GALLERY
OVERVIEW
Experience a surfer’s lifestyle at our authentic surf camp! Spend your holiday glamping by the beach, surf all day with no crowds, chill by the campfire at night and meet like-minded people from around the world.
Our surf camp is based in a 4-star camping park right in front of the beach in a little town north of Porto called Estela where we are the only surfers.
All packages include glamping accommodation in spacious tipi tents, healthy breakfast and dinner, surf lessons, and free use of the surf gear throughout your stay.
This is the perfect surfing holiday during the health crisis as we are based in a secluded area in front of the beach with pine trees, we are outdoors with a lot of space, we have private access to an uncrowded beach, and follow all the health and safety measures recommended by the Portuguese Health Authority during the pandemic: we are a Clean & Safe Surf Camp! (More details below)
Our surf camp is based in a 4-star camping park right in front of the beach in a little town north of Porto called Estela where we are the only surfers.
All packages include glamping accommodation in spacious tipi tents, healthy breakfast and dinner, surf lessons, and free use of the surf gear throughout your stay.
This is the perfect surfing holiday during the health crisis as we are based in a secluded area in front of the beach with pine trees, we are outdoors with a lot of space, we have private access to an uncrowded beach, and follow all the health and safety measures recommended by the Portuguese Health Authority during the pandemic: we are a Clean & Safe Surf Camp! (More details below)
HIGHLIGHTS
• Glamping Surf Camp by the beach in Porto
• Sleep in private or shared big tipi tents
• Linen included & comfortable mattresses
• 7 breakfast and 5 dinners included
• 5 surf lessons based on your level
• Free use of the surf gear the whole week
• Private access to the beach = no crowds
• Guests and crew from all over the world
PACKAGES
First Waves
Whether it is your first time or you have already surfed a few times before but can´t catch a green wave yet, this is for you! You will learn or have a refresh of the basics of surfing. We will teach you and guide you towards riding your first waves by yourself in a safe environment and aim to ride your first green waves by the end of the week. This is the basic package included when you book a shared or private tipi. From 365€ pp/week.
Progression
If you can already ride a green wave by yourself, then this is the package for you. You will perfect your surfing skills with lessons in smaller groups for intermediate and advanced surfers. We focus on the areas you want to improve: perfecting the take-off, turning, doing the bottom turn and riding along the green wave. We film you and do a video analysis so you get the most of it. This is an add-on to the basic package. 50€ pp/week.
Surf & Yoga
Surf and Yoga go hand in hand. Yoga helps to increase core strength and flexibility which gives you more balance, power and ultimately improves your surfing. It´s also a nice relaxing time where you are in touch with the elements as we either have the yoga classes on the beach or in our relaxation tent. This package includes 4 yoga classes and can be added to the basic package as well as the green waves package. 45€ for 4 Yoga lessons.
The Camp
The Surf Camp is surrounded by pine trees that provide shade to relax or nap in the hammocks even in the heat of the day. In our community area, you’ll find an equipped kitchen with a shared fridge and several hobs. Visit our surf camp bar to grab a refreshing drink after a long, sunny day at the beach. At night, join us around the campfire with the other guests and the crew to share a few good stories and a laugh.
You can choose between two different glamping tent options: Our spacious shared tipi tents are 3.50 meters high and 6m in diameter and have 4 single beds. Our private tipi tents are 4m in diameter and have a double bed that accommodates couples or 2 friends. Both tent options come with very comfortable memory foam mattresses, bedding and linen, electricity, lights, and a set of dishes for every person.
Our Surf Camp is the perfectly safe holiday during our current times of worldwide health crisis as we are based in a secluded, uncrowded, private beach. There is plenty of space on the beach for everyone to have their own space. The surf camp is based in a secluded camping park away from the city and surrounded by fields and the beach so requirements on social distancing are really easy to implement. We are not confined indoors, it´s the pure outdoors living but with some luxury in glamping comfortable tents. We respect all the health & safety measures in terms of hygiene and cleaning as well as social distancing (click here for more info from our IMPORTANT COVID-19 INFO page).
Food
Food is very important in Portugal, and the north of Portugal is known for its agriculture. That's why we source all our fruit and vegetables from local producers. Tomatoes taste like tomatoes are meant to taste!
Our surf camp package includes a breakfast buffet with a selection for every taste. For dinner, our chef prepares fresh and tasty international dishes including salad and desert 5 evenings a week. We cater for vegetarian and vegan diets, too. The other two days of the week we’ll give you the opportunity to join our organised trips to a local restaurant and the city of Porto to dive into the Portuguese culture.
Once onsite, you can decide to sign up to our optional lunch package which we deliver to you on the beach. If you prefer, you can use the kitchen to cook your own meal, or go to the campsite restaurant.
Our surf camp package includes a breakfast buffet with a selection for every taste. For dinner, our chef prepares fresh and tasty international dishes including salad and desert 5 evenings a week. We cater for vegetarian and vegan diets, too. The other two days of the week we’ll give you the opportunity to join our organised trips to a local restaurant and the city of Porto to dive into the Portuguese culture.
Once onsite, you can decide to sign up to our optional lunch package which we deliver to you on the beach. If you prefer, you can use the kitchen to cook your own meal, or go to the campsite restaurant.
ACTIVITIES
Clean & Safe
We follow all health & safety measures recommended by the Portuguese Health Authority (DGS) and Turismo de Portugal in order to safeguard the health of our guests and employees. We have implemented a list of actions and approved hygiene protocols in our surf camp and surf school and have been given the Clean & Safe seal from Turismo de Portugal. Check the "IMPORTANT COVID-19 INFO" page for more details.
Surfing
We surf in a great surf spot only known by the locals; it’s an open beach break ideal for all levels. Beginners will stay in the white water at the front and experienced surfers will be able to catch green waves at the back. We have a large selection of surfboards including hard top long boards and short boards. You can use the surf gear during the entire week for free, so if all you want is surfing, we've got you covered. The beach has a private access from the camping park, so we are basically the only surfers there. That's impossible to find anywhere else in Portugal during the summer!
Beach Lifestyle
You'll obviously enjoy the beach during your holidays with us, we set up our own area with shade, beach volleyball nets, and have beach tennis and balls you can use. You'll never get tired of the beautiful sunset over the ocean!
Make your own team and enter our relaxed beach volleyball tournament.
If you are tired of the beach, you can jump in the campsite swimming pool and relax.
Make your own team and enter our relaxed beach volleyball tournament.
If you are tired of the beach, you can jump in the campsite swimming pool and relax.
Porto visit
Once a week, we organise a visit to Porto, where you'll discover the amazing UNESCO world heritage city that won best European destinations a few times already.
Immerse yourself in the Portuguese culture, wander in the small streets of the historic center of Porto, try a "pastel de nata" (Portuguese custard tart) and some Port wine.
You can sign up to this extra activity once onsite.
Immerse yourself in the Portuguese culture, wander in the small streets of the historic center of Porto, try a "pastel de nata" (Portuguese custard tart) and some Port wine.
You can sign up to this extra activity once onsite.
Photo Package
Our professional surf photographer Juliano will follow you and catch every moment of your surf experience. Now, when you catch a wave remember: look at the camera and smile :)
Here´s a shot he took in Rio!
Here´s a shot he took in Rio!
Night Life
When the sun goes down, join us around the campfire for a few drinks, good vibes and a good time. You'll get to know the crew and the other international guests. Throughout the week we have a few specials including cocktail night and movie night. We also have a few cards and board games you'll enjoy.
If you feel like partying, there are a few bars and the Pacha less than 10 mins on Uber.
If you feel like partying, there are a few bars and the Pacha less than 10 mins on Uber.
Other Activities
The campsite is on the "Camino de Santiago" route, we have a few bikes you can rent to discover the area.
The camp is right next to a golf course, so if you like golfing, you'll enjoy one of the best golf courses in Portugal.
We can also organise horse riding or Stand Up Paddle boarding (SUP) for you, just come and talk to us.
The camp is right next to a golf course, so if you like golfing, you'll enjoy one of the best golf courses in Portugal.
We can also organise horse riding or Stand Up Paddle boarding (SUP) for you, just come and talk to us.
DATES
FAQs
Is the Surf Camp opening in 2020 during the pandemic?
Yes, we´re open! We are opening this year on 4th July as the borders seem to be opening on 15th June and flights are also starting flying in June. We feel 4th July is a safe bet and guarantees that you can join us for a fantastic summer.
Is it safe to go to your surfcamp during Covid?
Your health is our priority! We have put in place a number of health and safety measures in accordance with the official Portuguese Health authority (DGS) and Turismo de Portugal which enabled us to have the official "Clean & Safe" seal.
Check our Covid info page here for all the details.
Where is the Surf Camp?
Our surf camp is based in the north of Portugal, on a little beach village called Estela in the municipality of Póvoa de Varzim about 30km north of Porto. Click here for Google maps link
Our surf camp is inside the camping park of Orbitur Rio Alto, a 4-star campsite certified and recognized by the quality of its services and its facilities. It is located right in front of the beach with direct and private access to the beach. It has free wifi, shower blocks with continuous hot water, a mini-market, restaurant, bar, self-service, social halls, free swimming-pool for users, and a playground for kids. Check the camping park website here.
The beach is a quiet beach due to its private access and only customers of the surf camp and the camping park can access it, this means we are the only surfers there. You can surf with no crowds.
How do I get to the surf camp?
Public transport from Porto Airport or Porto center: If you want to travel from Porto or the airport by public transport, you’ll find some helpful links below. You can take the metro to Póvoa de Varzim (line B) and get a free shuttle to the camp from there. If you want to use this service, please let us know your arrival time in Póvoa de Varzim. More information on https://www.porto.fr/metro.
Taxi from Porto Airport: If you would like to be picked up from Porto airport (OPO) and taken directly to the surf camp, you can either get a taxi for about 40€ (there are always taxis waiting when exiting the airport) or you can get an uber. If you would like to book a bigger taxi (up to 8 people) please get in touch with us via [email protected] we would be happy to help.
The use of masks is now compulsory on public transports, taxis, uber and our free shuttle, please remember to bring yours or you will have to buy one.
Arriving by car: If you arrive by car, enter the following address into your navigation system: Camping Orbitur Rio Alto, EN 13 - Km 13, Lugar do Rio Alto, 4570-275 Estela - Póvoa de Varzim. You can park your car on the external car park of the campsite or inside the campsite, both come with additional costs payable upon arrival directly to the camping park. Click here for Google maps link.
Once you arrive at the campsite Orbitur Rio Alto, go to the reception and let them know that you’re staying with I Surf Portugal, they will guide you to the surf camp. In the evening, you will meet with the rest of the crew and the other guests to enjoy a welcome meal together!
What time are check-ins and checkouts?
Check-in is possible from 3 pm
Checkouts are at 11 am
What do I need to bring?
Don’t forget:
- Towels for the beach and for the bathroom
- Warm clothing for the evenings (it can get cool at night)
- Sunscreen and sun hats etc.
- EU electricity adapter (for guests from the UK or outside EU)
We provide:
- All bedding and linen
- Parasols and windbreaker if needed
- All surf gear
Can I arrive and leave on any day?
During low season, 23/05/2020 to 04/7/2020 & 29/08/2020 to 26/09/2020, you can arrive and leave on different days than on Saturdays as long as you stay a minimum of 7 nights. However, if you can, we recommend you check-in and out on Saturdays as we have a weekly schedule. If you are interested in a customised package, please get in touch with us.
During high season, 04/07/2020 to 29/08/2020, arrivals and departures are always on Saturdays.
I would like to stay more than 1 week, is there any discount?
Yes, there is! There is a 10% discount on the price of the accommodation for the second week and after. Get in touch for a quote or to book.
What language are the surf lessons taught?
Adult surf lessons are usually taught in English, but if you are not comfortable with English our surf instructors also speak German, Dutch, French, and Spanish. Let us know if that's the case and we'll make sure you'll have the right surf instructor.
I have a special diet, can I still come?
We also cater for vegetarians and vegans! Let us know if you have special diet requirements or food intolerance when you book, so we can make sure that we can cater to your needs.
How far is the beach from the camp?
We are right in front of the beach, it takes about 3 minutes to walk from your tent to the beach.
How can I book?
The easiest way is to book online directly, just click on Book Now and you'll be taken to a secure payment page. If you have any questions you can always contact us and we'll be happy to help.
We require a 50% deposit at the time of booking to secure your reservation, the remaining 50% is due up to 30 days before arrival.
What is your cancellation policy?
You can check our cancellation policy and full Terms and conditions here.
CONTACT
For more information or to book off-season dates, please get in touch.