FULL-DAY
This is the shortlist you would send a friend: 15 full-day trips worth the money, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the one thing to know before you paddle out.
Meet Red Star Surf & Kite School in Caleta de Famara for a beginner lesson at Playa Famara. You’ll get a wetsuit, board, safety training, beach practice, water coaching, and video feedback. Instructors including Jerry and Fabio help first-timers find their first waves.
“Friendly and experienced staff. My coach was amazing. Young, helpful and supportive. I would definitely recommend!”
At PADDLE! The Florida Keys in Tavernier, choose a single kayak or stand-up paddleboard and set your own pace for up to seven hours. Staff provide equipment, launch advice, and a map for the mangroves, lagoon, and nearby island. Guided outings may also be available, including trips with Keith.
“We did both the creek and the ocean which has amazing scenery up close. Great experience all around. I was late for my scheduled time and they still accommodated us. It definitely was a “no worry be happy moment”!”
Join a small-group, all-inclusive catamaran cruise from Adamas with an English-speaking crew. Swim at remote coves, ride a dinghy into Sykia and Kleftiko caves, paddleboard, enjoy Greek food and drinks, and receive GoPro photos after your day at sea.
“Our boat day in Milos was incredible—by far our favorite day on the island! The crew was absolutely amazing—so warm, welcoming, and knowledgeable. They made us feel completely at home from the moment we stepped on board, and they truly went above and beyond to maximize our experience. Exploring the caves, swimming in the crystal-clear water, and soaking up the beauty of the coastline was unforgettable. We can’t recommend this experience highly enough—an absolute must if you’re visiting Milos!”
Spend seven hours learning to surf near Fingal Head with an accredited coach, two 1.5-hour lessons, lunch by the lighthouse, transport, equipment, and free photos. Small groups of up to 10 make this a good fit for first-timers and improving surfers.
“I am a foreign flight attendant from Taiwan. Always wanted to learn surfing, and searched on google reviews. I am glad that I chose here for the first step. Remy is very patient and taught me a lot. It takes time to become better. I will definitely come back and have my second lesson soon or later. thank you.”
Start with a gentle paddleboard session at Maracas Bay, then ride south from Quepos to three interactive waterfalls, Playa Ventanas, and a jungle restaurant for lunch. Guides such as Roberto, Ismael, Alejandro, and Reece help beginners feel secure, but you should expect a full, active day.
“What a great adventure! This ended up bring a solo private tour. My guide was Ismael. He took me paddle boarding, waterfalls, took pictures while i was in action, to lunch and the beach. Every stop was awesome. He also filled me in on history of the area. I highly recommend this tour! Thank you Ismael for everything!”
Meet Wavesensations at its Sagres surf shop for two lessons totaling three hours. Certified instructors and trained lifeguards provide boards, wetsuits, transport, and coaching for beginners and improving surfers. Groups are limited to eight, with beaches chosen around current conditions.
“I’m improving a lot !! Thanks guys I will come back 😃”
Spend about seven hours learning to surf with Martin, Carlos, and Pablo on a quiet East Cape or Todos Santos beach. You’ll get hotel pickup, all surf gear, patient instruction, lunch, and a private off-road Baja outing for beginners and experienced surfers.
“This was the highlight of my trip to Cabo! Martin, Carlos, and Pablo did such an amazing job at helping me catch my first wave. Coming with 0 experience they were very patient and encouraging. I felt very comfortable and it was an amazing experience overall.”
Join guide Roko and the Vala Tours team for a full-day SUP trip from Zadar to Dugi Otok. Paddle into old submarine tunnels, visit Veli Rat lighthouse, rest at Sakarun Beach, and finish with Croatian balote and wine or juice.
“The entire tour was expertly arranged. We've seen beautiful sights and had a fantastic time SUPping around the bays and chilling on the beaches of Dugi Otok. Ending the day with wine and Balote (Basically Croatian Petanque) was a blast.”
You’ll charter a private yacht from Lagos for about seven hours, choosing a route toward Portimão and Benagil or Sagres. The crew provides wine, beer, soft drinks, snacks, paddle boards, and a kayak, with lunch on board or at a local restaurant. Crew members may include Zee, Lucas, Ricardo, or Rodrigo.
“This was a day on the ocean that we will never forget. The captain and skipper were super informative and it was amazing to see the beaches and Benagil Caves from a different point of view. I also highly recommend the restaurant that was suggested. Freshest seafood and great people watching!”
Spend a full day learning or improving your surfing at Newquay’s Towan Beach. Escape Surf School provides two two-hour lessons, boards, wetsuits, changing rooms, and hot showers. Groups are limited to four and split by ability, with coaching on safety, paddling, turning, and wave choice.
“Just completed 5 x 2 hour lessons over 3 days and had just such a great experience! All the instructors were amazing, super patient and really knowledgeable. I definitely felt I was in safe hands and learnt something new from each of them so thank you Jack, Mike, Andrew, Sam and Finn for getting me up and working on my turning. All the staff at Escape were super friendly, the facilities were great and I really appreciated the hot showers after each session - would definitely recommend!x”
Pick up a stand-up paddleboard from Riverbound Sports in Tempe for about eight hours. Your rental includes an adjustable paddle, leash, life jacket, temporary roof racks, and tie-down straps. You drive to the lake, so plan your route, fuel, and water time yourself.
“Landscape is amazing and the equipment is all we needed, easy to carry on the minivan we rented and the actitud of the owners is fantastic to help in all small details.”
Set out from Lagos Marina on a private Cranchi Endurance yacht with skipper Nick, Sue, Chris, or Vera. Build your day around Ponta da Piedade, Praia do Vau, swimming, paddleboarding, kayaking, lunch, or a possible Benagil visit. Drinks, fuel, gear, and snacks are included for up to eight people.
“Best time ever!! Nick and sue were great hosts on the boat. We went to sagres and all the grottos, they are flexible with the days plan. Boat was perfect and clean. Recommend bringing ur own bottle of champagne for the day. Drinks were flowing and we didn’t run out! Perfect day”
Spend eight hours learning to surf at a beginner-friendly Punta Cana beach with a master instructor and your own personal instructor. Hotel pickup, board, rashguard, wax, sunscreen, lunch, theory, water safety, and two surf sessions are included. Minimum age is 4.
“The experience was great!! Instructors was absolutely fabulous!! However we ordered the photo package to include video all photos and a gift…. The only thing we received was the photos via air drop… no video no “gift”…. More upset no video!!!”
![[Miyako Island/Full Day] Sea Turtle Snorkeling & SUP or Canoe - Snorkeling with turtles, fish, and coral](https://9.thesurfingtraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/miyako-island-full-day-sea-turtle-snorkeling-sup-or-canoe.jpg)
Spend about six hours on Miyakojima combining sea turtle snorkeling with your choice of SUP or canoeing. Guides such as Yuto, Ryo, Leon, Hinata, and Reon have helped beginners learn at an easy pace. Your guide takes waterproof-camera photos, and photo data is included. Expect changing meeting points, tide-based timing, and wet clothes.
“Slight mix up of location in the morning as they sent two locations in one message.”
Pick up an inflatable paddleboard package at Riverbound Sports in Tempe, then drive yourself to an Arizona waterway. Your kit includes a board, pump, paddle, leash, and lifejacket. Choose from desert coves, city lakes, or the Lower Salt River, where wild horses may appear from May through October.
“Excellent staff, price, and recommendations of where to go! Equipment was well maintained and no problems.”
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