Born to the swell, raised on basalt.
Nilton grew up in Machico, on Madeira's east coast, where the bay's gentle whitewater taught a generation of islanders to surf. He started chasing the south coast's point breaks as a teenager and has spent the last decade reading the island's swell, wind, and tide windows for visiting surfers.
Certified through Surfing Portugal and a long-time member of Ludens Clube de Machico, Nilton works with everyone from first-time visitors to advanced surfers wanting to step up onto a serious point break for the first time.
He doesn't run a school or a shop — it's just him, his van, his boards, and a phone constantly checking the next forecast.
- 10+
- 3
- 12
Jardim do Mar
A long, fast right-hander down a basalt boulder beach. World-class on a clean NW–W swell, and one of the most photogenic point breaks in Europe.
Paul do Mar
The heavier sibling of Jardim. Powerful left and right peaks under dramatic cliffs — short, hollow, and not for everyone. Best on solid swells with a forgiving forecast.
Ponta Pequena
A right-hand point with lined-up walls — friendlier than Jardim and Paul, still high quality. The first stop when bigger spots are out of control.
Fajã da Areia
A pebble-and-sand beach break on the north coast — the back-up plan when the south is flat. Picks up summer swells the south coast doesn't see.
Porto da Cruz
Iconic black-sand bay under the Penha de Águia rock. Multiple peaks, mid-power waves, and an open feel — a great session and a great photograph.
Machico
Nilton's home spot. Sheltered bay, forgiving whitewater, gentle take-offs — the place first-timers stand up. Year-round, with the busiest local crowd.
"Best surf trip I've taken. Nilton knew exactly which spot would be working that day, every day — and he reads waves better than anyone I've paddled out with."
Sample Reviewer · Lisbon
"I'd never surfed a real point break before this week. Nilton put me on Ponta Pequena on a perfect day and talked me into the wave I'd have backed off from alone."
Sample Reviewer · Berlin
"Came as a beginner, left able to read a forecast on my own and ride green waves in Machico. Calm, patient, never any pressure."
Sample Reviewer · Paris
Do I need to bring my own board?
Boards and wetsuits are included with every session. If you'd rather bring your own, that's fine — we'll meet at the spot.
What level do I need to be?
Anything from "I've never stood up" to advanced. Sessions are matched to your level and the day's conditions — Machico for first-timers, the south-coast points when you're ready.
How does scheduling work?
Sessions are forecast-driven. Once you book, we lock approximate dates, then confirm the exact spot and time 24–48 hours ahead based on the swell window. No fixed schedule — only sessions when there's something worth surfing.
Do you provide transport from my hotel?
Yes — pick-up and drop-off are included anywhere on the south coast and in Funchal. North-coast pickups are arranged case-by-case.
What if there's no swell during my visit?
If conditions are completely flat, we either reschedule, switch to a coastal walk + spot tour, or refund the session. You don't pay to surf nothing.
Is Madeira a good destination for first-time surfers?
For learners, yes — at Machico bay, where the bottom is sandy and the waves are forgiving. The point and rock breaks elsewhere on the island are advanced-only.
How do I pay?
By bank transfer or in person on the day, depending on your stay length. We'll agree the method when we book.