuine big game fishing experience in open waters using professional trolling, jigging and popping techniques
- Trophy photos with your big catch and unforgettable memories to take home