School · Costa da Caparica
Gecko Surf School
Who they are
Gecko Surf School is a surf school on the Costa da Caparica, about 20 minutes from Lisbon, based on the sand of Praia de Santo António itself, at Apoio 8. According to its website it has been part of the Caparica surf community since 2016. It is a school certified by the Portuguese Surfing Federation, and its instructors hold the official qualification; on the website they show a grade II surf coach diploma from the IPDJ, the Portuguese sports institute. They do not publish the founders' names or a tourist registration number.
Their way of working is based on small groups, safety in the sea and real progression, adapting each lesson to each student's level and pace. Lessons are for all levels, from those who have never stood on a board to intermediate surfers.
How they work
Each lesson lasts two hours and includes board, wetsuit, insurance and instructor: you need bring nothing more than swimwear, a towel, sun cream and water. It starts on the sand, with safety in the sea, paddling and how to stand up, and continues in the water in places where you can stand, close to the shore. There are group lessons (€30), private ones (€80) and semi-private ones for two (€90). Vouchers of four lessons cost €100 for a group, €280 private and €320 semi-private for two. The website sets no maximum number of students per instructor.
On the Costa da Caparica beginner lessons are given almost all year round; the website does not publish fixed times. The exact meeting point comes with the booking confirmation.
Hire and other services
Those who can already surf can hire soft boards from 7'0 to 8'0 and 4/3 wetsuits for men, women and children. The board costs €20 for two hours, €30 for half a day and €35 for the day; with wetsuit, €25, €35 and €40; and the wetsuit alone, €10, €20 and €25. They also sell gift cards and organise surf sessions for stag and hen parties.
Bookings, conditions and languages
You book on its website with instant confirmation, or by WhatsApp on +351 913 072 715 and by email at [email protected], the most practical for groups. If the sea is not safe they change the lesson to another day at no cost, and if you cancel at least 24 hours ahead you get a full refund. The minimum age is 6, and you must be able to swim. The website is in Portuguese and English; it does not mention lessons in Spanish. Near the beach there is paid parking, and from Lisbon you get there by crossing the 25 de Abril Bridge.
What they run
- Surf lesson at Praia de Santo António Group surf lesson, 2 h Book Private surf lesson, 2 h Book
Practical details
- Phone
- +351 913 072 715
- [email protected]
- Website
- geckosurfschool.com
- Languages
- Portuguese, English
Frequently asked questions
From what age?
From age 6; for the youngest they recommend a private or semi-private lesson.
Do you have to be able to swim?
Yes, and be comfortable in the water.
What if there are no waves or the weather is bad?
They change the lesson to another day at no cost, or refund the amount if you let them know 24 hours ahead.
Do they hire out boards?
Yes, from €20 for two hours, with or without a wetsuit.
