September 12-19, 2026
Trip 4: Lagos, Portugal
Is This Surf Retreat For Me?
This Portugal surf retreat is designed for women who are at the beginning of their surf journey and want to build a real foundation, the right way.
Salem and Chloe are bringing the Salem Surf Co Method to the Algarve, partnering with the incredible team at Algarve Watersports to create a week focused on confidence, clarity, and real progression.
This trip is about learning how to surf properly from day one.
Pair the golden cliffs of Portugal with a group of women learning alongside you, and you get a week filled with courage, belly laughs, sandy hair, and the kind of growth that sticks.
The Area
Welcome to the Algarve, Portugal’s southern coastline, known for consistent waves, dramatic cliffs, and some of the most beautiful beaches in Europe.
With year-round surf and a variety of beginner-friendly beach breaks, the Algarve is one of the best places in Europe to learn how to surf. Depending on conditions, lessons rotate between beaches near Lagos and west coast gems like Arrifana or Monte Clérigo, ensuring you always have the best possible waves for your level.
This region offers space to breathe, room to practice, and waves that allow you to actually learn.
A Day in the Life…
Mornings:
Yoga session + mindset/breathing
Surf session
Homemade buffet-style breakfast, made to keep you energized
Afternoons:
Surf theory lesson
Free time to explore Lagos town, the beach, and eat a few too many Pastel de Nata ;)
Evenings:
Video analysis
Delicious buffet-style dinner
Nights on the town, game nights, movie nights, or beach walks under the stars
(This schedule is just an example and is subject to change based on surf conditions, weather, group energy, and other local factors. We design each day to make the most of the waves and ensure the best possible experience for everyone.)
Welcome to our home base in Lagos, Portugal: a relaxed surf camp on the Algarve coast, designed for easy living between surf sessions.
Rooms
We’ll be staying in private bungalows at Algarve Watersports.
Each bungalow includes air conditioning, a private terrace by the pool, and an outdoor sitting area. They’re clean, cozy, and decorated with a surfy Portuguese touch, the perfect place to recharge after long beach days.
Camp
Meals are shared at the Kite House, where breakfasts are slow, and dinners bring everyone together. You’ll have your own space when you want it, and community whenever you step outside.
Free Wi-Fi and pool access are included.
Simple. Comfortable. Surf-focused.
What about lodging?
The Trip:
Price: $1875 USD (shared room)
Deposit: $300 of the total price to lock in your spot!
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7 nights accommodation at Algarve Watersports
Airport transfers (ONLY out of FAO)
7 breakfasts + 6 dinners at the Kite House (Friday night free to explore Lagos)
5 group surf lessons (2 hours each, with certified instructor, surfboard, wetsuit, and transport included)
Daily personalized video analysis session with Salem & Chloe
2 theory sessions to build real surf knowledge and ocean understanding
1 paddle pool training session to improve endurance and technique
1 surf skate lesson to develop balance, timing, and mechanics
Daily yoga (Monday–Saturday) to support recovery and mobility
Small group experience (8–10 women max)
Exclusive Salem Surf Co. gift baggie
A few extra surprises ;)
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Flights and additional meals or drinks are not included. Optional water sport activities (such as wakeboarding or kitesurfing) can be added upon arrival. Travel insurance is required and not included.
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General physical fitness — surfing is physically demanding, and you'll get the most out of this experience if you’re able to participate in daily surf sessions and movement classes.
Open-mindedness and a positive attitude — this retreat is about growth, connection, and having fun (including laughing at yourself sometimes!) But this also means you must be able to leave your ego at the shore and be open to constructive advice.
Travel insurance — required for all guests. Please make sure your policy covers surfing and adventure activities.
Have questions?
Hop on a free call with Salem to get them answered!
FAQ
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Salem Surf Co retreats are subject to meeting a minimum participant requirement. Trips will be confirmed or canceled no later than three (3) months prior to departure, and all participants will be notified via email.
Salem Surf Co is not responsible for airfare or travel expenses booked prior to trip confirmation. We strongly advise waiting to purchase airline tickets or make non-refundable travel arrangements until confirmation is received.
Read our full Trip Confirmation Disclaimer here.
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You have two options:
Option 1 (easiest):
Fly into Faro Airport (FAO). We will arrange pickup from Faro and bring you directly to Lagos.Option 2:
Fly into Lisbon Airport (LIS) and take a bus or train to Lagos. The journey is straightforward and takes about 3–4 hours.If you're unsure which option makes the most sense, we’re happy to help you decide.
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Absolutely. Most of our guests come solo! This retreat is designed to foster connection, confidence, and community. Whether you’re introverted or outgoing, there’s space for you here.
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This retreat includes 7 nights of accommodation at Algarve Watersports, along with 7 breakfasts and 6 shared dinners at the Kite House (Friday night is yours to explore Lagos). You’ll have 5 group surf lessons, each two hours long, led by certified instructors with surfboard, wetsuit, and transport included. Throughout the week, Salem and Chloe will guide daily personalized video analysis sessions, plus two theory lessons to deepen your ocean knowledge. You’ll also train with a paddle pool session to build endurance and technique, a surf skate lesson to improve balance and mechanics, and daily yoga (Monday–Saturday) to support recovery. With a small group of just 8–10 women, an exclusive Salem Surf Co. gift baggie, and a few extra surprises along the way, this week is designed for real progression. and a lot of fun.
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Flights
Extra snacks, drinks, and meals
Travel insurance (they highly recommend getting one)
Extra water sport activities
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For this trip, we can only offer shared rooms at this time. However, the shared rooms only sleep up to 5 people, and everyone has their own beds. Plus, there is a private bathroom for each room.
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Because of Portuguese regulations, Salem and Chloe are not permitted to coach in the water. However, you’ll be trained by certified local surf instructors who know these waves inside and out.
Salem and Chloe will still be in the water with you throughout the week, supporting your sessions, and will lead daily video analysis to break down your technique, wave selection, and progression.
You’ll receive personalized feedback, guidance on wave reading, and confidence-building support, all delivered with encouragement and zero ego. -
Yes, you’re absolutely allowed to drink alcohol. We simply don’t provide it as part of the retreat. Portugal has plenty of restaurants, cafés, and markets where you can purchase wine, beer, or cocktails if you’d like.
That said, this is a surf-focused week, so most women naturally keep it balanced to feel their best for morning sessions.
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YES! You can absolutely sign up with a friend and request to share a room. Let us know on your interest form and we’ll make it happen.
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All deposits are non-refundable.
Cancellations made more than 60 days before the retreat may receive a refund of payments made beyond the deposit. Within 60 days of the retreat, all payments are non-refundable.
No refunds will be issued for missed lessons or unused portions of the retreat.
Travel insurance is required. Salem Surf Co is not responsible for flights or personal travel expenses.
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That’s okay! If you are vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or dairy-free, we will have something for you, but don't forget to let us know before you leave!
Have questions?
Book a free 1:1 call with Salem to get any questions answered!
Meet Your coaches
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Head Surf CoachHi! My name is Chloe, and I grew up surfing in Hawaii. I competed for over 10 years, even reaching the national level before I turned 18.
Once I turned 18, I transitioned into giving surf lessons and became one of the only certified female surf judges in the islands at the time.
Surfing has always been my biggest passion, and now I get to share it by helping women like you progress and build confidence in the water.
I can’t wait to help you improve and watch you grow through our camp!
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Founder & Surf MentorHey, I’m Salem! A full-time traveler turned surf addict. After years of exploring the world, I fell in love with surfing and started sharing my journey online, showing what it’s really like to learn something new as an adult, the messy, vulnerable, and empowering parts.
My mission is to inspire you to step out of your comfort zone, laugh at yourself along the way, and believe that it’s never too late to start.
Through my content and this retreat, I’m here to support your mindset, encourage you on the tough days, and celebrate every small win in and out of the water.
