GENERAL INFO:
Q: Where is the closest airport?
A: The closest airport is in Lisbon 90km South, Porto is 200km North, from both you have highway all the way to Peniche.
Q: How do I get from Lisbon to Peniche and Baleal?
A: The cheapest way (also easy) is by bus to Peniche. We provide free transfer from/to Peniche bus terminal to Baleal. Ask for the details to travel from Lisbon when you book. Click here to see more about traveling to Peniche.
Q: Who I call to get picked up when I arrive in Peniche?
A: Please call/WhatsApp +351 963820185 on your arrival by bus to Peniche we’ll pick you up and bring to the camp. If by any chance we are all busy please take a taxi to: Rua Amigos do Baleal 2, 2520-052 Ferrel-Peniche.
Q: Where is the closest restaurants?
A: The closest restaurants are a short walking distance from the hostel and all the other lodges. There are restaurants within walking distance such as Bar do Bruno.
You’ll find plenty of good options for traditional Portuguese food and obviously the fish and seafood, some recommended restaurants include Tasca do Joel, Mirandum or the Sushi in Baleal.
Q: How much costs a dinner in a restaurant?
A: Between 15€ to 25€.
Q: How much does a beer cost?
A: About 1€ in a supermarket, 2,5€ at a bar.
Q: Where can I find a supermarket?
A: The nearest is a short walking distance from all the lodges. It is called Amanhecer is open all year round and has ATM, Café and internet service. In Peniche 5km from our location you’ll find larger chains like Continente, LIDL, Pingo Doce or Intermarché.
Q: Can I walk to the beach from the accommodation?
A: Yes. The beach is 3 to 5 min walking distance from all the lodges of Baleal Surfcamp.
Q: Are you opened year round?
A: Yes. We just close for a short holiday period by the end January.
Q: Does your camp have people from different nationalities?
A: Yes. Our camp has people from all over the world but mainly from Europe.
Q: What’s the average age of the camp’s guests?
A: The average age is 28 years old.
Q: I’m a solo traveller, will I have people to talk/meet when I’m there?
A: Yes, surely! Most of our guests are solo travellers and some small groups and couples.
Q: Do you have different types of boards?
A: Yes. We have a variety of surfboards that range from short to long boards and softops for beginners.
Q: Can I try different types of boards during my stay?
A: Yes, you can use different surf boards.
Q: Should I make an insurance before traveling?
A: Yes. But if you are part of EU you can apply for the European Health Card at your home country, this will give you access to the public hospitals medical assistance for a reduced cost. A private insurance is recommended however.
Q: Does your price includes an insurance?
A: Yes, Our rates include a sport accident insurance coverage valid for accidents during our surf classes.
BOOKINGS:
Q: How do I book?
A: Send us an e-mail with your preferred dates and package or fill in one of our booking page. We’ll check availability and get back to you with details and booking confirmation procedure. Special requirements or relevant informations for your booking should be mentioned on the notes detail box.
Q: Can I choose a custom package or do I have to stick to the packages offered?
A: Yes, you can choose a custom package. Just ask us what you want and we’ll tell you if it’s possible and how much it costs. There are options for room upgrade, request info or check our price list. If you are interested see here our surf packages.
Q: How do I know that my reservation is confirmed?
A: You will receive an e-mail with the confirmation of your booked details, remaining balance due on arrival and check in.
ACCOMMODATION:
Q: What are the accommodation options?
A: You can stay in Hostel or Private apartment if you prefer less people around.
Q: Do you provide linen and blankets?
A: Yes. The prices include the bed linen and blankets.
Q: Can I wash my clothes?
A: Yes. There are self laundries near by.
Q: The price includes towels?
A: Private apartment: Yes. Hostel: No, but you can hire a set of Hand & Shower towel for 10€.
Q: What other services are there available for the guests at Baleal Surf Camp in Peniche?
A: There are services available for our guests exclusively. For example: skateboard rentals, towel rentals, surf photos, transfer to Peniche.
Q: Can I cook meals in the lodges?
A: Yes. All lodges have equipped kitchens for self-catering, you must leave the kitchen clean after using it.
Q: Can I drink tap water?
A: Yes.
Q: Is there a place to leave valuable personal objects?
A: Yes.The hostel and surf station have lockers to keep personal/valuable objects. Staying in a twin or double room you’ll have a key to the room.
Q: Can I access the internet or WiFi?
A: Yes. Both hostels have free WiFi. There is as well WiFi at the Surf Station & Surf School areas.
SURFING:
Q: What’s the distance to the nearest surf spot in Peniche?
A: We are located at the north end of the Peniche Peninsula in Baleal beach. The nearest spots are Baía and Cantinho da Baía, just 2min walking from our lodges. Within 5min walking distance you’ll find at least 5 spots that work with different swell and wind conditions. See Peniche Baleal Surf Spots.
Q: I’m a beginner, can I find in Peniche a spot that suits me?
A: Yes. Due to the geography of the coastline of Baleal and Peniche, there is almost always a spot adequate for any kind of level. Truly considered the most consistent surf area in Europe. Peniche has a wide range of surf spots great for beginners, the sandy peninsula ensures just that.
Q: I’m an intermediate surfer. Is there in Peniche and Baleal spots that suits me?
A: Yes. Due to the geography of the coastline of Peniche larger and Baleal smaller peninsulas there is almost always a spot adequate for any kind of level. There are loads of beach breaks but also wedges, reefs, mixed and point breaks, unparalleled diversity in a short range, we call it 15 Km miracle.
Q: I’m an intermediate surfer and want to make a weeklong surfcamp in Peniche, will I be with the beginners?
A: No. We separate the guests accordingly to surfing levels. At Baleal Surf Camp we have 4 levels, 0 for absolute beginner up to 4 for an advanced/intermediate.
Q: I’m a beginner surfer, will I’ll be surfing reefs?
A: No. We keep beginners surfers exclusively in sandy beaches due to safety reasons.
Q: I’m an absolute beginner surfer, will I be surfing with fibreglass surfboards?
A: No. We only use soft-boards for beginners.
Q: What is the usual size of the waves in Baleal, Peniche?
A: The swell ranges from the 0.5m to 4m depending on the season. Usually the winter swells are bigger and the summer swells are smaller. Even on the big swells you can find a sheltered spot due to the geography of this peninsulas. See Spots.
Q: Are the tides a factor to bear in mind?
A: Yes. The tides can range up to 4m. Usually the mid tides are the most consistent for most spots but some spots really work better with a specific tide. For example while Cantinho da Baía works with the high tide, Supertubos is better at mid to low.
Q: I’m travelling in the summer, what wetsuit should I wear?
A: Most of the year the water temperature is around 17ºC (3/2 wetsuit or short). During the summer specially July/August it can get up to 20ºC and a short would be enough. In the winter it can get down as low as 14ºC and a full 4/3 or 3/3 is recommended.
SURF CAMP:
Q: Can I have classes if I’m travelling alone?
A: Yes. There is no minimum number of participants for the classes to be held.
Q: Do we get to try different spots during a week of Surf Camp?
A: Participants will be transferred to another location if no local spot has suitable conditions for the lesson.
Q: Can i bring my own wetsuit and surfboard?
A: You’re welcome to use your own wetsuit. The surf instructor will decide if your surfboard can be used during the lessons. Please note that no discount is offered when using personal equipment.
Q: Can i access the internet while I’m in the camp?
A: Yes. We have access via wifi at the beach bar at the hostel and apartments.
WHAT GOES AROUND COMES AROUND
Q: How do I get from Peniche to Baleal Surf Camp when I arrive?
A: Give us a call/WhatsApp to +351 963820185 and we’ll pick you up at the bus station.
Q: How to go around in Baleal and Peniche?
A: Uber or taxi are the best options.
Q: Where is the nearest beach/spot from the camp?
A: The nearest beach/spots are Baía and Cantinho da Baía, just 100m away.
Q: Where is the closest beach bar?
A: Just walk down to our Beach Bar and enjoy the sun and the sea! 200m away direction Baleal/Ferrel you’ll find Bar da Praia and Danau. In Baleal “island” you have some Cafés.
Q: Where is the nearest ATM?
A: It’s just across the street from the Hostel at the Supermarket Amanhecer, open all year round with Café, ATM and Internet service.
Q: Where is the nearest Hospital?
A: It’s in Peniche, 5km. In Ferrel (2km) and Atouguia da Baleia (4km) there are local health extensions. 20Km from Baleal there is Caldas da Rainha Hospital, the regional District Hospital with full services and Paediatric Service.
Q: Should I make an insurance before traveling?
A: We recommend so.