FAQ's

Brazil Surf Trips and Surf Camps in Brazil

GENERAL QUESTIONS

1. Do you send out any brochures or information packets?
Once you have signed up for surf trip Brazil we will send out information packets via e.mail or by fax.

2. What are the age groups of surf trip students?
Most surf trip students are adults aged between 18-25, 25-45.

3. Do you have internet access at your surf camp bases?
Yes we do there are a lot of internet cafes available.

 

TRAVEL QUESTIONS

1. Can I book my plane tickets through Pacific surf?
We can arrange plane tickets for groups over 8 people and group discounts, if you are traveling alone to join a group it is best to buy your tickets at your place of residence.

2. Which air port do I fly into?
For Rio-Santa Catarina Surf Trip you will fly into and depart from (GIG) Galeao Rio’s International airport.

3. Which air port do I fly into for Rio surf Trip?
For Rio surf trip you fly into GIG-International airport.

4. Which air port do I fly into for Santa Catarina-Brazil Surf Trip?
For Santa Catarina surf trip you fly into FLN Florianopolis Hercilio Luz airport.

5. Do I need travel insurance?
It is always recommended to get full coverage travel insurance that covers you for any eventual accidents, or unforeseen circumstances.

6. Do I need a visa to go to Brazil?
Yes you need to get a visa to come to Brazil check with your travel agent or call the Brazilian consulate in LA: 1-323 651 2661 or Miami: 1-305 285 6200.

7. Can I get my domestic flight tickets through Pacific surf?
We can arrange your domestic flight tickets through our Rio based office please call 1-858 427 0677, but if you can include all your flight travel plans in your package deal from home it is guaranteed for you and most probably less expensive.

8. Will I be picked up from the airport?
You will be picked up at whatever airport you will arrive at, by our private van/car and a Pacific surf team member holding a name card and wearing a Pacific surf T.shirt.

9. Is it safe to travel alone to Brazil as a woman?
Absolutely, our team will look after your every need and we have female team members. It is advised of course for women not to go out alone in remote or unknown areas or slums areas in Rio de Janeiro. The people in Rio are very friendly and helpful .In the south, in Santa Catarina the violence is minimal as you are in a total beach environment and ecological paradise. The “Catarinense” are very friendly people and their origins are from the Dutch Germans and Italians.

10. Does Pacific surf School have a surf school in brazil?
yes, we are a affiliated with Surfer Girls Surf School of Brazil for more info: http://www.surfergirls.com.br/pt/

 

ACCOMODATION QUESTIONS

1. Are we lodged in single rooms or shared rooms?
Your lodging will mostly be shared based sometimes triple.

2. Can I arrange for a private room?
Yes, we do have private rooms available for an additional cost.

3. Are our accommodations on the beach?
All Pacific surf trips and camp bases in Brazil are beach front. Depending on the season and availability some rooms even may have ocean views.

4. Are the accommodations/rooms safe to keep our personal belongings?
All rooms have safes for you to store your personal goods .It is advised that you bring a little cash, travelers cheques and your ATM card also works in Brazil. Pacific surf is not responsible for any stolen or personal belongings.

5. Do the rooms have AC?
Yes the rooms have AC and ceiling fans however for those of you traveling down the coast from Rio to the south-Santa Catarina during your one night accommodation in a Pousada we may not guarantee AC for the rooms.

 

HEALTH QUESTIONS

1. Is the water drinkable in Brazil?
In Brazil we drink bottled water or filtered water.

2. Do I need to take Malaria Prophylaxis, and if so what?
No malaria is not necessary for Brazil a good mosquito repellant is necessary and have your tetanus shots up to date.

3. Do you have Dengue Fever in Brazil?
During certain times of the year in certain areas like the Amazon ,some of the bigger cities have Dengue Fever but mainly in poorer and slum areas.

 

SURF QUESTIONS

1. What is included in the surf trip price?
The surf trip includes 7 nights or 14 nights accommodation with a self serve breakfast, lunch and buffet style dinner. Daily surf course & instruction and equipment, daily transportation to other beaches, airport shuttle, English speaking guides.

2. What other costs will I incur for this surf trip?
If you would like to participate in other extra activities such as diving, dune boarding, yoga classes and massages, drinking and nocturnal activities these would be at your own expense. You will also need spending money. Your airline tickets to and from Brazil are also another cost not included in our package price.

3. Can I just do the surf course with out the accommodation?
We have surf schools all over Brazil you are welcome to attend our regular surf school.

4. Can I just do the accommodation and not the surf courses?
Yes we can arrange for accommodation packages only, please contact us at surftrip@pacificsurf.org for further information.

5. Can I just rent surfing equipment?
Yes you can rent equipment.

6. What can I expect from the two week surf course and trip?
If you never surfed before, and you have prepared your body before the surf trip you will be able to:

Paddle and read small and mid sized waves.
Stand up and glide down the waves and control your board
Turn to your front and back side, to follow the natural peeling of the wave
Turtle and duck dive
Wave judgment, ocean safety & awareness, read currents rules of priority, surfing etiquette, weather and how it effects the waves,

7. Do we surf any weather?
You may surf any weather if the surf is good and safe.

8.Which beaches do we surf at?
You will have various beaches to choose from, some secluded and secret in the south of Brazil. Some days you will surf out the front of camp base others days we will take our 4WD or van to other beaches.

 

PAYMENT QUESTIONS

1. How can I pay for my surf trip?
You can pay online via Pay-Pal or send a check to our office. A deposit of $300 must be paid 45 days prior to your travel dates. You can also pay the balance upon arrival in cash or Travellers cheques.

2. Can I wire the whole amount in advance?
Yes you can pay into Pacific surf schools account in the US. Please contact us at admin@pacificsurf.org.

3. Can I pay by Credit card?
You can pay by Mastercard or Visa through Pay-Pal online. We do not accept payment by credit cards in Brazil.

4. Can I pay by credit card in Brazil in restaurants etc?
Yes, in most establishments they accept most major credit cards, some smaller establishments only accept cash in Brazil.

5. What currency should I bring to Brazil?
You can bring US Dollars or Euro.