Baleal Surf Camp is a small family run business based in Peniche Portugal with the prime beach-side location in one of Europe’s most consistent and flexible surf spots.

It was the first surf camp to be established in Portugal when we started in 1993 and – by focusing on customer service and the environment – it has grown to become one of the best known and best loved surf schools on the Atlantic.

Teaching people how to surf in Peniche while making sure they have the best possible surfing holidays is our main goal and what we thrive on.

The surf camp has a laid-back vibe and accommodation to suit all tastes and budgets.  We welcome everyone from singles to families, experts to novices.

1. Europe's most flexible and consistent surf location

We are located on the Peniche Peninsula, on Portugal’s beautiful and unspoilt “silver coast”. Known for its famous Supertubes surf spot, the area is considered ideal for both novice and expert surfers. This is because it offers a wide variety of waves – sand, reef, left, right, hollow, mellow  - all within a few minutes of each other.

Also, because we are on a peninsula, we catch Atlantic swells from all directions. And no matter which way the wind is blowing there is nearly always a clean wave to rip or cruise on. For more on area’s amazing waves and surf spots go to wave guarantee.

2. The best surf spot on the best beach in the area

We were the first company surf camp to open here, so we got the best location. Our Surf Center is right on the beach at Cantinho da Baia – the main surf beach in the area. Just five minutes to the South is Supertubos and just two minutes walking to the North is the amazing left hand reef break of Lagide. 

Cantinho da Baia itself is a sandy-bottomed beach with long, smooth, sheltered waves which are perfect to learn on. If you come to the Peniche peninsula to surf you will spend most of your time here. The difference with us is that we are based here. When you are surfed out, just chill with a beer in the Surf Centre and watch the action.

3. Accommodation that is right for you

We know how important it is to live close to the waves when choosing a surfing holiday. One of our best assets is that our surf houses are only 3 or 4 minutes walk from our Surf Center, which is literally on the beach. This means you can be in the water and surfing within 10 minutes of waking up. No complications, no waiting for mini-buses  –  perfect for those glassy early morning sessions!
We also know that different people like different types of accommodation and have different budgets. Perhaps you like to be with others? Perhaps you prefer complete peace and quite? Whatever your preference or budget, we can provide what is right for you. For more on our surf houses go to hostel accommodation or apartments accommodation.

4. Expert teachers and personalized surf lessons

Is it possible to learn to surf in just one week? Can an experienced surfer learn new tricks?  It is possible, but only with good lessons.  At Baleal Surf Camp we take the quality of our surf classes very seriously.  Our maximum ratio of 8 students to two teachers (a surfing instructor and a surfing assistant) means that each individual gets the attention they need and can progress rapidly, while remaining safe.

The surf school is still run by the two brothers who founded it but they are joined every year by trained surfers from around the world who teach at the surf camp. This means our teaching techniques are constantly improving and that we have experts who can teach a wide range of specialist styles, moves and techniques.

5. The widest range of high quality surfboards and equipment

Our Surf Center is home to more than 80 high quality surfboards. We have dozens of epoxy surfboards by trusted brands such as NSP, Surftech and Bic, spanning all sizes and shapes. We also have many traditional fiberglass surfboards and the area’s best shaper, Gero of Fatum Surfboards, offers our clients free testing of his full range of shapes – everything from wafer-thin thrusters, to full bodied fish and performance malibu’s. Our sponsor Quiksilver garantees excellent different 3/2 or 4/3 mm wetsuits for our guests. For more on our extensive range of boards and wetsuits go to Surf Equipment

Baleal beach area is the surfing centre in Peniche district and where you'll find more surf spots within close range. 

Baleal Surf Camp offers hostel accommodation or accommodation in rooms or apartments, high quality surfing classes, equipment rental, and surfing guide services.

We also try to make a difference regarding the local environment and beach quality as well as social reality of Peniche. We organize regular beach cleaning activities either with our guests or together with Surfrider Foundation and also provide each year a surf baptism for children fostered by local and national institutions. To see more about enviromental concern follow this link please. To learn more about our social awareness please check this page on our web site.

Located directly at the surf spot on Cantinho da Baía and 5min away from Supertubos our structure includes beach support services on our granted beach, lifeguards, a restaurant and refreshments service, toilets, showers, a Wi-Fi system, surfing school, and surf equipment rentals.

At night, our beach bar – named after the camp’s founder: Bruno’s Bar -- is one of the most outstanding beach bars in Portugal, and its mythical evenings have for more than 10 years meant guaranteed good times.

But this region isn’t just all about surfing in Peniche.  Besides the Surf  Camp there are also close by are excellent golf courses, the gastronomic delights of Peniche, famous for its fish and shellfish, and beaches that are well known for their quality and safety; the region is also home to a number of excellent wineries, and, in Óbidos, to one of the most well-preserved places of historical heritage in all Portugal, great options to complement your surfing holiday. Check this link: Points of Interest in the Western Region of Portugal.