Why Costa da Caparica is the right place for kids to learn to surf
Costa da Caparica stretches over eight kilometres of open, soft-sand beach, with no rocks or reef in sight — and that changes everything when it is a child stepping into the water for the first time. Waves break in shallow water, the seabed is soft and predictable, and there are close to 300 sunny days a year to practice without rushing. Just 20 minutes from Lisbon, it is also an easy drop-off for parents who want their kids properly entertained without losing a whole day on the road. It is no coincidence the area is home to several surf schools and, increasingly, camps built specifically around children.
What a kids surf camp (ATL) is, and what age it starts at
In Portugal, "ATL" (Atividades de Tempos Livres) is the everyday term parents use for holiday camps that keep children busy during school breaks. A kids "surf ATL" pairs that idea with surfing: instead of staying indoors, children spend the day outdoors, moving between surf lessons and other sports. Dr. Bernard's Kids Surf ATL is open to children from age 5, with groups split by age and ability, so nobody is bored and nobody is pushed into a wave they are not ready for.
What a day at the kids surf camp looks like
The program runs from 09:00 to 17:00 daily at the Dr. Bernard Surf School, right in front of Praia do CDS. The routine is built to fill the day without wearing anyone out: mornings are dedicated to surfing, when conditions tend to be calmer, and afternoons shift to other activities. Parents can drop off in the morning and collect in the afternoon, or use the included transport option from Amoreiras for families based in Lisbon who don't want to drive to Costa da Caparica every single day.
Surf lessons adapted to every age and level
Daily lessons are led by certified instructors, in small groups organised by age and ability. A child who has never touched a board starts exactly where they should — catching whitewater lying down, learning to stand up safely — while kids who already surf get a more demanding session. All equipment is included: board, wetsuit and everything else is handled by the school, so parents just need to pack sunscreen, a hat and a good mood.
Beyond the waves: surfskate, pool time, bike rides and games
Afternoons move out of the water but not off the energy. Depending on the day's conditions and the group's mood, the program includes surfskate sessions to build balance on land, pool time to cool down, bike rides around the area, and outdoor group games. It is often the part of the day that beginners enjoy most too — nobody spends the whole day under pressure to "learn to surf", there is always something different lined up next.
Meals and supervision: parents can actually switch off
Lunch and a daily snack are included throughout the program, and the team is briefed on any allergy or dietary need flagged at the time of booking. More importantly, children are under certified supervision from drop-off to pick-up, without gaps. For parents trusting their child to a program for the first time, this is usually question number one — and here the answer is simple: someone responsible is always close by.
Where it happens and how to get there: Praia do CDS, 20 minutes from Lisbon
The meeting point is the Dr. Bernard Surf School at Praia do CDS, Costa da Caparica — about 20 minutes by car from Lisbon via the A2 or the 25 de Abril bridge. For families without a car, or who would rather skip the daily drive, there is an included transport option departing from Amoreiras at 8:30am. It's worth confirming exact times and the meeting point when booking, since these can shift slightly by season.
Book by the day, the week, or the whole summer
Not every family needs the same format: you can book a single day to try it out, a few scattered days depending on availability, or a full week — usually at a better rate than booking day by day. That flexibility makes the kids surf ATL a practical option whether you just need to cover one day off work or want to fill the entire school break with a healthy, outdoor routine.
What to ask before choosing a kids surf camp
With more holiday camps popping up in the area, it's worth comparing more than just price. Ask whether instructors are certified (Dr. Bernard's are, through the Portuguese Surf Federation), what the coach-to-child ratio looks like, whether equipment is included, and what happens on days with rough weather or bigger swell. If you're after something built for larger groups or the whole family, it's also worth a look at our surf camp, and our Caparica spot guide to understand why this beach works so well for every age.
How to book your child's spot
Booking happens directly through the Dr. Bernard Kids Surf ATL page, where you can pick dates and check live availability. For anything out of the ordinary — dates outside the usual calendar, school groups, or specific dietary needs — the fastest route is to contact the team directly by email or WhatsApp before booking.
