Login

Select travel dates to see prices

Good 4.18rating (74)
  • Good Health And Well-Being

Surf with Impact

location
1 - 12 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
Verified

Highlights

  • Contribute to the social development of children and individuals with special needs
  • Ride waves while empowering communities and protecting the coastline
  • Get know surfing hotspots in the area

Highlights

  • Contribute to the social development of children and individuals with special needs
  • Ride waves while empowering communities and protecting the coastline
  • Get know surfing hotspots in the area
  • Meet other international volunteers and share incredibles memories
  • Live in the heart of Porto, a UNESCO world heritage site famed for port and delicious food
    • You don't have to pay anything yet

    Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    Groups

    About the program

    Ride Porto’s waves while empowering communities with inclusive lessons, and protecting the stunning coastline.

    Dive into an unforgettable adventure in Portugal, where surfing meets purpose!

    Embark on an unforgettable journey where adventure meets purpose. This unique volunteer program offers a blend of surfing, social engagement, and environmental stewardship, all set against the stunning backdrop of ...

    About the program

    Dive into an unforgettable adventure in Portugal, where surfing meets purpose!

    Embark on an unforgettable journey where adventure meets purpose. This unique volunteer program offers a blend of surfing, social engagement, and environmental stewardship, all set against the stunning backdrop of Portugal’s picturesque coastline.

    Immerse yourself in the thrill of riding the waves on one of Porto’s most beautiful beaches, while being part of a positive change by supporting community-driven surf initiatives with the help of the NGO's staff. Work with children and individuals with disabilities, offering inclusive surf lessons that foster personal growth, confidence, and a sense of belonging for everyone involved. 

    What to Expect:

    • Surfing: Learn and perfect your surfing skills on one of the most beautiful beaches in Portugal. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced surfer, our instructors will help you catch the best waves
    • Social impact: support social projects that aim at providing surf lessons for all, promoting inclusivity and personal development for children and people with disabilities 
    • Environmental Activities (occasionally): Engage in meaningful conservation work by cleaning the beaches. You’ll collect trash, separate recyclables, and help preserve our precious coastline.
    Why Join?

    • Make a Difference: Help empowering inclusivity through surf lessons, fostering personal growth, and protecting Portugal’s coastline with impactful environmental conservation efforts.
    • Build Community: Connect with like-minded individuals and make a positive impact together.
    • Cultural Immersion: Experience life in Porto while contributing to a meaningful cause.

    Typical day

    After the initial orientation day, you will have a morning, afternoon or evening shift at the placement and will work for approximately 3 to 5 hours per day. 


    A typical schedule:
    08:00 - 10 am: Breakfast at the hostel
    10:00 am: Travel to the project site or free time to explore the city, relax, ...

    Typical day

    After the initial orientation day, you will have a morning, afternoon or evening shift at the placement and will work for approximately 3 to 5 hours per day. 


    A typical schedule:
    08:00 - 10 am: Breakfast at the hostel
    10:00 am: Travel to the project site or free time to explore the city, relax, attend portuguese language lessons or enroll other activities if you have the afternoon shift
    01:30 pm: Lunch is served at the restaurant
    03:00 pm: Travel to the project site or free time to explore the city, relax, attend portuguese language lessons or enroll other activities if you have the morning shift
    08:00 - 10:00 pm: Dinner is served at the restaurant. After dinner you will have the remainder of the evening free to relax and use as you wish.

    Daily Tasks:

    • Surfing lessons
    • Help preparing beneficiaries surf lessons
    • Accompany beneficiaries during lessons 
    • Clean and arrange surf material
    • Trash collection (occasionally)

    Free-time activities

    In your free time, you can explore the city, have Portuguese language classes, surf, or anything you wish!


    Porto is the second biggest city in Portugal and one of the most authentic cities to visit in the country. Stroll through its sinuous and picturesque streets and feel the pulse of the city, or ...

    Free-time activities

    In your free time, you can explore the city, have Portuguese language classes, surf, or anything you wish!


    Porto is the second biggest city in Portugal and one of the most authentic cities to visit in the country. Stroll through its sinuous and picturesque streets and feel the pulse of the city, or take the tram to the mouth of the river Douro and get to know the excellent beaches and the outdoor cafés. The historic center of Porto was declared UNESCO World Heritage but is the hospitality and forceful character of the locals that will delight you. Porto is a vibrant and young city with countless cafés, bars, and clubs to have a really good time at night, or relaxed rooftops to have a drink and enjoy the warm Portuguese climate.

    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 18 years

    In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

    Language Skills

    You need to speak English (basic level)

    Education Requirements

    at High school level

    Criminal Background Check

    required

    Nationality Restrictions

    No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday

    What's Included

    What's Included

    On-site Services

    What’s included?

    • Pick up at the international airport in Porto & transfer to the accommodation - Sunday 

    On Sunday, the ImpacTrip team will be at the airport waiting for you with a big sign and a smile on their face! :) f you arrive prior to Sunday, you will still be able to receive an airport pickup and our team can transport you to the accommodation, but you will need to pay an extra fee for this service. We will reach out to you by WhatsApp a few days before your start date to connect.

    • Accommodation at a dormitory at a centre-located hostel, female dormitory or mixed dormitory
    • Three meals a day everyday: Breakfast, lunch and dinner (Local style. Vegetarian, gluten-free and meals for lactose-intolerant are also available upon request)
    • Shared use of common spaces and free WIFI
    • Orientation event on arrival (including introduction to Portugal and culture, volunteer experience, overview of programmes, practical information, safety guidelines)
    • Guided city tour and the best tips to discover the city!
    • Allocation and coordination of a work placement in a sustainable project and contact person in the project
    • Introduction on the first day of volunteering
    • Ongoing support throughout the stay
    • 24h/7 emergency support by phone or personally
    • Limited coverage civil liability insurance.

    Airport Pickup at Porto Airport

    On Sunday, the ImpacTrip team will be at the airport waiting for you with a big sign and a smile on their face! :)

    If you arrive prior to Sunday, you will still be able to receive an airport pickup and our team can transport you to the accommodation, but you will need to pay an extra fee for this service.

    We will reach out to you by WhatsApp a few days before your start date to connect.

    Accommodation

    The accommodation has female and mixed rooms with shared bathrooms and is located by the riverside, just a 10-minute walk from the historical city centre. There’s a bus stop right outside the hostel with regular services both to the city centre and to Matosinhos (beach), The closes metro station is São Bento and it's a 20 minute walk.

    Food & Beverages

    We will provide breakfast at the accommodation everyday. We will cook with fresh local ingredients everyday for all volunteers and they are prepared to accommodate most diet restrictions such as vegan and vegetarians, gluten-free and lactose intolerant. Also take some time out to explore the city and its incredible cuisine!

    Lunch and dinner are provided by an amazing local restaurant! It is only a 10 min walk from your accommodation.

    Internet Access

    Good access at the project site
    You don't have to pay anything yet

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Porto Airport (OPO) in Porto. We assist you to find cheap flights to Portugal. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

    Travel Insurance

    Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Portugal provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

    If you are intending to volunteer in Portugal you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Portugal. VACCINE CHECKER

    Details on arrival

    This program starts on the 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month!

    You should arrive on Sunday (or before) to attend the orientation session on Monday morning.

    *From May to September arrivals every Sunday.*

    Availability
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Program Fees

    $1,065 per week 1 - 12 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES

    Duration

    1 - 12 weeks

    Deposit

    Reserve your spot with just a few clicks and a small, secure deposit. You can pay by credit card, PayPal, or other convenient methods.

    Final Payment

    You’ll agree on the final payment method with your local organization during the application process. This final payment is only due closer to the start of your trip.

    You don't have to pay anything yet
    4.2
    Top Pick
    One of the top picks on Volunteer World, according to travelers
    •
    2025
    Am ersten tag musste ich alleine zurechtkommen, da mich leider niemand abgeholt hat im Flughafen von Porto in Portugal, weil die ...
    Marcello Budinich

    Surf with Impact

    •
    2025
    I ended up staying in the program for a week. I loved working with the cats and the people there, who were all really sweet. The program ...
    •
    2024
    I recommend this experience to absolutely anyone, it was the best of my life. The first week my placement was in a Skatepark in Cascais, so ...
    Alba Gala Torrero

    Child & Youth Supporter

    •
    2024
    Stayed 2 weeks in October 2024. Warm welcomed by a dynamic and enthusiastic team. Clear and detailed information provided. Good location, ...
    Eliane BURLAC

    Child & Youth Supporter

    Location

    Europe > Southern Europe > Portugal > Porto

    Meet your project coordinator

    Cristiana
    74
    reviews
    4.18
    Good
    2015
    Founded

    Verified

      Good response rate
    Spoken languages: Portuguese, Spanish, English
    Travel safely by using Volunteer World for your communication and bookings. This way, you can benefit from the Flex Option, Refund Guarantee, and Resolution Support.

    You might also be interested in

    Volunteer Abroad  >  Education  >  Sports in Portugal
    Contact Cristiana
      Good response rate
    Portuguese, Spanish, English

    Most volunteers ask about

    Do you have any more questions? Send a message to Cristiana
    Please don't share personal contact details for your privacy

    Travel dates

    1. - 1. Jan 1

    Book with Flex Option!

    Choose new departure dates or change to a different volunteer program at no extra costs within 12 months.

    Complete Support for Every Volunteer

    This helps us run our platform and offer essential services like Comprehensive Support, Refund Guarantee, Flex Option without rebooking costs, and Price-Guarantee. This includes VAT.

    Price details