Guriri Beach (São Mateus)
- Freeride, Shortboard
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Chop, 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Guriri Beach (Praia do Guriri) is an exposed, wide sandy beach break on the São Mateus Coast known for fun peeling left and right-hand surf across the beach. The bottom is sandy, and the wave form is described as peeling, with surf generally performing best when swells come in from the east or southeast. For surfing, conditions are typically best in winter for consistency, with May highlighted as the most consistent month for swells. Reported working swell range is about 0.5 to 1.5 meters, and surf can average out depending on conditions; on larger swells, it may close out when swells exceed roughly 2 meters. Optimal tide is described as mid tide. Wind sports are supported by strong, persistent wind patterns. Typical wind conditions are choppy with small-to-medium wave energy, and the spot is especially suited to freeriding and strapless or foil-focused kiting. Wind reliability is described as moderate to high during spring and summer, with the strongest NE trade winds commonly reinforced by afternoon thermal sea-breeze development. Safety is a key consideration: hazards include coral/reef patches and underwater rocks, along with strong currents that can occur depending on swell and a moderate shore break. Local guidance emphasizes checking with nearby surfers for the position of the rockiest patches and being aware that water clarity can become murky after heavy rains due to river influence.
- Winter is optimum for surfing consistency; May is highlighted as the most consistent month for swells.
- NE trade winds with afternoon thermal reinforcement support wind sports.
- Wide launch/rigging space on a big sandy beach.
- Wide sandy beach with lots of space for launch/rigging.
- Reliable winds in season (NE trades with afternoon thermal reinforcement).
- Sandy beach break with peeling left/right waves suitable for multiple skill levels.
- Choppy conditions for water sports at times.
- Coral/reef patches and underwater rocks can be present; currents can be strong depending on swell.
- Surf can close out on larger swell (reported for swells above ~2 meters).
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- NE, S
- Offshore directions
- NE, SE, S
- Wind Range
- 12–22 kts
- Wind Type
- Mixed — Prevailing Northeasterly (NE) trade winds often reinforced by afternoon thermal sea-breeze effect.
- Reliability
- Moderate to high during spring and summer.
- Gust Factor
- Light gusts
- Best Months
- August, September, October, November, December, January
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 9–14 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Chop, Ocean
- Beach
- Sand — Sandy bottom beach break.
- Beach Size
- Big
- Waves
- Medium — Surf conditions described as medium with a reported working swell range of about 0.5 to 1.5 meters (surf).
- Chop Level
- Heavy chop — Conditions are described as choppy for wind sports.
- Launch
- Big — Wide sandy beach with significant space for rigging and launching.
Through the year
Can be very crowded during Brazilian summer holidays (December to February) and Carnival; calmer outside peak periods.
Rainy season typically occurs between November and March, often as short, heavy afternoon showers.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Large open sandy beach that suits freeriding; conditions are typically choppy with small to medium waves that favor bump-and-jump or strapless riding.
- Kite Sizes
- 9–14 m²
Suitable for freeriding and bump-and-jump windsurfing, especially when the NE winds are active.
Viable due to open beach space and consistent wind, but shorebreak and chop require some experience.
- Foil Friendly
- Yes
- Wing Sizes
- 4–6 m²
A sandy-bottom beach break producing fun left and right-hand waves that peel across the beach.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- E, SE
- Swell Height
- 0.5–1.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- Mid
- Shelter
- Exposed — Exposed beach with no significant protection indicated; open coastline character.
- Wind Effect
- Onshore NE winds can make the conditions messy; S or SW winds provide cleaner faces.
- Bigger Swell
- Can close out when swells exceed 2 meters.
- Wave Quality
- Average
- Wave Power
- Moderate
- Wave Shape
- Peeling
- Peel Speed
- Medium
- Ride Length
- Medium — Ride length typically under about 50 meters.
- Ride Length Details
- Usually less than 50 meters.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Guriri Beach (São Mateus) in the full forecast view.
Guriri Beach (São Mateus) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 4–15 ktsGusts 25 kts
- Direction
- E82°
- Strongest day
- Sat, Oct 2415 kts
- Windy days
- 4/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.7–1.4 m6s period
- Temperature
- 22–31 °C
Over the next 7 days, Guriri Beach (São Mateus) is forecast for daytime winds of 4–15 kts, peaking around 15 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 25 kts. The prevailing direction is E. Waves run 0.7–1.4 m with a period of about 6s. 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
- coral
- underwater rocks
- coral patches
- strong currents
- shore break
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Lifeguard (Bombeiros) stations are present along main beach areas during peak tourist seasons and weekends; broader rescue availability is limited for the spot.
- Emergency Info
- Emergency number: 193 (fire/rescue). 190 (police) and 192 (medical) are also listed. Nearest major medical facility is Hospital Estadual Roberto Silvares in São Mateus.
- Localism / Vibe
- Mild
Rules of the spot
Check with local surfers about the position of the rockiest patches; the beach can have underwater coral/reef areas further out or along specific sections. After heavy rains, water can become murky due to river influence.
- The water can become murky after heavy rains due to river influence.
- Check with local surfers about the position of the rockiest patches.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- São Mateus
- Nearest Town
- Guriri
- Nearest Airport
- Vitória Airport (VIX)
- Parking
- Parking is available along the beachfront and near the various kiosks.
- Public Transport
- Regular bus services connect the mainland city of São Mateus to the island of Guriri; long-distance buses link São Mateus to state and national capitals.
- Access
- Accessible via paved roads from the center of São Mateus.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- Portuguese
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Extensive selection of pousadas and hotels in the Guriri beach village area.
- Food & Drink
- Beach kiosks and restaurants serving local seafood.
- Equipment Rental:
- Limited professional rental centers; most gear is managed by local independent instructors or small clubs.
- Gear Storage
- Typically available through local pousadas catering to wind sports or small beach clubs.
- Gear Repair
- Basic kite and sail repairs available through local riders and small workshops in the São Mateus area.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
The region blends active beach culture with domestic tourism activity and ecological attractions.
Sea turtle conservation center on Guriri Island with educational exhibits and turtle releases.
Historic harbor area with colonial architecture and regional cultural history.
Mangrove and river-system exploration of the area separating the island from the mainland.
Strip of bars and restaurants serving local moqueca capixaba and fresh seafood.
Local leisure park with pools and slides for children.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Guriri Beach (São Mateus)?
The best overall months at Guriri Beach (São Mateus) are May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December, January. The best wind months are August, September, October, November, December, January.
Which wind directions work at Guriri Beach (São Mateus)?
Guriri Beach (São Mateus) works with NE, S winds. Offshore directions are NE, SE, S.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Guriri Beach (São Mateus)?
Recommended equipment sizes at Guriri Beach (São Mateus): Kitesurfing: 9–14 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 12–22 kts.
What skill level is Guriri Beach (São Mateus) suitable for?
Guriri Beach (São Mateus) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Intermediate · Windsurfing: Intermediate · Wingfoiling: Intermediate · Surfing: Beginner to Intermediate.