Matinhos (Pontal do Paraná)
- Shortboard, Longboard
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Swell, Ocean
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Matinhos (Pontal do Paraná) is an exposed right-hand point break that’s widely recognized for long, peeling waves. The spot is typically a reliable bet in the cooler season, when South swells combine with favorable winds to groom the wave face and create consistent surf. Surf conditions are most strongly associated with winter months from May through September, when swell frequency and offshore NW wind patterns line up. The wave is described as excellent and capable of holding up well on solid swell; classic days are noted for peeling walls that can keep riders on the wave for very long distances along the sandbar. Safety is a key concern at this beach: rips/strong currents are reported, and rocks at/near the takeoff zone add additional hazard. Crowding is also repeatedly emphasized—there can be heavy activity at peak times—so it’s important to be aware of other surfers and to follow standard surfing etiquette at the peak. Wind-wise, northwest offshore winds are considered the best setup for clean faces. Early sessions are sometimes described as having lighter wind, and the afternoon pattern can include thermal/sea-breeze development during warmer months.
- Iconic long right-hand point break
- Best window May to September with South swells and NW offshore winds
- Very long peeling rides on solid days
- Iconic long right-hand point break with excellent wave quality.
- Best conditions align winter south swells with northwest offshore wind.
- Can produce very long peeling rides on its best days.
- Often crowded (especially on weekends/holiday periods).
- Rips/strong currents and rocks near the takeoff zone.
- Can be mostly flat in summer.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- NW, W, SW
- Offshore directions
- NW
- Wind Range
- 5–15 kts
- Wind Type
- Sea breeze — Regular afternoon sea breezes are reported, and NW winds tend to act as offshore surf-grooming wind.
- Reliability
- moderate
- Gust Factor
- Light gusts
- Best Months
- May, June, July, August, September
- Thermal Window
- Sea breeze · Afternoon · Months: Jul, Aug · Dir: N, NW, W · Afternoon thermal/sea-breeze development is noted during warmer months.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Swell, Ocean
- Beach
- Sand
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Medium — Wave size is described as medium; can increase with incoming swell.
- Launch
- Medium — Sandy beach area adjacent to the rocky point.
- Launch Difficulty
- Moderate
Through the year
Extremely crowded on weekends and during the summer holiday season (December to February).
Summer months (January and February) experience frequent tropical afternoon rain showers.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Exposed right-hand point break known for consistently peeling walls during the winter swell season.
- Wave Direction
- Right
- Optimal Swell
- S, SE
- Swell Height
- 0.5–2 m
- Optimal Tide
- Mid
- Shelter
- Exposed — The break is described as exposed; some point protection is noted from southern winds.
- Wind Effect
- Best with northwest offshore winds that groom the wave face.
- Bigger Swell
- Tends to receive distant groundswells; holds well on larger swells, but currents can become very challenging.
- Wave Quality
- Excellent
- Wave Power
- Powerful — Power described as powerful; another source characterizes it as moderate depending on conditions.
- Wave Shape
- Peeling
- Peel Speed
- Medium
- Ride Length
- Long — Classic days can offer very long peeling sections along the sandbar.
- Typical Ride Length
- 150–300 m
- Ride Length Details
- Reported ride lengths on classic days can be very long (often several hundred meters along the sandbar).
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Matinhos (Pontal do Paraná) in the full forecast view.
Matinhos (Pontal do Paraná) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 2–11 ktsGusts 24 kts
- Direction
- SSE147°
- Strongest day
- Mon, Oct 2611 kts
- Windy days
- 0/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.6–1.4 m6s period
- Temperature
- 16–23 °C
Over the next 7 days, Matinhos (Pontal do Paraná) is forecast for daytime winds of 2–11 kts, peaking around 11 kts on Monday, October 26 with gusts to 24 kts. The prevailing direction is SSE. Waves run 0.6–1.4 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
- rips
- rocks
- strong currents
- heavy crowds
- crowds
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal — Lifeguard presence is described as seasonal for the region.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Rescue availability is described as limited.
- Emergency Info
- Nearest medical facilities are located in the Matinhos town center.
- Localism / Vibe
- Moderate — Local rotation at the peak is referenced; standard etiquette expected.
Rules of the spot
Watch out for dangerous rips; respect standard surfing etiquette and the local rotation at the peak.
- Designated swimming zones may be enforced during peak summer holiday periods.
- Beware of rips and crowds.
- The wave is most consistent during the winter months when South swells are frequent.
- Early morning sessions often have the lightest winds.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Pontal do Paraná
- Nearest Town
- Pontal do Paraná
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- Portuguese
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Near — Numerous pousadas, hotels, and vacation rentals are available within walking distance of the beach.
- Food & Drink
- Many beachfront kiosks (quiosques) and restaurants serve local seafood and snacks.
- Equipment Rental:
- Surfboards can be rented at local surf schools near the point.
- Gear Storage
- Storage facilities are limited, generally via private surf schools or clubs.
- Gear Repair
- Limited surfboard repair services available in town shops.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
The Paraná coast blends urban beach infrastructure with access to protected natural reserves, attracting both sport and family travelers.
Car-free island known for pristine beaches, a scenic lighthouse, and a historic fort.
Paraná’s oldest city, with colonial architecture and a major maritime port.
Biodiversity hotspot offering boat tours, bird watching, and trekking in protected mangroves and forests.
Known for barreado (slow-cooked meat stew) and fresh seafood.
Family water park with pools and slides.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Matinhos (Pontal do Paraná)?
The best overall months at Matinhos (Pontal do Paraná) are May, June, July, August, September.
Which wind directions work at Matinhos (Pontal do Paraná)?
Matinhos (Pontal do Paraná) works with NW, W, SW winds. Offshore directions are NW.
What skill level is Matinhos (Pontal do Paraná) suitable for?
Matinhos (Pontal do Paraná) suits these riding levels: Surfing: Intermediate.