Lisbon Surf Guide – Surf class & Pick Up

If you’re dreaming of catching your first wave or improving your surf skills while exploring Portugal’s vibrant coast, this Lisbon Surf Guide tour is worth considering. It promises a friendly, professional experience with plenty of small-group attention and a genuine focus on safety and learning.

From what we’ve gathered, this tour really shines in a couple of areas: the knowledgeable, personable instructors and the beautiful beaches close to Lisbon. Plus, the convenience of pick-up and drop-off right from the city makes it accessible for a range of travelers.

That said, it’s important to keep in mind that this experience is weather-dependent, so the timing and surfing conditions can vary. If you’re someone who prefers a strictly predictable schedule, this might require a bit of flexibility.

This tour seems tailor-made for beginners and those looking to get a taste of Portuguese surf culture without spending a fortune. It’s especially appealing if you want a safe, fun introduction to surfing with a local guide who genuinely cares.

Key Points

• Expert guidance: Certified instructors with years of experience teach from beginner to advanced levels.
• Small groups: Limited to 8 participants, ensuring personalized feedback and support.
• All-inclusive: Surfboard, wetsuit, safety briefing, insurance, and transportation are provided.
• Flexible location: Surfing may take place at Lisbon, Cascais, or Costa da Caparica, depending on conditions.
• Convenience: Hotel pick-up and drop-off from Lisbon city center make logistics easy.
• Authentic experience: Learn about Portuguese surf culture straight from a local surfer and coach.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the Tour

This 3-hour adventure begins with a pick-up directly from your accommodation or a designated meeting point in Lisbon. The guide, a local surf coach since 2016, will bring you to a surf spot that best suits the waves and your skill level. Traveling around 30 to 45 minutes each way, you’ll get to explore some of the most scenic beaches near Lisbon, like Cascais or Costa da Caparica.

Once at the beach, the first steps involve fitting into a wetsuit and getting familiar with the equipment. The guide provides a full safety briefing—crucial for beginners—and then leads a short warm-up to prepare your body. The entire setup is designed to make you feel confident and ready for the water.

In the water, you’ll spend approximately 1.5 hours actively surfing. The small group setting allows instructors to give individual coaching, whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your technique. Many reviews highlight how the guide tailors advice to each person’s ability, ensuring everyone gets the most out of their time in the water.

For First-Timers or Experienced Surfers

If you’re new to surfing, don’t worry—the instructor will guide you step-by-step, helping you stay safe and have fun. As one reviewer put it, “Have surfed before and want to improve your skills? Great! I will surf with you, help you to catch more waves and improve your surf technique :)”

For those with some experience, the instructor offers tips to help you catch more waves and advance your skills, making this more than just a beginner lesson.

Weather and Wave Conditions

Because surf conditions are weather-dependent, the location might change day-to-day. This flexibility is useful, as the best surf spots near Lisbon are chosen on the day to give you the best experience. The guide will keep you updated, typically informing you one day in advance if there are any changes to the schedule.

The Beaches and Surf Spots

Depending on the weather and sea conditions, your lesson might take place at Lisbon, Cascais, or Costa da Caparica beach. Each location offers something special:

• Lisbon beaches are close and often have beginner-friendly waves.
• Cascais is known for its scenic beauty and consistent surf.
• Costa da Caparica is a favorite for locals, with long stretches of sandy beach and good surf.

Traveling 30-45 minutes each way is a small price to pay for access to some of the best surf spots near Lisbon, and the transportation is included, so there’s no stress about logistics.

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Quality of the Guides and Instruction

One of the standout features of this tour, according to the glowing reviews, is the expertise and friendliness of the instructor, Ines. Multiple reviews mention her patience, personalized coaching, and her genuine passion for surfing. For example, “Ines was very welcoming when she picked us up,” and “She gave clear and reassuring instructions,” are phrases frequently echoed.

Reviewers consistently note how attentive and encouraging she is, which is critical when you’re trying to stand on a board for the first time. Many people mention that they managed to stand and catch waves, even as complete beginners, thanks to her guidance.

Learning Experience

You’ll receive a full safety briefing, which helps ease any nerves about being in the water. The warm-up, technical instructions, and personalized feedback make a big difference, especially when learning new skills.

People who are nervous about trying surfing for the first time often say they felt safe and supported throughout, and many leave with a sense of achievement. “Inês took a lot of time to help everyone individually,” one reviewer shared, highlighting how tailored her teaching style is.

The Equipment and Inclusion

For just $59, you get a complete package: surfboard, wetsuit, transportation, and insurance. This makes it a good value considering the all-included logistics and guidance. The wetsuits are available in many sizes, which reviewers say helps everyone find a comfortable fit.

Having all the gear included eliminates the hassle of renting or bringing your own equipment, and the safety gear ensures peace of mind in the water.

The Overall Experience

Most reviews are packed with praise: “Great instructor,” “Beautiful beach,” “Plenty of surf time,” and “Fun, physical activity.” The experience is designed to be accessible and enjoyable, whether you’re on your first wave or looking to improve your technique.

The social vibe is also mentioned often—with small groups, everyone gets attention, and many say they connected with fellow participants. The warm, friendly approach of the instructor makes the experience feel like a fun day out rather than a stressful lesson.

Price and Value

At $59 per person for a 3-hour lesson, this tour offers good value, especially considering the included equipment, transportation, and insurance. Compared to other activities in Lisbon, it’s quite reasonable given the quality of instruction and the experience you get.

Participants frequently remark on how much they learn and how confident they feel afterward—meaning the value isn’t just about catching waves but building a skill you can continue developing.

Who is This Tour Best For?

This surf lesson is most suited for beginners or intermediate surfers wanting personalized coaching in a friendly setting. Families with older kids might also find it appealing, especially if everyone is looking for a shared adventure.

Travelers who want a hassle-free day, with transportation included and a focus on safety, will appreciate the seamless setup. If you’re curious about Portuguese surf culture and want a genuine local experience, this tour delivers that, thanks to the instructor’s insider knowledge.

The Sum Up

If you’re after a well-organized, friendly, and professional surf experience near Lisbon, this tour ticks all the boxes. The combination of small group sizes, expert guidance, and stunning beaches makes it a reliable choice for those wanting to learn or improve their surfing skills.

The flexibility to surf at different beaches based on conditions, along with the all-inclusive setup, means you can focus on having fun and learning without worrying about logistics. The glowing reviews speak volumes about the instructor’s dedication and the overall quality of the experience.

While weather can influence the exact location and timing, the safety, support, and authentic vibe make this a worthwhile activity for most travelers. If you’re ready to get wet, learn something new, and maybe even stand on your first wave, this tour offers a beginner-friendly gateway into Portuguese surf life.

FAQ

What is included in the price?
You get pick-up and drop-off from Lisbon, all necessary surf equipment (board and wetsuit), a professional instructor, transportation to the surf spot, and insurance.

How long is the surf lesson?
The activity lasts 3 hours in total, with about 1.5 hours of active surfing time, plus the initial briefing and warm-up.

Can beginners participate?
Absolutely. Many reviews mention first-timers successfully catching waves and feeling confident thanks to the instructor’s guidance.

What if the weather isn’t good?
The guide will inform you one day before if there are changes, and the location might shift to ensure better surf conditions.

Where does the activity start?
You meet the van in front of the Titanic Sur Mer bar, and the instructor will pick you up from there.

Is transportation included?
Yes, the price covers transportation from Lisbon city center to the surf spot and back.

Is it suitable for children or families?
While not explicitly labeled as a family experience, the small group size and safety measures make it potentially suitable for older children and teens who are comfortable in the water.

If you’re eager to dip your toes into surfing or improve your skills with a passionate local guide, this experience offers fun, safety, and a slice of Portugal’s vibrant surf scene—all at an accessible price point.

You can check availability for your dates here: