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Surf with Purpose
Surf, empower, and protect in Porto! Join a one-of-a-kind volunteer program in Portugal where you’ll ride the waves, teach inclusive surf lessons, and help preserve the country’s breathtaking coastline.
This volunteer experience blends adventure with social impact on Portugal’s stunning northern coast. Based in Porto, you’ll spend your days surfing, connecting with local communities, and taking part in conservation efforts. From teaching children and individuals with disabilities how to surf, to beach clean-ups that safeguard marine life, this program is the perfect mix of adrenaline, purpose, and cultural immersion.
Whether you’re catching your first wave or refining your surf skills, you’ll be guided by experienced instructors while contributing to a project that promotes inclusivity and environmental stewardship.
Why Join this Project?
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Create Lasting Impact – Empower children and individuals with disabilities through sport while helping protect the environment.
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Live the Surf Lifestyle – Learn, practice, and enjoy surfing on Porto’s scenic beaches.
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Be Part of a Community – Work alongside like-minded volunteers, locals, and surfers who share your passion for making a difference.
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Cultural Discovery – Experience the vibrancy of Porto, from its seaside charm to its lively traditions.
Volunteer Roles & Responsibilities
Surf & Support
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Take part in daily surf lessons, improving your own skills while assisting professional instructors.
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Help prepare and organize equipment before and after lessons.
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Accompany and encourage beneficiaries during their sessions, fostering confidence and enjoyment in the water.
Community Engagement
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Assist in delivering surf lessons to children and individuals with disabilities.
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Promote inclusivity and empowerment through sport, creating a safe and welcoming environment for all participants.
Environmental Action (occasional)
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Join beach clean-ups, collecting waste and sorting recyclables.
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Support initiatives that protect Portugal’s beautiful coastline and raise awareness about ocean conservation.
Requirements & eligibility
Volunteers should be at least 18 years of age at the beginning of the project. Participants must be physically fit and prepared to work outdoors and know swimming. You must be fit to dive and be enthusiastic about marine conservation. You do not need to have any prior experience in surfing! The program includes 4 surf lessons/week adapted to your level.
A typical day
After the orientation day, volunteers will be assigned a morning, afternoon or evening shift at the project placement and will work for approximately 4-5 hours per day depending on the schedule of the project.
Typical schedule of volunteers in Porto is as outlined below :-
Please note this schedule can vary depending on the schedule of each specific project. It might be a morning or afternoon shift depending on the specific tasks to be performed, the season, or different priorities that the non-profit might have during your volunteer program period.
Life on the programme
Accommodation & meals
Airport Transfer
You will be picked up on arrival at Porto airport and transferred to the volunteer accommodation. A driver will be waiting for you at the airport when you arrive and the coordinator is reachable 24/7, in case of any travel updates or troubles. For those participants who will already be in Porto beforehand just let us know and we will arrange your pick up from any location in Porto.
Orientation
On the first day of the program, all participants are given an introductory presentation with the group giving further details of the program along with a walking tour of Porto city center for approximately two hours.
Accommodation
Volunteers stay in a dormitory-style hostel along the scenic Douro River in the heart of the city – the perfect retreat for volunteers in Porto.The accommodation is close to the metro and a short walk from São Bento train station and Torre dos Clérigos. The rooms are equipped with air conditioning and bedding. Along with personal touches, like reading lights and power outlets at every bed and individual lockers to store your belongings securely.The hostel has both female and mixed gender dorms.
Private room upgrade can be arranged for an additional fee.The 4 bed mixed dorm room is converted to a private room upon request.
Meals
Volunteers are provided with breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day. Breakfast is served buffet style at the volunteer accommodation.Lunch and dinner are served at a nearby restaurant that offers delicious Portuguese cuisine made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Vegetarian, gluten-free, and lactose-free options are available upon request to accommodate dietary needs.
There is a fully equipped shared kitchen in the hostel that you can use to storage your food or to cook your meals.
During your Free Time
The weekends are free for you to get to know Portugal in a better way. We can help you to book the trips that you want to go to any point in the country. Besides that, we have one or two day programs, where you will have unique experiences on your own or in a group.
Volunteers can also join Portuguese Lessons. The language lessons are available for all volunteers, regardless of their starting level. By taking these classes, you will be able and communicate more effectively during your stay!
The language lessons are tailored to each volunteer’s current Portuguese level and are taught by a professional Portuguese teacher. All the classes run from Monday to Friday, and the cost is very affordable.
During your free time and the weekends, you can enjoy our tours and activities, or simply be on your own, relaxing and exploring!
Some of the tours and experiences that you can enjoy during the free time include :-
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Douro, Port and Moscatel Tour – Visit the vineyards, taste the different wines and have a typical lunch with amazing views
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Minho and Vinho Verde Alvarinho Tour – Visit beautiful Viana do Castelo, Melgaço, and Monção, taste the Vinho Verde and some of the best Portuguese cuisine
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Aveiro and Bairrada Sparkling Wine Tour – Visit the beautiful city of Aveiro and get to know its wonders and traditions
Start dates
Weekly start dates, year-round — pick any week across the next two years.
Program fees by duration
A one-off application fee ($249 / £179 / €229 / AU$350) is charged in addition to the program fee — valid for one year, during which you may enrol in multiple programs. A 5% international banking fee applies to credit-card payments in USD or AUD.
| Duration | Program fee | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 week | $1,184 | |
| 2 weeks | $1,666 | |
| 3 weeks | $2,147 | |
| 4 weeks | $2,629 | |
| 5 weeks | $3,110 | |
| 6 weeks | $3,591 | |
| 7 weeks | $4,073 | |
| 8 weeks | $4,554 | |
| Each additional week | +$482 / week |
Indicative conversion — your booking is charged in the currency you choose at checkout.
✓ What you're paying for
- Airport Pickup and Transfer to accommodation
- Introduction session and Placement Orientation
- Guided Porto City Center Walking Tour
- Accommodation at a dormitory at a centrally located hostel in Porto
- Three meals a day
- Shared use of common spaces and free WiFi
- Volunteer placement coordination
- Suggestion of weekly activities with the other volunteers
- In-country staff support 24/7 (and the best local tips to discover the city)
- Pre Departure Info Booklet
- Travel & Medical Insurance (Available at an extra cost)
- Certificate of Participation(On Request)
Not included
- Round-Trip Flights to Portugal
- Return Airport Drop
- Visa Fees
- Vaccinations
- Any personal expenses
Frequently asked questions
When should I apply?
Apply as soon as your dates are decided — spots are limited. The application fee is valid for a full year, so you can apply early to secure your place.
How do I apply and when do I pay?
Fill in the online application form and pay the application fee. The program fee can be paid later, even in instalments, but must be complete 45 days before the program starts.
What are the requirements?
Participants must usually be at least 17 (families welcome with younger children), with an open mind, good health and respect for local customs. A clear criminal background check is required from all adults.
Where will I stay and what about food?
You stay in a volunteer house or with a host family, with meals provided. Private-room upgrades are usually available.
Is there support while I'm there?
Yes — a local coordinator gives you an orientation on arrival and is available 24/7 throughout your placement.
Do I need insurance and vaccinations?
Valid travel-medical insurance is mandatory (available from us at a nominal cost). Consult your travel doctor for recommended vaccinations; your pre-departure pack covers the details.
Do you help with the visa?
Yes — all enrolled participants get visa-requirement information in the pre-departure manual, and your point of contact can answer questions.
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