The best place to learn to surf near Lisbon.
Surf School Costa da Caparica
Learn to surf on Lisbon’s best beginner-friendly coastline. At Gota Dagua Surf School in Costa da Caparica, certified local instructors take you from your first white water to confident green waves, in small groups, at your own pace, just 20 minutes from the city.
We offer group lessons, private coaching, packs, Lisbon surf tours and equipment rental, all year round. Wetsuit and board are always included, and we keep a maximum of 5 surfers per instructor so you get real attention and progress fast. We also use video coaching and analysis to fine-tune your technique.
No experience needed. Just show up, we’ve got the boards, the wetsuits, and the good vibes.
GALLERY
SURF LESSONS PACKAGES
Book a single lesson or a pack at a reduced price, online or at our surf shop in Caparica. Every lesson includes surfboard, wetsuit, insurance, and a certified instructor in the water with you. Our personalised method and video analysis mean each session is adapted to your level.
Residents discount
Living in Portugal? Get 20% off all group and private lesson packs and special rates on equipment rental. Use the coupon code residentes when booking. Please bring proof of address and ID to show at the surf shop.
SURF COURSES
LEVEL 1
beginner
For you if you have never surfed, or tried once or twice. You start in the white water close to shore, learning to paddle, pop up and ride your first waves with an instructor next to you.
LEVEL 2
intermediate
For you if you can already catch white water on your own and want to reach the green, unbroken wave. You work on take off timing, positioning and going left and right along the wave.
LEVEL 3
advanced intermediate
For you if you ride green waves confidently and want to sharpen up. You work on wave selection, bottom turns and your first manoeuvres, with video analysis to see what to fix.
LEVEL 4
free surf
For you if you are fully independent in the water. No lessons needed. You pick your own waves and surf on your own.
RENTALS
Already know how to surf? Looking for surfboard and wetsuit rental in Costa da Caparica? Rent everything you need, from one hour to several weeks. We have a wide selection of softboards, shortboards, mini malibus and longboards, plus clean, good-condition wetsuits for our cooler Atlantic water.
RENTALS
How to book long-term rentals
Select your board and/or wetsuit.
Make your booking.
Choose a pickup time at our surf school.
Return your gear at the end of the rental period.
What's included with your multi-day rental
Quality wax and a comb so you always have grip.
Adaptable racks for all cars and board sizes, to get your boards to the coast safely.
Durable, shock-absorbent covers for 1 to 3 boards, all sizes.
Reliable leashes — your essential connection to the board.
ABOUT COSTA DA CAPARICA
Long Atlantic beaches, 20 minutes from Lisbon.
Costa da Caparica is the main surf town near Lisbon, located just across the bridge from the city.
It is one of the most accessible surf destinations in Europe, known for its long sandy beaches, consistent Atlantic waves, and relaxed surf lifestyle.
This makes it one of the best to learn to surf in Portugal combining surf, beach life and easy access from Lisbon.
The surf school is located in Costa da Caparica, just 20 minutes from Lisbon and walking distance to the beach. You’ll be close to beach bars, cafés and the main surf spots.
How to Get Here
Getting to the surf school from Lisbon is quick and easy..
By Public Transport
The journey takes around 30–45 minutes depending on connections. You can travel easily from Lisbon city or airport to Costa da Caparica by bus, taxi, or rideshare.
By Car
ross the 25 de Abril bridge and follow signs to Costa da Caparica. There is free and paid parking near the beach, a short walk from the surf school. Search "Gota Dagua Surf School, Praia do Tarquínio" on Google Maps and it takes you straight to us.
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Faq
Frequently asked questions
Do I need any experience, or to know how to swim?
No experience at all, most of our students have never stood on a board. You don’t need to be a strong swimmer either: beginner lessons take place in shallow water with your instructor in the water beside you the whole time. You just need to be comfortable being in the sea.
How many surf lessons do I need to learn the basics?
Many students stand up in their very first lesson. But surfing is technique plus reading the ocean, so to genuinely learn the basics and stay safe on your own, we recommend at least 5 lessons. That’s why our packs start there, and work out cheaper per lesson.
How long is a lesson and what happens in it?
Each lesson lasts 90 minutes. You start with a warm-up, then theory on safety and technique, then practise the movements on the sand before going in the water with your instructor. Board, wetsuit and insurance are always included.
Is an instructor in the water with me?
Always. You’re accompanied in the water by a fully qualified instructor for the whole session, with a maximum of 5 students per instructor so you get real attention and feedback after your waves.
When is the surf school open, and can I choose my lesson time?
We’re open all year round, 9am to 6pm. Lessons run in the morning and afternoon during mid and high season, and for private lessons or coaching we’ll find a time that suits you, always working around tide, swell and wind. Very occasionally we close if conditions are genuinely unsafe.
How do I book a surf lesson in Costa da Caparica?
Book directly on our website, or message us on WhatsApp, Facebook or email. If you’re already in Caparica, drop by our surf shop at Tarquínio Beach Bar and the team will sort you out. We recommend booking at least a day in advance, especially in summer.
Do I need a wetsuit? Is the water cold near Lisbon?
A wetsuit and board are included in every lesson, so there’s nothing to bring or rent. The Atlantic here sits at roughly 16–20°C year-round, so yes, you’ll want the wetsuit, and we’ll give you the right thickness for the season.
What should I bring to my lesson?
Just swimwear to wear under the wetsuit, a towel, and sunscreen. We provide the board, wetsuit and insurance, and there’s storage at the surf shop for your belongings.
What language are the lessons in?
All our instructors are fluent in Portuguese and English, and also speak Spanish and French, so wherever you’re visiting Lisbon from, you’ll be understood.
What happens if the waves or the weather are bad?
We check conditions before every session and choose the safest spot along the beach for your level. In the rare case that conditions are genuinely unsafe, we’ll reschedule your lesson rather than cancel it.
