Itacimirim
- Shortboard, Longboard
- Best for
- Beginner to Advanced
- Skill Level
- Swell
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Itacimirim is an exposed north Bahia point break over a reef, known for reasonably consistent surf—most reliably when the south swell is in and at high tide. The main hazard is rocks/submerged reef around the point, so tide timing matters to avoid shallow sections. Local guidance emphasizes that the wave is best at mid to high tide. In surfing terms, the spot is described as a right-hand point break with peeling, moderately powered waves. Typical conditions are considered good and reasonably consistent, with longer peels on better days; on good swells the wave can peel for over 100 meters. The spot is also framed as low-profile for crowding, with unlikely overcrowding even when conditions are good. Wind-wise, Itacimirim sits in a region with steady East/Southeast trade winds, and there can be a thermal-driven afternoon build that strengthens through spring and summer. For wind sports, trade-wind periods support kitesurfing and windsurfing, while wingfoiling benefits from deeper water outside the break and from the river mouth area at high tide. Water and comfort-wise, the coast is described as clean and warm, with water temperatures running in the high 20s in the summer months and mid-20s in the cooler season. Lifeguard coverage is seasonal, and dedicated rescue services for kite/windsurf are limited; overall emergency access is available through regional emergency numbers, with major medical facilities in Praia do Forte or Salvador.
- Exposed right-hand point break over reef
- Best with south swell and high tide (especially May)
- Low crowding most of the time
- Warm water year-round; thermal winds can strengthen in afternoons
- Reasonably consistent point-break surf, especially with the right south swell and high tide
- Generally low crowding even when surf is up
- Warm tropical water and year-round riding base on the coast
- Rocks and reef make conditions unforgiving if you mistime tide or positioning
- Exposed point break can be affected by wind
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- N, NE, E, ENE, ESE, SE, SSE, S, SSW, SW, WSW, W, WNW, NW, NNW, SSE
- Wind Range
- 12–22 kts
- Wind Type
- Trade — Steady East to Southeast trade winds; thermal effect can strengthen as land heats up.
- Reliability
- High during the dry season
- Gust Factor
- Steady
- Best Months
- May
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Swell
- Beach
- Sand — Mix of sandy beach with reef-influenced sections.
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Medium — Surf can range from small to well-developed point-break waves depending on swell.
- Launch
- Medium — Wide sandy beach with ample space for equipment (launch/entry conditions depend on tide and location within the bay/reef area).
- Launch Difficulty
- Easy — Wide sandy launch area; reef access requires careful timing for safer entry.
Through the year
Weekends and summer holidays (December-February) are busy; weekdays are generally quiet.
Rainy season typically occurs from April to July.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Kitesurfing is centered around the river mouth area for flatter water and steadier winds, with the ocean side offering smaller wave riding.
- Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Good for freeriding and small wave exploration when the trade winds are active.
- Sail Sizes
- 5.5–7.5 m²
Suitable for winging, especially in the deeper areas outside the break; the river mouth is also used during high tide.
- Foil Friendly
- Yes
- Min Depth
- 1.5 meters
- Wing Sizes
- 4–6 m²
Exposed right-hand point break over a reef with reasonably consistent surf; best on south swell and high tide.
- Wave Direction
- Right
- Optimal Swell
- S, SSE
- Swell Height
- 1–2 m
- Optimal Tide
- High — High tide is favored to access the reef safely and improve wave formation.
- Shelter
- Exposed
- Wind Effect
- Offshore wind is rare; light mornings or cross-shore trades are typical. Exposed nature means wind can affect grooming.
- Bigger Swell
- Can handle larger swells up to 2.5 meters before closing out.
- Wave Quality
- Good — Generally reasonably consistent surf.
- Wave Power
- Moderate
- Wave Shape
- Peeling
- Peel Speed
- Medium
- Ride Length
- Medium — Can peel for over 100 meters on good swells.
- Typical Ride Length
- 100 m
- Ride Length Details
- Waves can peel for over 100 meters on good swells.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Itacimirim in the full forecast view.
Itacimirim wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 4–13 ktsGusts 27 kts
- Direction
- ENE77°
- Strongest day
- Sun, Oct 2513 kts
- Windy days
- 2/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 1.1–1.9 m7s period
- Temperature
- 25–33 °C
Over the next 7 days, Itacimirim is forecast for daytime winds of 4–13 kts, peaking around 13 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 27 kts. The prevailing direction is ENE. Waves run 1.1–1.9 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
- Rocks
- Submerged reef
- Currents
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited
- Emergency Info
- Municipal lifeguards are present at major tourist beaches, but dedicated kite/windsurf rescue boat services are limited. General emergency services can be reached via 192 (Ambulance) and 193 (Fire/Rescue). Major medical facilities are in Praia do Forte or Salvador.
- Localism / Vibe
- Mild
Rules of the spot
Standard right-of-way rules apply; respect local surfers at the point break.
- The point break works best at mid to high tide to avoid shallow rocks.
- Use Praia da Barra (river mouth) as the preferred area for kitesurfing to help avoid swimmers.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Mata de São João
- Nearest Town
- Mata de São João
- Nearest Airport
- Salvador-Deputado Luís Eduardo Magalhães International Airport (SSA)
- Parking
- Public parking available near the beach access points.
- Public Transport
- Regular bus services and private transfers connect the region to Salvador via BA-099 (Linha Verde).
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- Portuguese
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Numerous pousadas, hotels, and vacation rentals located within walking distance of the beach.
- Food & Drink
- Beach clubs and local restaurants serving seafood and Bahian cuisine.
- Equipment Rental:
- Surfboards and stand-up paddleboards available for rent at local schools.
- Gear Storage
- Available at some local surf schools and hotels.
- Gear Repair
- Basic ding repair services available locally.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
The area is known for eco-tourism with protected coastal environments and visitor-friendly infrastructure along the Mata de São João coast.
Sea turtle conservation center in nearby Praia do Forte with educational exhibits and turtle tanks.
Ruins of a medieval-style castle with panoramic views of the coastline.
Humpback whale watching tours are popular from July to October during the migration period to warm coastal waters.
Pedestrian village with upscale dining, traditional Bahian cuisine, and lively bars.
Low-tide coral reef pools suitable for snorkeling and safe swimming for children.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Itacimirim?
The best overall months at Itacimirim are May.
Which wind directions work at Itacimirim?
Itacimirim works with N, NE, E, ENE, ESE, SE, SSE, S, SSW, SW, WSW, W, WNW, NW, NNW, SSE winds.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Itacimirim?
Recommended equipment sizes at Itacimirim: Kitesurfing: 9–12 m² · Windsurfing: 5.5–7.5 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 12–22 kts.
What skill level is Itacimirim suitable for?
Itacimirim suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Beginner · Windsurfing: Intermediate · Wingfoiling: Intermediate · Surfing: Beginner to Intermediate.