Coxos (Ericeira)

Coxos (Ericeira) is a small, exposed reef break producing a powerful right-hand wave with very fast, hollow sections and long barreling rides. It’s widely described as world-class and iconic for expert surfers, with the wave working from roughly 1.5m to 2m and holding up to around 5m and beyond. Access and hazards are the main limitations. Entry and exit are described as very tricky and typically require a timed rock entry/jump from the rocks, followed by careful navigation around sharp volcanic reef and sea urchins. Strong currents and rip-type hazards have also been reported, with risk increasing near the rocks and in the channel during larger swells. From a wind perspective, Coxos is most favorable with offshore flow from the East/Southeast (and related easterly directions) that helps clean up the face. North winds can be choppier, though some shelter is reported from high cliffs, and low to mid tide is repeatedly highlighted as the best tide window for performance. Crowding and lineup dynamics matter: the peak is described as local-only with heavy localism, and weekend crowds are often reported as more crowded than weekdays. For anyone attempting the spot, the consistent advice is to watch local timing for the entry and only go in if you’re fully confident in heavy surf and safe reef navigation.