Attraction review

Vilamoura Surf Project

Vilamoura Surf Project has taught on Vilamoura beach since 2006 - certified lessons, softboards, SUP, and rentals without the drive to Faro's island beach.

Our verdict

Book Vilamoura Surf Project if your week is based on the marina coast - it saves you the drive across to Praia de Faro. Only make that trip if you specifically want AMAR's island-beach school instead.

Vilamoura Surf Project

Vilamoura Surf Project (also known as Vilamoura Surf School, sometimes listed alongside Cimav Surf) has been teaching on Vilamoura beach since 2006, the first school on this stretch of sand, certified by the Portuguese Surfing Federation and Turismo de Portugal. You’ll find the base by the International Marina Center on Av. Rocha Baixinha. Lessons cover surf, SUP, longboard, bodyboard, skim, and carver skate, with group or private sessions, multi-lesson packs, rentals, safaris, and camps if you want to go further.

Everything you need is handled: softboards, modern wetsuits, changing space, secure kit storage, and a warm shower once you’re out of the water. It runs year-round, though lesson times track the tide and sea state rather than a fixed clock. The waves here are gentle, beginner-friendly south-coast surf, so think first confident stand-up, not west-coast barrels.

Good for you if you’re staying in Vilamoura or Quarteira and want waves without a long drive. Not for you to book here if you’re already staying on Praia de Faro – in that case, AMAR Surfing Academia is right on your doorstep instead.

Book: en.vilamourasurf.com or Staying nearby? See where to stay in Vilamoura. Marina evenings after your lesson: Marina de Vilamoura.

Vilamoura Surf Project