Chase the Best Waves
Surf Guiding
No Lessons. Just Pure Surf.
For independent surfers who can paddle out and catch their own waves, and want local guidance to find the best spots and make the most of the conditions. Surf with a local guide and chase the best waves of the day.
Planning a wider trip? Read how we cover surf guiding across the Algarve, from the west coast to the Costa Vicentina.
What's Included
- Spot selection based on swell & your surf level
- Explanation of local breaks, swell direction & conditions
- 3 hours of guiding
- Option of one long surf session or two sessions
- Transport to and from the best breaks (from the school)
- Local surf guide
- Equipment rental available if needed
- Insurance included
The Breaks We Guide
Sagres sits on a corner. The west coast faces the full Atlantic and the south coast hides behind it, which means a twenty-minute drive can turn an unsurfable day into a good one. These are the breaks we read every morning before deciding where to take you.
| Break | Coast | Works on | Suits | Guide's note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Praia da Cordoama | West | NW–W swell, E/NE wind | All levels | Long stretch of beach break with multiple peaks, so it takes a crowd without feeling crowded. Our default when the west coast is clean. |
| Praia do Castelejo | West | W–NW swell, E wind | Intermediate+ | Punchier and shiftier than Cordoama with a strong rip on bigger days. Rewarding when it lines up. |
| Praia do Amado | West | NW–SW swell, NE wind | All levels | The most consistent beach break in the region. Picks up almost any swell, which makes it the reliable option on small days. |
| Praia do Tonel | West-facing, Sagres | W–NW swell, N/NE wind | Intermediate+ | Steep, fast and close to town, right under the fortress. Rocks at both ends — we place you carefully. |
| Praia da Mareta | South | S–SW swell, N wind | Beginner-friendly | Sheltered south-coast bay. Where we go when the west coast is too big or too windy — often the difference between surfing and not surfing. |
| Praia do Beliche | West, Sagres | NW swell, N/NE wind | Intermediate | Tucked into the cliffs, so it handles more wind than Tonel. Steep steps down, which keeps numbers low. |
| Praia do Zavial | South | SW–W swell, N/NW wind | Intermediate+ | The best right-hander on the south coast when a big west swell wraps in. Rare, and worth dropping everything for. |
New to the area and not sure where you sit? Read the Sagres surf guide for seasons and swell, or start with a lesson if you are not yet catching unbroken waves on your own.
GET STARTED – THE THREE-STEP RIDE
What is your surf level?
Pick your lesson type
Book your session
Use our easy-to-use booking system to reserve your spot.
Frequently Asked Questions
What level do I need for guided surfing?
Guided surfing is designed for independent surfers who can paddle out and catch their own waves. You should be comfortable in varied ocean conditions and able to surf without instruction.
Do you provide equipment?
Equipment rental is available if needed — just let us know when booking. If you have your own board, you're welcome to bring it along.
How do you choose the surf spot?
Our local guides check swell direction, wind, tides, and your surf level to select the best break for the day. We know every spot along this coastline intimately.
Can I do two sessions in one guiding?
Yes — you have the option of one long surf session or two shorter sessions at different spots within the 3-hour window. It depends on conditions and your preference.
Is transport included?
Yes, transport to and from the surf spots is included from our surf centre in Sagres. We'll get you to the best waves of the day.
Is surf guiding the same as a surf lesson?
No. A lesson teaches you to surf; guiding assumes you already can. There is no coaching brief, no drills and no beginner beach — you get spot selection, local knowledge, transport and someone watching the water with you.
How far do you travel for waves?
Normally within 30 minutes of Sagres, which covers both coasts and around a dozen breaks. On unusual swells we go as far as Arrifana or Bordeira — roughly an hour north — if that is genuinely where the best waves are.
Can you guide me on the Algarve south coast as well as the west?
That is the whole point of being based in Sagres. The west coast picks up Atlantic swell, the south coast is sheltered from north wind and needs a bigger swell to wrap in. Having both within 20 minutes means there is almost always something surfable.
What if conditions aren't good?
Our guides know where to find the best waves in any conditions. If it's truly flat or unsafe, we'll reschedule your session — your safety and experience always come first.