GALLERY
OVERVIEW
Enjoy a great family holiday by the beach where parents and children can have a fun and relaxed time. Kids can learn to surf while parents just relax knowing the children are in good hands. Parents can surf or do some yoga while the kids are looked after by the nannies.
Our family surf camp is set in a 4-star camping park right in front of the beach in a little town north of Porto. The camp has been created with families in mind as the owner is also the proud dad of 2 beautiful boys.
The base package includes accommodation in a private spacious family tipi tent, breakfast and 5 healthy dinners, nannies while parents surf or practice yoga, and entertainment. You can then add surf and yoga lessons as you wish.
This is the perfect beach and surf holiday for families with children of any age including teenagers and young adults, and more so during the current health crisis: 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 family surf camp is set in a 4-star camping park right in front of the beach in a little town north of Porto. The camp has been created with families in mind as the owner is also the proud dad of 2 beautiful boys.
The base package includes accommodation in a private spacious family tipi tent, breakfast and 5 healthy dinners, nannies while parents surf or practice yoga, and entertainment. You can then add surf and yoga lessons as you wish.
This is the perfect beach and surf holiday for families with children of any age including teenagers and young adults, and more so during the current health crisis: 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)
WHAT'S INCLUDED
• 7 nights in a private spacious tipi tent
• Sleep in comfortable premium mattresses
• Tents have lighting, power and bed linen
• 7 breakfasts with daily specials
• 5 dinners including salad and dessert
• Use of the surf equipment outside lessons
• 2 hour surf theory lesson
• Nannies while adults surf or practice yoga
• Free photos and weekly video
• Kids activities during the week
• Evening entertainment (pub quiz, movie night, live music)
• Use of the facilities (swimming pool, bikes, skates)
HIGHLIGHTS
For Families
Our surf camp is shaped by families for families. Everything has been made with families in mind. The camp is right in front of the beach so no need to walk a lot with the kids, the campsite has great facilities, our surf instructors and crew are really good with kids. We organise activities for the whole family.
Glamping
The word "Glamping" comes from the words Glamorous and Camping, it is a form of camping with accommodation and facilities more luxurious than traditional camping, The tents you will be sleeping in are very spacious bell tents with premium mattresses, light, and electricity. It is perfect for a family.
Facilities
The Surf Camp has a kitchen with fridges you can use, a couple of chill zones, board and card games, bikes, skates, and a bar for the parents. The camping park has a playground, a swimming pool, a sports court, a restaurant, a minimarket, and sanitary blocks. There is also a golf course next to the camp for golf enthusiasts.
The Family 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.
Your family will stay in a spacious family tipi tent glamping style for four people. The tents are 3.50 meters high and 6m wide so very spacious for the whole family, they are equipped with one double bed for the parents and two single beds for the children, all with comfortable premium mattresses, bedding, and linen. Tents also have storage space, lighting, and electricity to charge your phones and electronics. We’ll provide you with dishes and cutlery for the full family. If you have a family bigger than 4 or would like a separate tent for the teenagers, you can always book our mini tent with two additional beds.
Key Highlights of the camp:
- Set in a 4-star Camping park in front of the beach
- Spacious tipi tent for 4 or 5 people
- Premium high-quality mattresses
- Bed linen included
- Lighting and power in the tents
- Kitchen area with basic appliances you can use
- Chill area with music, campfire, hammocks, slackline, bar
- Activities and entertainment for kids and adults
- Bikes and skates free to use anytime
- Swimming pool and mini market
- Restaurant and bar
- Uncrowded beach with private access from the camp
- Sanitary blocks with constant hot water
Food
Our family package includes a breakfast buffet with a selection for every taste. For dinner, our chef prepares fresh and tasty international dishes including salad and dessert 5 evenings a week. We cater for vegetarian and vegan diets, too. The other two days of the week you´ll have the opportunity to go to a local restaurant and the city of Porto to dive into the Portuguese food culture.
Once onsite, you can decide to sign up for 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.
Once onsite, you can decide to sign up for 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
Surfing For Adults
Surfing is not only for kids, but for adults too! You will join the adults surf lessons in groups of maximum 6-8 surfers per instructor based on your level. So, whether you are an absolute beginner or can already surf, we’ve got you covered! The campsite has a private access to the beach which means there are no crowds. The beach is perfect for all levels and we have a good selection of surfboards including hard tops for more experienced surfers.
Surfing For Kids
Kids surf lessons are taught in small groups of 4-6 children per instructor in a fun and safe environment (younger ones are in smaller groups). In addition to learning how to surf, your children will also learn water safety, how to recognise currents and what to do, as well as respecting the environment and the ocean.
Kids lessons can be taught in English, German, Dutch, French and Spanish so your children will be able to understand everything.
Kids lessons can be taught in English, German, Dutch, French and Spanish so your children will be able to understand everything.
Skating & other Activities
We have skate lessons during the week for both kids and adults, you will also have the opportunity to go to the local skate park to practice your new skills!
The camping park has a great swimming pool where your kids will want to spend time when they are not surfing.
Your family can use our bikes, skates, balls, cards, and board games at any time. We also organise a few activities during the day such as beach cleaning, dance workshop, etc.
The camping park has a great swimming pool where your kids will want to spend time when they are not surfing.
Your family can use our bikes, skates, balls, cards, and board games at any time. We also organise a few activities during the day such as beach cleaning, dance workshop, etc.
Outdoor Yoga
Yoga helps to increase core strength and flexibility, it´s also a nice relaxing time where you are in touch with the elements. Our yoga classes are either on the beach or under the camp´s pine trees. This package includes 4 yoga classes and can be booked online or onsite.
Nannies
While parents are having fun surfing or practicing yoga, our nannies will look after the kids. This service is included in your family surf camp package. You can relax knowing your little ones are in good hands and having fun. Babysitting is also available as an extra if the parents want to have a romantic time by themselves, you can sign up once on site.
Evening Entertainment
When the sun goes down, join us around the campfire for a few drinks and some good vibes. You´ll get to know the crew and the other families. Throughout the week we have a few activities including a pub quiz, movie night, cocktail night, and a guitar jam session.
Photos & Videos included
Our photographer will take some beautiful pictures of your family surfing. We also prepare a weekly video which we will show you at the end of the week.
These are great family memories that you will want to show your family and friends so we make sure you get photos and video for free!
Now, when you catch a wave remember: look at the camera and smile :)
These are great family memories that you will want to show your family and friends so we make sure you get photos and video for free!
Now, when you catch a wave remember: look at the camera and smile :)
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.
DATES
FAQs
Is the Family Surf Camp opening in 2022 during the pandemic?
Yes, we are! We were open in 2020 and 2021 during the pandemic and implemented all recommended health and safety measures for COVID-19 and they were great summers with all our guests having a good time with no health issues.
In 2022, we will be opening the surf camp on 7th June and closing on 17th September.
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
The surf camp is set in the camping park of Orbitur Rio Alto, a 4-star rated 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?
We have a free shuttle from the metro Póvoa de Varzim to the Surf Camp, check below for details.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
If you are traveling from the UK, don't forget to check out Parkhero for great value airport parking.
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, 05/06/2021 to 03/7/2021 & 28/08/2021 to 18/09/2021, 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.
During high season, 03/07/2021 to 28/08/2021, arrivals and departures are always on Saturdays.
If you are interested in a customised package, please get in touch with us.
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.
My children do not speak English, what language can they have surf lessons?
Kids lessons can be taught in English, German, French and Spanish so your children will be able to understand everything. If your children do not speak one of these languages, you can always stay with them when we do the theory lesson on the beach to translate.
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.
I am travelling with a baby, what amenities are they?
We have baby cots available we can install in your tent. We also have high chairs in the eating area. In the sanitary block, there is a baby bath and a changing table. You can access the open guest kitchen in case you need to prepare any special meals for your little one.
How far is the beach from the camp?
The beach is a 2-minute walk from the camp.
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.