Mar Grosso
- Freeride, Shortboard
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Ocean
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
The spot offers ocean-facing, clean water on a sandy bottom with easy beach access and a large launch area. The jetty (Molhes da Barra) at the southern end is a key physical feature that affects both waves and wind exposure, while the rest of the beach provides room for kitesurfing in common NE/E thermal winds. Safety is a major consideration at the jetty area. Sources report dangerous rip currents and strong currents near the south jetties, so riders should stay aware of current strength and avoid being caught near the structure without appropriate experience. Lifeguards are seasonal and rescue availability is described as limited, so using proper safety gear and keeping a conservative plan is important. For wind sports, summer thermal winds typically reinforce NE/E, with many sessions occurring several days per week. For surfing, conditions improve when wind is offshore for the break—southwest offshore is specifically noted as favorable—while the jetty end is often where riders find the most usable organization. Wave size can range from well under 1 m up to around 2 m+ depending on swell, with rides typically short (about 30–50 m).
- Surf focus near the southern Molhes da Barra jetty end
- NE/E thermal winds in summer with 15–30 knots typical range
- Very broad sand strip helps reduce crowding
- Long, sandy beach with plenty of space for riders
- Surf can become more consistent and organized near the southern Molhes da Barra jetty end
- NE/E winds are common in summer for kitesurfing and wind sports
- Strong currents can occur near the south jetties (Molhes da Barra)
- Rip currents reported at/near jetty areas
- Rescue availability may be limited; lifeguards are seasonal
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- NE, E, SW
- Offshore directions
- SW
- Wind Range
- 15–30 kts
- Wind Type
- Thermal — Summer NE/E thermal winds; winter often stronger from the south.
- Reliability
- winds all year
- Gust Factor
- Light gusts
- Best Months
- January, February, December
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Ocean
- Beach
- Sand
- Beach Size
- Big
- Waves
- Small — Some sources describe small to medium surf; another guide notes working below 1 m and holding up to 2 m+.
- Launch
- Big — Extensive beach with plenty of space; includes wider urban beach areas and areas near the jetties.
- Launch Difficulty
- Easy
Through the year
Very crowded during summer holidays (December to February) and busy on weekends.
Most rain occurs during the summer months in heavy bursts; winter southern fronts can bring more frequent storm conditions.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Long sandy beach with NE/E winds suitable for freeride and wave riding; suited to intermediate riders.
- Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Possible along the open beach when NE wind blows, though the spot is primarily known for surfing the jetty-influenced waves.
- Sail Sizes
- 5–6.5 m²
- Foil Friendly
- Yes
Well-formed waves at the southern Molhes da Barra jetty end, with a beach break that becomes more organized near the jetties.
- Wave Direction
- Right
- Optimal Swell
- ESE, E, ENE
- Swell Height
- 0.5–2 m
- Optimal Tide
- All tides — Sources indicate the break works across tides; one guide notes “best tide movement” without specifying details.
- Shelter
- Exposed — Jetty end provides some organization, but the wider beach is still exposed.
- Wind Effect
- Offshore from the southwest can improve conditions; NE/E winds are less optimal for surfing than SW offshore.
- Bigger Swell
- Can handle larger swells but may close out if it gets too big and messy away from the jetty.
- Wave Quality
- Good — Good wave quality, especially near the jetty.
- Wave Power
- Moderate — Moderate overall power; can become more powerful near the jetty.
- Wave Shape
- Peeling
- Peel Speed
- Medium — Peeling with a medium peel speed.
- Ride Length
- Short — Typically short, especially near the jetties.
- Typical Ride Length
- 30–50 m
- Ride Length Details
- Waves tend to be fast and powerful but short, particularly near the jetties; typical ride length is around 30–50 m.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Mar Grosso in the full forecast view.
Mar Grosso wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 2–16 ktsGusts 28 kts
- Direction
- E98°
- Strongest day
- Mon, Oct 2616 kts
- Windy days
- 4/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.9–1.8 m7s period
- Temperature
- 13–24 °C
Over the next 7 days, Mar Grosso is forecast for daytime winds of 2–16 kts, peaking around 16 kts on Monday, October 26 with gusts to 28 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 at the jetty
- strong currents near the south jetties (Molhes da Barra)
- jetties (Molhes da Barra / stone breakwater)
- road hazard near beach access
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Sources indicate rescue availability can be limited; lifeguards are seasonal.
- Emergency Info
- Emergency number for Fire Department/Ambulance: 193. Hospital de Caridade Senhor Bom Jesus dos Passos in central Laguna.
- Localism / Vibe
- Mild
Rules of the spot
Respect local surfers, especially in the crowded zone near the jetties.
- For surfing, focus is often at the southern Molhes da Barra jetty end.
- Kitesurfing is suited to intermediate riders on the long beach stretch in NE/E winds.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Laguna
- Nearest Town
- Laguna
- Nearest Airport
- Florianópolis International Airport (FLN)
- Parking
- Car access to the start of the southern jetty; ample street parking along Avenida Senador Galotti.
- Public Transport
- Regular bus services connect Laguna to Florianópolis and Tubarão; local taxis and ride-sharing apps serve the immediate coastal area.
- Access
- Drive to the southern start of the Molhes Sul jetty, then walk about 5 minutes.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- Portuguese
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Numerous hotels and guesthouses are located directly across the street from the beach.
- Food & Drink
- Nearby seafood restaurants and bars along the beachfront.
- Equipment Rental:
- Equipment rental is available in the Mar Grosso area for wind and surf activities, with specialized kite gear more limited.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
The Laguna area blends maritime culture and historic heritage, with a standout feature at Molhes da Barra where dolphins assist local fishermen.
A pair of jetties where dolphins famously assist local fishermen by herding mullet toward the nets.
A historic building dedicated to the 'Heroine of Two Worlds' who was born in Laguna.
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 Mar Grosso?
The best overall months at Mar Grosso are September, October, November, December, January, February, March. The best wind months are January, February, December.
Which wind directions work at Mar Grosso?
Mar Grosso works with NE, E, SW winds. Offshore directions are SW.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Mar Grosso?
Recommended equipment sizes at Mar Grosso: Kitesurfing: 9–12 m² · Windsurfing: 5–6.5 m². The typical wind range is 15–30 kts.
What skill level is Mar Grosso suitable for?
Mar Grosso suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Intermediate · Windsurfing: Intermediate · Wingfoiling: Intermediate · Surfing: Beginner.