Zimzala surf culture

All experiences

Our vibe... Surf and sleep in Algarve

Cleaning Reception Housekeeping Bartending

Albufeira, Portugal

Reviews

5.0
(104 reviews)104

Staff & Host

4.5

Hours & Tasks

4.5

Hostel

5.0

Learning & Fun

5.0
About the experience in: Albufeira, Portugal

Finland

4

I had overall a great time at the guest house. People are amazing, you have a chance to get to know everyone as well as people from other surf schools, locals etc. Community made the experience better when work was a bit disorganized or the house was a bit too messy to live in. Work was super chill and you have variety with the tasks too:) Keep in mind that the work is 30 minutes away from the house, if you have a relaxed go with the flow mindset you'll def have a great time. I would recommend this to everyone who wants to life a beach life and to surf<33333

9 days ago

About the experience in: Albufeira, Portugal

Germany

5

Had an amazing time at the guest house! It was off season so work was really chill, you really had the chance to join the activities and everyone in the house was more open to do smth. The house was overwhelming at first, but once I got to know everyone, I was very funny sharing a place with so many ppl⭐️ The only thing is that the house is a 30 minutes walk from the shack and the bikes didn't work, so you should come prepared for that as well. I was furthermore very lucky, bc it was already volunteers staying there and they showed me everything and helped me get settled.

15 days ago

About the experience in: Albufeira, Portugal

New Zealand

4

The amazing community at the guest house made this an awesome stay! The work was relaxed and easy with lots of time to enjoy the beautiful beach. But you need to be prepared for a very messy living space with a lot of people. If there was a better system for welcoming volunteers and ensuring there are working facilities/clean accommodation (mosquito nets too) it would really improve the experience. I would recommend if you are ok going with the flow!

20 days ago

About the experience in: Albufeira, Portugal

Italy

4

I arrived shaken from the trip and with no clear idea of what to do. The revelation was how easily I managed to get in tune with local life, finding a space where I didn't think I would be understood so deeply without the effort of being someone I'm not.

30 days ago

About the experience in: Albufeira, Portugal

France

3

My experience at the surf house felt different from the others who came before high season. We had free access to activities like surfing, kayaking...and some tasks, photographing surf lessons and helping at reception, were fun. I aslo met some genuinely kind people. However, I didn't feel welcomed in general, especially at the café, where if you didn’t speak Portuguese, people will barely acknowledge you (except 2-3 people). With only 3 volunteers among 15 overworked staff, real connections were hard to build. We stayed in a messy house, far from the workplaces and overall felt disorganized.

about 2 months ago

Mauro replied

Hello, welcome to August 😊 it’s a very challenging month and I warned you from the start of volunteering. I also remind you that volunteering isn’t a vacation; you need to stay calm with your colleagues, respect the established order, and willingly accept the tasks.
We appreciate that you came, but we are very sad that you left volunteering earlier than planned. From one day to the next you decided to leave. Not cool 😓