Marataízes (Espírito Santo)
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
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
- 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.
- 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.
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
Very crowded during Brazilian summer holidays in January and February.
October to January sees higher rainfall.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Freeride and foiling when the steady side-onshore Northeast winds arrive; wave conditions usually small and manageable for intermediate riders.
- Kite Sizes
- 9–14 m²
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
Exposed beach break with unreliable waves. Works best on south swells during May–September; coral hazards require caution.
- 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.
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.
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
- 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
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.
- Use designated bathing areas in the urban center.
- 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
What's on the beach
- 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.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
A coastal destination in southern Espírito Santo with a developed beachfront area and nearby lagoon and shoreline activities.
A famous freshwater lagoon separated from the ocean by a narrow sandbar, popular for calm waters and kiosks.
An 18th-century historic church representing the colonial heritage of the region.
Marataízes is nationally recognized for heavy shorebreak waves, attracting professional bodyboarders.
A waterfront strip featuring numerous restaurants serving traditional Moqueca Capixaba.
A beach with a developed boardwalk, suitable for families and evening walks.
From riders who've been here
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.