LISBON SURF TRIPS
The good lisbon surf trips fill weeks ahead and the great ones go first. Below: the 15 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.
Join instructors such as Filipe, Bruno, David, or Miguel for a two-hour surf lesson on the Atlantic coast south of Lisbon. Ride beginner-friendly waves at Costa da Caparica, try boards suited to your ability, and choose transport from Lisbon, private pickup, or a lower-cost meeting-point option.
“it was so nice, and the team was very funny and friendly:)”
Meet in central Lisbon, ride to Praia do Castelo in Costa da Caparica, and spend about two hours learning to surf. Your instructor supplies the board, wetsuit, safety guidance, and practical coaching. João, Jorge, Johnny, Leo, and other instructors are praised for patient beginner support. Photos are available for an extra fee.
“The instructor George was great with helping us learn to surf based on our skill level. He taught us how to find the right waves and we caught a couple while also getting sent into the wash!”
Meet Portugal Surf School in Costa da Caparica for a two-hour beginner lesson led in English, Portuguese, French, or Spanish. You will warm up on the beach, learn paddling and pop-up technique, then practice in shallow water with a qualified instructor such as Ari, Pedro, Lewis, or Catarina.
“Absolutely amaizng experience, Lucas was such a good teacher would highly recommend.. was my first time and managed to surf a few waves so happy 😁💃”
Meet Carcavelos Surf School at Praia de Carcavelos for a beginner-friendly lesson in English or Spanish. You’ll learn on the sand, then practice in the Atlantic with instructors such as Daniel, Nuno, Pedro, or Ivan. Wetsuits, boards, insurance, storage, and showers are included.
“It was my first surfing experience and I will never forget it. Our instructor, Daniel, was extremely talkative, helpful and happy to be around right from the start throughout the lesson. He was very supportive and corrected by giving accurate feedback wave by wave even spotting tiny mistakes. I had so much fun. I highly recommend it to everyone. If I find myself in Lisbon again, I will definitely do it again.”
Meet Inês or her surf team in central Lisbon, ride in a van to the best available beach near Cascais or Costa da Caparica, and spend about 90 minutes surfing after a safety briefing and warm-up. Boards, wetsuits, transport, and insurance are included.
“Thoroughly enjoyed my first surfing session with an amazing guide. I highly recommend!”
Join Get Stoked for a roughly four-hour surf trip from Lisbon to Costa da Caparica. Instructors such as Nuno, Filipe, Bruno, and Miguel teach beginners and stronger surfers, with transport, wetsuits, boards, insurance, and a two-hour lesson included.
“Amazing experience! Instructors were patient and understanding. They took us to a beautiful beach and provided all the gear needed.”
Travel by van from central Lisbon to Praia do Castelo, where a certified instructor teaches beach safety, board skills, and wave technique. Expect a small adult group, two hours in the water, equipment, showers, and optional surf photos. Children ages 5 to 10 receive private lessons.
“Everything was perfect, and I would recommend it to everyone. The instructors speak English perfectly, and they are very calm and helpful. There was also a photographer, and you can buy photos after surfing – I recommend that as well; the photos are great for memories. The transport from Lisbon and back was very comfortable. Thanks, and see you next time!”
SurfIn takes you from central Lisbon across the 25 April Bridge to Tarquinio Beach for a 2.5-hour beginner lesson. Decio and instructors such as Luis, Lucas, Miguel, and Ruish provide wetsuits, boards, safety training, beach practice, water coaching, sunscreen, and a post-surf shower.
“First time trying to surf and had the pleasure of having Louis as our instructor who did a phenomenal job of teaching us how to surf. We also got a lift from our airbnb included in the price which was a nice luxury.”
Meet the Special Surf 78 team at Baleal Beach near Peniche for a beginner-friendly lesson with local surf coaches. You’ll warm up, learn beach technique, then spend about 90 minutes in the water with a board and wetsuit matched to your level and size.
“It was a great experience with a lot of attention for details. Highly recommend the classes. I did catch some great waves as a beginner.”
Start in Caldas da Rainha and head to Baleal, Peniche, or Foz do Arelho for a two-hour lesson with West Surf Project. Antonio, Joao, and Topi are among the instructors praised for patient, child-friendly coaching, careful safety guidance, and lessons adjusted to each student.
“Excellent surf school. Very good at teaching and made younger children (aged 6&9) really enjoy the experience and also feel safe”
Meet Rafael, Vitor, or another Tiki Surf Academy instructor at Fonte da Telha beach for a two-hour beginner-friendly surf lesson. You’ll get a wetsuit and board, practise safety and technique on the sand, then head into the waves. Classes suit different ages and skill levels.
“It was an easy choice choosing Tiki Surf Academy! The instructor Rafael was really welcoming. He helped me develop my skills giving me great tips and training on the beach. He was great at teaching in the water aswell, giving us the best waveRead more”
Learn stand-up paddleboarding at Oeiras Marina with guides such as João and Pedro. You’ll practice balance, steering, falling, and recovery before heading into open water when conditions allow. Equipment, wetsuit, life jacket, leash, and secure storage are included.
“Merci infiniment à Joao guide exceptionnel bienveillant et très professionnel. Nous recommandons chaleureusement cette activité sportive à faire en famille. Spot magnifique 🤩”
Meet at Praia da Mata for a two-hour Costa da Caparica surf lesson with a certified instructor such as Mauro, Filipe, Miguel, or Nuno. You get a board, wetsuit, warm-up, safety guidance, and plenty of water time. Choose a group or private class, with optional in-water video.
“Una delle esperienze più belle della mia vita. Gli istruttori sono molto bravi, simpatici e gentili. Assolutamente da non perdere se si viene in Portogallo.”
Spend about two hours at Gecko Surf School in Costa da Caparica learning the basics of surfing. Your instructor covers safety, paddling, wave timing, and standing on the board before you practice in the water. Boards, wetsuits, leashes, and accident insurance are included.
“I had a great time surfing with the Gecko surf school! The school supplies you with a wetsuit and board. The instructors were informative, knowledgeable, and friendly. The instructors will help you throughout the experience so don’t worry if you don’t know how to surf or struggle with the waves. With the help of the instructors, I was able to catch and ride some waves that I otherwise wouldn’t be able to do on my own. If you are thinking about learning how to surf I would highly recommend the Gecko surf school.”
Meet Duckdive at Praia do Castelo in Almada for a two-hour private surf lesson with a local coach. You’ll warm up, learn the basics on sand, then practice in the water with a board and wetsuit included. Beginners and intermediate surfers can receive coaching suited to their level.
“Arrived feeling a little bit anxious as it was my first surfing experience. But the atmosphere couldn’t have been more relaxed and inviting.”
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Pick a lesson, a paddle day or a coastline.
