How to get a surf season job in Sagres

Sagres in Portugal runs its season roughly Apr – Oct. Windswept cliffs, cheap wine and surf from dawn to dusk.

What gets hired here: surf camp hosting, instructing, hostel reception, beach bar and restaurant work, photography and van driving. Employers in Sagres care far more about your dates, your attitude and whether you can start on time than about a polished CV — say clearly which months you are available and what you can do.

Camps and beach businesses hire two to four months before the high season, and often again mid-season when someone leaves.

Before you accept anything in Sagres, ask three questions: is accommodation included and what is deducted for it, are meals part of the deal, and what the contract actually pays per month. Anything vague in writing tends to stay vague once you arrive.

Budget for a flight, a deposit and roughly one month of living costs before your first pay lands. Then browse the live Sagres listings on Seasonaries and email three to five employers the same week — applying broadly is what lands a season.