Guarita

Nestled within the scenic confines of Guarita State Park, this surf spot delivers a blend of raw beauty and occasional wave action that rewards those who time their visits right. The park’s lush coastal backdrop frames a lineup that can get bustling on summer weekends and holidays, so aim for a midweek dawn patrol if solitude is your goal. The waves here cater to a spectrum of abilities—while some peaks offer a forgiving introduction for beginners, others demand a sharper focus. Best on a pure East swell, though a touch of South can also breathe life into the breaks. Expect peak performance when the waves hover around three feet (one meter), breaking primarily over a mix of rocky ledges and sand to produce both lefts and rights. A northwest breeze cleans things up nicely, and the spot remains workable across all tides—low, mid, and high. When the swell and wind align, Guarita serves up powerful, protected peaks that are more consistent and organized than the neighboring beach breaks, giving you focused action in a controlled setting. Before you paddle out, always check the latest forecast—conditions here can be fickle. And as a state park gem, tread lightly and respect the environment to keep this beautiful stretch of coastline pristine for everyone.

Best Surf Season (May - July)

The heart of the year at Guarita is the austral autumn-to-winter window from May through July. During this period, the South Atlantic high shifts and cold fronts begin their march from the southwest, generating the most consistent S/SSW and SSE groundswells. Average wave heights sit around 1.6-1.7m (5-6ft), average periods climb into the 9.4-9.8s range, and ideal offshore wind conditions peak at 51-54%. This combination of longer-period swell and cleaner NW/NNW wind windows is exactly what this southeast-facing beach needs to turn from average sand-dredgers into proper lined-up peaks. Water temperatures fall to 16-20°C, but the surf quality more than makes up for it.