Laguna (Os Molhes)
- Shortboard, Longboard
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Ocean, Small waves
- Spot Type
- Moderate
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Laguna (Os Molhes) is an exposed beach/jetty/rivermouth surf spot with reasonably consistent waves, often featuring peeling sections shaped by the stone jetty. Conditions are described as best when you get an east to east-southeast swell and offshore grooming from southwest winds, with waves commonly favoring right-hand direction along the break. On the water, the biggest safety concern is the current: reports highlight dangerous rip currents and strong currents near the canal mouth where lagoon water flushes into the sea. Rocks along the jetty and varying sandbanks add additional complexity, and the nearby lagoon entrance can involve ship traffic—so careful site selection matters. The spot can be crowded at certain times, but winter is consistently highlighted as the best season for surfing, with one guide noting March as the best month. Surf is also often better early in the morning before the sea breeze becomes established. Laguna is notable culturally and ecologically for the presence of wild dolphins (“Botos de Laguna”) that assist traditional artisanal fishermen near the jetties; visitors are advised not to interfere with this activity and to be respectful of local surfers.
- Peeling surf shaped by the north jetty / Molhes
- Offshore grooming with southwest winds
- Dangerous rips and strong currents near the canal mouth
- Wild dolphin-assisted fishing near the jetties
- Exposed but reasonably consistent surf with long peeling sections near the jetty
- Best conditions often align with offshore southwest winds and east-northeast/east swells
- Unique wildlife element: wild dolphins assist local fishermen near the jetties
- Dangerous rip currents
- Strong currents near the canal mouth
- Can be crowded at peak times
- Ship traffic in/near the lagoon entrance
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- SW
- Offshore directions
- SW
- Wind Range
- 10–20 kts
- Wind Type
- Frontal — Provider data also indicates offshore grooming is best with southwest winds; one source labels wind type as frontal.
- Reliability
- medium
- Gust Factor
- Light gusts — Reported as light gusts.
- Best Months
- April, May, June, July, August, September
- Shadow Zones
- Wind can be shadowed by the stone jetties depending on the angle.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Ocean, Small waves
- Beach
- Sand — Sand beach reported.
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Medium — Medium surf reported by providers and guides.
- Launch
- Medium — Sandy beach entry next to the stone jetty (molhes).
- Launch Difficulty
- Moderate — Reported as moderate.
Through the year
Can be crowded on weekends and during summer holidays; quieter during winter weekdays.
Rain can occur year-round; winter fronts can bring more frequent storm conditions.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Exposed beach/jetty/rivermouth break with reasonably consistent surf. Best with east swell and offshore southwest winds; waves tend to break right and peel along the jetty.
- Wave Direction
- Right
- Optimal Swell
- E, ESE
- Swell Height
- 0.5–2 m
- Optimal Tide
- Mid
- Shelter
- Exposed — Exposed beach/jetty/rivermouth setting; jetty interactions shape the break, but the overall location is described as exposed.
- Wind Effect
- Southwest and West winds provide the best offshore grooming; southwest winds are preferred for offshore conditions.
- Bigger Swell
- Can handle larger swells, but currents become very dangerous near the canal mouth.
- Wave Quality
- Good — Reported good quality with peeling sections.
- Wave Power
- Moderate — Reported as reasonably consistent with moderate power; also described as exposed but consistent.
- Wave Shape
- Peeling — Peeling sections created by the interaction with the jetty.
- Peel Speed
- Medium — Longer, peeling sections are described.
- Ride Length
- Medium — Waves can peel for over 100 meters along the sandy banks near the jetty.
- Typical Ride Length
- 100 m
- Ride Length Details
- Peel for over 100 meters along the sandy banks near the jetty.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Laguna (Os Molhes) in the full forecast view.
Laguna (Os Molhes) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 2–16 ktsGusts 29 kts
- Direction
- E97°
- Strongest day
- Sun, Oct 2516 kts
- Windy days
- 4/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.9–1.8 m7s period
- Temperature
- 13–23 °C
Over the next 7 days, Laguna (Os Molhes) is forecast for daytime winds of 2–16 kts, peaking around 16 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 29 kts. The prevailing direction is E. 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
- Dangerous rip currents
- Strong currents near the canal mouth where lagoon water flushes into the sea
- Rocks along the jetty
- Ship traffic in the lagoon entrance
- Varying sandbanks
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal — Reported as seasonal.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Seasonal lifeguard services and maritime rescue provided by the Brazilian Fire Department (Corpo de Bombeiros Militar).
- Emergency Info
- Hospital de Caridade Senhor Bom Jesus dos Passos in central Laguna; emergency number for Fire Department/Ambulance is 193.
- Localism / Vibe
- Mild — Reported mild localism.
Rules of the spot
Respect local surfers and maintain distance from fishing areas where dolphins assist traditional artisanal fishermen.
- Watch for dangerous rips and strong currents, especially near the canal mouth.
- Best surf is typically found early in the morning before the sea breeze kicks in.
- Do not interfere with traditional dolphin-assisted fishing.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Laguna
- Nearest Town
- Laguna
- Parking
- Public parking available near the entrance to the jetties.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- Portuguese
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Various pousadas and hotels are available within the city of Laguna.
- Food & Drink
- Several kiosks and small restaurants are located near the beach and the jetty entrance.
- Equipment Rental:
- Limited surf rentals may be found in Laguna town center.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
Laguna combines historic coastal culture with a distinctive maritime wildlife spectacle at the Molhes da Barra (dolphins assisting fishermen).
A pair of jetties where dolphins famously assist local fishermen by herding mullet toward the nets.
One of the largest lighthouses in the Americas, offering world-class surfing and spectacular views south of Laguna.
The beachfront boulevard in Mar Grosso is lined with seafood restaurants and bars serving local shrimp specialties.
Exploring colonial architecture and cobblestone streets of one of Brazil's oldest cities.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Laguna (Os Molhes)?
The best overall months at Laguna (Os Molhes) are January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December. The best wind months are April, May, June, July, August, September.
Which wind directions work at Laguna (Os Molhes)?
Laguna (Os Molhes) works with SW winds. Offshore directions are SW.
What skill level is Laguna (Os Molhes) suitable for?
Laguna (Os Molhes) suits these riding levels: Surfing: Intermediate.