Bonete (Ubatuba)
- Shortboard, Longboard
- Best for
- Intermediate to Expert
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Bonete (Ubatuba) is a very sheltered beach break with an occasional point element, producing waves that are typically small and infrequent. Multiple sources describe it as only working once in a while, with “winter” presented as the optimum time of year for getting surf. The break is most associated with southern swell for any meaningful session. When a stronger South (and sometimes South/Southeast) swell arrives, the setup can produce peeling waves, with the point generally holding size better while the beach may close out as conditions build. In lighter conditions, expect small, more limited surfing. Wind conditions for the spot are variable and often unreliable. One set of notes highlights northeast wind as best, while another describes offshore winds from the North/Northwest as capable of cleaning up the wave face. Because the environment is remote and the setup is sensitive to swell size, sessions can swing from “barely on” to a notably better point-driven wave. Safety and access are major considerations: rocks and rips are repeatedly cited hazards, and the beach is reachable only by boat or a trail (Trilha das Sete Praias). Lifeguards are not reported on-site and rescue is noted as not available for the spot; emergency services are far, so careful planning and standard surf-hazard awareness are essential. Overall, it’s a low-profile, quieter option that tends to suit experienced surfers comfortable with remote conditions and inconsistent surf.
- Very sheltered break with a remote atmosphere
- South swell can trigger peeling waves at the point/beach
- Relatively few surfers even on good days
- Very sheltered setting with a remote feel and relatively few surfers even on good days.
- During strong southern swell, the point/shore can produce peeling waves with scenery that stands out.
- Winter is commonly highlighted as the optimum season for surfing.
- Surf is described as small and rare; it only works once in a while.
- Rock and rip hazards.
- Difficult/remote access and limited rescue options.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- N, NW, NE
- Offshore directions
- N, NW
- Wind Range
- 5–15 kts
- Wind Type
- Thermal — Thermal influence noted; also described as a sea-breeze/diurnal pattern with local wind variability.
- Reliability
- low
- Gust Factor
- Light gusts — Light gustiness reported.
- Best Months
- January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December
- Shadow Zones
- High cliffs and dense vegetation can create wind shadows from westerly directions.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Ocean
- Beach
- Sand — Sand beach.
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Small — Typically small; may require significant swell to work.
- Launch
- Medium — Sandy beach with rock clusters toward the southern end.
- Launch Difficulty
- Moderate — Access is moderate to difficult due to remote approach; launch described as sandy with rock clusters.
Through the year
Quieter than central Ubatuba beaches; busier on weekends and holidays due to hikers.
Summer (December to March) is the rainy season with frequent tropical thunderstorms.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Possible but rare due to difficult access and inconsistent wind; sheltered conditions may be flat enough for foil practice when waves are absent (gear transport by boat may be required).
- Foil Friendly
- Limited — Foil practice possible only under limited conditions.
- Min Depth
- 1.5m
- Wing Sizes
- 5–7 m²
A very sheltered beach break that only works once in a while. With significant southern swell, the point/beach setup can produce peeling waves in a remote, scenic setting; otherwise surf is typically small.
- Optimal Swell
- S, SSE
- Swell Height
- 1–2.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- Mid — One source specifies mid tide for the best working period; another notes it can work at all stages of the tide.
- Shelter
- Sheltered — Reported as very sheltered.
- Wind Effect
- Northeast wind described as working best; offshore wind from the North/Northwest is said to clean up the face.
- Bigger Swell
- Point holds size better on bigger south swells, while the beach can close out.
- Wave Quality
- Average — Wave quality described as poor to average depending on swell.
- Wave Power
- Moderate — When it works, wave power can be moderate; otherwise small/rare.
- Wave Shape
- Peeling — Peeling behavior reported on working swells.
- Peel Speed
- Medium — Peeling waves with medium peel speed reported.
- Ride Length
- Short — Short punchy rides noted; point can run longer on heavier swells.
- Typical Ride Length
- 30–80 m
- Ride Length Details
- Beach break described as short punchy rides; during heavier south swells, the point can offer slightly longer runs (still generally short).
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Bonete (Ubatuba) in the full forecast view.
Bonete (Ubatuba) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 2–9 ktsGusts 21 kts
- Direction
- SE143°
- Strongest day
- Mon, Oct 269 kts
- Windy days
- 0/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.6–1.8 m7s period
- Temperature
- 17–28 °C
Over the next 7 days, Bonete (Ubatuba) is forecast for daytime winds of 2–9 kts, peaking around 9 kts on Monday, October 26 with gusts to 21 kts. The prevailing direction is SE. Waves run 0.6–1.8 m with a period of about 7s. 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
- rocks
- rips
- remote location
- limited cell service
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- None — No lifeguards reported on-site.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- No — Rescue availability reported as no (for the spot).
- Emergency Info
- Emergency services are far; nearest hospital is in Ubatuba city center. Regional emergency numbers: 193 (Fire/Rescue) and 192 (Ambulance).
- Localism / Vibe
- Mild — Localism described as none to mild; treat as a generally relaxed setup but respect standard surf etiquette.
Rules of the spot
Good surf at all stages of the tide.
- Beware of rocks and rips.
- Access is only via boat or the Sete Praias trail; pack everything out (remote conservation area).
- Pack for remoteness; emergency services are far.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Ubatuba
- Nearest Town
- Ubatuba
- Parking
- No vehicle parking at the beach; parking at trailheads in Lagoinha or Fortaleza.
- Access
- Accessible only by boat from Saco da Ribeira or via the Trilha das Sete Praias trail starting from Praia da Lagoinha or Praia da Fortaleza.
- Local Language
- Portuguese
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Simple guesthouses (pousadas) and camping in the nearby fisherman village.
- Food & Drink
- Rustic kiosks and small local eateries serving fresh seafood.
- Equipment Rental:
- No on-site rentals available; bring gear from Ubatuba.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
Scenic coastal trail connecting Lagoinha to Fortaleza beach through the Atlantic Forest.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Bonete (Ubatuba)?
The best overall months at Bonete (Ubatuba) are May, June, July, August. The best wind months are January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December.
Which wind directions work at Bonete (Ubatuba)?
Bonete (Ubatuba) works with N, NW, NE winds. Offshore directions are N, NW.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Bonete (Ubatuba)?
Recommended equipment sizes at Bonete (Ubatuba): Wingfoiling: 5–7 m². The typical wind range is 5–15 kts.
What skill level is Bonete (Ubatuba) suitable for?
Bonete (Ubatuba) suits these riding levels: Wingfoiling: Advanced · Surfing: Intermediate to Expert.