Jörg Hähnel
To start, I’d like to say that I’ve visited several surf camps over the past twelve years and can make a fair comparison. I chose Gota Dagua because you can borrow a wetsuit and board for free and head into the water on your own – no need to book lessons if you don’t want to. That flexibility really stood out to me. +++ Accommodation, Rooms, and Restaurant +++ The camp is in a quiet location but still close to the surf beach. There are three houses with pools and common areas. Bicycles are available free of charge – everyone gets one for the whole week, which is super convenient for getting to the beach or the promenade. You can choose between double and four-bed rooms with bunk beds. I stayed in a four-bed room and can highly recommend it: clean, with a wardrobe and a comfortable mattress. The restaurant is the heart of the camp – it’s where people meet, have a drink (they even have draft beer!), and start their evenings together. Although breakfast and dinner are included, I recommend checking out the menu as well. The burgers in particular are fantastic – reasonably priced and made with care. You can tell that the ingredients are high quality and that the kitchen team is well chosen. +++ The Food – Breakfast and Dinner Included! +++ Breakfast is varied and has something for everyone: muesli, bread rolls, cheese, cold cuts, jams – everything you need. There’s also a daily extra like scrambled eggs, boiled eggs, or Pasteis de Nata. Dinner is just as diverse – freshly cooked, healthy, and tasty. Occasionally, there’s sangria or even a wine tasting included. +++ The Team +++ It doesn’t feel like dealing with “staff” – it feels more like a big family. The team works well together, and you can tell they enjoy what they do and genuinely care for the guests. I always felt very welcome. Even outside the camp, in restaurants or from Uber drivers, you hear only good things about the team’s positive spirit. +++ Surfing +++ Whether you're a beginner or already have experience, the surf lessons are effective and well-structured. And if you’re just renting gear, the staff still take time to offer helpful tips and guidance. +++ Activities and Entertainment +++ There’s something happening every evening – games, karaoke, quiz nights, and more. Although I’m a bit older, I never felt out of place and had a great time. There’s a lot of variety, including cultural experiences like a trip to Lisbon, which I highly recommend. Later in the evening, you can head out to local bars if you like. +++ Conclusion – In a Few Words +++ This place really gets everything right. I know for sure it won’t be my last time here. It’s about more than just surfing – you meet great people, have meaningful conversations, and genuinely feel sad when the week is over. A truly wonderful experience.