Cavalinho
- Freeride, Shortboard
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Small waves, Medium waves
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Cavalinho is a dual-sport spot near Laguna (Santa Catarina) on the ocean-facing side of Praia do Gi. For kitesurfing, the spot is best with winds from the NE, with summer conditions commonly described as 15–30 knots and reported as tide-independent. Wind reliability is summarized as about 3–4 days per week in summer and higher during spring/summer seasons, with thermal reinforcement/sea-breeze behavior that typically builds in the afternoon. For surfing, Cavalinho is characterized as a right-hand point break that wraps around the headland. It starts working at less than 1 m swell and can hold up to around 2 m+; on some better days it can keep offering longer peeling sections. Reports also indicate a working swell window roughly around 1.0–2.5 m from the south/south-east, with groomed wave faces on N/NE winds. Access is mainly via a short walk from the left side of Ponta do Gi, with car/dirt-road access described for reaching the launch area. The beach/launch is described as a large sandy area, but safety matters: rocks at the point, submerged rocks near the headland, moderate shore break, and possible rip currents are all highlighted. Local guidance emphasizes watching the rocks during launch and keeping kite riders downwind of the main surf peak. Water conditions are generally described as clean, with a sandy bottom (and rock elements near the break). For gear, no wetsuit is reported as needed by one provider, while another provides a seasonal temperature-based recommendation (winter 3/2 mm full suit; summer shorty/lycra). Lifeguards are described as seasonal and rescue availability as no at the spot level, so plan accordingly and use the nearby Laguna medical facilities in emergencies.
- NE winds in summer for kitesurfing (15–30 knots reported)
- Right-hand point break with peeling walls and strong hold on swell
- Short access walk from Ponta do Gi’s left side
- Reliable NE winds in summer for kitesurfing
- High-quality right-hand point break for surfing (regional classic feel)
- Clean water and generally short beach walk access
- Rock hazards at the point and submerged rocks near the headland
- Can be crowded on weekends and holidays
- Rescue availability reported as no (spot-level); emergency access relies on local services
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- NE
- Wind Range
- 15–30 kts
- Wind Type
- Thermal — NE-driven thermal/sea-breeze pattern reported for the spot; also described as a strong afternoon sea breeze in summer.
- Reliability
- 3–4 days per week in summer; high during spring and summer seasons
- Gust Factor
- Steady
- Best Months
- January, February, December
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 7–12 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Small waves, Medium waves
- Beach
- Sand
- Beach Size
- Big
- Waves
- Medium — Providers describe both small and medium waves; surfing holds up to 2 m+.
- Launch
- Big — Large sandy beach area at the northern corner of the bay.
- Launch Difficulty
- Moderate
Through the year
Can be crowded on weekends and holidays during summer.
Scattered rain possible throughout the year; higher frequency in late summer (January to March can see late afternoon tropical thunderstorms).
By sport
What to expect for each.
NE wind with 15–30 knots in summer (reported reliable about 3–4 days/week). Works as tide-independent conditions with small-to-medium waves and clean faces depending on wind angle.
- Kite Sizes
- 7–12 m²
Suitable for wave foiling when swells are manageable; rocky point requires caution during entry and exit.
- Foil Friendly
- Yes
- Min Depth
- 1.5 meters
- Wing Sizes
- 4–6 m²
Right-hand point break that wraps around the headland; starts working at less than 1 m swell and can hold up to 2 m+.
- Wave Direction
- Right
- Optimal Swell
- S, SE
- Swell Height
- 1–2.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- Mid — Best reported as mid tide.
- Shelter
- Semi-sheltered — Protected somewhat by the headland shape (semi-sheltered).
- Wind Effect
- Offshore with N/NE winds which grooms the wave faces.
- Bigger Swell
- Holds size well up to about 2.5 m before starting to close out.
- Wave Quality
- Excellent — Described as regional classic / high-quality with excellent quality on good days.
- Wave Power
- Moderate
- Wave Shape
- Peeling
- Peel Speed
- Medium
- Ride Length
- Short — Typical rides commonly 50–150 m; can extend longer on classic days.
- Typical Ride Length
- 50–150 m
- Ride Length Details
- Short to medium rides commonly 50–150 m; can reach ~300 m on classic days.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Cavalinho in the full forecast view.
Cavalinho wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 2–16 ktsGusts 28 kts
- Direction
- E97°
- Strongest day
- Mon, Oct 2616 kts
- Windy days
- 4/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.1–0.3 m5s period
- Temperature
- 13–24 °C
Over the next 7 days, Cavalinho 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 E. Waves run 0.1–0.3 m with a period of about 5s. 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 at the point
- submerged rocks
- rip currents
- moderate shore break
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- No — Rescue availability reported as no (spot-level).
- Emergency Info
- Nearest medical facilities are in the town of Laguna.
- Localism / Vibe
- Mild
Rules of the spot
Standard surf and kite etiquette applies; give priority to surfers at the point when kiting.
- Watch the rocks when launching at the northern corner.
- The point works best with a solid South swell.
- Kitesurfers should stay downwind of the main surf peak.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Florianopolis
- Nearest Town
- Laguna
- Parking
- Unpaved/car parking near the beach entrance is reported; car access required.
- Access
- Short walk (5–15 minutes) from the left side of Ponta do Gi; also described as access via dirt road at the end of Praia do Gi. Car access required.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- Portuguese
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Near — Vacation rentals and pousadas available in Laguna and near Praia do Gi.
- Food & Drink
- Some seasonal kiosks and beach bars nearby; more options in central Laguna.
- Equipment Rental:
- Limited availability in nearby surf shops in Laguna; also described as available through local instructors and small seasonal kiosks (mostly kitesurfing/foiling/SUP-focused).
- Gear Storage
- None reported at the spot (limited dedicated gear storage).
- Gear Repair
- Basic surf repair shops in Laguna.
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 Cavalinho?
The best overall months at Cavalinho are January, February, December.
Which wind directions work at Cavalinho?
Cavalinho works with NE winds.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Cavalinho?
Recommended equipment sizes at Cavalinho: Kitesurfing: 7–12 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 15–30 kts.
What skill level is Cavalinho suitable for?
Cavalinho suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Intermediate · Wingfoiling: Intermediate · Surfing: Expert.