Never caught a wave before? You’re in the right place. Spend a week in Nazaré discovering the coastal lifestyle behind the world’s most iconic surf break. Hop on a jet ski to see Praia do Norte up close, then visit Mountains of the Sea, the home base of Nic von Rupp, one of the best big-wave surfers on the planet. His coach, Portuguese big-wave pioneer João Macedo, will join you on the water to coach your surf session alongside local instructors. You will also discover the Hope Zones project and their kelp forest restoration work, take part in marine conservation through a hands-on harbor clean-up, and sail the coast on a racing catamaran to reach quieter breaks. Pack the rest of your days with yoga, cliffside treks, local food, and sunsets by the sea. Your first waves, new friends and stories you’ll be telling for years.
Never caught a wave before? You’re in the right place. Spend a week in Nazaré discovering the coastal lifestyle behind the world’s most iconic surf break. Hop on a jet ski to see Praia do Norte up close, then visit Mountains of the Sea, the home base of Nic von Rupp, one of the best big-wave surfers on the planet. His coach, Portuguese big-wave pioneer João Macedo, will join you on the water to coach your surf session alongside local instructors. You will also discover the Hope Zones project and their kelp forest restoration work, take part in marine conservation through a hands-on harbor clean-up, and sail the coast on a racing catamaran to reach quieter breaks. Pack the rest of your days with yoga, cliffside treks, local food, and sunsets by the sea. Your first waves, new friends and stories you’ll be telling for years.
Show moreStarting from
Never caught a wave before? You’re in the right place. Spend a week in Nazaré discovering the coastal lifestyle behind the world’s most iconic surf break. Hop on a jet ski to see Praia do Norte up close, then visit Mountains of the Sea, the home base of Nic von Rupp, one of the best big-wave surfers on the planet. His coach, Portuguese big-wave pioneer João Macedo, will join you on the water to coach your surf session alongside local instructors. You will also discover the Hope Zones project and their kelp forest restoration work, take part in marine conservation through a hands-on harbor clean-up, and sail the coast on a racing catamaran to reach quieter breaks. Pack the rest of your days with yoga, cliffside treks, local food, and sunsets by the sea. Your first waves, new friends and stories you’ll be telling for years.
Show moreStarting from
Never caught a wave before? You’re in the right place. Spend a week in Nazaré discovering the coastal lifestyle behind the world’s most iconic surf break. Hop on a jet ski to see Praia do Norte up close, then visit Mountains of the Sea, the home base of Nic von Rupp, one of the best big-wave surfers on the planet. His coach, Portuguese big-wave pioneer João Macedo, will join you on the water to coach your surf session alongside local instructors. You will also discover the Hope Zones project and their kelp forest restoration work, take part in marine conservation through a hands-on harbor clean-up, and sail the coast on a racing catamaran to reach quieter breaks. Pack the rest of your days with yoga, cliffside treks, local food, and sunsets by the sea. Your first waves, new friends and stories you’ll be telling for years.
Show moreStarting from
The team meets travelers at Lisbon Airport (LIS) until 1:00 PM before coordinating private van transportation straight to the coastal accommodation in Nazaré.
Settle into your room, unpack, and connect with fellow travelers during a relaxed initial orientation to kick off the week.
Get familiar with the lodge facilities, common areas, workspaces, and surrounding amenities.
Take an introductory stroll through the charming seaside streets of Nazaré to get your bearings and absorb the coastal atmosphere.
Join a guided somatic movement session focused on mindful body awareness, gentle self-expression, and grounding after your travels.
Gather with the group to share a evening meal.
Served between 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM, enjoy a nourishing buffet breakfast to fuel the day.
Meet local instructors, get fitted with quality boards and wetsuits, and head out for an introductory surf lesson tailored to all skill levels.
Recharge over a balanced lunch.
Discover the deep maritime roots of Nazaré with a guided visit to the iconic Miradouro do Suberco and the historic dried fish market.
Enjoy a fresh evening dinner together.
Enjoy a wholesome breakfast, served from 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM.
Stand on the cliffs above Praia do Norte alongside big-wave pioneer João Macedo, Nic von Rupp’s coach and the first Portuguese surfer on the WSL Big Wave Tour. Hear real stories behind the world’s biggest waves right where they break.
Step inside the Hope Zones headquarters to see how their team is restoring underwater kelp forests and protecting marine ecosystems along Portugal’s Atlantic coast.
Arrive at Nic von Rupp’s big-wave operations base—the surfing equivalent of a Formula 1 team. Meet the crew, suit up in your ocean gear, and prepare for an unforgettable ocean mission.
Hop on a jet ski with the Mountains of the Sea crew, piloted by professional safety drivers. Visit the offshore kelp farm and cruise over the Nazaré Canyon to Praia do Norte, getting up close to the world’s biggest wave arena—watching the giants break (conditions permitting) or riding right where they rise.
Head back from the water to rinse off, warm up, and unwind in the recovery space.
Return to base to recover like elite athletes with a sauna, cold plunge, and lounge session, followed by a shared late feast with drinks included. The entire experience is documented by the Mountains of the Sea media team, so you take home professional photos and on-water video footage.
Head back to the village to watch the Atlantic sunset from the coast and enjoy relaxed, unstructured downtime.
Enjoy a relaxing dinner with fellow travelers.
Fuel up with a fresh breakfast, served from 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM.
Paddle out for a dedicated surf coaching session guided by João Macedo, focusing on ocean awareness and personal technique in the water.
Savor a flavorful coastal lunch hosted right by the bustling port of Nazaré.
Give back directly to the local coastal environment by participating in a hands-on community clean-up around the port.
Enjoy a nourishing communal dinner.
Enjoy a breakfast buffet, served from 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM.
Walk along the cliffs surrounding the Nazaré canyon with local ocean pioneer and musician Nuno Santos. Explore the dramatic coastline and understand the underwater canyon's geological power over large Atlantic swells.
Stop for lunch and enjoy a recovering rest before heading to the ocean.
Hop on a racing catamaran and sail to the surf break between Nazaré and São Martinho do Porto, equipped with surfboards, SUPs, and snorkel gear. Travelers can also test an optional e-foil experience (€90/person).
Sail along the coast during sunset while taking in the Atlantic scenery.
Gather for a warm evening dinner.
Enjoy a fresh breakfast, served from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM.
Join a mindful morning yoga class designed to stretch sore muscles, restore mobility, and cultivate inner calm.
Savor a balanced midday lunch
Take the afternoon to explore Nazaré on your own, relax by the pool, browse local shops, or rest on the beach.
Catch the day's final swells during an afternoon surf session alongside your instructors.
Celebrate the close of an inspiring week with a special farewell dinner.
Enjoy one last breakfast, served from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM.
Complete room check-out by 11:00 AM and board the group van for a return transfer to Lisbon Airport (LIS).
See the activities that will make your trip into an epic adventure.
Contribute to your project and make a positive impact while developing new skills.
Master ocean fundamentals and catch Atlantic waves with experienced local instructors.
Hit the water for a unique surf session alongside big-wave pioneer João Macedo.
Get to know the local culture and have an authentic travel experience with activities included in your itinerary.
Join a hands-on coastal initiative to restore the local harbor and protect marine life.
Release tension, build body awareness, and ground your nervous system before the surf.
Stretch, breathe, and restore sore muscles during a mindful session tailored for surfers.
Sail to secluded breaks with surf and SUP gear, finishing with an Atlantic sunset cruise.
Hike mighty coastal cliffs and uncover the deep underwater canyon fueling monster waves.
Explore regenerative kelp farming and marine restoration efforts protecting the Atlantic.
Head to the base, change into your wetsuit, and gear up before heading into the ocean.
Explore Nazaré on foot, learning about the town's coastal traditions and daily life.
Additional activities for you to enjoy this adventure even more in your free time.
Recharge sore muscles with a restorative seawater thermal circuit and hydrotherapy.
€30 / 60 min
Learn to fly above the Atlantic swells on a cutting-edge electric hydrofoil.
€90 per person
Explore coastal cliff trails and Nazaré's streets effortlessly on an electric bike.
€25 / 4 hrs
The traveler will stay in a private room with a double bed and en-suite bathroom, blending hotel comfort with an authentic surf camp vibe. Equipped with AC, fan, secure storage, and fresh towels.
All three daily meals are included. Breakfast is served buffet-style at the accommodation’s breakfast area, featuring pastries, fresh bread, cereals, granola, yogurt, fruit, juices, pancakes, and coffee. Lunches and dinners are provided daily, highlighting authentic Portuguese comfort cuisine and coastal favorites, ranging from traditional codfish and seafood rice dishes to hearty pastas and roasted meats. Vegetarian and vegan options can be accommodated. For other dietary restrictions, please contact the Worldpackers team in advance to ensure the project can accommodate them.
Arrive at Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS) and connect with the team at Terminal 1, who will guide the group to a private van heading straight to Nazaré. Check-in is followed by a welcome orientation on arrival day, and a return transfer back to the airport is included at departure. Full details are in your program guide once your spot is confirmed!
This experience brings together a unique collective of passionate local forces dedicated to ocean culture, wellbeing, and marine preservation. Hosted at Zulla, a welcoming surf village accommodation founded by two friends with deep roots in Portugal’s surf and bodyboard scene, the project combines active surf coaching, yoga, and mindful coastal living that feels like a home away from home. Strengthening this mission, the retreat collaborates closely with Portuguese big wave surfing pioneer João Macedo and Hope Zones to champion regenerative ocean conservation and kelp protection, alongside Mountains of the Sea, a big-wave surfing project and visual series led by Portuguese professional surfer Nic von Rupp, connecting travelers directly to the raw power and storytelling of the Atlantic. Together, they create an immersive retreat blending healthy living, purposeful environmental impact, and authentic community by the sea.
Nazaré is a legendary surf town on Portugal’s Atlantic coast, known for its fishing traditions, dramatic cliffs, and the record-breaking waves of Praia do Norte. Travelers can wander the beachfront promenade, ride the funicular up to Sítio for sweeping ocean views, visit the lighthouse and fort, and dive into local markets, seafood, and coastal culture, all within a compact, walkable town.
This trip supports local communities by connecting travelers with Nazaré’s surf culture, small businesses, and coastal environment. Through surf lessons with local instructors, a port clean-up, and time spent in town, the group helps strengthen sustainable tourism and awareness around ocean care while experiencing an authentic surf lifestyle.
By learning from local surf professionals and engaging with the community, travelers support more inclusive access to knowledge and skills, aligning with Quality Education and helping spread awareness of ocean safety, surf culture, and mindful coastal living.
Staying in a locally rooted surf village and joining activities like the port clean-up encourages more sustainable tourism in Nazaré, contributing to resilient coastal communities and supporting businesses that value culture, wellbeing, and environmental care.
Through conscious travel choices, participation in community-focused activities, and respect for local rules and spaces, travelers help foster a more sustainable relationship between visitors, residents, and the coastal environment, reinforcing long-term positive impact in the region.
Short, curated trips designed for travelers who want more than just a vacation.
Explore our curated collection of 1–2 week group adventures with purpose.
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Our dedicated support team is with you every step of the way to help with all the preparation.
Pay your Program fee to confirm your trip and submit the required documents.
Be a part of a life-changing group trip. Make new friends, learn, and make an impact.
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Worldpackers Group Trips offer a unique opportunity to engage in meaningful projects like eco-agriculture, wildlife conservation, and social activities, all while exploring new cultures. Upon successful sign-up, travelers secure their spot instantly - no waiting around for approvals to have their dream experience. To keep things smooth, they get a direct line to a support team and a complete program guide, all set for travelers to immerse themselves in service projects while also having the best time for personal and cultural exploration with like-minded travelers.
Worldpackers Group Trips have some special benefits that are not offered in any other Worldpackers’ plans:
Each of the Worldpackers Group Trips plans offer different cancelation & modification conditions, which are presented on the payment check-out page and on the Worldpackers Group Trips Terms and Conditions.
Each of the Worldpackers Group Trips experiences offer different benefits, which may include volunteer certificates. All benefits are stated on the openings’ pages, and you can check what type of certificates are available in each of them.
The traveler is solely responsible for any and all other requirements relating to travel logistics, including but not limited to tickets, passports, local transportation, travel insurance, and visas. Since every country has its own unique policies that vary according to the nationality of travelers and multiple other factors that may quickly change, Worldpackers does not offer any specific help regarding visas, documentation, vaccinations, or travel insurance. Please check all requirements with the consulate or embassy of the country you’d like to visit for trustworthy, updated information.
Each traveler must secure their spot in experiences through paying the amount advertised on the Epic Trip experience web page. The amount advertised is unique, and slots are limited: please check the maximum number of participants on the experience’s web page to make sure you’ll be able to travel together.
