Itararé (São Vicente)
- Shortboard, Longboard
- Best for
- Beginner
- Skill Level
- Chop
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Itararé is an urban sandy beach-break in São Vicente (between Santos and São Vicente), known for serving as a regular surfing hub with good-quality waves. The break offers both left- and right-hand options and typically features multiple peaks, making it suitable for a range of beginner-oriented sessions. Surf tends to work best at low to mid tide, with falling tide specifically called out as beneficial. Swell usually starts producing usable surf around 1.0–1.5 m and can hold larger sizes up to roughly 2.5 m+ before the waves give out. On typical days, rides are often described around 50–150 m, with longer sessions (about 150–300 m) on better conditions. Conditions are described as semi-sheltered, and offshore winds from the North and Northwest are noted to groom the waves effectively. For wind, the spot is associated with low to moderate wind and afternoon sea-breeze patterns; wind reliability is described as low, so surfing remains the primary focus. Safety-wise, the main concerns are water quality variability (especially around heavy rain), pollution, and weekend crowding. Localism is mentioned as present but generally mild; it can intensify during peak crowds. Practical guidance emphasizes checking water-quality information before entering and visiting during weekdays or off-peak periods for a more comfortable experience.
- Urban beach-break with easy access
- Good wave quality with long rides
- Best at low to mid tide (often with falling tide)
- Swell window from ~1.0–1.5 m up to ~2.5 m+
- Consistent sandy beach-break with good wave quality
- Works from around 1.0–1.5 m and can hold up to about 2.5 m+
- Urban, easy access with established facilities and services
- Water pollution/local water-quality variability after rain
- Ultra crowded on weekends
- Localism can be present, especially when the beach is busy
- Submerged debris and occasional debris are reported
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- N, NE, NW
- Wind Range
- 8–15 kts
- Wind Type
- Sea breeze — Light afternoon sea breezes are common (wind is described as low and not consistently strong for kiteboarding).
- Reliability
- low
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts
- Best Months
- June, July, August, September
- Shadow Zones
- The Ilha Porchat and surrounding hills can create significant wind shadows depending on direction.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Chop
- Beach
- Sand — Sandy beach.
- Beach Size
- Big
- Waves
- Small — Providers describe small to medium surf, with working swell starting around 1.0–1.5 m.
- Chop Level
- Moderate chop
- Launch
- Medium — Wide sandy beach with plenty of space at most tide levels; instant access from the urban area.
Through the year
December to March (summer wet season with tropical afternoon thunderstorms).
By sport
What to expect for each.
Sandy urban beach-break with multiple peaks and long, relatively mellow waves. Works best around low–mid tide (often with falling tide).
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- SW, S
- Swell Height
- 1–2.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- Low, Mid — Best described as low and mid tide; falling tide is specifically mentioned as beneficial.
- Shelter
- Semi-sheltered — Urban coastline setting with only partial exposure; described as semi-sheltered.
- Wind Effect
- Offshore winds from the North and Northwest groom the waves effectively.
- Bigger Swell
- Can hold larger swells up to around 2.5 m before closing out.
- Wave Quality
- Good — Wave quality is consistently described as good.
- Wave Power
- Moderate
- Wave Shape
- Peeling
- Peel Speed
- Medium
- Ride Length
- Medium — Normal rides are typically 50 to 150 m; on good days rides can extend up to about 150 to 300 m.
- Typical Ride Length
- 50–150 m
- Ride Length Details
- Normal 50–150 m; good day length about 150–300 m.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Itararé (São Vicente) in the full forecast view.
Itararé (São Vicente) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 2–12 ktsGusts 23 kts
- Direction
- S181°
- Strongest day
- Mon, Oct 2612 kts
- Windy days
- 0/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.1–0.5 m6s period
- Temperature
- 18–27 °C
Over the next 7 days, Itararé (São Vicente) is forecast for daytime winds of 2–12 kts, peaking around 12 kts on Monday, October 26 with gusts to 23 kts. The prevailing direction is S. Waves run 0.1–0.5 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
- pollution
- water pollution
- localism
- crowds during weekends
- submerged debris
- garbage at the water edge
- urubus near the water edge
- occasional debris
- urban structures
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Rescue availability is described as limited for the area.
- Emergency Info
- Emergency numbers referenced regionally: 193 (fire), 190 (police), 192 (medical/ambulance). Hospitals are available nearby in São Vicente.
- Localism / Vibe
- Mild — Localism is present but generally mild; crowded conditions (weekends) can increase social friction.
Rules of the spot
Standard surfing etiquette applies; water quality alerts frequently advise against swimming after heavy rain. Common urban beach etiquette applies.
- Avoid swimming after heavy rain when water quality alerts are issued.
- Visit on weekdays or off-peak periods for fewer crowds.
- Watch for garbage and urubus near the water edge.
- Check water quality reports before entering, especially around heavy rain.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Santos
- Nearest Town
- São Vicente
- Parking
- Extensive parking available along the beachfront avenue.
- Access
- Instant access (< 5 min walking) from the urban area; urban beach between Santos & São Vicente, accessible via Imigrantes or Anchieta roads from São Paulo.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- Portuguese
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Numerous hotels and holiday rentals within walking distance of the beach.
- Food & Drink
- Beacheside 'quiosques' (kiosks) serve food and drinks; beachfront has restaurant/bar options.
- Equipment Rental:
- Surfboards can be rented directly from schools on the beach.
- Gear Repair
- Basic surf repair may be found in local surf shops in the city.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Itararé (São Vicente)?
The best overall months at Itararé (São Vicente) are June, July, August, September.
Which wind directions work at Itararé (São Vicente)?
Itararé (São Vicente) works with N, NE, NW winds.
What skill level is Itararé (São Vicente) suitable for?
Itararé (São Vicente) suits these riding levels: Surfing: Beginner.