Last updated on December 12th, 2023 at 06:33 pm
If you are looking for the best surf spots in Brazil, you came to the right place. In this surf guide to Brazil, you will find all the information you need for your next surf trip, including general travel tips, surf seasons, and the best surf beaches in Brazil.
* Honest disclaimer- Reef Break is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you.
About Surfing in Brazil
Brazil is definitely a fascinating country to visit and an excellent choice for a surf trip. Since it has so much to offer, you will probably fall in love with it the moment you step foot in it. The land of soccer, samba, and beautiful beaches is definitely one of the most exciting surf destinations in the world.
Brazil is the largest country in South America. With 7,500 km of coastline facing the Atlantic Ocean, there are many surf spots in Brazil to explore. Amazingly, most of them are entirely undiscovered. Even though the Brazilian population is about 200 million, the country is so big that most of its coastline contains empty beaches in front of tropical jungles.
The variety of surf spots in Brazil is unbelievable. When surfing in Brazil, you will find primarily punchy beach breaks but also points and reef breaks. Even though the wave quality is not as perfect as in other countries such as Peru or Indonesia, surfing is a big part of the Brazilian DNA, and it is not by coincidence that some of the best surfers in the world are Brazilians. For instance, Professional surfer Gabriel Medina recently won his second world title, and that is just part of a long list of surfers such as Filipe Toledo, Stephanie Gilmore, and many others.
In short, any surfer should surf in Brazil at least once in his life. The happy culture, friendly people, and consistent waves are definitely good reasons to celebrate life in this amazing country.
The Best Surf Spots in Brazil
With such a huge and diverse coastline, there are countless surf beaches in Brazil that can be divided into 3 different areas- North, East, and South. So, in detail, these are the best surf spots in Brazil:
Surf Spots in Brazil’s North Coast:
The Brazilian North Shore is famous mostly for its great kitesurfing. However, it is not that great for wave surfing due to strong onshore winds, small waves, and too many shark attacks. However, if you visit this area between November and March, you can actually score some decent waves. These are the best breaks in the area:
Fernando de Noronha:
Break type- Beach breaks and reef breaks.
Skill level- All levels.
Description- This is an isolated Island about 350 KM from Recife. To get here, you must go through quite a journey and obviously plan it in advance, as the amount of tourism on the island is regulated. However, once you make it here, you can surf in a unique volcanic archipelago with a huge variety of waves of all kinds. The quality of the waves is incredible, and you will hardly deal with crowds in the water. Obviously, this is not one of the typical places a surfer will go while surfing in Brazil, but those who actually make the effort to get here will enjoy a unique surfing experience.
Engenhoca:
Break type- Beach break.
Skill level- Intermediate.
Description- After walking for about 20 minutes through the forest, you will see this beautiful beach. Actually, this is one of the most consistent waves in the area, and it offers multiple peaks to both the right and the left sides.
Praia da Pipa:
Break type- Beach break.
Skill level- Beginner to intermediate.
Description- Pipa is a small fishing village that became popular for its beautiful beaches. While visiting here, you can surf multiple beach breaks during the day and party at night in one of the local bars. Since the waves are soft and mellow, it is a perfect place for beginners.
Pororoca:
Break type- River break.
Skill level- Advanced.
Description- Unlike any other wave you will surf in Brazil (or anywhere else), this one is not in the ocean but deep inside the Amazonas River. About 12 KM inland, in a place called Sao Domingos do Capim, there is an amazingly unique phenomenon called Pororoca. Once a year, in March, a strange combination of the moon and the tide shift creates a massive wall of water that runs all the way to the ocean. When that happens, brave surfers (or crazy, depending on how you see it) from all over the globe come to face this phenomenon and ride this wave. Then, in the middle of the jungle, in a water full of snakes, crocodiles, and piranhas, you can witness them riding an unbelievably long wave with an open wall and some barreling sections, too. So far, the world record for riding this wave belongs to the Brazilian surfer Picuruta Salazar, who rode it for 12.5 km in 37 minutes!!!
Surf Spots in Brazil’s East Coast:
This area has excellent beaches and consistent swells, especially during winter. Since significant parts of this coastline are close to the big cities of Rio de Janeiro and So Paulo, it can get extremely crowded. However, with such a wide variety of breaks, you can find some great waves around here. In detail, these are the best breaks in the area:
Itacare:
Break type- Beach breaks and reef breaks.
Skill level- All levels.
Description- A tropical party town with a magnetic Brazilian vibe. Tourists from all over the world come here to enjoy the beach and the great nightlife. Around this town, you will find several beach breaks and reef breaks, which perform with remarkable consistency.
Saquarema:
Break type- Beach break.
Skill level- All levels.
Description- This beach is just a swell magnet. Whenever the other spots around Rio are too small, Saquarema is a safe bet and almost always produces some surfable waves to ride.
Geriba:
Break type- Beach break.
Skill level- Intermediate.
Description- This beach break is located in a “high society” area north of Rio. Just like all the spots in this region, it is always crowded, but it has many empty peaks if you walk a bit further on the beach. If you feel like partying, this town offers fabulous nightlife as well.
Arpoador:
Break type- Beach break.
Skill level- All levels.
Description- This spot is where the whole Brazilian surf scene started many years ago. Located right next to the famous Copacabana Beach in Rio, the lineup here is extremely crowded. However, to solve the problem, the locals lit the water with a flashlight so you can surf it at night to avoid the daytime crowd.
Barra de Tijuca:
Break type- Beach break.
Skill level- Intermediate to advanced.
Description- A bit south of Rio, this large beach strip offers multiple peaks over a sandy bottom. Even though this is a very popular spot among anyone who surfs in the Brazilian capital, you can always find a peak with no crowds. Moreover, if you surf it early in the morning, you can get epic tube rides.
Maresias:
Break type- Beach break.
Skill level- Intermediate to advanced.
Description- If you go to Sao Paulo, this spot is the best you can get around this area. It produces great barrels on a daily basis and can hold big swells.
Surf Spots in Brazil’s South Coast:
With all due respect to the warm water in the North Coast and the consistent beach breaks on the East Coast, the South Coast is the real deal. This is where you will find the best surf spots in Brazil. If you want to surf Brazil at its best, this is the area you should focus on, especially during winter. Most of the good breaks are on the Island of Santa Catarina (Florianopolis), and that is the safest bet for your surf trip. So, in detail, these are the main spots in the area:
Joaquina:
Break type- Point break.
Skill level- Intermediate to advanced.
Description- Situated right in the middle of Santa Catarina Island, Joaquina is a rocky point break that can hold massive swells. On the beach, you will find several barreling peaks as well.
Praia Mole:
Break type- Beach break.
Skill level- Intermediate.
Description- Unlike most of the spots in Brazil, Mole is consistent 365 a year. When all the other spots are flat, you can count on this one to produce good waves. Moreover, it is much less crowded than the other surf beaches in South Brazil.
Mocambique:
Break type- Beach break.
Skill level- Intermediate.
Description- This is a 13 KM long beach. Actually, it is the largest one in the whole Santa Catarina area. Along this beach, you will find many powerful waves crashing over the sand. Although it is a famous beach, you will not feel the crowd as it is well-spread.
Imbituba:
Break type- Big wave spot.
Skill level- Advanced.
Description- If you are a big wave surfer, this spot is perfect for you. This left-hand break performs only on big swells and is suitable for experts only.
Praia do Santinho:
Break type- Beach break.
Skill level- Intermediate.
Description- Another long beach strip with many barreling peaks, just like the whole coast of Santa Catarina.
If you are new to surfing and looking for beginner waves, check out our post about the best beginner surf beaches in Brazil.
Surf Seasons in Brazil
The Northern Coastline is more exposed to the north swell. Therefore, the best time to surf here is during the Brazilian summer, between November and March. This area is tropical, so the air temperature can get up to 38°C (100°F). Accordingly, the water here is always warm and ranges between 25°C to 27°C (77°F to 81°F) all year long.
The Eastern area, where Rio de Janeiro is, performs best during winter, between April and October. This coastline receives the south swell with great consistency, and even though the wind often blows onshore, there are some good days and decent swell size. The air temp here is about 18°C – 31°C (65°F -88°F), and the water temp ranges from 22°C to 26°C (72°F to 78°F).
Finally, the South Coast of Brazil has the best surf conditions. It is exposed to the south swell and performs best between April to October. Unlike the small inconsistent swells in the North or the onshore winds in the East, here you get the best conditions possible. During winter, the swell in South Brazil is big, consistent, and clean, especially in the mornings. Unfortunately, this area is much colder than the others, with an air temp of 14°C -22°C and water temp of 18°C to 24°C (64°F to 75°F). When coming to surf in Brazil, this is the area you want to be at to score the best conditions, so bring your 3/2 wetsuit, and you are good to go.
Surf Camps in Brazil
If you are a beginner making his first steps in the surfing world, the best way to explore the surf beaches of Brazil is at a surf camp. So, these are the most recommended surf camps in Brazil:
1. Bahia Surf Camp– This camp is managed by Former professional surfer Beto Dias, who developed a personal approach to each guest and his own particular needs and focuses on improving individual surfing skills.
For more details about surf camps in Brazil, please click here.
2. Surf Camp Praia da Pipa– At Surf Camp Pipa, all surf vacations are designed for both beginner and advanced surfers. It takes place on the magical beaches of Pipa, with blue water, white sands, and spectacular waves.
For more information about the best surf camps in Brazil, please click here.
3. Surf School Brazil– At Surf School Brazil, you can take either a single or group surf lesson. The lessons are primarily suitable for beginners or intermediate surfers.
For more information about surf schools in Brazil, please click here.
Surf Hotels in Brazil
When coming to surf in Brazil, you want to stay in the best place possible, which means as close as possible to the best surf spots. So, these are some of the most recommended surf hotels in the country:
1. Joaquina Beach Hotel, Santa Catarina– Set within 1 minute from the beach, Joaquina Beach Hotel offers an outdoor swimming pool and a sauna on site. Lagoa da Conceição Lagoon is located 2 km away. Free WiFi is provided in public areas, and free private parking is available on-site.
2. Selina Copacabana, Rio– Located on the seafront and boasting magnificent views of Copacabana Beach and Sugarloaf Mountain, Selina Copacabana is located near many tourist attractions and is 650 m from the Cantagalo subway station.
3. Casa Serena, Pipa– Situated in Pipa, on Pipa Beach, Casa Serena offers a garden and air conditioning. This beachfront property offers access to a patio, free private parking, and free WiFi.
For more surf hotels in Brazil, check out our post about the best surf resorts in Brazil, or simply look for deals on Booking.com.
What Skill Level is Required to Surf in Brazil
As mentioned, there are many surf spots in Brazil, so surfers of all levels can find breaks that suit their skills. For instance, beginners can surf mellow waves in spots like Praia da Pipa. Intermediate surfers, though, will find more challenging waves in Praia do Santinho or Mocambique. And finally, if you are an advanced surfer, you can ride Giant waves at Imbituba.
Which Place in Brazil is Best to Stay At
On a surf trip, it is best to focus on one area to spend more time surfing and less traveling. However, there are many great surf beaches in Brazil, and sometimes it can be hard to choose where to stay. So, considering the waves and the general atmosphere of the place, these are the most recommended locations to stay at:
1. Santa Catarina– This is the Brazilian surf capital. With various hotels, bars, and surf camps, this is the number 1 location for a surf trip to Brazil.
2. Praia da Pipa– This beautiful beach town in North Brazil offers a great atmosphere and fantastic waves, mainly for beginners and intermediates.
3. Itacare– Besides fantastic waves, this town is a wonderful place to meet travelers from all over the world.
Brazil- Travel Information
Language– Portuguese.
Population– over 200 million.
Currency– Brazilian real.
Calling code– +55.
Time zone– GMT -2 to -5, depending on the area.
Pros– huge coastline with countless surf spots.
Cons– lack of perfect point breaks.
Conclusion- Final Thought
To summarize, a surf trip to Brazil is about having fun. Obviously, there are many more surf spots in Brazil than those mentioned here, and with an adventurous spirit, you can go and find them. This country is beautiful and diverse, and welcomes surfers with a genuine smile. Enjoy your surf trip!
