Cavalinho

Brazil4.2/5
KitesurfingWingfoilingSurfing
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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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 this spot

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
Great for
Kitesurfing freerideKitesurfing waveSurfing shortboard
What's great
  • 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
Heads up
  • 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
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Practical spot guide

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

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
13–30 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Jun–Oct: 3/2mm to 4/3mmNov–Mar: shorty or lycra
Crowds by Season

Can be crowded on weekends and holidays during summer.

Storm/Rain Season

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.

KitesurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

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.

FreerideWave
Kite Sizes
7–12 m²
WingfoilingSkill Level

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
SurfingSkill Level

Right-hand point break that wraps around the headland; starts working at less than 1 m swell and can hold up to 2 m+.

Point break
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.
Forecast

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.

Nearby

Other spots in the area

Safety

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
Ability Level: Intermediate
Recommended Safety Gear
WetsuitLeash

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.

Local Tips
  • 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
Amenities

What's on the beach

Parking
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.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

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.