Luz (Ibiraquera)
- Shortboard, Longboard
- Best for
- Beginner to Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Chop, 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Luz (Ibiraquera) is a sheltered sandbar/point-influenced beach break near Imbituba that can deliver fairly consistent surf, especially when the northeast swell and northeast/offshore-side wind alignment favor cleaner wave faces. For surfing, the break is described as sheltered relative to nearby options under Northeast winds, with sandbar peaks and a notable right-hand tendency near the northern rocks/point. Northeast winds are generally side-offshore and groom the waves, while South winds tend to be onshore and can make conditions messier. Reports also describe longer, better-formed rides on well-structured south swells, with the northern point offering the best structure on bigger days. Safety is a key consideration: strong rip currents are reported as common, and rocks/submerged hazards exist near the northern headland and point area. Large-swell days can bring a stronger shore break, so experience in handling currents and negotiating the rockier sections is advised. For wind sports, the same Nordeste thermally enhanced pattern supports sailboarding and kitesurfing, but the spot is described as more suitable for advanced riders due to currents, swell, and wave conditions. Wingfoiling is possible but limited, with launching and the shore break/swell being challenging for beginners.
- Sheltered beach-break style surf with consistent sandbar peaks
- Better wave grooming when northeast winds align side-offshore
- Northern point offers the most structured right-hand shape
- Sheltered, sandbar-style surfing with generally consistent conditions
- Northeast winds can groom the waves when offshore-side characteristics align
- Scenic coastline and a respected right-hand point break potential
- Rip currents and rocks near the point can make conditions hazardous
- Currents and rocks require some water experience
- Amenities are limited directly at the beach
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- NE, N, W, NW
- Wind Range
- 12–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Sea breeze — Northeast trade-thermal winds (Nordeste/Nortada) with afternoon sea-breeze behavior; typically stronger/reliable in spring and summer.
- Reliability
- fairly consistent
- Gust Factor
- Steady — Reported as steady.
- Best Months
- September, October, November, December, May, June, July, August
- Shadow Zones
- Northern headland provides a wind shadow when wind is from the North or Northeast (for cleaner/semi-sheltered surfing).
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Chop, Swell
- Beach
- Sand — Sand beach.
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Small — Some reports emphasize small wave size; other reports describe surf that can build and hold up to larger sizes on bigger days.
- Chop Level
- Heavy chop — Reported water type includes chop.
- Launch
- Medium — Wide sandy beach with ample space during low to mid tides.
Through the year
Peak crowds occur during summer holidays (December to February) and on weekends with good surf.
Occasional winter storms from the South can bring heavy rain and cold winds.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Possible for wave riding and freeriding, but many riders prefer flatter water in the nearby lagoon area. Currents and wave conditions make it better suited to experienced riders.
- Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Excellent wave sailing when swell is up and the northeast wind is side-offshore.
- Sail Sizes
- 4.7–5.7 m²
Possible in the open ocean area, but shore break and swell make it challenging for beginners. Requires a short mast for launching.
- Foil Friendly
- Limited — Foil-friendly conditions are limited due to surf/shorebreak.
- Min Depth
- 1.5 meters beyond the shore break.
- Wing Sizes
- 4–6 m²
Sheltered sandbar/point-influenced break with consistent surf. Right-handers near the northern rocks can form better-structured rides on south swells; more sheltered than Ibiraquera under Northeast winds.
- Optimal Swell
- S, SE
- Swell Height
- 1–2 m
- Optimal Tide
- Mid — Optimal tide reported as mid.
- Shelter
- Semi-sheltered — Generally sheltered, especially relative to nearby breaks under Northeast winds.
- Wind Effect
- Northeast winds are side-offshore, helping groom the waves; South winds are onshore and can feel messier.
- Bigger Swell
- Can hold size up to about 2.5 meters before closing out; the northern point offers the best structure.
- Wave Quality
- Good — Good overall quality with sandbar peaks.
- Wave Power
- Moderate — Moderate wave power.
- Wave Shape
- Peeling — Peeling sandbar waves.
- Peel Speed
- Medium — Peeling waves.
- Ride Length
- Medium — Medium ride length.
- Typical Ride Length
- 50–150 m
- Ride Length Details
- Right-handers off the point can offer longer rides on well-formed south swells.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Luz (Ibiraquera) in the full forecast view.
Luz (Ibiraquera) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 2–15 ktsGusts 28 kts
- Direction
- ENE77°
- Strongest day
- Mon, Oct 2615 kts
- Windy days
- 4/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.9–1.6 m7s period
- Temperature
- 12–24 °C
Over the next 7 days, Luz (Ibiraquera) is forecast for daytime winds of 2–15 kts, peaking around 15 kts on Monday, October 26 with gusts to 28 kts. The prevailing direction is ENE. Waves run 0.9–1.6 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
- Rocks at the northern headland
- Strong shore break during large swells
- Submerged rocks near the point
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal — Lifeguards are seasonal.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- No — Reported as no for this spot.
- Emergency Info
- Nearest medical facilities are located in Imbituba.
- Localism / Vibe
- Moderate — Locals can be protective in the lineup; respect local surfers.
Rules of the spot
Standard surfing etiquette applies; respect local surfers in the lineup.
- The trail to Praia do Rosa starts at the northern end of the beach and gives a scouting view of the conditions.
- The northern corner is the most protected from the prevailing northeast wind.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Imbituba
- Nearest Town
- Imbituba
- Nearest Airport
- Florianópolis-Hercílio Luz International Airport (FLN)
- Parking
- Small, unpaved parking area near the beach entrance; fills up quickly on weekends.
- Public Transport
- Local bus services connect Imbituba to Garopaba and Praia do Rosa; a car is recommended for transporting gear between spots.
- Access
- Accessible via a dirt road from Ibiraquera; the last section can be narrow and sandy.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- Portuguese
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Guesthouses (pousadas) and vacation rentals are available in the nearby village of Ibiraquera.
- Food & Drink
- Limited options directly on the beach; most restaurants and bars are located in Ibiraquera.
- Equipment Rental:
- Rental shops for surfboards and kitesurfing gear are located in the main Ibiraquera area.
- Gear Storage
- Several schools and pousadas near the lagoon offer storage lockers for guests and day-visitors.
- Gear Repair
- Sail and kite repair services are available through the main schools in the Ibiraquera area.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
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 high density 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 Luz (Ibiraquera)?
The best overall months at Luz (Ibiraquera) are September, October, November, December. The best wind months are September, October, November, December, May, June, July, August.
Which wind directions work at Luz (Ibiraquera)?
Luz (Ibiraquera) works with NE, N, W, NW winds.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Luz (Ibiraquera)?
Recommended equipment sizes at Luz (Ibiraquera): Kitesurfing: 9–12 m² · Windsurfing: 4.7–5.7 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 12–25 kts.
What skill level is Luz (Ibiraquera) suitable for?
Luz (Ibiraquera) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Advanced · Windsurfing: Advanced · Wingfoiling: Advanced · Surfing: Beginner to Intermediate.