Ibiraquera (Imbituba)
- Freeride, Shortboard
- Best for
- Expert
- Skill Level
- Flat, Mixed, Ocean, Swell
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Ibiraquera (including the Barra/lagoa area) is a wind-and-wave destination known for a combination of a shallow, flat lagoon setup and high-performance surf on nearby point/break conditions. The lagoon is repeatedly described as clean and largely obstacle-free, with shallow depths supporting a straightforward kitesurf setup and progression. Surf conditions are described as very consistent and “world-class,” with waves breaking in a hollow, powerful style over a sandy bottom. For kitesurfing, the most productive period is September through March, when Northeast thermals build reliably from mid-morning. Typical reported wind strength is in the 15–30 knot range, and the wind is described as highly reliable during the main season. One critical safety factor is the state of the lagoon mouth (Barra): it can be closed or open to the sea, and when open, currents near the mouth can be very strong—potentially changing both depth and safety compared with lagoon-only conditions. Surfing is best in winter (July–August), with offshore-favorable northwest winds noted for surf quality. Waves are described as powerful and hollow, with long ride lengths often reported roughly in the 150–300 m range and up to about 300–500 m on good days. Sources also emphasize that ocean conditions are best suited to experienced/advanced surfers given the wave power and presence of hazards such as strong currents. Crowds vary by day: weekdays are typically empty, while weekends can be crowded. Water temperature spans roughly the mid-teens in winter up to the mid-twenties in summer, and wetsuit guidance varies accordingly. Overall, it’s a strong dual-season hub for riders who want both progression-friendly lagoon sessions (for kitesurfing/foil learning) and high-performance surfing during the colder swell season.
- Premier kitesurfing lagoon with shallow, obstacle-free flat water and NE thermal consistency September–March
- Very consistent, hollow, powerful point-break surfing with long rides and swell holding up to around 3 m+
- Key hazard: lagoon mouth (Barra) can open to the sea, creating very strong currents
- Rare double-play: shallow, flat lagoon for progression and freestyle alongside world-class point-break surfing
- NE thermal winds build reliably from mid-morning during the wind season
- Clean sand bottom with very consistent surf described as world-class and capable of holding 3 m+ swells
- Currents can become very strong near the lagoon mouth when the Barra is open to the sea
- Rip currents are present and weekend crowds can increase risk
- Ocean surfing described as for experienced/advanced riders; conditions can be powerful and hollow
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- N, NNE, NE, ENE, E, ESE, SE, SSE, S, SSW, SW, WSW, W, WNW, NW, NNW
- Offshore directions
- NW, WNW
- No-go directions
- NNE, ENE, E, ESE, SE, SSE, S, SSW, WSW, W, WNW, NW, NNW
- Wind Range
- 15–30 kts
- Wind Type
- Thermal — Northeast (Nordeste) thermal wind building reliably from mid-morning; active mainly September–March. Additional guidance indicates the strongest thermal effect is typically afternoon (about 1:00 PM–6:00 PM).
- Reliability
- high
- Gust Factor
- Steady — Reported as steady/low-gust behavior in the lagoon wind season.
- Best Months
- January, February, March, September, October, November, December
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 7–12 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Flat, Mixed, Ocean, Swell
- Beach
- Sand — Sand beach composition.
- Beach Size
- Big
- Waves
- Small — Surf sources also describe waves as powerful with hollow shape; one physical section for the lagoon area lists small wave size, while surf reports indicate big wave capability at the ocean break.
- Chop Level
- Light chop — Lagoon conditions described as flat with some chop/small waves depending on wind and sea state.
- Launch
- Medium — Lagoon self-launch described as easy for kitesurfing; ocean launch characteristics are beach/point-based with wider sandy area described by one provider.
Through the year
Weekdays generally empty; weekends crowded, and summer holidays can be very busy.
Rain can occur year-round; southern frontal storms are reported as more frequent June–August.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Ibiraquera Lagoon is described as a premier kitesurfing destination, combining flat/shallow lagoon water with consistent winds during the main season. Shallow, obstacle-free conditions and the NE thermal wind building reliably from mid-morning support progression from beginner to advanced riding (including foiling and strapless freeride/freestyle).
- Kite Sizes
- 7–12 m²
Reported as one of Brazil’s premier wave-sailing venues with excellent wave-sailing conditions.
- Sail Sizes
- 4.2–5.7 m²
Foil-friendly lagoon conditions (shallow but obstacle-free) with additional ocean-wave riding for more advanced foilers.
- Foil Friendly
- Yes — Foil-friendly is explicitly stated for the lagoon.
- Min Depth
- 0.5 m (reported for lagoon learning conditions)
- Wing Sizes
- 4–6 m²
World-class, sheltered point and beach break with powerful, hollow and consistent waves over a sandy bottom. Waves can break over a sandy bottom near the offshore island and are described as very consistent.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- S, SE, E, NE
- Swell Height
- 1–3 m
- Optimal Tide
- All tides — Works on all tides (rising and falling).
- Shelter
- Sheltered — Reported as sheltered, with sheltered point/break characteristics.
- Wind Effect
- Offshore with West/Northwest winds; Northeast winds are side-on for the main beach.
- Bigger Swell
- Holds size well up to about 3 m+ (10 ft+).
- Wave Quality
- World class — Wave quality reported as world-class / very consistent.
- Wave Power
- Powerful
- Wave Shape
- Hollow
- Peel Speed
- Medium — Peel speed reported as medium in one source; another source reports fast.
- Ride Length
- Long — Typical rides are reported in the 150–300 m range, with 300–500 m on good days.
- Typical Ride Length
- 150–500 m
- Ride Length Details
- Typical ride length ranges from about 150–300 m, with good days reaching about 300–500 m.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Ibiraquera (Imbituba) in the full forecast view.
Ibiraquera (Imbituba) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 2–14 ktsGusts 28 kts
- Direction
- ENE77°
- Strongest day
- Sun, Oct 2514 kts
- Windy days
- 4/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.9–1.8 m7s period
- Temperature
- 12–24 °C
Over the next 7 days, Ibiraquera (Imbituba) is forecast for daytime winds of 2–14 kts, peaking around 14 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 28 kts. The prevailing direction is ENE. Waves run 0.9–1.8 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
- Rip currents (at the beach)
- Strong currents near the mouth of the lagoon when open to the sea (Barra can be closed or open)
- Crowds on weekends
- Rocks near the island/headlands
- Shifting sandbars
- Seasonal marine life (jellyfish)
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal — Lifeguard services are reported as seasonal in the regional group context.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Rescue availability described as limited; lifeguard services operate during summer season (Dec–Mar).
- Emergency Info
- Nearest major hospital reported as Florianópolis; local clinic available in Garopaba (and another source mentions a nearest hospital in Imbituba or Florianópolis).
- Localism / Vibe
- None — No localism issues reported in the kitesurfing-focused provider data; another provider reports localism as moderate.
Rules of the spot
No specific rules mentioned in the provided sources; general local surf etiquette is referenced in one provider result.
- Kitesurfing may be restricted in specific zones during peak holiday seasons for safety (reported).
- For kitesurfing, the lagoon can be a beginner-friendly option—however, confirm whether the Barra (lagoon mouth) is open to the sea because this can significantly change currents and depth.
- Check for rip-current warnings before entering the water.
- Surf point conditions are best for experienced surfers; avoid swimmers in designated areas and respect local surf etiquette.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Imbituba
- Nearest Town
- Ibiraquera village
- Nearest Airport
- Florianópolis-Hercílio Luz International Airport (FLN)
- Parking
- Parking available near the beach and lagoon.
- Public Transport
- Local bus services connect Imbituba to Garopaba and Praia do Rosa; a car is recommended for transporting gear between spots.
- Access
- From Florianópolis: drive south on BR-101; follow signs for Garopaba and then for Ibiraquera or Lagoa de Ibiraquera (and beach access is described as immediate).
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- Portuguese
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Accommodation options are numerous within walking distance around Ibiraquera and in the nearby Praia do Rosa area.
- Food & Drink
- Grocer’s shop, snack bars, and restaurants are referenced; one source also notes several beachfront restaurants serving seafood and local cuisine.
- Equipment Rental:
- Equipment rental is described as available at major sport centers located near the lagoon.
- Gear Storage
- Gear storage is referenced as available at schools/centers and pousadas near the lagoon.
- Gear Repair
- Basic sail and kite repair services referenced; repair services also referenced through schools and shops in the wider area context.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
The Ibiraquera/Imbituba coast is associated with a mix of wind-and-wave culture plus nature-focused activities, including seasonal southern right whale watching.
Southern Right Whales visit the coast to nurse calves between July and November.
Historic maritime and whaling heritage area.
Scenic coastal hiking trail connecting Praia do Rosa and Ibiraquera.
A concentration of upscale seafood and international restaurants located in the Rosa hills.
Shallow, warm-water areas suited for children and family picnics.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Ibiraquera (Imbituba)?
The best overall months at Ibiraquera (Imbituba) are September, October, November. The best wind months are January, February, March, September, October, November, December.
Which wind directions work at Ibiraquera (Imbituba)?
Ibiraquera (Imbituba) works with N, NNE, NE, ENE, E, ESE, SE, SSE, S, SSW, SW, WSW, W, WNW, NW, NNW winds. Offshore directions are NW, WNW. No-go directions are NNE, ENE, E, ESE, SE, SSE, S, SSW, WSW, W, WNW, NW, NNW.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Ibiraquera (Imbituba)?
Recommended equipment sizes at Ibiraquera (Imbituba): Kitesurfing: 7–12 m² · Windsurfing: 4.2–5.7 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 15–30 kts.
What skill level is Ibiraquera (Imbituba) suitable for?
Ibiraquera (Imbituba) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Beginner to Advanced · Windsurfing: Advanced · Wingfoiling: Beginner to Intermediate · Surfing: Intermediate to Advanced.