If you’re considering giving surfing a try while in the Algarve, the private surf lesson at Praia da Rocha really caught our eye. While we haven’t personally taken this exact lesson, it’s clear that this experience is designed for anyone eager to learn or improve their surfing in a safe, welcoming environment.
One thing we love is how tailored the experience is—since it’s a private lesson, you get the full attention of an instructor, which can make a huge difference in how fast you pick up the basics. Plus, the location itself earns points: Praia da Rocha has fantastic surfing conditions for beginners, with waves that are easy to manage and few currents, making it a safer choice for newcomers.
A potential consideration is the age restriction; this tour isn’t suitable for children under 6. So, if you’re traveling with very young kids, you might want to look for other options. But for anyone over 6, especially families or groups looking for a private, personalized learning experience, this could be just the ticket.
All in all, this tour feels like a solid pick if you’re after a fun, safe introduction to surfing or want to practice your skills without a big group crowd. It’s especially good for beginners and intermediate surfers who appreciate customized coaching on a beach with reliable conditions.
Key Points

- Custom instruction ensures you get focused coaching tailored to your experience level
- Ideal for beginners and intermediate surfers wanting to improve or learn in a safe environment
- The location provides excellent surf conditions, with gentle waves and minimal currents
- The 90-minute session balances enough time to practice without feeling rushed or exhausted
- All necessary equipment is provided, so no need to worry about bringing your own gear
- The private group setting offers flexibility and personalized attention
What to Expect from Your Private Surf Lesson

This private surf lesson in Praia da Rocha is set up to give you a thorough yet relaxed introduction to surfing. It starts at Playsurf, your meeting point, where the instructor will gather your group (which is private, so just your friends or family). From there, it’s a short walk to the beach, where the real fun begins.
Prefer personalized experiences? Here are other private options we've covered in Portimao
Starting with a Warm-up and Safety Briefing
The lesson kicks off with a warm-up session to loosen up your muscles and prepare you physically for surfing—this is a good chance to get familiar with the instructor and ask any initial questions. After warming up, your instructor will go over safety instructions tailor-made to your experience—important for beginners to feel comfortable on the water.
Sand Exercises to Build Technique
Before hitting the water, you’ll spend time practicing on the sand with exercises designed to improve your balance, paddling, and popping up on the board. These exercises are crucial—they help you build a solid foundation that makes actual surfing easier and more enjoyable.
The Surf Session Itself
Once on the water, you’ll have about 90 minutes of actual surfing—time enough to get a few rides and really get a feel for it. Your instructor will give tips, objectives, and corrections, ensuring you’re learning the right techniques and staying safe. Expect personalized feedback, which is especially useful if you already have some surfing experience but want to refine your skills.
More Great Tours NearbyWho Will Enjoy This?
This lesson is suitable for all levels, from complete beginners to those looking to sharpen their skills. The age limit of 4+ makes it accessible for families with young teens, though children under 6 are not accepted. Expect a fun, relaxed atmosphere with certified teachers who speak Portuguese and English, making communication easy.
While in Portimao, here are other experiences we've covered
The Location: Praia da Rocha

Praia da Rocha itself is a lively spot, but the waves here are gentle enough for beginners, which means you’ll spend less time worrying about dangerous currents and more time enjoying the ride. The rocky beach setting also adds a scenic touch, making the experience visually appealing.
Why we think the spot works well
- Wave quality: The waves are described as perfect for learning and improving, especially for those new to surfing.
- Safety: The beach offers a safer environment with minimal currents, an important factor when you’re just starting out.
- Convenience: Starting and ending at Playsurf makes logistics simple and straightforward.
The Practical Stuff: Price, Duration, and Logistics

At $123 per person for 1.5 hours, this might seem like a fair price considering it includes all necessary equipment and personalized coaching. For a private lesson, that fee offers good value, especially in a popular surf spot like Praia da Rocha.
The session lasts about 90 minutes, which strikes a good balance—long enough to get comfortable but not so long that it becomes tiring, especially for beginners. The booking process is flexible, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, providing peace of mind if your plans change.
What’s Included
- All necessary surf equipment (surfboards, wetsuits, etc.)
- An instructor who is certified and experienced
- The entire private group experience, which means no noisy crowds or mixed skill levels to contend with
Final Thoughts: Is This the Right Surf Experience for You?
If you’re someone who wants a personalized, safe, and fun introduction to surfing, this tour ticks many boxes. It’s especially perfect if you’re traveling with family or friends and prefer private lessons over group classes. The location’s surf conditions are ideal for beginners and intermediate surfers seeking to improve.
However, if you’re an experienced surfer looking for advanced waves or a longer session, this isn’t the right fit. Also, be aware that children under 6 aren’t accepted, so plan accordingly if you’re traveling with really young kids.
This surf lesson offers a practical, enjoyable way to get your toes wet—literally—and learn the basics of one of Portugal’s most accessible beaches. It’s a no-frills, focused experience that prioritizes safety and personalized attention, making it a smart choice for those new to surfing or wanting to build confidence on the water.
Private surf lesson Praia da Rocha
FAQs
Is this a group or private lesson?
This is a private group experience, meaning only your chosen group will be on the lesson, giving you personalized attention.
How long does the lesson last?
The lesson lasts approximately 1.5 hours, which includes warm-up, practice on the sand, and actual surfing.
What’s included in the price?
All necessary surf equipment and the services of an experienced, certified instructor are included in the price.
Can I cancel the booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Is this suitable for children?
Yes, the activity is suitable for children aged 4 and above, but children under 6 are not accepted.
What languages are the instructors fluent in?
The instructors speak Portuguese and English, making communication straightforward.
Do I need my own gear?
No, all necessary gear is provided, so you just need to show up ready to learn and have fun.
Where do the lessons start and end?
The lessons start and end at Playsurf, just a short walk to Praia da Rocha.
If you’re after a beginner-friendly, private surfing experience in a scenic, safe environment, this tour is worth considering. It’s a straightforward way to dip your toes into surfing, especially if you prefer a tailored approach and don’t mind spending a little extra for personal coaching.
You can check availability for your dates here:More Workshops & Classes in Portimao
More Private Tours in Portimao
More Tour Reviews in Portimao
More Portimao experiences we've covered
- Portimão: E-Scooter Rental with Custom Routes
- Benagil & Marinha – Costal Adventure
- Praia da Rocha Surf Lesson
- Portimão Fishing Traditions & Tasting – Private Walking Tour
- Grutas de Benagil
- Benagil Catamaran Sailing Cruise with Lunch from Portimão
- Boat trip along the Golden Coast and Benagil Caves
- Pastel de Nata Perfection: Hands-On Class in Algarve
- Algarve to Lisbon with stop at Évora, Bones Chapel and Cork factory
- Algarve Coast Guided Boat Tour
- Benagil Cave private boat tour by Seadventure
- 4-Hours Sailing Tour in Portimão


