Our Top 6 Madeira Surf Lessons

1.Funchal: Madeira Island Group Surf Lesson

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 282 reviews · 4 hours · from $100Our pick

Join Johnny, João, Kaja, or another MadSea instructor for a four-hour Madeira surf lesson. You’ll warm up on the beach, learn board technique, then practice in the clearest, calmest conditions available at Machico, Porto da Cruz, or Seixal. Equipment, transport, insurance, and coaching are included.

“It was an absolutely amazing day. Very beginner-friendly and still not boring. Johnny and Kaia were great trainers, we would absolutely take lessons with them again.”

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2.Surf Lessons for All Levels

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 191 reviews · 3 hours · from $82

Meet Madeira Calhau Surf School in Porto da Cruz for a three-hour session built around a two-hour lesson. Instructors such as Jonathan, Rodolfo, Augusto, and Milton teach in small groups of up to five, with boards, wetsuits, safety guidance, and photos included. Times change with tides and swell, so confirm by WhatsApp the evening before.

“I surfed in Maui and in Miami and this was the best surfing experience I’ve had! The instructors were very knowledgeable and patient with everyone. They made sure you surfed at least one wave while getting a cool photo 😎. High energy, high spirited, and very kind people 🤙. 10/10 would recommend to beginners and intermediate.”

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3.Surfing Lessons in Madeira

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 168 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) Top rated

Meet the Madeira Surf Center at Fajã da Areia in São Vicente at 9:30 am for a two-hour lesson in English. You’ll use supplied surf gear, warm up, learn surf safety and etiquette, then practice paddling, catching waves, standing, and stretching. Groups are limited to six.

“Overall experience is great. Either you are a beginner or you already surf many times, the team is really good and helps you improving. We had a very good time !”

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4.Madeira Surfing Lessons – Aroundfreedom Surf School

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 104 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $72Best value

Aroundfreedom’s roughly two-hour lesson combines a beach briefing, warm-up, and about 90 minutes in the water. Certified coaches Roberto, Francisco, and their team teach all levels, with boards, 3/2mm wetsuits, leashes, and insurance included. The beach changes with surf conditions, and pickup from Funchal, Caniço, or Machico is available for an added fee.

“Instructors were great and very patient with first time surfers. Very fun experience for our last day in Madeira.”

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5.surf lesson at Porto da Cruz

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 67 reviews · 2 hours · from $76

Spend two hours learning to surf at Porto da Cruz or Machico with Madeira SurfCamp. Certified instructors such as Antonio and Giges teach in English or Portuguese, provide the board and wetsuit, and adjust the meeting point to the tides and sea. The lesson suits beginners and intermediate surfers, with groups limited to 10.

“Die Aktivität war okay. Leider wurde in der früh die Entscheidung getroffen, vom Strand mit Wellen zum Strand ohne Wellen zu wechseln. Als Begründung wurde die starke Strömung angeführt. Jedoch war hier der Hintergrund, dass es durch die Strömung wohl zu anstrengend gewesen wäre, den Unterricht durchzuführen. Lebensgefährdende Gründe wurden nicht angeführt. Surfen ohne Wellen macht nunmal keinen Spaß.”

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6.Surf lesson in Madeira

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 55 reviews · 4 hours · from $88

Meet your instructor in Funchal or Porto da Cruz for a four-hour surf outing on Madeira’s Atlantic coast. Expect a warm-up, a 1.5 to 2-hour lesson, boards and wetsuits, and coaching in English, Portuguese, Spanish, or Polish. Jonny and Kyah are among the instructors praised for friendly, patient help.

“My 2 children and I had the time of our lives. All 3 guides in the water with us were so helpful and encouraging. We all managed to stand with their help and guidance and they all seemed so genuine and invested in our enjoyment and success. I couldn't recommend this activity highly enough.”

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