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★★★★★ Surfing since 2009 · 4.9 Google · 5.0 TripAdvisor

AMAR SURFING ACADEMIA

Praia de Faro

Catch your first wave with the most loved surf school on the Algarve coast. All levels welcome — feel the ocean, find your smile, and never look back.

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Surfer paddling out into a clean green wave at Praia de Faro
Praia de Faro · Algarve
About Us

More than a surf school — a family by the sea

AMAR Surfing Academia was born on the golden sands of Praia de Faro in 2009, from one simple idea: surfing should feel like coming home. Since then, we've welcomed travellers, locals and first-timers from over 40 countries, sharing the freedom, the laughs and the saltwater that make the Algarve unforgettable.

We're not a corporate school. We're a tight-knit crew of passionate surf instructors — call us teachers, call us friends, call us your "crazy surf brothers and sisters" — who genuinely live for the moment you stand up on your first wave. The smile that follows is what keeps us going every single day.

Our home is the Atlantic. Our mission is simple: give you the safest, warmest, most fun introduction to surfing you'll ever have. Whether you're 6 or 60, beginner or hooked, the ocean is waiting. Come catch a wave with us.

430+
5★ Reviews
40+
Countries
2009
Riding Waves Since
Vitor — head instructor at AMAR Surfing Academia
The Founder

Meet Vitor — the heart of AMAR Surfing Academia

"I want you to smile when you catch your first wave. A huge smile."

Vitor — known to many as "Thor" — is the heart and soul of AMAR Surfing Academia. After thousands of lessons and surfers from every corner of the world, he still gets the same look in his eyes when a student stands up for the first time.

His teaching style is warm, patient, and full of contagious energy. Students don't just learn to surf — they leave with a friend. Just read what people say: "more than a teacher, like a brother", "a god in the water", "you won't end a class without a smile on your face".

— Vitor & the AMAR Surfing Academia family 🤙

Surf Lessons

Find your perfect wave

From your very first time on a board to mastering green waves — we've got a session for every level, age and vibe. All equipment included. Prices on demand — message us on WhatsApp and we'll send you a quote tailored to you.

AMAR group surf lesson on Praia de Faro
Group

Group Lessons

Up to 7 surfers, one instructor in the water with you. The best vibe, the best price, and the fastest way to make friends in Faro.

One-on-one surf coaching at sunset on Praia de Faro
Private

Private Lessons

Just you and your coach. Personalised feedback, video analysis on request, and the steepest progression curve we offer.

Two surfers with their coach at Praia de Faro
Semi-Private

Semi-Private Lessons

Two or three of you, one dedicated coach in your own bubble. Couples, friends or siblings who want focused attention without flying solo.

Family surfing together at Praia de Faro
Family

Family Packs

Built for parents and kids surfing together. A dedicated coach, soft boards for the little ones, and a session everyone leaves grinning from.

Surfers with boards silhouetted at sunset on Praia de Faro
Multi-Day

Multi-Day Deals

Plan 3 lessons or more in a row and ask us about the multi-day deal. Better waves, deeper progression, and a special price for the truly hooked.

Students learning to surf together at Praia de Faro
Locals

Students & Locals

Live or study in the Algarve? Pick a rhythm that fits your week — Try Surf, Starter Pack (4), Progress Pack (6) or Surfer Semester (10).

Students & Locals

Pick a rhythm that fits your week

Live in the Algarve or studying nearby? These packs are made for you. Same vibe, same coaches — just stretched across the season so you can keep showing up.

1Lesson
Try Surf

Try Surf

One single lesson — perfect to dip your toes in and see if surfing's for you. No pressure, full kit included.

Single session Get a quote →
4Lessons
Starter Pack

Starter Pack

Four lessons to actually feel the progression. By the end you'll be paddling on your own and chasing your first green waves.

Use across the season Get a quote →
6Lessons
Progress Pack

Progress Pack

Six sessions for the ones who want to lock it in. We focus on technique, ocean reading and building real surf confidence.

Most popular Get a quote →
10Lessons
Surfer Semester

Surfer Semester

Ten lessons spread over the term. Best value per session — the option for students and locals who want surfing to become routine.

Best value Get a quote →
Heads up: private, semi-private and family packs come with a dedicated coach. Prices always on demand — message us and we'll send you the right plan. WhatsApp us →

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Why Choose Us

The reasons people keep coming back

We didn't write this — our students did. These are the things they tell us, again and again.

Safety First

Certified instructors, full equipment, and ocean awareness from the very first minute. You're always in safe hands.

Pure Stoke

Our instructors live for surfing — and it shows. Their energy is contagious. You won't end a class without a huge smile.

Small Groups

Up to 7 students per instructor. Real attention, real progression. You'll never feel like just another tourist.

Fast Progression

Most beginners stand up on their first session. Our method is built on years of teaching, simple cues, and infectious patience.

Easy WhatsApp Booking

Just send us a message — we reply fast, even outside hours. No long forms, no awkward platforms. Surf made simple.

Genuine Care

We treat every student like family. From the welcome to the last wave — and the restaurant tip after — we've got you.

International Crew

We speak English, Portuguese, French, German, Spanish & Italian. Travellers from over 40 countries have surfed with us.

Fair Pricing

Quality lessons without tourist-trap prices. Top instructors, premium boards & wetsuits — everything included, no surprises. Message us on WhatsApp for a quote tailored to you.

Reviews

What our surfers say

★★★★★

"Vitor has as much energy as the waves that hit me that day. He didn't just show us the basics — he showed us the soul of surfing. Unforgettable first time."

T
Thomas S.
Germany · Google Review
★★★★★

"Vitor isn't just an instructor — he's the friend who happens to teach you how to surf. Pure energy, pure love for the ocean. We caught waves on our very first lesson!"

N
Naomi J.
Switzerland · Google Review
★★★★★

"By far the BEST surf school I've ever seen! Incredible owner, incredible team, and the warmest vibe. If you ever come across AMAR Surfing — don't think twice."

M
M. D.
UK · Google Review
★★★★★

"More than a school — a beautiful family ❤️. Mili, Vitor and the whole crew make you feel like you've known them forever. Best decision of our trip to Faro."

G
Gabriele A.
Italy · Google Review
★★★★★

"Booking on WhatsApp was so easy — they replied instantly even at night. Welcomed us like old friends. Our kids loved every minute. Can't recommend enough."

J
Jan T.
Germany · Google Review
★★★★★

"You won't leave a class without a smile on your face. Mili, Vitor, Pedro — they pour their soul into every lesson. The Algarve doesn't get any better than this."

P
Patricia
Portugal · Google Review
★★★★★

"Booked one class. Came back for the entire week. That should tell you everything you need to know about this magical place. ✨"

C
Charlotte R.
France · Google Review
★★★★★

"Stood up on my very first wave thanks to Vitor. I never thought I'd love surfing — now I'm obsessed. AMAR is the place. Period."

D
Darrel O.
USA · Google Review
★★★★★

"A magical place I now call home. The energy, the people, the ocean — every visit is better than the last. Forever grateful to this little paradise."

L
Luís L.
Portugal · Local Guide
FAQ

Good to know

Everything tourists ask before their first session.

None at all. Most of our students surf for the very first time with us — and most of them stand up on their very first session. We start with the basics on the sand and walk into the water together.
Everything you need: surfboard, wetsuit, leash, instructor, theory class, and roughly 1.5–2 hours of stoke. Just bring a swimsuit, a towel, sun cream and water.
Prices depend on the format you choose — group, semi-private, private, family pack or one of our student & local packs. Message us on WhatsApp and we'll send you a quote in minutes. If you book 3 lessons or more in a row, ask us about the multi-day deal.
The easiest way is WhatsApp at +351 936 249 582. We reply quickly — usually within minutes, even outside business hours. You can also use the booking form below.
Praia de Faro works year-round! Summer (May–September) brings warmer water and softer beginner-friendly waves. Autumn and spring deliver the best conditions for improvers. Winter is for the brave and the addicted.
Absolutely. We welcome kids from age 6. We use soft foam boards, smaller wetsuits, and instructors who make sure every little surfer leaves grinning.
Av. Nascente 130, Praia de Faro — 8005-520 Faro, Portugal. Right on the beach, just a 15-minute drive from Faro Airport. Look for our blue logo. Parking can be tight in summer, so come a bit early!
Yes — book 3+ lessons in a row and we'll set you up with a multi-day deal. For students and locals we have the Try Surf, Starter Pack (4), Progress Pack (6) and Surfer Semester (10) — pick the rhythm that fits your week. WhatsApp us for the details.
Of course. We rent boards and wetsuits by the day. Stop by anytime — and don't be shy to ask our team for tips on the day's best peaks.
Contact

Let's get you in the water

Drop us a message — we'll get back to you faster than the next set rolling in.

Find us

Address
Av. Nascente 130
8005-520 Faro · Portugal
Phone & WhatsApp
Hours
Daily, weather permitting
Check our Instagram for live updates

Book on WhatsApp

The fastest way to reserve your spot. Just send us a message — we usually reply within minutes, even outside business hours. No forms, no fuss.

  • Instant replies, even at night
  • All languages welcome
  • Last-minute bookings? No problem
Message us on WhatsApp

or call +351 936 249 582