If you are looking for a surf camp in Ericeira, you came to the right place. In this post, you will find the ultimate list of the best surf camps in Ericeira, where you can improve your surfing skills, meet new people, and have lots of fun.
* Honest disclaimer- Reef Break is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you.
About Ericeira
Ericeira is the most popular surf town in Portugal. It offers a wide variety of surf spots for all skill levels, consistent waves, and perfect surf conditions. In 2011, Ericeira was declared the first World Surfing Reserve in Europe.
Situated on Portugal’s West Coast, only 35 KM from the capital Lisbon, Ericeira is the natural choice for surfers looking for a European surf destination. In fact, it takes you only about a 40-minute drive to get here from the International Airport. The easy access to Ericeira from any place in the world contributes a lot to its popularity. Therefore, throughout the years, Ericeira became a “surfing Mecca”, making it part of its DNA.
Being such a wonderful surf town, it is no surprise that there are many surf camps in Ericeira. In fact, some of the best surf camps in Portugal chose Ericeira as their home base. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced surfer, There are surf camps in Ericeira to suit any surfer.
What is the Advantage of Surf Camps in Ericeira?
Going on a surf vacation on an exotic beach is what surfers always dream about. There is something about leaving everyday life and dedicating a week or two to something you love. However, planning a surf trip can be quite a hassle, especially when you don’t have local knowledge about hotels, restaurants, and the best surf spots in the area. That’s precisely what a surf camp in Ericeira should solve.
By booking a surf camp in Ericeira, you basically take the stress and the hassle out of the equation and focus only on the fun part. While the camp takes care of accommodation, meals, transportation, equipment, and surf coaching, all you need to do is to enjoy your precious time. Moreover, surf camps in Ericeira are a great place to meet new friends from different countries.
A List of the 7 Best Surf Camps in Ericeira:
1. Moka Surfhouse
Moka Surf House and Yoga Retreat was designed primarily for beginner surfers,
Guided by their passion and knowledge of surfing, the surf instructors give the most professional and efficient guidance to their students, while fun and safety are the top priorities.
Depending on your surfing level and the wave conditions, you will join different groups to ensure you get the most suitable coaching.
The lessons for the beginner group are done in small groups and allow you to practice all the basic surfing techniques while enjoying the first rides on a wave. In addition, there is an intermediate group where you can paddle to the lineup and catch green waves, learn how to perform the first maneuvers, and get comfortable among the other surfers.
The surf sessions take place at Ribeira D’Ilhas, one of the most famous surf spots in Ericeira.
For more details about surf camps in Ericeira, please click here.
2. Omassim Guesthouse
The Omassim guesthouse was founded in 2007 in the Algarve and has operated in Ericeira since 2014. Besides offering accommodation and basic services, the guesthouse operates programs that combine surf lessons, yoga, meditation, ayurvedic medicine (Massages, and working with fire (Sweatlodge, Firewalking).
The surf school provides surfing lessons for beginners & intermediate surfers, promising fun, professionalism, and progress.
For more details about surf camps in Ericeira, please click here.
3. GiG Capsule Hostel
Situated just steps away from the Fishermen’s Beach (Praia dos Pescadores), the GiG Capsule Hostel offers a comfortable stay for both surfers and travelers. The hostel boasts a sun-soaked terrace, hypoallergenic rooms, and complimentary Wi-Fi access, ensuring a pleasant and connected stay.
As part of the surfing program, you will get complete guidance that includes Theory and live practice. You will immerse in the wonderful energy of the ocean and sun, finding inspiration in every moment of your surfing sessions.
For more details about surf camps in Ericeira, please click here.
4. Ericeira Surf Camp
Ericeira Surf Camp offers its guests different surf programs for all skill levels. To enhance the experience, the camp combines the package with other activities like yoga, biking, and more. Depending on your skill level and personal needs, you can customize the program to fit exactly what you want. Ericeira Surf Camp has a unique program for beginners and a different one for advanced surfers. With tons of experience and professional instructors, this is definitely one of the best surf camps in Ericeira.
For more details about surf camps in Ericeira, please click here.
5. Star Surf Camp
Star Surf Camp provides both surf lessons for novice surfers and guiding packages for experienced surfers. It offers a stay in a Portuguese-style villa with a panoramic roof terrace. This camp is a spectacular place to relax with a few drinks in the evenings after a long day of riding the beautiful waves of Ericeira.
All the surf coaches at Star Surf Camp are fully licensed and have a lifeguard qualification. You can book separate surf sessions that take 2-3 hours or a complete camp for the whole week.
For more details about surf camps in Ericeira, please click here.
6. Ericeira Surf House
Since 2015, Ericeira Surf House has offered its guests spectacular surf holidays for surfers from all countries. It has various accommodation options to fit all budgets and needs. On top of that, the guests can book surf lessons and rent surf equipment, bikes, yoga classes, and airport transfers.
The camp checks the wave conditions each morning and decides where to surf. All the surf coaches are fully certified and can teach both beginners and advanced surfers. The camp provides easy access to the excellent surfing beaches, Foz do Lizandro and Praia do Sul.
For more details about Ericeira surf camps, please click here.
7. Girl on the Wave Surf Project
Since 2018, the Girl on the Wave Surf Project has helped girl surfers of all skill levels improve. With the primary purpose of empowering women’s spirits, this is where girls can grow together through the connection with the ocean.
With personal and group coaching, in this program, you will learn all the fundamentals of surfing and also advanced techniques of pop-up, paddling, duck diving, catching green waves, and everything you need to become a true surfer as fast as possible.
For more details about surf camps and hotels in the area, please click here.
8. Amar Hostel, Suites & Surf Camp
Situated in the center of Ericeira, Amar Hostel is home for surfers and travelers alike to enjoy the chilled town atmosphere. In this surf package, the camp shares its passion for surfing and gives you the highest level of surf training. It combines theory sessions, live practice, video analysis, and continuous feedback to each student.
The team at Amar Surf Camp consists of experienced and fully certified instructors. With technical and tons of local knowledge, they will teach you surfing techniques in a fun and supportive way and take your skills to the next level.
For more surf camps and accommodation options, please click here.
Where Can You Book a Surf Camp in Ericeira?
Once you choose your favorite surf camp in Ericeira, booking it is pretty easy. Nowadays, there is no need to speak with anyone on the phone, as everything is available online. The main question is, though, what kind of surf camp are you looking for? These are the two main options:
1. If you are a beginner or an intermediate surfer looking for a coaching program, the best website to book the surf camp is www.booksurfcamps.com. On this site, you can get the information you need about surf instructors, weekly schedules, and general guidance.
2. If you are an experienced surfer and don’t need anything but a place to stay close to the waves, you can simply make your reservation at www.booking.com.
Both websites are reliable and user-friendly, so you can easily use them to book your surf camp in Ericeira.
How Much Do Surf Camps in Ericeira Cost?
When choosing a surf camp in Ericeira, the cost obviously plays a part in your decision. Luckily, there is a wide variety of camps and packages to suit any budget, and most surf camps in Ericeira offer great value for money. Factors like accommodation level, number of days, number of surf lessons per day, seasonality, and special services determine the cost of a surf camp. Therefore, depending on your budget, you can customize the package that suits you best. In most cases, booking a surf camp in Ericeira will cost you less than booking all the services yourself. As for the numbers, while the low-budget surf camps in Ericeira start at about $500, the high-budget ones can cost up to $800 per week.
Are Surf Camps in Ericeira Suitable for Beginners?
The Ericeira area is home to over 20 surf beaches and a vast variety of surf spots. Therefore, there are waves for all skill levels, from beginner to advanced. Most surf camps in Ericeira offer surf coaching for all skill levels and take their students to beaches that suit their skills. For instance, Beginner lessons usually take place in beginner-friendly beaches like Ribeira D’ilhas, Praia do Sul, or Foz do Lizandro. In contrast, the advanced programs typically surf on the more challenging beaches, such as Sao Juliao, Coxos, and Pedra Branca.
What Time of Year is Best for a Surf Camp in Ericeira?
Although Ericeira receives year-round swells, the best time for a surf camp is between May and November. May to August are the beginner’s months, with sunny weather and small waves. It is a great time to learn and practice your new skills. In contrast, September to November is the peak surf season, with consistent swells and perfect surf conditions. This is when intermediate and advanced surfers should come to Ericeira. In the rest of the year, the waves are still good, but it is simply too cold for a surf camp.
What Should You Check Before Choosing a Surf Camp in Ericeira?
Before choosing your preferred surf camp in Ericeira, remember to go over this checklist to ensure you understand exactly what the camp package includes:
1. What is the student-to-instructor ratio? Generally, the smaller the group is, the more personal guidance you will get. Therefore, look for a ratio of no more than 5 to 1.
2. Are surfboard rentals included in the package- Will you have to bring your own surfboard, or is it provided by the camp? Also, can you use the camp’s surfboards for practice after the lessons?
3. Are airport transfers included in the package, or should you get there on your own? What about transfers to different surf spots in the surroundings?
4. Is the package all-inclusive, or should you pay for meals? If it is all-inclusive, which meals are included?
5. How many surf lessons are included in the package? Is there a precise schedule?
6. What type of accommodations will you stay at? Is it a private room or a dorm? Which features does it have?
7. Does the level of coaching suit your skill level? Is there a separation between beginners and experienced surfers?
8. What are the qualifications of the surf instructors? Are they licensed? Remember, your safety is the most important thing.
9. Which coaching tools are used in the surf lessons? Is there a theoretical part? Video analysis? Enough practice time?
10. Are there any add-ons or additional services you should know about, or does the cost of the camp cover everything?
Conclusion- Final Thought
To sum up, Ericeira is one of the best surf destinations in Europe and a prime location for a surf camp. With perfect waves, offshore winds, and a great atmosphere, it is a beautiful place to spend a week or two.
In this post, we tried to provide you with all the information you need to choose your favorite surf camp in Ericeira. Regardless of which one you will choose, you can expect to have an unforgettable experience.
Before you leave, don’t forget to check out our post about the best surf camps in Portugal, and the one about surf resorts in Portugal.
