
Surfing Lessons for All Levels in Sao Miguel, Azores
Duration: 2 hours Easy Great for Beginners
Why we love this tour
Gain or improve surfing skills on an island 1,000 km from continental land. Azores is a true paradise away from the crowds.
- Join a group with similar level of skills
- Surf under the guidance of instructors who coach professionals
- Perfect for water sports year-round





The archipelago of nine volcanic islands in the North Atlantic has a mild climate ideal for water sports year-round. In our surf school, you can learn or practice surfing with passionate professionals, away from the tourist crowds.
The school was started by two lifelong surfers with a passion for the sport and for Azores' beaches. The goal was, and remains, to create lessons available to all ages and levels by putting together people with similar experiences and expectations. By creating balanced groups, the result is always significant improvement.
At the start of your session, you receive your wetsuit, leash, and board suited to your skill level. The exact location and time of the course is decided a day in advance based on the weather and sea conditions. This ensures the perfect waves for safe yet thrilling learning.
Our lessons usually take place on the south coast's Milicias beach in the winter, and the north coast's Santa Barbara beach in the summer. Both beaches have sparkling black sand, with rocky volcanic formations stretching into the sea.
You are in the water most of the time (about 1.5 hrs), because there is no better way to learn than to practice, practice, practice. After about ten lessons, even absolute beginners master the basics of surfing and can show off new tricks without guidance.
After your session, you can rent equipment from our school and continue surfing, or grab some food and drinks at our beach bar or at one of the beachfront restaurants (your instructor can share many recommendations). You're in the middle of the ocean - enjoy the freedom however you like.
Need to know before you go
The start time of each lesson depends on the tide. It is usually around 9:00 a.m., with a window of about 3 hours. We will inform you of the exact time in advance.
The minimum age to join these lessons is 4. Every pair of kids must have their own coach.
The maximum number of people per group is 8.
We separate our groups into beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels.
Please contact us for more info if:
- You'd like a different number of lessons than listed.
- You are a family, you can book a Family Pack (25 euros per person).
- You'd like to book 20+ lessons (there is a discount available).
- You'd like to include a video analysis of your lesson(s).
Our instructors are certified by the Portuguese Surfing Federation and provide coaching for young local surfers in preparation for competitions.
The school is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. You can rent surfboards, stand up paddle boards, boogie boards and fins, snorkel goggles and fins, and bicycles.
Our beach bar includes a terrace overlooking the beach and sea, and offers a variety of snacks and drinks. It is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
What to bring: Towel, shorts or swimsuit, and sunscreen.
This course is available year-round, with the water temperature between 15º to 17º in the winter and 20º to 24º in the summer. We provide winter wetsuits November-April, and summer wetsuits May-October.
Cancellation
Your booking will become valid after we receive your payment and send you a confirmation email.
Cancellations can be done up to 24 hours before the trip with 100% reimbursement.
For later cancellations, there is no compensation. On rare occasions, the tour may need to be postponed due to bad weather. In these circumstances, we will offer you alternative dates or we will refund you 100% of the paid amount.
Meeting point
Santa Barbara Beach School
Estrada Regional, nº1, 1º Morro de baixo, 9600 - 219 Ribeira Grande, Azores
Provided by
Santa Barbara Surf School AzoresReviews for this tour
14 Jul 2022
13 Jun 2022
Loved it:)