Marataízes (Espírito Santo)

KitesurfingWingfoilingSurfing
Freeride, Shortboard
Best for
Beginner
Skill Level
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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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 this spot

About

Marataízes is an exposed coastal beach break known for unreliable waves, with surfing that depends heavily on the right swell arriving under workable wind conditions. Best results are most consistently reported during May through September when the south-swell pattern is strongest, and good days can produce waves up to around 1.5 meters on qualifying south swells. Surf conditions here are wind-sensitive: prevailing Northeast winds can make surfaces choppy and blown out, and surfing is generally best earlier in the morning before the Northeast wind strengthens. In larger swell events, conditions can also become messy and current-dominated, and rides tend to be short—often punchy and liable to close out. Safety-wise, the bottom is reported to include coral hazards and there are also submerged rocks in certain beach sections (notably near central piers and points). A moderate shore break is reported, and rip currents are also mentioned as a hazard. After heavy rain, urban runoff can affect water conditions, so conditions should be checked before entering the water. Beyond surfing, the town is also described as a wind sports destination when thermal Northeast winds build through the afternoon. Kitesurfing and wingfoiling are reported as particularly suitable during the windier part of the year, with Northeast winds providing the classic side-onshore feel; lifeguard support is seasonal and rescue capability is described as limited.

  • Exposed beach break that performs best with south swells from May to September
  • Coral and rock hazards require extra caution
  • Thermal Northeast afternoon wind supports kitesurfing and wing foiling later in the year
Great for
Surfing shortboardSurfing bodyboardKitesurfing freerideKitesurfing foilWingfoil freeride
What's great
  • Often strongest and most consistent surfing conditions from May to September with south swells.
  • Warm year-round water temperature (around the mid-20s °C).
  • Wind-based sports season when thermal Northeast winds arrive (especially spring/early winter).
  • Wide sandy areas can provide multiple launch spots along the coast.
Heads up
  • Unreliable surf conditions at an exposed beach break.
  • Waves are sensitive to wind; Northeast afternoons can blow out faces.
  • Coral hazards on the bottom (plus rocks in some sections) increase risk.
  • Crowds can be high during holidays.
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Practical spot guide

Wind, water and seasons

Wind

Direction
NE, E, SW
Wind Range
12–22 kts
Wind Type
Trade — Northeast trade winds with strong afternoon sea-breeze/thermal build.
Reliability
30% blown, 12% clean (surf wind cleanliness); NE afternoons are described as the classic/most reliable wind.
Gust Factor
Light gusts — Generally light gustiness reported; conditions can still feel blown onshore depending on wind and swell.
Best Months
May, June, July, August, September
Recommended Kite Sizes
9–14 m²

Water & beach

Water Type
Swell
Beach
Sand — Sand beach.
Beach Size
Medium
Waves
Small — Surf is often small/short rides, but can build on good south swells (reported up to ~1.5 meters).
Chop Level
Moderate chop — Northeast winds often create choppy/blown-out conditions.
Launch
Big — Wide sandy beach area suitable for launching in several spots along the coast.

Through the year

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
21–27 °C
Water Temperature
19–32 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Jan, Feb: Swimwear or rashguardsJun–May: 2mm springsuit or thin steamer (and early mornings in winter may need more coverage)
Crowds by Season

Very crowded during Brazilian summer holidays in January and February.

Storm/Rain Season

October to January sees higher rainfall.

By sport

What to expect for each.

KitesurfingSkill Level

Fr​ee​ride and foiling when the steady side-onshore Northeast winds arrive; wave conditions usually small and manageable for intermediate riders.

FreerideFoilStrapless
Kite Sizes
9–14 m²
WingfoilingSkill Level

Increasingly popular due to steady thermal winds and relatively deep water beyond the shore break; sandy bottom is reported as relatively safe for foil equipment.

Foil Friendly
Yes
Min Depth
1.5 meters
SurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

Exposed beach break with unreliable waves. Works best on south swells during May–September; coral hazards require caution.

Beach break
Wave Direction
Both
Optimal Swell
S, SE
Swell Height
0.5–1.5 m
Optimal Tide
All tides — Optimal tide reported as all-tides.
Shelter
Exposed
Wind Effect
Choppy/blown out by prevailing Northeast winds; needs lighter West winds for cleaner faces.
Bigger Swell
Can become messy and dominated by strong currents during major swell events; waves can reach around 1.5 meters on good south swells.
Wave Quality
Average — Unreliable surf overall; best conditions tend to come with south swells.
Wave Power
Moderate
Wave Shape
Mixed — Working peaks can be short and punchy; can close out in larger swells.
Peel Speed
Medium
Ride Length
Short — Short rides; waves are generally short and punchy.
Ride Length Details
Waves are often short and punchy, and can close out in larger swells.
Forecast

Check the forecast before you go

See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Marataízes (Espírito Santo) in the full forecast view.

Marataízes (Espírito Santo) wind and wave forecast summary

Wind
2–15 ktsGusts 28 kts
Direction
E101°
Strongest day
Mon, Oct 2615 kts
Windy days
3/712 kts or more
Waves
0.8–1.4 m6s period
Temperature
20–32 °C

Over the next 7 days, Marataízes (Espírito Santo) 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 E. Waves run 0.8–1.4 m with a period of about 6s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.

Nearby

Other spots in the area

Safety

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

  • coral
  • shore break
  • rip currents
  • submerged rocks near piers
  • submerged rocks in certain beach sections (particularly near central piers and points)
  • urban runoff after heavy rain
Ability Level: Beginner
Recommended Safety Gear
LeashWetsuit

Rescue & support

Lifeguard
Seasonal — Seasonal lifeguards are provided along the main beaches.
Rescue & Self-Rescue
Limited — Rescue availability described as limited; no dedicated kite-rescue boats noted as standard.
Emergency Info
Nearest health center: Hospital Municipal de Marataízes. For fire/rescue dial 193 and ambulance 192.
Localism / Vibe
Mild — Mild localism reported.

Rules of the spot

Respect the local swimmers and designated bathing areas in the urban center.

Restrictions
  • Use designated bathing areas in the urban center.
Local Tips
  • Best time for surfing is early morning before the Northeast wind picks up.
  • For kitesurfing, head slightly south of the main urban piers for clearer launch areas.

Getting there & access

Nearest City
Cachoeiro de Itapemirim
Nearest Town
Marataízes
Nearest Airport
Vitória Airport (VIX) (~130 km away)
Parking
On-street parking available along Avenida Beira Mar.
Public Transport
Regional bus services connect Marataízes to Vitória and Rio de Janeiro; local travel is best done by car or taxi.
Access
Accessible by car via ES-060 and BR-101; the beach is located directly along the town's main coastal road.
Cost Level
Moderate
Local Language
Portuguese
Amenities

What's on the beach

Showers
Toilets
Parking
Restaurant
Bar
Accommodation
Nearby town — Several pousadas and small hotels are available within walking distance of the beach.
Food & Drink
Numerous beachfront kiosks serve fresh seafood and drinks.
Equipment Rental:
Basic surf and bodyboard rentals are available at local schools.
Gear Storage
Storage is limited, primarily through local schools and select beachfront pousadas.
Gear Repair
Basic kite and board repairs are available locally; major repairs may require shipping to Vitória.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

The area

Off the water

A coastal destination in southern Espírito Santo with a developed beachfront area and nearby lagoon and shoreline activities.

Best time to visit: September to December for wind sports; January for peak summer tourism and events.
Lagoa do Siri5km south of the town center

A famous freshwater lagoon separated from the ocean by a narrow sandbar, popular for calm waters and kiosks.

Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Amparo2km from town center

An 18th-century historic church representing the colonial heritage of the region.

Bodyboarding at Praia da Barra0km

Marataízes is nationally recognized for heavy shorebreak waves, attracting professional bodyboarders.

Orla de Marataízes0km

A waterfront strip featuring numerous restaurants serving traditional Moqueca Capixaba.

Praia Central0km

A beach with a developed boardwalk, suitable for families and evening walks.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

Latest reported conditions

Spot questions

Frequently asked questions

When is the best season at Marataízes (Espírito Santo)?

The best overall months at Marataízes (Espírito Santo) are May, June, July, August, September.

Which wind directions work at Marataízes (Espírito Santo)?

Marataízes (Espírito Santo) works with NE, E, SW winds.

What equipment sizes are recommended at Marataízes (Espírito Santo)?

Recommended equipment sizes at Marataízes (Espírito Santo): Kitesurfing: 9–14 m². The typical wind range is 12–22 kts.

What skill level is Marataízes (Espírito Santo) suitable for?

Marataízes (Espírito Santo) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Intermediate · Wingfoiling: Intermediate · Surfing: Intermediate.