The Portugal wave pool Surfers Cove is moving steadily toward its 2026 opening, bringing a complete Surf Village and the latest evolution of Wavegarden technology to a region known for some of Europe’s best surf. The €25 million development will combine a surf lagoon with a village concept.
The site covers 5 hectares and will operate with a 46-module Wavegarden Cove system, the same technology installed in 12 surf parks worldwide.
Surf Operations Manager Marcelo Martins says the project has been moving through its scheduled construction phases.
“We are completing each stage as planned,” said Martins. “And (now) preparing the site for the arrival of the Wavegarden components.”
A new version of Wavegarden Cove
This installation will use the latest version of Wavegarden Cove. Martins explained that the updated design “removes the traditional side walls and introduces graded shores,” a change that alters how the basin sits in the landscape and how people will move around the perimeter.
He also confirmed that the system “keeps the full range of Wavegarden settings, from beginner-friendly configurations to advanced waves,” and that at full capacity it can “produce close to 1,000 waves per hour.”
A complete Surf Village is taking shape
Surfers Cove is being built as a full surf and lifestyle destination. The project includes a 4-star tourist village with 56 bungalows, a surf school, event areas, a restaurant, surf shop, a skatepark, climbing walls, courts for padel, pickleball, beach tennis, and beach volleyball, a gym, green spaces, and co-working facilities. Natural areas around the site are being preserved and integrated into the visitor experience.
According to Martins, earthworks and excavations are now complete. “We are entering the concrete phase in December and receiving Wavegarden materials over the next weeks,” he said.
The team plans a soft opening roughly 3 to 4 weeks before the official launch to test operations and welcome the first guests.
The Surfers Cove Surf Club
Surfers Cove will also introduce the Surfers Cove Surf Club, a membership program that provides structured access to the lagoon once operations begin. The team confirmed that 300 founding member spots will be available before the official opening.
“The membership includes early booking, priority access on site, and designated session slots,” said Martins. “Members will be invited to surf during the soft opening period and the title is transferable, with outlined benefits set for a 10-year period as the wider village develops.”
Opening in late 2026
Surfers Cove is located in Óbidos, the medieval walled town located about an hour from Lisbon Airport. The site sits along the coastline that connects Nazaré, Peniche and Ericeira, three towns widely recognised for their waves and long-established surf culture. Construction is moving on schedule, and the opening is set for late 2026.
