FAQ
General
How can I Make a booking?
The easiest way is by clicking on BOOKINGS/CONTACT, where you can choose the dates and surf packages.
You can also contact us by EMAIL. Feel free to use our CHAT anytime you want.
Are you open all year round?
Yes, we never close. However contact us in advance, please.
Is there a minimum period to use the van?
Generally, yes: 3 days in the low season and 1 week in the high season. But we can always try to find the best solution for you.
Can I also have surf lessons?
Yes. And you can make some cheaper surf packages of Campervan + surf lessons.Â
Can I also rent extra equipment such as surfboards, wetsuits, beach chairs, etc.?
Of course you can. Please let us know in advance what you need, and we will provide you with everything. An extensive list of extra equipment and their prices can be found here.
I’ve only just passed my driving test can I still drive a van?
You must have held your full driving for a minimum of 3 years.
Is there a minimum age requirement to drive?
Yes, 21 is the minimum age for the driver. If the driver is under 25 years old we require you to pay a little extra fee.
How many can we fit in the van?
Depending on the vans sleep 3 or 4 people max.
Can there be more than one driver?
Yes, on the quoted price is included 2 drivers for free. For more than 2 drivers additional might be additional costs.
Is there anywhere to leave my car or bicycle?
We offer the possibility of leaving your car or bicycle at one of our depots free of charge for the duration of your rental. You can also take your bicycle in some Vans.
Are campsites open all year round?
Yes they are open as usual and are cheaper off season.
Are there any hidden costs?
If you act as stated in the contract: no. We only have extra costs for extra services, such as surf lessons, surfing equipment or table & chairs, etc. You will also be charged if the car is damaged, or if you return it dirty.
What should we bring?
Besides your personal belongings, you should bring:
sunscreen;
sun block for the face (you can also use Zink cream for sensitive areas like, nose, lips and cheeks)
aloe vera (relieves sunburn)
sunglasses and cap
waterproof ear plugs if you have “sensitive” ears or hearing problems. •
The temperature in Portugal drops down quite a bit when the sun goes down, so make sure you bring some warm clothes (jacket, pants, long sleeves, pullover) as well as your beach gear.
The rest you can get from us!
Can i take campervan and surf lessons and the person who comes with me just campervan?
Yes, you can take campervan and we make you a surf lessons only package.
Pickup and Return
What do I need to bring when I collect the campervan?
Yes. However you’re supposed to know how to surf and have some knowledge of the currents.
Can I go explore the region and surf with a rented surfboard in other spot?
Yes.
What’s the level of surfing that you need to surf in Porugal?
Because of the number of surf spots there’s always a break for every level of surfer.
Are there any rip currents in the surf spots of Portugal?
Yes, however if you learn to surf with us it’s something you don’t have to worry about. Plus we teach you on the surf lessons how to handle with it.
Surf Equipment
Can we rent surf equipment with atlantic coast?
When coming to collect the campervan you should have with you: – A valid European driving license or International driving license of each drivers; – A valid identification document (Passport or ID Card); …and a BIG SMILE, YOU´RE ON HOLIDAYS
In what language will we communicate?
English is the common language. However we can do it in French or Spanish. Off course we can do it in Portuguese if you prefer!
Do we have to arrive on a certain day, i.e. Saturday to Saturday?
No, you can pick up the can on any day of the week.
What happens if I arrive late for the collection of the campervan?
If you know that you are going to be late for your collection of the camper then contact us and let us know as soon as possible. Constant dialogue between us and the client will make this process and all other processes much easier. If you do not deliver the van at the time and the day agreed, a fee may be applied.
Which one is the closest airport to fly in?
Lisbon.
Do I have to pay a Security Deposit?
Yes, on arrival. Please make sure everything is clear about it or ask us about it.
What is the schedule for the to pick up and drop off?
Normally the pick up should be from 15:00 to 17:30 and the drop off is from 09:00 to 14:00. But we are flexible and we always try hard to make your life easy.
My flight leaves at 6am can I meet you before I leave.
Yes, it’s not guaranteed but ask us please. There’s a fee of 25€ for early/late drop off hours. We are a family company, but we always try hard to make your life easy.
I arrive at midnight can you collect me from the airport?
Yes, it’s not guaranteed but ask us please. We are a family company, but we always try hard to make your life easy. There’s a fee of 25€ for early/late pick up hours.
How much time do I need to meet before I leave?
You should leave 45min to we have time to check everything is ok and put gas.
Do I have to clean the van before return?
Yes, inside and outside. We manage to keep our prices as low as possible by minimising the amount of time spent handing the van to the next customers.
How often do we have to refill the water in our Campervan?
The frequency at which you need to refill the water in your campervan will depend on several factors, including the size of your water tank, the number of people using it, and your personal water usage habits.
With a 40-liter water tank in your campervan, travelling with 2 people, you should expect to refill the tank every 2 to 4 days, depending on your personal water usage habits.
For example, if you use water for cooking, washing dishes, brushing your teeth, and taking showers, you’ll likely need to refill the tank more frequently. On the other hand, if you are more conservative with your water usage and limit showers and washing, you may be able to stretch the tank to last 4 days or longer.
It’s important to be mindful of your water usage and refill the tank as needed to ensure you have enough for your travels.
You and the Campervan
Does it come with insurance?
Yes. All campervans come with a 3th party insurance (damage to other cars) included on the quoted price, and if you get a surf package with us, with extra insurance for activities on and around the van.
Are the campervans reliable?
The campervans are extremely reliable and they are serviced regularly to ensure a high standard of reliability.
What happens if the campervan has any problems?
If you experience any problems with the van during your rental then contact us as soon as you can, from there we will assess the situation and do everything we possibly can to fix any issues and get you back on the road. The customer is not allowed to make any alterations to the van and if the van cannot be repaired we make our best to bring you a replacement van.
Do you provide sheets, pillows and blankets?
Yes, we provide freshly laundered cotton duvets, sheets and pillows included on the price.
Can I charge my phone or camera in the van?
Yes, you can charge your phone or camera using the USB port on the radio or via one of the 12v carplugs in the van. Please bring your own USB or 12V plugs. 220v is only available if you are plugged in on a campsite using the 230v wall cable.
How do I get water?
You can fill up with water at most gas stations. In most villages you can also find communal wash areas where you can fill up.
Is there heating during the night in the vans?
If you are renting a van out of season, we can provide electric heater for you to plug in at night. Obviously this can only be used on campsites when you are connected to mains electric.
Can I wild camp?
Wild camping is officially illegal but generally permitted. There are restrictions on where you can park and camp overnight. If unsure, always ask the local tourism centre or police, so you don’t get fined! Do not leave any garbage outside overnight and definitely do not leave your garbage behind when you leave. You may be told to move on though in the middle of the night and they may decide to fine you. Putting a tent up is definitely not tolerated.
Surf Lessons
Will I get surf lessons with you? Do you have any experience teaching?
Yes, we have more than 10 years’ experience on professional surf teaching. With Portuguese Surf Federation Level 1 and 2 certification. And ISA (International Surfing Association)
Do i need to have any experience to join the surf lessons?
No, we teach individually, you don’t have to adapt to the lesson, we adapt to You.
Does the surf lessons include an insurance with atlantic coast?
Yes.
Will I manage to stand up on the surfboard?
It depends on the person, but we can guarantee we put a lot of love and dedication on teaching you the basics of surfing. And with the 5 days surf course (2x day) you have the most probability of standing up and surf.
I don’t know how to swim, can I join the surf lessons?
Yes. Just let us know that. Any way we’re always close to you and teach you all the safety rules you need to know.
Which package is the best to learn or improve my surf?
It’s the 5 days surf course (2x day). It’s planned to maximize your learning. The more time you are spending with us, bigger your progress will be.
After many years of teaching surf, there is no doubt 2 lessons of 1:30h per day is the best formula to learn surf and have time to put in practice and enjoy the amazing feeling of riding waves.
Can I have surf lessons every day?
Yes, we provide surf lessons every day of the week, including weekends.
How many hours a day do i stay in the water?
One lesson is 1:30h, so you should be around 1:15h in the water, depending on your level. With the most popular package with 2 lessons/day, you stay around 3 hour’s total.
How many people per teacher are on the surf lessons?
On average you should have a ratio of 3 to 6 people per teacher. But it’s never more than 8.
Is there a minimum number of people for the surf lessons?
No. We can teach one traveller. When you come on a big group, we divide the students by groups of no more than 8 persons per teacher.
Do you give private lessons?
Yes, but only if we have one of the teachers available. We usually arrange it on the weekends.
And like on the group lessons, you don’t need to have any experience to join the surf lessons.
How many people per teacher are on the VIP surf lessons?
It depends if you want to have it alone, or with 2 or 3 friends. But it’s never more than 4 people per teacher.
What age is possible to start surfing?
Any Age! If there isn’t any physic or pathologic limitation for the practice of the sport. Our academy surfing instructors are also all of them physic education teachers, used to lead with little kids. From 6 to 70 years.
You give surf classes to what levels?
All levels!
Surf
What are the nearest surf spots?
Praia Azul – uncrowded sand bottom beach break and some points and reefs breaks.
Santa Cruz
Peniche: You have world class wave Super tubos and in Baleal – Lagido, Baia and Cantinho da Baia.
Ericeira – famous for world class point breaks, like Ribeira d’Ilhas. But you have also easy waves like Matadouro and other beach breaks.
What’s the level of surfing that you need to surf in Porugal?
Because of the number of surf spots there’s always a break for every level of surfer.
How is the air and water temperature
a.) … during summer months? (July – September)
During summer months, the water temperature is at about 20 degrees and the air at 20 to 30 degrees. We recommend a 3/2 or 4/3 wetsuit. A shorty also works on hot days.
b.) … during winter months? (December – February)
Water temperature cools down to 14 degrees. The air is at 10 to 25 degrees. We recommend a 4/3 wetsuit and surf booties during this time of the year. Plus a hood on windy days.
c.) … in mid-season?
In mid-season, you are well equipped with a 4/3 wetsuit.
Is Portugal a good place to surf?
Portugal is a very consistent surf spot, there are waves all year round. It is considered to be one of the most consistent countries to surf.
Is your region a good area to make a surf trip?
Yes. It’s considered to be one of the best surf regions in Europe. Very consistent surf spots, there are waves all year round. With world class surf towns like Ericeira and Peniche. And with uncrowded coast line full of uncrowded surprises.
Has got very famous waves, like Super Tubes considered to be the best left in Portugal, in Peniche – a true surf town.Or like Coxos, Cave or RRibeira d’Ilhas in Ericeira.
What is the best season to catch good waves?
The best season is Autumn, Winter and Spring.
Surf Safaris
In what area is this service available?
From Nazaré to the south in Algarve, including the greater Lisbon area, West region (from Ericeira to Peniche), according with conditions and season. Contact us for more info about it.
How is the medical care?
If you have the standard European preventive measures, you do not need any additional vaccinations in Portugal. The treatments here and the prescribed medicines must be paid in cash. Always ask for a detailed receipt, to make sure your health insurance company reimburses the amount later.
An additional health and return transport insurance is recommended.
Because that way you have a free choice of all doctors and the costs for a possible return transport are already covered.
Is theft a problem?
Altogether, Portugal is relatively safe. If you hire a rental car, do not leave any valuable items visible in the car. If you go to the beach or the cliffs always park the car nearby so that you can still see it from the beach.
What is the official language?
The country language is Portuguese. But English is well known.