Azores
Advanced
Surf
Camp

São Miguel, Azores, Portugal

1 → 8 Nov 2025

Conquer the Swell: a surf experience for the bold, powered by Paulsen Surf Garage

Overview

Surf wild, uncrowded waves on a remote Atlantic island that feels like a mix of Iceland, Hawaii, and New Zealand. Discover hidden spots, volcanic shores, and crystal-clear lineups where every session pushes your limits.

Joining us: Paulsen Surf Garage, bringing custom hand-shaped boards and hosting a hands-on ding repair workshop - perfect for advanced surfers who want to ride hard and stay dialed.

Duration

8 days / 7 nights*

Meeting point

São Miguel Island Ponta Delgada Airport (PDL)

Accommodation

Private atlantic villa, super cozy rooms with 2-4 beds

Difficulty

Intermediate to advanced surfers

Location

Ribeira Grande, São Miguel Island, Azores

Price

€1,390

*The duration of the trip lasts from meeting at São Miguel Island Ponta Delgada Airport (PDL) until the flight home from the same airport.

Gallery

01 / 26

02 / 26

03 / 26

04 / 26

05 / 26

06 / 26

07 / 26

08 / 26

09 / 26

10 / 26

11 / 26

12 / 26

13 / 26

14 / 26

15 / 26

16 / 26

17 / 26

18 / 26

19 / 26

20 / 26

21 / 26

22 / 26

23 / 26

24 / 26

25 / 26

26 / 26

Description

The Azores provide the ideal backdrop for the perfect Instagram post, with their volcanic landscapes, fantastically green mountains, and deep blue Atlantic Ocean. Nevertheless, it’s not the kind of place where you’re overwhelmed by tourists, allowing you to still catch glimpses of local life.

For experienced surfers chasing untapped potential, the Azores are a true hidden gem. Picture the raw energy of Iceland, the powerful swell of Hawaii, and the lush backdrops of New Zealand – all converging in one remote Atlantic archipelago. With world-class waves still flying under the radar and a minimal local surf scene, it’s not uncommon to paddle out into lineups where your group is the only one in the water. These are the kinds of sessions that make surf trips unforgettable: uncrowded, high-quality, and completely immersive.

This isn’t a place for just soaking up the sun. The Azores demand movement and reward those seeking adventure. After a full day of chasing waves, we shift gears – hiking through prehistoric-looking landscapes, discovering wild volcanic trails, and unwinding in natural thermal pools carved into the earth. Evenings are for slow grilling, good company, and recharging under the stars with island-sourced food and well-earned steaks.

And of course, there’s gear that matches the level of the experience. Paulsen Surf Garage brings a unique edge to the trip – handmade, custom surfboards crafted in Austria by Paul, who has been shaping high-performance shortboards, fish, midlengths, and longboards for over 10 years. Every board is tailored with precision and passion, built to match your style and elevate your performance. From his garage straight to the lineup, Paul will bring a selection of his own shapes and will be on-site to share his knowledge and help fine-tune your setup.

This is more than a surf camp – it’s a deep dive into progression, exploration, and connection, with waves and tools that push you forward.

Tour Package

Advanced Surf Camp in the Azores by Paulsen Surf Garage

1 → 8 Nov 2025

€1,390

The duration of the trip lasts from meeting at São Miguel Island Ponta Delgada Airport (PDL) until the flight home from the same airport. The flight there and back might take an extra day, depending on where you are travelling from.

Included in the price

7 nights accommodation with breakfast

Surf guiding by the most experienced local surf guide and his team – all day every day

Different surfboards from Paulsen Surf Garage with various shapes to test

Ding repair and surf shaping workshop

All transportation and organised activities

Airport transfer on the official arrival and departure days of the tour

GoBeyond tour guide

Optional extras

Upon request, the GoBeyond team will book the best available flight tickets for you. The handling fee is based on the price of the ticket:
– under €1,000: €30
– above €1,000: €50

If you need a visa – determined by your nationality – and you want us to arrange it for you, the administration fee is €35

Further expenses

Plane tickets to and from the meeting point – São Miguel Island Ponta Delgada Airport (PDL)

Travel insurance

Personal expenses

Lunches & dinners

Details

Accommodation

Private atlantic villa in the heart of a small fishing village, a few minutes walk from the ocean, with super cozy and stylish rooms with 2-4 beds.

01 / 10

Our base from outside

02 / 10

If the ocean doesn't enough, you can jump in to the pool at home

03 / 10

The place where we start the long days

04 / 10

Swimming pool from the other side

05 / 10

Fluffy beds await us at the end of the long days

06 / 10

Are you up to the morning coffee here?

07 / 10

We can also enjoy the shade if we get full with sunshine

08 / 10

The refrigerator that provides us with cold drinks during the nights

09 / 10

Don't worry, you can leave your towels at home

10 / 10

And even your blanket

GoBeyond the Break: Surf guiding will be led by Sergio and his best surf instructors, our experienced local coaches who know every break on the island like the back of their hands. With minimal crowds in the lineup, you'll get plenty of space to push your limits and refine your technique. Thanks to the island’s compact size, we're always within 40 minutes of multiple incredible spots—allowing us to chase the best waves each day based on swell direction, wind, tide. It’s the perfect setup for advanced surfers looking to level up in a dynamic, uncrowded environment.

Subtropical oceanic climate 18-25 °C, water temperature 17-23°C. Lots of sunshine with a possibility of rain and windy weather. Mostly shorts and T-shirts but carry a jacket with you.

Maximum of 12 people, usually mixed nationalities. Solo travelers, group of friends and couples with advanced surfing skills and experience.

All the photos and videos you see are from our previous camps. We produce high-quality content of all our camps, which you will receive after returning home to remember all the amazing memories.

Depending on spending habits your budget for the trip should range between €250-500. For reference, a meal is between €5-25, entry to thermal bath is €8.

Fresh and hearty buffet breakfast. Lunches by the sea and gourmet dinners at the best venues of the island, like the local steak house and organic farm restaurant. On some nights we will have a BBQ party on the terrace of our villa.

From fast beach breaks to high-performance point breaks, the Azores deliver a diverse range of waves perfect for advanced surfers seeking to challenge themselves. Thanks to the islands’ prime location in the heart of the Atlantic, consistent swell is practically guaranteed. Each morning, our expert local guide Sergio analyzes swell direction, wind, and tides to dial in the best possible spot for the day—so you can make the most of every session and chase the kind of waves that push your progression.

Comfortable minivans for transfers from airport, daily surf sessions and to all sights hiking trips and recreational activities.

When not on the surfboards, we hike to some amazing peaks and bathe in volcanic thermal lakes, or explore stunning sights. As if that weren't enough, in the rest of our free time, we will explore pineapple and tea plantations while tasting some amazing local cuisine.

You will need an insurance that covers surfing accidents. You can contact us and we are happy to recommend the most suitable one.

Program

8-day itinerary

Day 1

Arrival

Short transfer to the accommodation with our minivans. Welcome get-together at our villa with local wines, cheeses, olives and cuts, while we talk through the rough schedule of the upcoming week.

Day 2-7

Surf & making the most of the island

We start each day with a hearty buffet breakfast, followed by an advanced surf session - or the other way around, depending on the conditions. After gearing up, we’ll head out to enjoy the tailored guiding. The surf sessions takes place at various challenging breaks, perfect for testing your abilities and refining technique. You have the chance to try the surfboards shaped by Paul at any of the sessions. After a quick, energizing lunch, we either head out for another surf or venture on short hikes to Lagoa do Fogo, or the Sete Cidades. We also make sure to have time to enjoy the thermal bath set in the Jurassic Park-like scenery and relax under warm waterfalls. We’ll wrap up the days with locally sourced seafood and steak dinners and unwind in good company.

Day 8

Lisbon and goodbye

Depending on when your flight leaves, the lucky ones can go for a quick sightseeing in Lisbon. No matter what, we part ways with new friendships and everlasting memories.

The program is subject to change at any times. The final itinerary depends on current weather conditions, swell, tidal movements, the group’s surfing skills and stamina.

Your tailor-made adventure in the Azores

Discover more

Would you prefer to fill the villa with friends on a different date? Do you want to be in the water all day or do you prefer less surfing and more island exploration? Or maybe visit another island as well? If you're looking for a different time, a trip with family or friends, a little more sport or a more relaxing activity, feel free to contact us with your ideas and we'll be happy to organise the adventure of your dreams.

Discover more

It was great to explore some of the island’s most special places and I particularly enjoyed the longer car trips.

Annamaria

All in all it was an excellent tour and experience for me.

Milan

We visited beautiful places, the surfing was great and I met great people.

Tamás

There were 19 of us traveling with them, we thought that we wouldn’t be surprised. 🙂 It was one of the most adventurous trips of our lives, in the most positive sense of the word. Thank you, Szancsi, for allowing us to return home with so much experience!

Janos

We had an unforgettable experience with our friends in the Azores, thanks to the GoBeyond team. Special 5* for Szancsi and Mesi!

Antal

My friends and I spent some unforgettable days with the GoBeyond office in the Azores! Despite the fact that there were some unplanned challenges and adventures on our way, our guide, Szancsi handled the unexpected situations calmly and confidently. I wholeheartedly recommend the office if you are planning a special, unconventional trip!

Attila

Our guides

Robin

Travel Expert

Robin is a passionate adventurer, dedicated to exploring the world’s most stunning and remote destinations. Whether it's chasing perfect waves in Asia, Africa, or South and Central America, motorcycling through hidden gems, or skiing pristine backcountry, he thrives on discovering the extraordinary.

Sergio

Surf guide

He is certified as a surf instructor by the Portuguese Surfing Federation since 1998.

Application

+43 660 552 2466 | hello@gobeyondteam.com

Enquiry

Call us, email us or use the form below

Availability confirmation

We will get back to you within 48h

Booking

Secure your spot with a deposit & travel contract

Plane tickets & visa arrangement if needed

Typically 1-2 months before departure

Second instalment

30 days before departure

FAQ

Subtropical oceanic climate 18-25 °C, water temperature 17-23°C. Lots of sunshine with a possibility of rain and windy weather. Mostly shorts and T-shirts but also bring some warm clothes, long pants and shoes for hiking and a raincoat or jacket.

A GoBeyond tour guide and professional local instructors with many years of experience.

This camp is designed specifically for advanced surfers looking to push their limits. With its 360-degree swell window and over a dozen incredible surf spots that are often empty, the Azores are a true paradise. Sergio, our local friend and expert guide who coaches professional surfers, will take us to the most challenging and rewarding surf spots each day based on the best swell and wind conditions. You definitely won't get bored—expect variety, power, and progression!

Private villa in the heart of a small fishing village, a few minutes walk from the ocean, with cosy and stylish 2-4 bed rooms.

Not at all. There are always people who come alone, so you can be sure that you’ll make new friends!

It really depends on spending habits. We recommend a budget range of €250-500. For reference, a meal is between €5-25, entry to thermal baths is approx. €8. Azores is tax free so local foods and souvenirs are cheaper than western european prices.

The local currency is euro. There are plenty of exchange offices at the airport and also several ATMs close to our accommodation or in Ponta Delgada. You can pay by card almost everywhere we go.

Azores is a part of Portugal so most nationalities don’t need a Visa.

Delicious local cuisine with fresh and healthy ingredients, local steaks, tea, wine and cheese.