Whichever part of the world you’re arriving from, make your way to Peniche, a coastal area known as the surfing capital of Portugal. Use today to settle into your surf house for the week and get to know the beach. If you’re up for some exploring, head to some of the nearby towns, a nature reserve on Berlenga islands, or go out for a drink at a beach bar.
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Come to Peniche in Portugal, one of Europe’s most epic surf destinations! You’ll be based in a surf house that’s right on the beach (so you can wake up with a cup of coffee and a terrific view), and go to different beaches every day. You’ll have two lessons per day, lasting 1.5-2 hours, for six days in a row. Whether you’re a total rookie in the world or surfing or you’re already deep in it, your experienced surf instructors can help you achieve your goals and become better surfers. Ready to ride the Peniche wave?
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There will be an experienced instructor (who will communicate in English language) and every day they will take you to the spot with the best conditions of surfing. Wave quality depends on wind and swell directions, tides, the size of the waves, and, ultimately, on the potential crowd factor. They will do their best to avoid crowds and find ideal conditions to catch your first waves. Peniche and its surroundings are the best regions for surfing in Portugal, as there’s a dozen surf spots dotting a relatively short stretch of the coast.
With the ocean, beaches, and waves all around you, you’ll quickly get used to the surf lifestyle, but if you’re too tired to surf all day long, we recommend exploring nearby areas! You can go for a day trip to Lisbon, explore towns and the coast around Peniche (Obidos, Nazare, etc.), go to the nature reserve on Berlenga islands, go cycling… The possibilities are endless!
Here’s what your guide can arrange for you at an additional cost (with a minimum of 3 persons):
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- Trip to the medieval town Óbidos
- Trip to Peniche and its surroundings with a visit to the surfboard factory
- Trip to Buddha Park, the biggest oriental park in Europe
Let us know if you’re interested!
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After six full days of riding waves of the Atlantic, it’s time to leave the surf house. You can either head back to the airport to catch your flight (airport transfer can be organized for you) or you can stay longer and explore the area.
You can also prolong your stay with another week of surfing at the surf house, which is particularly useful for total beginners. Another week would help you hone your skills after learning the basics.
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What you get on this adventure:
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- An experienced surfing guide
- Accommodation in a surf house on Baleal beach (7 nights)
- 6-day Peniche surf camp (two lessons per day lasting 1.5-2 hours)
- Transportation to and from surf spots
- Complete equipment (surfboard, wetsuit, leash, booties)
- Photos from the surf camp
- Free Wi-Fi in the surf house
What’s not included:
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- Flights to Portugal
- Airport transfers (possible to arrange at an additional cost)
- Meals (possible to arrange breakfast at an additional cost)
- Guide gratuities — optional
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Peniche surf camp is ideal for both total beginners and more advanced surfers! No one expects you to swim like you’re in the Olympics, but you need to be able to keep your head above water and know how to tread.
You’ll feel much more comfortable in the ocean if you’re sure you can swim at least two lengths of a pool. Keep in mind that surfing is physically straining, like any sport, so you should prepare beforehand with stretching and light cardio. This way, you’ll be better equipped to handle what the ocean throws, and in a better position to ride the waves with ease.
Other than that, there are no special prerequisites for joining the Peniche and Baleal surf camp (Baleal is the most famous beach of Peniche where you’ll certainly go).
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Not to worry, you can join this Peniche surf camp even if you’re a total beginner! Surfing lessons are available for beginners, intermediates, and advanced surfers, so whatever stage you’re at, there will be an experienced instructor by your side who will find the perfect waves for you every day. Lessons will be adapted to your possibilities and aspirations.
Though not obligatory, we recommend that beginners stay at the surf camp for 2 weeks. That way you get to have the first week for learning the basics, and the second one for honing your skills. Let us know if you’re interested!
This adventure is family-friendly! However, for kids who are not very good swimmers, we recommend a one-on-one private lesson. They will be kept in shallow water with the constant and complete attention of an expert surf instructor.
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You should bring a swimsuit, towel, sun protection, water, snacks and good vibes — we’ll take care of the rest. If the day is colder, make sure to grab a sweater as well! Other than that, bring comfy clothes for the week, like t-shirts and shorts.
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The surf house sits in the center of Baleal (2.5 miles from Peniche), just a couple of minutes of walking from the iconic main beach and the best surf spots.
The newly-renovated house can accommodate up to 12 people in double, triple, and quadruple rooms, it has 4 bathrooms and a fully equipped kitchen. There’s a lovely lounge area and a terrace (with a barbecue!) where you can relax by reading a book, watching TV, or just hanging out with the rest of the guests.
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Ocean temperatures are often below 20°C (68°F) so wearing a wetsuit is oftentimes necessary. You’ll need 3/2 mm wetsuit for summer and 4/3 mm wetsuit for winter. Approximate ocean temperatures in Portugal are 15-18°C (59-64.5°F) in spring, 18-21°C (64.5-70°F) in summer, 16-18°C (61-64.5°F) in fall, and 13-15°C (55-59°F) in winter.
Air temperatures are mostly above 20°C (68°F) from May through October, and they’re mainly above 30°C (86°F) during summer months.
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According to the American ISAF (International Shark Attack File), there have been no reported unprovoked shark attacks in Portugal since 1847 (which is when they started collecting data). So the chances are extremely low and you don’t have to worry about that.
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Group sizes and prices:
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- For this Peniche surf camp, the maximum group size is set at 12 (that many people can stay at the surf house in Portugal).
- The number of instructors for surf lessons in Portugal will be arranged according to the number of participants and their skill levels.
- The surf house in Portugal has 5 rooms for 2-6 persons. If you’d like to ensure a double room, it’s possible to do so at an additional cost. Let us know and we can help make arrangements.
- The cost does not decrease as the group grows.
Peniche surf camp can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.
Min. age requirements:
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- If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
- Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join the surf camp on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.
If your group has hikers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
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To get to Peniche, where your surf camp is at, most people fly into Lisbon Airport (LIS). It’s probably best to take a direct, 1.5-hour bus to Peniche. The other option is renting a car.
Once you and your guide agree on the details of your itinerary, your guide will suggest the best place to meet and send you all the necessary information and address of your accommodation.
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We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both emergency medical and travel insurance. With medical insurance, if you have an accident or medical emergency on or off the mountain, you’ll avoid paying out of pocket for costly expenses. This covers everything from hospital treatments to emergency air transportation and more.
Travel insurance covers canceled flights, natural disasters and other scenarios that may interrupt your travel plans.
If you need assistance selecting the right insurance for your group for this Peniche surf camp adventure, let us know and we will be happy to help!
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