CASCAIS SURF TRIPS
The good cascais surf trips fill weeks ahead and the great ones go first. Below: the 15 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.
Meet your instructor at Carcavelos Beach for a two-hour lesson with warm-up, surf theory, and water practice. Gustavo, Ricardo, or Antonio may lead the class, choosing between Carcavelos and Guincho for the best conditions. Wetsuits and boards are included, and groups are capped at 10.
“The experience was great! Gustavo is a knowledgable teacher and very patient. Overall we had a great time and it was a great experience!”
Meet the Salty Souls Surf School bus above Casa da Praia restaurant for a two-hour lesson at Carcavelos Beach. You will warm up, learn basic surf theory, and practice with a certified English- or Spanish-speaking coach. Small groups, wetsuits, boards, and insurance are included.
“We had an excellent surfing session here in September. The staff were great- there were 3 instructors and all were really helpful, guiding us throughout and giving us useful tips on how to improve. The fact we were complete beginners wasn’t a problem at all. Would definitely recommend if you’re looking to give surfing a try!”
Meet Lisbon Surfaris beside Carcavelos Beach for a two-hour beginner lesson with an instructor such as Tiago, Patrick, Ivo, or PePe. You’ll learn ocean safety, wave choice, paddling, and standing up, with gear and beach transport included when needed.
“Our guide was amazing, we were beginners and he taught us all the basics and all 3 of us could stand on the board!! 100% recommend”
Meet Lisbon Surfaris at Carcavelos for a roughly two-hour lesson with instructors such as Felipe, Marco, or Thiago. You will learn wetsuit and board basics, practice the stand-up technique on shore, then head into the waves. Beginners and intermediate surfers can join group or private sessions.
“Thiago was helpful and nice and took us through the basics and provided tips on improvement Facilities used to change in / bathrooms were small and very dirty Valuables not locked away but on a shelf by the door Supposed to be a 2h (approx) experience which we assumed might be +/- 10 minutes in the end but the lesson was only 1.5h - the waves were relatively flat but if i had known the lesson would be 30 mins shorter than expected i would have booked another school”
Meet the Carcavelos Surf School on Praia de Carcavelos for a two-hour beginner lesson with a Portuguese Surfing Federation-accredited instructor. You’ll practice your stance on sand, then try the Atlantic waves with a board, wetsuit, insurance, and personal coaching included.
“Wow, great fun! Shame the adults were not as good as the kids learning to surf but great lesson including the warm up burpees”
Meet Ericeira Waves Surf School at Ribeira d’Ilhas for a two-hour lesson in the Ericeira World Surfing Reserve. You’ll cover safety, board technique, and standing up before about 90 minutes in the ocean. Lessons suit beginners through advanced surfers, with Ricardo among the instructors named.
“Great beginner surf lesson on a beautiful beach. Everything was provided. Super friendly people and Ricardo did a great job explaining and encouraging!”
Meet at Lisbon’s HF Fénix Lisboa for a private ride to Carcavelos Surf School. You’ll receive a board, wetsuit, insurance, and coaching, with Pedro praised for useful one-to-one tips. If conditions are poor at Carcavelos, the lesson moves to Costa da Caparica.
“We came as a family of 6 to Lisbon and decide def the kids should try surfing as they have always wanted to. This takes a lot of muscle. Be prepared. my kids said it was hard but a lot of fun. I believe they would try it again.”
Meet the Main SUP Cascais team beside the bay for a one-hour stand-up paddleboarding lesson. You’ll get a board, paddle, lifejacket, and guide, then explore the Cascais coastline in a small group of no more than 12 people. English instruction, bathrooms, and public transport are available nearby.
“The location is very easy to find ,We had lots of fun, The owner and His team Very friendly and Kind”
Rent a stand-up paddleboard from Piscina Oceânica Alberto Romano and spend about an hour exploring Cascais Bay at your own pace. All SUP gear is included, boards can hold up to two people, and you may spot marine life around the rocks and boats. English service is available.
“Me and my friend decided to book 2 paddle boards with paddleboard rentals and we arrived at the checkpoint specified on the map and was looking for the paddleboard rental for a long time and it was only until after someone in The café opposite us that he hadn’t been there all day we left and had to pay for a different paddle boarding experience, even though we had already booked with paddle boarding rentals. I am utterly disgusted with his poor manner and lack of communication and I would not recommend anyone that they would book with this man, I messaged him two days prior to our booking to…”
Meet your certified surf instructor at Carcavelos Beach for a two-hour lesson built around beach theory, warm-up drills, and supervised time in the water. Your group may surf at Guincho instead, depending on your ability and ocean conditions. Boards, wetsuits, and insurance are included.
“Fantastic experience! Instructor was nice, encouraging, and patient with my difficulties in standing up on the board. We found some great waves along the Portuguese coast, discussing as well how to look for that "perfect wave" to try to surf.”
Meet Papaya Surf Camps at Carcavelos Beach for a two-hour lesson with a board, wetsuit, and leash included. Instructors work with complete beginners and improving surfers, while the mobile school may shift between Cascais-area beaches according to ocean conditions. Groups can reach 15 people.
“Safety issues - noticed my young kids in the water, alone, while the instructor was helping another instructor with an adult student. This happened more than once and made me very uncomfortable and instead of doing my own lesson with a different instructor ( we specifically asked for a separate instructor for our kids when we booked so the focus is 100% on them) I stayed close to my kids to make sure they were safe.”
Meet Surf At Surf School at Praia Grande for a shared 1h30 surf or bodyboard lesson. Your instructor works with no more than five students, while class times shift with tides, sea conditions, and ability. Equipment is included, and some sessions may use Praia das Macas or Carcavelos.
“A great first family experience with my two kids. Clear explanations, a great Mood in stress and good mood.”
Meet your accredited local surf instructor at Praia Grande for two hours of private coaching in the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park. Your lesson includes a wetsuit and board, with all attention directed to your group of up to two. Pickup is offered.
“Great surf school, fantastic instructors, for beginners, advanced or intermediate learners - these people love surfing and they know how to teach. These are people you can trust your kids with, and they won't disappoint. Very highly recommended.”
Meet at Piscina Oceânica Alberto Romano in Cascais for a two-hour surf lesson with instructor Dimitar. You’ll spend an hour preparing, warming up, and learning safety basics, then take to the water for guided practice in a group of no more than five.
“A melhor experiência de sempre. Iremos voltar! Obrigada pela dedicação e momentos únicos!!!!”
Meet your certified Pitaya Surf School instructors at Carcavelos Beach for a two-hour beginner lesson. You’ll receive quality equipment, practice in a small group, and work toward standing on a wave. Classes run daily, with photos sometimes taken in the water.
“Aula muito divertida! Foi a minha primeira vez a surfar e graças à ajuda dos instrutores consegui-me por em pé! Não posso esperar pela proxima vez! Recomendo a todas as faixas etárias!”
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