MADEIRA SURF TRIPS
The good madeira 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 Johnny, Kaja, or another MadSea instructor for a four-hour Madeira surf lesson. You get beach transport, wetsuit, board, insurance, and shore-based coaching before riding beginner-friendly waves at Machico, Seixal, or Porto da Cruz.
“Seeing different surf sports and enjoying the water and being able to surf in such great nature”
Meet Madeira Calhau Surf School at Vila Bela in Porto da Cruz for a three-hour session with two hours in the water. Instructors including Jonathan, Rodolfo, Augusto, and Milton teach all levels in groups of up to five, with boards, wetsuits, insurance, photos, and a freshwater shower included.
“Amazing surf school! The instructors are super friendly and really know how to teach. They give great tips that help you improve quickly and always choose the best surf spots based on the weather conditions. The waves were perfect. Highly recommended for both beginners and more advanced surfers 😊🩷”
Meet the Madeira Surf Center in São Vicente at 9:30 am for a two-hour lesson covering wetsuit use, warm-up, safety, paddling, wave catching, standing up, and post-surf stretching. Equipment is included, and groups are limited to six people.
“Very thankful for our instructor for providing first time surfers support and guidance. Waves were big but overall experience was amazing! Highly recommend!”
Aroundfreedom Surf School takes you from a short beach briefing and warm-up into about 90 minutes of water practice on Madeira’s volcanic-sand beaches. Coaches Roberto and Francisco teach beginners and stronger surfers, with boards, wetsuits, leashes, insurance, and optional pickup included for an extra fee.
“Teacher was very good and had some serious didactic skills while being a relaxed surfer dude. Would have done more lessons if I had more time”
Meet the Madeira SurfCamp team at Porto da Cruz or Machico, depending on tides and sea conditions. Instructors such as Antonio and Giges teach beginners in English or Portuguese, supplying the board, wetsuit, leash, wax, insurance, and two hours of guided practice.
“Die Aktivität war okay. Leider wurde in der früh die Entscheidung getroffen, vom Strand mit Wellen zum Strand ohne Wellen zu wechseln. Als Begründung wurde die starke Strömung angeführt. Jedoch war hier der Hintergrund, dass es durch die Strömung wohl zu anstrengend gewesen wäre, den Unterricht durchzuführen. Lebensgefährdende Gründe wurden nicht angeführt. Surfen ohne Wellen macht nunmal keinen Spaß.”
Join Surf Clube da Madeira for a four-hour lesson near Porto da Cruz, with pickup at Jardim Santa Luzia in Funchal. English, Polish, Portuguese, and Spanish-speaking instructors teach beginners and intermediates in small groups, with boards and wetsuits provided.
“My husband and I had our very first surf lesson today, and it was an experience we’ll never forget. From the moment we arrived, the team made us feel welcome and comfortable. If you’re visiting Madeira and want to try something adventurous yet beginner-friendly, we couldn’t recommend this experience more! 🏄♀️🏄♂️💙”
Spend 1.5 hours learning to surf at Seixal or São Vicente with instructors such as Martin and Ruben. You’ll use a softboard, wetsuit, leash, and fins while practicing ocean safety, land techniques, and wave riding in small or private groups.
“Die Wellen hätten besser sein können, aber dafür kann ja niemand was.”
Join Fabio and Kristina for a three-hour private cruise from Funchal Marina. See Câmara de Lobos, Cabo Girão, and Fajã dos Padres, then stop at a water-access beach for swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, fruit, and rosé wine. Your group of up to 11 has the boat to itself.
“We had an incredible day on the sea with Kristina and Fabio! They were absolutely wonderful! They made the day perfect from start to finish! They showed us magnificent views along the coast that were unforgettable! They also took us to an amazing swimming spot where we were able to swim, snorkel, and relax! Our young children (4 and 7 years old) had so much fun and we felt so safe at sea with them. An absolutely unforgettable experience overall. I highly recommend this boat trip! We will absolutely be booking another trip with Cristal Sea the next time we’re in Madeira!!”
Spend about three hours learning to surf with Calhau Surf School near Madeira’s Rua da Praia. Your two-hour lesson may take place in Machico or Porto da Cruz, based on tide and sea conditions. Instructors including Filipe, Augusto, Jonathan, and Mica adjust coaching to your level, with equipment, insurance, and photos included.
“I had an amazing 2 lessons with Filipe! He was super helpful, lots of tips and I felt like I learnt a lot! It is a beautiful location and the surfing was so fun! I will be back forsure!”
Join Monica from MadSea for a four-hour bodyboarding session on Madeira’s coast. Your instructor chooses the best beach for the day’s sea and wind, provides equipment, and collects you from Funchal or nearby. Pick one, three, or five lessons, with English, German, or Portuguese instruction.
“REALLY RECOMMEND!!! Monica was a dream, she tracked the weather to find the right beach spot on the island, drove us there and back and she spent all the time in the water teaching us how to catch the waves - we had such a happy day.”
Meet your coaches at Alagoa Beach for a two-hour lesson built around your ability. You’ll warm up, practice technique on dry land, learn water safety, then surf with equipment, insurance, and photos included. The small-group setting has a maximum of 15 people.
“Surfing among the waves of Atlantic Ocean is an amazing experience. All the people of the staff are very kind, professional and helpful.”
Set out from Marina Funchal with a private skipper for 3.5 hours along the Cabo Girão coast. You’ll see Funchal and Câmara de Lobos, stop to swim in clear water, and use the paddleboard and snorkeling gear. Kristina and Fabio are among the guides named in guest feedback.
“Very nice trip with friendly Kristina and Fabio. Great catering on board 🇵🇹🛥️💙🍾”
Join Roberto or another private guide for a 90-minute SUP outing from Câmara de Lobos. Paddle past Praia do Vigário, a small waterfall, and views of Cabo Girão, with equipment, snorkeling, insurance, and GoPro pictures included.
“We had a great time. Thank you! We would recommend it. It was easy, even for beginners like me and you were very patient.”
At Calheta Beach, Marta handles the gear and Rodrigo teaches you to ride an electric hydrofoil across Madeira’s Atlantic water. Your one-hour private lesson includes the efoil board, wetsuit, helmet, impact vest, and shoes. The calmest conditions give beginners the best chance to stand and foil.
“I am an efoil enthusiast and there is no experience like gliding the waves with such a beautiful background like the island of Madeira! Rodrigo and Marta were perfect hosts for this experience!”
Join Roberto of iGO Madeira Tours for a 1.5-hour private SUP trip from Câmara de Lobos Bay. Learn paddleboard technique, glide toward Cabo Girão, and use the included snorkeling gear to look for marine life. English and Portuguese tours are available, with GoPro photos included.
“Muito bom, a aula é ótima pois você tem a atenção somente para você, realmente um esporte que vale a pena experimentar pelo menos uma vez, a água da madeira e ótima. O guia é ótimo também.”
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