Bombas (Santa Catarina)
- Bodyboard, Beginners
- Best for
- Beginner
- Skill Level
- Ocean
- Spot Type
- Quiet
- Crowd Level
This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.
About
Bombas (Praia de Bombas) is an exposed, sandy-bottom beach break where waves can run as both lefts and rights. Multiple sources emphasize that it is not consistently surfable—conditions “only work once in a while” / “sometimes break”—so it tends to be a rare-session spot rather than a dependable daily destination. For surf quality, the spot is generally described as fun and beginner-oriented, with wave quality ranging from good to average depending on conditions. When the swell cooperates, ride lengths are commonly reported in the 50 to 150 meter range, with typical rides around the 100 meter mark. The break is rated beginner-friendly/all-surfer-friendly in the available descriptions, but exposure means you should still plan for fast changes. Hazards are an important part of the local picture. Reef areas and scattered rocks near the headlands at both ends are called out, and rip currents are noted as an occasional risk. During peak summer it can also be crowded with swimmers, and designated swimming zones may restrict watercraft access—so the safest approach is to check the beach layout and follow local safety guidance. Seasonally, winter months are highlighted for better consistency and offshore wind potential, with Best Months including June through September and September specifically showing up as a top month in surf spot listings. Water temperatures are reported from about 17–19°C in winter (mid/late year) up to roughly 24–26°C in summer, and the guidance suggests using a 3/2mm wetsuit during winter months (June–September) while rash-guard/boardshort setups are typical in warmer months. Early mornings are often best for glassy conditions before the sea breeze strengthens.
- Exposed sandy beach break with left and right waves
- Rare-session consistency—only works once in a while
- Typical surf rides around 50 to 150 meters
- Reef/rock hazards near headlands
- Winter months favored for surf consistency and offshore wind conditions
- Beginner-friendly sandy-bottom beach break with both left and right waves
- Long-enough rides reported (often 50 to 150 meters)
- Offshore-clean wind conditions reported with Southwest and West winds
- Urban access with amenities close by
- Only works once in a while / sometimes break
- Exposed and can close out on larger swell
- Reef hazards near headlands
- Wind reliability described as low
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- SW, W
- Wind Type
- Frontal — Provider wind type given as frontal; regionally the coast also experiences a sea-breeze enhancement during summer afternoons.
- Reliability
- low
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts
- Best Months
- June, July, August, September
- Shadow Zones
- Surrounding hills can cause wind shadows close to shore, especially in the corners.
- Thermal Window
- Sea breeze · Afternoon · Months: Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May · Dir: NE, NNE, ENE · Regional thermal pattern: wind builds from late morning and peaks mid-afternoon (2:00 PM–5:00 PM).
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Ocean
- Beach
- Sand — Sand beach.
- Beach Size
- Small
- Waves
- Small — Small-wave descriptions; one source notes the swell starts working and can hold up, with operational details depending on swell size.
- Chop Level
- Light chop — Described as offering glassiest conditions early; no explicit chop frequency beyond wind/sea breeze effects.
- Launch
- Medium — Wide sandy beach with ample space; can be crowded with bathers during summer peak.
Through the year
Extremely crowded in December and January; very quiet during the winter months.
Thunderstorms are common in late afternoon during summer.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Suitable for wingfoiling when the swell is small and the wind is sufficient, though it is not a primary destination for the sport.
- Foil Friendly
- Yes
- Min Depth
- 1.5 meters
Exposed beach break with right and left waves over a sandy bottom; it works only sometimes/infrequently, which makes it a rare-session rather than a consistent daily spot.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- E, NE, SE
- Swell Height
- 0.5–1.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- All tides — Optimal tide given as all-tides; another source suggests best tide movement as rising and falling tides.
- Shelter
- Exposed — Exposed beach break.
- Wind Effect
- Southwest and West winds provide clean, offshore conditions for the surf.
- Bigger Swell
- Closes out when swell exceeds 2 meters.
- Wave Quality
- Good — Wave quality described as good; another source characterizes it as average.
- Wave Power
- Soft — Provider characterizes the wave power as soft; other material describes the spot as infrequent and only occasionally working.
- Wave Shape
- Mushy
- Peel Speed
- Medium
- Ride Length
- Medium — Typical rides reported around 50 to 150 meters; one source cites about 100 meters as typical.
- Typical Ride Length
- 50–150 m
- Ride Length Details
- Waves typically offer rides between 50 and 150 meters depending on swell consistency.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Bombas (Santa Catarina) in the full forecast view.
Bombas (Santa Catarina) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 2–16 ktsGusts 28 kts
- Direction
- SE131°
- Strongest day
- Mon, Oct 2616 kts
- Windy days
- 1/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.5–1.0 m6s period
- Temperature
- 15–22 °C
Over the next 7 days, Bombas (Santa Catarina) is forecast for daytime winds of 2–16 kts, peaking around 16 kts on Monday, October 26 with gusts to 28 kts. The prevailing direction is SE. Waves run 0.5–1.0 m with a period of about 6s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.
Other spots in the area
What to know before you launch
Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.
Hazards
- reef
- Rip currents
- Rocks near the headlands
- Crowded conditions with swimmers in peak summer
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal — Seasonal lifeguards; heavily present across main beaches during high summer (December to March) and reduced coverage off-season.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited
- Emergency Info
- Bombinhas has a 24-hour health clinic (UPA) for urgent care; nearest major hospitals are in Itapema (~20 km) or Balneário Camboriú. National emergency numbers: 193 (fire/rescue) and 192 (ambulance).
- Localism / Vibe
- None — One source characterizes localism as none; another describes localism as mild.
Rules of the spot
Respect designated swimming zones and local surfers.
- Watercraft restrictions may apply near designated swimming areas during high season.
- Early mornings usually offer the glassiest conditions before the sea breeze kicks in.
- The left side of the beach often holds the best form during smaller swells.
- Respect designated swimming zones, especially during peak summer when bathers are present.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Bombinhas, Santa Catarina
- Nearest Town
- Porto Belo
- Parking
- Street parking available throughout the town, but very difficult to find during summer holidays.
- Access
- Instant access (< 5min) walking distance; located in the city near Porto Belo and Bombinhas.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- Portuguese
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Numerous pousadas, hotels, and vacation rentals within walking distance of the beach.
- Food & Drink
- Wide variety of beachfront kiosks, seafood restaurants, and bars along the main avenue.
- Equipment Rental:
- Surfboard rentals are commonly available at kiosks along the sand.
- Gear Storage
- Limited specialized storage facilities; most riders use private accommodation or local surf schools.
- Gear Repair
- Minor surf and fiberglass repairs are available through local shapers in the Bombinhas and Porto Belo area.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Bombas (Santa Catarina)?
The best overall months at Bombas (Santa Catarina) are June, July, August, September.
Which wind directions work at Bombas (Santa Catarina)?
Bombas (Santa Catarina) works with SW, W winds.
What skill level is Bombas (Santa Catarina) suitable for?
Bombas (Santa Catarina) suits these riding levels: Wingfoiling: Intermediate · Surfing: Beginner.