Campeche (Florianópolis)
- Wave, Shortboard
- Best for
- Intermediate to Expert
- Skill Level
- Chop, Ocean
- Spot Type
- Busy
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Campeche is a highly regarded beach-break spot on the southern part of Florianópolis, known for consistent surf and world-class right-hand sandbar waves (“Campeche Rights”). The break is exposed and favors right-handers, with the classic performance arriving during larger south swells and offshore Northwest wind patterns. Surf quality is described as powerful, fast, and hollow on the best days, with rides often reported as very long. Safety is a primary concern here. Strong rip currents and heavy shore-break conditions are common, and there are rocks near the southern end plus a wave breaker hazard. Sources also warn that the lineup can get quite busy when conditions are good, and there is a localism hazard—particularly when the Rights are breaking—so riders should follow standard etiquette and be mindful of swimmers. For wind sports, the wind pattern is described as mixed: Northeast sea-breeze/thermal acceleration is common in afternoon hours during spring and summer, while winter conditions depend more on frontal systems. Typical wind speeds are described in the 15–25 knots range, with higher reliability in spring/summer for wind sports. Best kite/surf setups for the spot include Northeast through East-Northeast winds and South wind options, and offshore grooming is associated with Northwest/West/Southwest winds. Seasonally, winter is highlighted as the best time for surfing swells, with May as a best month for surf conditions. For wind sports, the best months are listed as September through January (with January also included). Expect summer water to be warmer (low-to-mid 20s °C) and winter to be colder (late teens).
- World-class, long right-hand sandbar waves on the right south swell + offshore wind
- Works on all tides
- Seasonal wind window with Northeast/side-onshore options
- Legendary, consistent sandbar right-hand surf (“Campeche Rights”).
- Works on all tides for surfing.
- Reliable wind options seasonally, especially with Northeast setups and winter fronts.
- Clean water and a wide sandy setup area for launching in general.
- Can get quite busy in the water during surf/wind peaks.
- Strong currents/rips and a wave breaker risk.
- Rocks present near the southern end (and offshore).
- Localism hazard during peak conditions.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- N, NNE, NE, ENE, S, SSE, E
- Offshore directions
- NW, W, WSW
- Wind Range
- 15–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Mixed — Wind type described as mixed; Northeast sea-breeze/thermal effects are common in afternoons during spring and summer, with additional influence from frontal systems in winter.
- Reliability
- high in spring and summer for wind sports; winter more dependent on frontal systems
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts — Gustiness described as moderate.
- Best Months
- September, October, November, December, January
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 8–12 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Chop, Ocean
- Beach
- Sand — Sand beach.
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Big — Surf is described as huge/big depending on context; winter swells can build large.
- Chop Level
- Heavy chop — Water type described as chop.
- Launch
- Big — Wide sandy beach with ample space for kite setup; can narrow during high tides or heavy erosion periods.
Through the year
Extremely crowded on sunny weekends and peak summer (January); quieter during weekdays in winter.
Summer months can have tropical rain showers; winter brings cold fronts from the south.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Premier wave-riding setup that can be large and powerful; best with Northeast wind (side-onshore) or South wind (side-shore). Strong currents and powerful waves make it suitable for advanced riders.
- Kite Sizes
- 8–12 m²
Suitable for wave windsurfing during South swells and side-shore winds; launching can be challenging for gear.
- Sail Sizes
- 4.5–6 m²
Possible but challenging due to heavy shore break and powerful waves; depth is sufficient once past the initial break.
- Foil Friendly
- Limited — Foil-friendly described as limited.
- Min Depth
- 1.5 meters
- Wing Sizes
- 4–5.5 m²
An exposed sandbar beach break producing world-class right-hand waves (“Campeche Rights”) during the right swell and offshore wind setup.
- Wave Direction
- Right
- Optimal Swell
- S, SSE
- Swell Height
- 1–2.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- All tides — Works on all tides; both rising and falling tides are mentioned as suitable.
- Shelter
- Exposed — Exposed beach break; open-coast conditions.
- Wind Effect
- Northwest/West/Southwest winds provide optimal offshore grooming for the waves; offshore preferred.
- Bigger Swell
- Holds size well and creates long, barreling sections.
- Wave Quality
- World class — World-class wave quality.
- Wave Power
- Powerful — Described as powerful; also characterized as world-class.
- Wave Shape
- Hollow — Campeche Rights described with a hollow wave shape on the classic days.
- Peel Speed
- Fast — Described as fast.
- Ride Length
- Long — Rides can connect for several hundred meters.
- Typical Ride Length
- 300–500 m
- Ride Length Details
- On classic days, rides can connect for several hundred meters; typical length reported around 300–500 meters.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Campeche (Florianópolis) in the full forecast view.
Campeche (Florianópolis) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 4–19 ktsGusts 33 kts
- Direction
- SE140°
- Strongest day
- Mon, Oct 2619 kts
- Windy days
- 2/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.9–1.7 m7s period
- Temperature
- 15–23 °C
Over the next 7 days, Campeche (Florianópolis) is forecast for daytime winds of 4–19 kts, peaking around 19 kts on Monday, October 26 with gusts to 33 kts. The prevailing direction is SE. Waves run 0.9–1.7 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
- Localism
- Rocks
- Strong rips
- Currents
- Swimmers
- Wave breaker
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal — Lifeguards present during summer months.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Rescue availability described as limited.
- Emergency Info
- Rescue availability is limited; lifeguards are present during summer months. Hospitals are available in the central and southern districts of Florianópolis.
- Localism / Vibe
- Moderate — Localism described as a hazard; one source notes mild localism, another describes moderate localism.
Rules of the spot
Localism hazard noted during peak conditions; follow standard surf/kite etiquette and give way to swimmers (especially when the lineup is active).
- Designated zones for bathers should be avoided by kiters.
- Kiting is restricted in some areas during peak summer months to protect swimmers.
- Take care of the strong rips.
- Be prepared for a long paddle if the current is strong.
- Expect busy conditions when surf is up.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Florianópolis
- Nearest Town
- Campeche
- Nearest Airport
- Florianópolis-Hercílio Luz International Airport (FLN)
- Parking
- Public parking is available near the main beach access, but it fills up quickly on weekends and good surf days.
- Access
- Only 10 km from the airport in Florianópolis; drive east until you reach Campeche. Once inside the island, head south to Campeche beach; the wave breaks in front of the main beach access.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- Portuguese
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Numerous pousadas, hostels, and vacation rentals are available within walking distance in the Campeche neighborhood.
- Food & Drink
- Many beach kiosks and restaurants serving local seafood and açaí along the main access points.
- Equipment Rental:
- Some surf shops in the neighborhood offer board rentals.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
The southern coast around Campeche and Pântano do Sul offers a rugged, preserved coastline with traditional local culture and active wind/wave sport communities.
A protected island with crystal clear water and archaeological sites, accessible by boat from Campeche or Armação.
Historic Hercilio Luz Bridge.
Tamar Project sea turtle conservation.
Traditional Azorean fishing colony known for its seafood restaurants.
Historic Ribeirão da Ilha village.
A challenging hike leading to one of the most remote and beautiful beaches in Florianópolis.
Visiting Joaquina Dunes.
Beach bars at Campeche.
Local cuisine at Pantano do Sul.
World-famous seafood restaurant known for the thousands of paper notes left by visitors.
A calmer beach area suitable for families with nearby historic churches and walking paths.
Beach activities at Campeche.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Campeche (Florianópolis)?
The best overall months at Campeche (Florianópolis) are September, October, November, December, January.
Which wind directions work at Campeche (Florianópolis)?
Campeche (Florianópolis) works with N, NNE, NE, ENE, S, SSE, E winds. Offshore directions are NW, W, WSW.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Campeche (Florianópolis)?
Recommended equipment sizes at Campeche (Florianópolis): Kitesurfing: 8–12 m² · Windsurfing: 4.5–6 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–5.5 m². The typical wind range is 15–25 kts.
What skill level is Campeche (Florianópolis) suitable for?
Campeche (Florianópolis) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Advanced to Expert · Windsurfing: Advanced to Expert · Wingfoiling: Advanced to Expert · Surfing: Intermediate to Expert.