Ilha Comprida
- Freeride, Shortboard
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Swell, Small waves
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Ilha Comprida is a very long, sandy, exposed coastline on the south side of São Paulo state, known for combining ample space with generally consistent ocean conditions. For surfing, it’s described as a beach-break that can work on both sides and tends to hold distant groundswells, while also being vulnerable to poor visibility/conditions caused by dangerous water movement. Surf sessions are best treated as intermediate-focused because of the current risk: dangerous rip currents and strong currents are specifically flagged, and there are also reports of shifting sandbars and occasional fishing nets near the shore. The beach is open and exposed, so wind and swell changes can affect peak shape quickly; one description also notes that the ride can close out when swell gets too large. Wind sports benefit from the island’s scale: the open beach layout provides room for launches and landings, which is especially useful for downwinders. NE trade/sea-breeze winds are associated with more reliable afternoon wind in warmer months, and northwest winds are often referenced for offshore grooming that improves usability for freeride styles. Seasonally, winter into early summer is highlighted for more consistent surfing swells (with June as a frequently cited peak month). Even though the beach can be busy during peak holiday periods, the sheer length typically keeps most water-sport areas from feeling crowded year-round.
- 74 km of largely continuous sandy beach with few fixed obstacles
- Exposed beach-break surfing with fairly consistent surf
- Large space supports kite downwinders and reduced crowding pressure
- NE trade winds and afternoon thermal effects can reinforce wind in warmer months
- High water quality reported for the coastline (regular monitoring by state environmental agencies)
- Exposed but fairly consistent surf for an uncrowded beach setting
- Very large sandy beach with ample space for launching and landing
- Wind conditions suit long downwinders and freeride/foil activities in season
- Rarely crowded overall (immense length reduces crowding)
- Dangerous rip currents / strong currents reported
- Shifting sandbars and occasional fishing nets near shore
- Exposed conditions can make sessions demanding
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- NW
- Offshore directions
- NW
- Wind Range
- 12–22 kts
- Wind Type
- Trade — Prevailing trade-wind regime noted for the spot; winds are commonly discussed in terms of NE offshore grooming for kite sessions.
- Reliability
- Steady for surf/wind windows mentioned; NE is described as very reliable in spring and summer, while S winds are tied to weather fronts.
- Gust Factor
- Steady — Reported as steady for the spot.
- Best Months
- April, May, June, July, August, September
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 9–14 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Swell, Small waves
- Beach
- Sand — Entirely sandy.
- Beach Size
- Small
- Waves
- Small — Surf wave size described as small by one source; another describes wave size as medium.
- Launch
- Big — Extremely spacious sandy beach spanning over 70 kilometers for launching and landing.
- Launch Difficulty
- Easy — Extremely spacious sandy beach provides easy launch/landing in many sections.
Through the year
Peak crowds in January and during Carnival; nearly empty for the rest of the year.
Heaviest rains most common from December to March; rainy season noted as January to March.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Massive length of open sandy beach supports long downwinders. Typical conditions are described as cross-onshore with small to medium waves, suitable for freeride and strapless wave riding.
- Kite Sizes
- 9–14 m²
Described as good for bump and jump conditions and long reaches; sandy bottom and lack of obstacles make it a training-friendly area.
Open beach provides space, but foilers should be mindful of shore break and moving sandbars.
- Foil Friendly
- Yes — Foil friendly reported.
- Min Depth
- 1.5 meters
- Wing Sizes
- 5–6 m²
Exposed beach break with fairly consistent surf, working both left and right; shelter level is exposed with varying peaks along the coastline.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- SE, S
- Swell Height
- 1–2 m
- Optimal Tide
- All tides, Mid — One source indicates it works at all tide stages; another describes optimal tide as mid.
- Shelter
- Exposed — Open, exposed coastline; no meaningful shelter indicated.
- Wind Effect
- Works best with northwest offshore winds for grooming; also described as working in light onshore conditions.
- Bigger Swell
- Can close out when swell exceeds 2.5 meters; otherwise holds distant groundswells.
- Wave Quality
- Good — Wave quality described as good by one source; another describes it as average.
- Wave Power
- Moderate — Wave power described as moderate.
- Wave Shape
- Mushy — Wave shape described as mushy.
- Peel Speed
- Medium — Peel speed described as medium.
- Ride Length
- Medium — Ride length described as medium; typical rides reported around 50–100 meters depending on sandbar configuration.
- Typical Ride Length
- 50–100 m
- Ride Length Details
- Typical rides range from 50 to 100 meters depending on sandbar configuration (typical value cited around 70 m).
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Ilha Comprida in the full forecast view.
Ilha Comprida wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 2–12 ktsGusts 27 kts
- Direction
- SE140°
- Strongest day
- Mon, Oct 2612 kts
- Windy days
- 1/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.5–1.0 m6s period
- Temperature
- 18–27 °C
Over the next 7 days, Ilha Comprida is forecast for daytime winds of 2–12 kts, peaking around 12 kts on Monday, October 26 with gusts to 27 kts. The prevailing direction is SE. Waves run 0.5–1.0 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
- Dangerous rip currents
- Strong currents
- Shifting sandbars
- Fishing nets near the shore
- Occasional fishing nets near the shore and sandbanks that shift with the tides
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal — Seasonal lifeguard presence reported.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Rescue described as limited; maritime rescue services referenced along main beach sectors by the local Fire Department.
- Emergency Info
- Nearest major medical facility reported as Hospital Regional de Pariquera-Açu (about 45 minutes away). Regional emergency response also referenced via national services (192 SAMU / 193 Bombeiros).
- Localism / Vibe
- None — No localism issues indicated.
Rules of the spot
Stay off roads at night in unfamiliar areas. Respect designated swimming areas near the main urban centers where surfing and kiting may be restricted during peak holiday hours. No motorized vehicles on certain protected beach zones.
- No motorized vehicles on certain protected beach zones
- Respect designated swimming areas near main urban centers during peak holiday hours
- Watch out for dangerous rips
- Check for local fishing activity before launching
- The northern end near the Boqueirão is more developed, while the southern end is wilder and more exposed
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Ilha Comprida
- Nearest Town
- Ilha Comprida
- Parking
- Ample parking is available along the Avenida Beira Mar which runs parallel to the beach.
- Public Transport
- Intercity buses connect the region to São Paulo and Curitiba; a bridge provides vehicle access to the mainland.
- Access
- Accessible by bridge from the town of Iguape or by ferry from Cananéia at the southern end.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- Portuguese
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Near — Pousadas and holiday rentals are located in the town center and along the coastal road; accommodation directly behind the beach dunes is also referenced.
- Food & Drink
- Beach kiosks (quiosques) serve snacks and drinks; the town center has full restaurants.
- Equipment Rental:
- Limited surf rentals may be found in the town center near the main beach access; kitesurfing and surfing gear rental also available via local schools/specialized shops.
- Gear Storage
- Several wind-sport centers and beachfront pousadas provide secure storage for boards and kites.
- Gear Repair
- Basic sail and kite repairs can be found at local centers; major repairs may require sending gear to São Paulo.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
The area is nature-focused and tranquil, centered on expansive sandy beaches and dunes, with nearby estuary environments suitable for wildlife viewing.
Large preserved sand dunes offering scenic views and hiking opportunities.
A nearby colonial town with well-preserved 18th and 19th-century architecture.
Boat trips through the mangrove systems for bird watching and dolphin spotting.
A hub of local seafood restaurants and bars located at the main island entrance.
Guided nature walks suitable for all ages through protected environmental areas.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Ilha Comprida?
The best overall months at Ilha Comprida are April, May, June, July, August, September.
Which wind directions work at Ilha Comprida?
Ilha Comprida works with NW winds. Offshore directions are NW.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Ilha Comprida?
Recommended equipment sizes at Ilha Comprida: Kitesurfing: 9–14 m² · Wingfoiling: 5–6 m². The typical wind range is 12–22 kts.
What skill level is Ilha Comprida suitable for?
Ilha Comprida suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Intermediate · Windsurfing: Intermediate · Wingfoiling: Intermediate · Surfing: Intermediate.