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Surf Experience
Surf Experience, Rua dos Ferreiros No 21, 8600 Lagos Algarve,, Lagos Lagos, Portugal Portugal
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About
5.0
#2 of 58 guest houses in LagosLocation
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The original European Surf Tour, Surf Lifestyle and Surf School Company all wrapped in one.
All our knowledge over the years has brought us to our unique central position to be able to combine an immense rock n roll surf holiday able to meet other like minded individuals or a soulful surf break mixing yoga and other activities. Solo, Couple, Family or Group we can give you the best surfing break on the planet.
Included in your stay: breakfast, daily surf trip in the surf camp Land Rovers - 2 lessons with our awesome qualified instructors, an amazing, mouthwatering lunch and mega banter - as well as your accommodation in our surf house, boutique apartment, studio, or traditional pensao...All in the backpackers' paradise of Lagos, Portugal. We also do weekly BBQs and Paella nights, cooked by our insanely talented chef.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Wifi
Free breakfast
Children Activities (Kid / Family Friendly)
Airport transportation
Rooftop terrace
Non-smoking hotel
Room features
Kitchenette
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Family rooms
Good to know
HOTEL STYLE
Trendy
Hidden Gem
Location
Surf Experience, Rua dos Ferreiros No 21, 8600 Lagos Algarve,, Lagos Lagos, Portugal Portugal
Name/address in local language
Getting there
49 Restaurants
within 10 kilometers
125Reviews0Q+A12Room tips
ReviewsWe perform checks on reviews.Tripadvisor’s approach to reviewsBefore posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
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We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
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Detailed Reviews
My 7-day solo getaway to the surf experience in November couldn't have been more perfect. From the moment I arrived, the hosts extended a warm welcome that continued throughout my stay. It felt like they were constantly going above and beyond, providing a fantastic range of breakfasts and lunches. Their excellent hosting skills also shone in the evenings, as they offered fantastic restaurant recommendations and created a welcoming and social atmosphere within the surf house.
The surf instructors were equally fantastic and friendly. Their passion for both surfing and teaching was clear, making the learning experience incredibly enjoyable and informative.
I wholeheartedly recommend the surf experience and have no doubt that I will return myself.
The surf instructors were equally fantastic and friendly. Their passion for both surfing and teaching was clear, making the learning experience incredibly enjoyable and informative.
I wholeheartedly recommend the surf experience and have no doubt that I will return myself.
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Date of stay: November 2023Trip type: Travelled solo
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Spent 9 nights at the Surf House going surfing pretty much every day. Had a wonderful time learning (or trying to learn, surfing is haaaard) and meeting so many cool and like-minded people. The rooms and infrastructure are pretty basic but do what they have to do and let's face it, you don't come to a place like this for the boxspring beds and room service, but to meet kick-ass people and have a good time, which is pretty much guaranteed in the age of Covid. Special love to the Kitchen staff for the wonderful and varied breakfast and lunches and for doing their best to keep people mingling and having fun.
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Date of stay: October 2020
Value
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Excellent surf staff. We were surfing for the first time and had a ton of fun. The instructors are very professional and we learned a lot to improve our skills over 4 days.
The food was very healthy and delicious, exactly what you need for a day at the beach.
For us the only disappointment was the surf house. Our room was not clean at all when we checked in and the showers are in bad shape.
Overall we very pleased and recommend surf experience for everyone jumping into surfing.
The food was very healthy and delicious, exactly what you need for a day at the beach.
For us the only disappointment was the surf house. Our room was not clean at all when we checked in and the showers are in bad shape.
Overall we very pleased and recommend surf experience for everyone jumping into surfing.
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Date of stay: June 2021Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip: Do not forget your sunscreen
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We joined Surf Experience for a 1 day lesson as a mixed ability group (1 beginner, 2 intermediate surfers).
We were told the wrong collection time so were 15mins late to our pick up. Without any introduction from our surf instructor we were berated. He then continued to be rude throughout the day.
We were driven to collect boards and then the beach where we joined a larger group. There were 6 or 7 instructors for around 30 people which was fine, but still no introductions or direction from any instructors, they all seemed pretty miserable to be there. We were taken on a warm up and then split into different ability groups. Throughout the 3hrs of total surf time we didn't receive as much feedback as I expected, I asked the instructors what I could improve, but didn't receive any other tips after that - this is a 3hr paid lesson.
After surf we ate (the lunch was good!), but then spent 2hrs hanging around on the beach while the instructors went out for their own surf session, and we ran out of drinking water (there was not enough brought for customers).
Packing up the van afterwards the instructor who met us continued to be rude and dismissive, explicitly expressing that he couldn't care less about the customers he was taking out.
Shame, seems like other students had a good time, but we were disappointed and the one extremely rude instructor left a bad taste in our mouths.
We were told the wrong collection time so were 15mins late to our pick up. Without any introduction from our surf instructor we were berated. He then continued to be rude throughout the day.
We were driven to collect boards and then the beach where we joined a larger group. There were 6 or 7 instructors for around 30 people which was fine, but still no introductions or direction from any instructors, they all seemed pretty miserable to be there. We were taken on a warm up and then split into different ability groups. Throughout the 3hrs of total surf time we didn't receive as much feedback as I expected, I asked the instructors what I could improve, but didn't receive any other tips after that - this is a 3hr paid lesson.
After surf we ate (the lunch was good!), but then spent 2hrs hanging around on the beach while the instructors went out for their own surf session, and we ran out of drinking water (there was not enough brought for customers).
Packing up the van afterwards the instructor who met us continued to be rude and dismissive, explicitly expressing that he couldn't care less about the customers he was taking out.
Shame, seems like other students had a good time, but we were disappointed and the one extremely rude instructor left a bad taste in our mouths.
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Date of stay: October 2021Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Toby Millage, Owner at Surf Experience
Responded 6 Dec 2021
Bom Dia Hannah - All critisicism, good or bad, is good for us to hear. It is hard to hear that we have a staff member as above or in fact for the whole team to be miserable. After 30 years I graded this as our best team unit so far and we do run by a certain code. A great mix of female // male // outgoing // happy // approachable // professional. We have just disbanded for the season but I will bring this up at the first meeting pre NYE. Needless to say something must have happened to warrent this reaction. If you come back I will offer another day for you for free. Or why not join the full experience and come for a week. Next year we celebrate 30 years in the game and we will have a large festival night, international chefs throughout the season, world class djs for sunsets loads of give-aways. Yours Toby Millage Co - Founder.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
First I need to say that Rachel's cooking is just amazing!! I am so happy with Tobe bc he is just so friendly and kind but the instructors, I have a biff with. I was in a accident and I had to scream for help and after that they had to ran all the way to the car just to get the first-aid kit. after that my sister helped me instead of them even though they know more about that stuff. one of them actually told us she can't help bc there is so many students but all they do is just talk and watch us. but otherwise it was ok. we got to stay in our own room and Matilda was just the best. best women on this planet so helpful when she realized I couldn't walk anymore. my rating are down just bc the instructors don't do that much if you need help. that's so sad!
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Date of stay: August 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from SurfExperience1992, Employee at Surf Experience
Responded 11 Sept 2015
Dear. Skumrallen The accident where your toenail broke. One of the instructors on duty helped you in, and then went to get first aid kit. This would have been a maximum 5 min wait. This is protocol anywhere in the world... considering that you were at a secluded beach in the middle of a national park, we don’t think this is an unreasonable amount of time to wait. You were offered a ride to the hospital, which you declined, and the situation was totally under control. We surpass the legally required student:instructor class ratio, with a maximum of 7:1. There is always enough instructors to deal with an emergency, but our instructors also have to make decisions based on the whole group, ensuring that other people also get the attention and guidance they have come to expect from the Surf Experience. Whilst it happened during lesson time, this accident had nothing to do with us, it was entirely out of our hands or came from no negligence of any kind on our part. Incidentally, your cousin told me that she has told you time and time again to cut your toenails as they were beyond averagely long. Everyone on site noticed this. Instructors only Talk and Watch. On this we are quite incredulous. At least two of our instructors had been in the water with you. They showed incredible service by trying to help with all aspects from wetsuits to surfboards and helping you get into the waves personally. **Essentially, both you and your sister are of a very challenging size and shape. As I would mention to anyone of a larger disposition and of minimal fitness, you should really know your limits coming to do such an active holiday; whilst understanding that people advance at their own pace specific to shape, fitness and balance. Asking “Why am I not as good as that person over there…?” is a very hard thing for our instructors to answer tactfully and earnestly. I really commend my staff on how they handled themselves with you guys, being complimentary when possible and obliging/flexible when you requested boards too small (though you were advised you would find it very difficult to learn and even catch a wave on a board so small) and wetsuits way too small (we now have two ruined wetsuits due to you trying to squeeze into a size which simply was too small - as you were told by instructor). We really pride ourselves on making everyone feel special on all levels. You actually only surfed 2/3 days and yet we went out of our way to help you to claim your entire holiday back on insurance. I believe you should be giving us an excellent rating, not poor.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
I stayed in the school for 5 days; here are the highlights.
Pros:
- Private/double rooms in pensao are really great. It was all organized by the school and went seamlessly.
- Cooked lunches are nice, and they are in fact delish
- School organizes a lot of activities for after-surf time. They are organised each day and include something like BBQ, party, dinners together etc., yoga and so. Really useful to make friends and enjoy Lagos!
- The main surf house is cool to hang out at - terraces, little living room all available for you
- video session is also provided where you can see your mistakes
Cons:
- Surfing lessons: If you are an intermediate level, or above the beginner, it might be very disappointing. Instructors come to the beach to surf themselves rather than teach; this happened throughout all the time of the stay. We had experience of instructors dropping in on your waves or just taking them in front of you silently, not even giving you a hint. You have to ask feedback proactively otherwise there is none.
In the end, You just get a strong feel that no one really cares (your warm up, your surf etc.) and to get at least some knowledge you have to always ask and hover around.
However, if you stick with Sanna/Sofie/Mark, you will have a better experience, these guys were helpful.
- The beach is quite crowded, and there is a bunch of other schools attending at the same time as this is high season.
- A slightly shady way of calculating the actual cost if you have a package. Unclear what is the price per lesson, per accommodation etc.
Overall, i'd recommend to go if you are not an eager surfer and want to try it out and mostly to enjoy Lagos parties and hanging out with international people. If you want to progress your surfing - there is a bunch of really good schools on the west coast.
Pros:
- Private/double rooms in pensao are really great. It was all organized by the school and went seamlessly.
- Cooked lunches are nice, and they are in fact delish
- School organizes a lot of activities for after-surf time. They are organised each day and include something like BBQ, party, dinners together etc., yoga and so. Really useful to make friends and enjoy Lagos!
- The main surf house is cool to hang out at - terraces, little living room all available for you
- video session is also provided where you can see your mistakes
Cons:
- Surfing lessons: If you are an intermediate level, or above the beginner, it might be very disappointing. Instructors come to the beach to surf themselves rather than teach; this happened throughout all the time of the stay. We had experience of instructors dropping in on your waves or just taking them in front of you silently, not even giving you a hint. You have to ask feedback proactively otherwise there is none.
In the end, You just get a strong feel that no one really cares (your warm up, your surf etc.) and to get at least some knowledge you have to always ask and hover around.
However, if you stick with Sanna/Sofie/Mark, you will have a better experience, these guys were helpful.
- The beach is quite crowded, and there is a bunch of other schools attending at the same time as this is high season.
- A slightly shady way of calculating the actual cost if you have a package. Unclear what is the price per lesson, per accommodation etc.
Overall, i'd recommend to go if you are not an eager surfer and want to try it out and mostly to enjoy Lagos parties and hanging out with international people. If you want to progress your surfing - there is a bunch of really good schools on the west coast.
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Date of stay: July 2018Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I came here last year with a mate on recommendation and it was so good that I decided last minute to come again this year but on my own, and it was even better! The location, fellow guests, instructors, food provided, being out surfing and just the banter flying about make this the best possible way to spend a week off, in my opinion! Would give it 6 stars if I could!
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Date of stay: June 2014
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
5/5 for everything, the days were structured yet relaxed and the mentoring was spot on, and we genuinely came away from the school x10 better surfers.
The night life was good and it was nice that the instructors from the house came out with us to show us around and show us a "Lagos night out"
Accommodation was looked after and clean.
An all round good trip, and looking forward to next Easter leave to head back.
The night life was good and it was nice that the instructors from the house came out with us to show us around and show us a "Lagos night out"
Accommodation was looked after and clean.
An all round good trip, and looking forward to next Easter leave to head back.
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Date of stay: April 2014
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Didn’t stay in the hostel, just did the surf school. It was a complete waste of time and money. When we first arrived, there was no greeting or any instruction from the staff. We got in vans and got no information on where we were going, length of the trip, etc. We stopped in a parking lot and the drivers/instructors got out without saying anything and walked away. After ten minutes they returned and told us we were going to the beach, which ended up being quite a hike but they didn’t tell us this. At the beach they gave maybe a minute of instruction, then sent 20 relatively new surfers out into rough waves and they STAYED ON THE BEACH. They gave absolutely no instruction or advice to anyone, and were seen flirting, poking each other, and running around on the beach, paying very little attention to the surfers. After lunch, we had the option to continue surfing or return home, and 16 out of the 20 people wanted to go home instead of surfing again. Granted, the conditions were not great, but it could’ve been slightly better if the 3 instructors had been in the water actually INSTRUCTING and helping the surfers instead of standing on the beach not paying attention.
The only positive of the day is that they used reusable bowls and utensils for lunch, so we didn’t use any single-use plastic!
The only positive of the day is that they used reusable bowls and utensils for lunch, so we didn’t use any single-use plastic!
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Date of stay: October 2018Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I made a mistake and posted an identical review on the wrong site. This review is for the two Toby's surf school.
I am an intermediate long boarder (ie catch a green wave without difficulty, can turn, ride and cross step) so this review comes from an intermediate's perspective. The novice surfers seemed very well looked after and I was there when Matt, a senior coach took them through video feedback. If you go as an intermediate or better you will need your own board as they have very few hard boards. The intermediates were taken to different breaks to novices - a real plus and we were given some coaching tips but it was more surf guiding than a school environment but Sarah, a young coach was full of helpful tips and picked up and gently corrected a pretty fundamental error in my paddling. Peggy and Griff were also helpful but the coaches were a little diffident in correcting errors. Griff is a great fellow to surf with, genuinely good fun and it felt like I was surfing with a mate. He takes the mickey mercilessly out of robust characters but is really sweet to less confident people. I had to really invite comment but they are sensitive to ego! The Pensao accommodation was excellent and very clean. The hostess, Clotilda who spoke not a word of English was lovely and fluent in mime. The lunches were of stellar quality. Really tasty and full of good things. The laid back surfer vibe appeals to many people. My background in coaching in a different sport meant I probably wanted just a touch more direct advice but Peggy was pretty direct. These guys run a good surf camp. I was a bit cursed by small swell and bad tides but as the tides started working better the fun surfing started. The international crowd who stayed there were fun to be around and the staff were charming. Rowan and Sophie are pathologically nice. My 16 year old daughter loved the staff but was less happy with the actual coaching. She is a decent intermediate surfer but was less direct than me in seeking feedback. In short, a great environment, lovely staff, a fantastic location but you need to push a bit to get coached as a competent surfer. But I think plenty of intermediate surfers would be happy with the light touch coaching. I pushed for more coaching and I got it.
I am an intermediate long boarder (ie catch a green wave without difficulty, can turn, ride and cross step) so this review comes from an intermediate's perspective. The novice surfers seemed very well looked after and I was there when Matt, a senior coach took them through video feedback. If you go as an intermediate or better you will need your own board as they have very few hard boards. The intermediates were taken to different breaks to novices - a real plus and we were given some coaching tips but it was more surf guiding than a school environment but Sarah, a young coach was full of helpful tips and picked up and gently corrected a pretty fundamental error in my paddling. Peggy and Griff were also helpful but the coaches were a little diffident in correcting errors. Griff is a great fellow to surf with, genuinely good fun and it felt like I was surfing with a mate. He takes the mickey mercilessly out of robust characters but is really sweet to less confident people. I had to really invite comment but they are sensitive to ego! The Pensao accommodation was excellent and very clean. The hostess, Clotilda who spoke not a word of English was lovely and fluent in mime. The lunches were of stellar quality. Really tasty and full of good things. The laid back surfer vibe appeals to many people. My background in coaching in a different sport meant I probably wanted just a touch more direct advice but Peggy was pretty direct. These guys run a good surf camp. I was a bit cursed by small swell and bad tides but as the tides started working better the fun surfing started. The international crowd who stayed there were fun to be around and the staff were charming. Rowan and Sophie are pathologically nice. My 16 year old daughter loved the staff but was less happy with the actual coaching. She is a decent intermediate surfer but was less direct than me in seeking feedback. In short, a great environment, lovely staff, a fantastic location but you need to push a bit to get coached as a competent surfer. But I think plenty of intermediate surfers would be happy with the light touch coaching. I pushed for more coaching and I got it.
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Date of stay: July 2015Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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"If you want some privacy as a couple stay in the private apartment. For the true experience stay in the bunk rooms."Read full review
"Doesn't really matter, it's not the type of holiday where you are in your room a lot."Read full review
"Amazing location, quiet, central, well equipped, nice outdoor patio with room fur surfing stuff, washer, dryer, dishwasher and all"Read full review
LOCATION
PortugalAlgarveFaro DistrictLagos
NUMBER OF ROOMS
5
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Claim Your ListingSURF EXPERIENCE | UPDATED 2023 Guesthouse Reviews (Lagos, Portugal) - Tripadvisor
Frequently Asked Questions about Surf Experience
Which popular attractions are close to Surf Experience?
Nearby attractions include Bordeira Beach (6.0 km), Amado Beach (5.8 km), and Arrifana Beach (5.0 km).
What are some of the property amenities at Surf Experience?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, free breakfast, and free parking.
What food & drink options are available at Surf Experience?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast during their stay.
What are some restaurants close to Surf Experience?
Conveniently located restaurants include Micro Bar, Bistrot Gulli, and Sector B.
Does Surf Experience have airport transportation?
Yes, Surf Experience offers airport transportation for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.