Praia dos Molhes

Flanking the rugged jetty that thrusts into the Atlantic, Praia dos Molhes offers a laid-back counterpoint to the region's more hectic lineups—though don't mistake mellower vibes for solitude. The sandbank-driven peaks here are a fickle friend; when the currents sculpt them just right, the rideable stretches unfurl with surprising quality. An east swell is the golden ticket, with south energy also welcome. Once groundswell climbs past the 2-foot mark, left-handers begin peeling across the sand, gentle enough for beginners to find their rhythm yet still offering a little juice for more seasoned surfers. West winds blow cleanest, and the wave holds across all tides—low, mid, or high, there's usually something to work with. Expect company: good conditions draw a buoyant crowd, especially during contests, so be ready to share. This spot truly shines when swells stay on the smaller side, making it a go-to for those who prefer manageable, fun-size surf without the intensity of bigger, more demanding breaks.

Best Surf Season (April - July)

Autumn and early winter deliver the most reliable combination of size, period, and wind at Praia dos Molhes. Swell heights hold in the 5-6ft (1.5-1.8m) range while average wave period climbs to 9.4-9.8 seconds. More importantly, the frequency of ideal offshore wind windows peaks at 50-53% in May and June as cold fronts sweep across southern Brazil. South Atlantic extratropical cyclones generate clean ESE-SE groundswell, while post-frontal W-WNW flow keeps the lineup clean. It is the sweet spot for sandbar surfing, with enough punch to turn the banks on and the wind most likely to be blowing offshore.