Frequently Asked Questions
Table of Contents
Accommodation
When can I arrive/depart?
Rooms are ready to check-in by 16:00 on Saturdays, but if you arrive early that’s OK, you can come to the Lodge at any time and relax by the pool while you wait. Check out is by 11:00 on the following Saturday at the end of your week package.
If you are arriving in Lagos late on Saturday please inform us beforehand so we may leave instructions on how to check-in.
Where is Tiny Whale Surf Lodge?
We are located in Colinas Verdes, a small village in the countryside near Lagos (10 km).
How do I get to Lagos?
We can arrange taxi’s that bring you in less than 10 minutes to the town centre and beaches (approx. 7€)
How far is the lodge located from the nearest shops and restaurants?
The Lodge is located just outside of the city centre of Lagos (10 minutes) with a large variety of shops, restaurants, and nightlife. Nearer to the lodge you’ll find some small quaint Portuguese villages with traditional restaurants and shops.
How close is the beach?
Within a short drive of 10 to 20 minutes, you have a variety of beaches to choose from. Because of the ideal location of the lodge, we can choose to either go to the Westcoast or Southcoast depending on the swell.
Do you supply towels?
Bath towels but not beach towels. Please bring your own beach towel or rent at reception for 5€.
Do you supply linen?
Yes, fresh linen is provided as part of your package.
Are you flexible in regards to dates & length of stay?
Our packages run from Saturday to Saturday, because we know surf holidays are the best they can be when there is a solid start and finish date. This means you can get to know us and the other guests, and we can give you the best structured weeks surf coaching possible.
Do you offer car parking?
Car parking is onsite and free of charge.
Do I need a rental car?
You don’t need a car as your holiday package includes your beach transfers. However, the transfer from the airport isn’t included and after a full day of activities, and on your rest day, you might enjoy the freedom of having a rental car, and use it to explore the local area in your free time. There’s enough parking space at the lodge so it’s a great option to see more of the Algarve.
Are pets allowed to bring?
We love animals! However, because the week is so packed with activities, we think that it’s not a suitable vacation for your furry friend. So we recommend focusing on your own improvements during the week and leaving your pet at home.
With how many other guests do I share a room?
We have 2 shared rooms at our lodge. One room has 2 single beds so you’ll be sharing with one other guest. And the bigger room is set up for 3 guests. These 2 rooms share 1 bathroom.
One of these shared rooms will be a female-only, and the other room can be mixed. It all depends on the bookings for that week.
We suggest if you are a group who like to secure the shared room to book it ahead of time to avoid disappointment.
Surf Coaching
I have never surfed before, are the surf lessons appropriate for beginners?
Don’t worry if this is your first time surfing, our highly experienced team of surf instructors will give you the confidence and training to take your first steps and have you up and catching waves in no time. With two coastlines to explore we almost always find fun-sized waves that are perfect for beginners.
I am an intermediate/advanced surfer, is this week appropriate for me?
At the time of booking, we encourage people to tell us about their ability and surf experience, here we can pair up surfers for the week, and ensure that beginners and intermediate people are not sharing the same coach. Your week’s experience will be tailored to suit your ability through strong coaching and workshops to support your learning.
How long are the lessons?
A surf day includes two 1.5-2 hour lessons with professional coaches.
Do you offer a beach transfer service?
Your package has beach transfers included. On Wednesday (your rest day) we offer beach transfers for 25€pp, which includes a ride to the best surf spot for the conditions and lunch. It is important to note that beach transfers do not include a lesson, and you will just be dropped at the beach to do your own self guided free surf session.
Which wetsuit do I need to bring?
We provide wetsuits if you don’t have one. But if you like to use your own wetsuit then please feel free to bring it. We recommend using a 3/2 in the summer months, but a 4/3 can be used for most of the year also.
What kind of surfboards do we provide?
We have a board to suit everyone. With all lengths of foam boards, hardboards, longboards, shortboards, fishes, single fin, and finless.
Food
Are evening dinners included?
Dinners are included in all week-long surf packages.
Saturday night is Build yourself Pizza Night, and our in-house chef freshly prepares dinner on Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday, & Friday. Dinner consists of aperitifs & cocktails served by the hosts by the pool; followed by a two-course dinner.
On Monday our hosts take the group out to dinner in Lagos & Wednesday you’ll have your rest day and you can explore the city of Lagos on your own. Dinner and drinks on these nights are not included in your weekly package tuition.
What food can I expect?
Healthy food, made with fresh local products. An extensive breakfast is included in the room price. All surf packages include lunch. As mentioned above we organize in-house dinner nights four times per week and a weekly BBQ. In the outside kitchen, we have our honesty bar where you can buy cold drinks and snacks after your long surf day.
Can I use the kitchen to cook?
No, guests do not have access to the kitchen or fridges.
Do you cater for special diets?
We try as much as possible to provide food for our guests with special diets (vegetarian, vegan, gluten free etc.). Please let us know in advance.
Transfers
Do you arrange airport transfers?
We can book discounted airport transfers from/to Faro Airport. Please provide us with your flight details at least 3 days before arrival/departure. All transfers operate 24 hours per day.
Pricing:
Private Taxi:
From Faro: 4 spaces per taxi – 109€ each way
Private Minibus:
From Faro: 6 pax – 129€ each way
If you are bringing your own board, you need to book a Private Mini Bus.
Are there any other options to get to the lodge?
Yes, you could also take the train to Lagos. from the train station in Lagos you can take a taxi to bring you to our Lodge.
Can I bring my own surfboard?
Yes, you can. Please book a private transfer minibus if bringing a surfboard, we can help to get that arranged.
Booking Activities
Do I need to pre-book activities?
In the summer months it is recommended to pre-book any activities or massages as it is quite busy everywhere. Just inform our booking team. Our team of friendly hosts will always assist with booking your activities upon arrival.
What activities can I pre-book?
Throughout the week we can organise massage appointments to coincide with your surfing schedule. On Wednesday you have a ‘rest day’ and here we recommend trying our sunrise SUP tour, followed by a wine tasting and tapas in the afternoon. If you also want to try out rock climbing, horse riding or wakeboarding speak to our team!
What are the other activities besides the surfing?
The Algarve has so much to offer and to do. You won’t have enough time to discover everything.
General
Can I bring my children?
Due to the nature of the course we have found that our retreat is not suitable for teenagers or children, and therefore the accepted age is for anyone above the age of 18.
What is the average age of your guests?
The average age of our travellers varies. We have a combination of solo travellers, couples, and groups of friends which provides a healthy mix of guests in their late 20’s, 30’s, 40’s and older.
What is the weather like?
The Algarve has mild winters and hot summers. Summers are particularly dry and sunny with 12 hours of sunshine each day and an average maximum temperature of 28ºC and minimum of 20ºC. Winters are very mild. Spring and Autumn are great seasons to visit as the temperatures are an average of 22ºC with still lots of sun. Portugal is a year-round destination for great surf.
What clothing do I need to bring?
Bring your summer clothes but also a warm jacket/sweater and trousers for the evening and early morning.
Don’t forget comfortable clothing for yoga, and some trainers/closed-toe shoes for your Surf Skate workshops.
Is Tiny Whale Lodge suitable for solo travellers?
We get a lot of people who visit Tiny Whale on their own and have a brilliant time. We offer a very social atmosphere and you’ll be making new friends in no time.
What languages do we speak?
The lessons and program are in English, however, most of our crew is from all over the world and most are bilingual and speak German, Dutch, and Swiss German, French and even Spanish!