Navegantes
- Freeride, Shortboard
- Best for
- Beginner
- Skill Level
- Small waves, Medium waves
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Navegantes is an exposed beach/jetty break along Santa Catarina that tends to be working regularly through the year, with winter highlighted as an optimum period for surfing. The break is described as a beach/jetty (right-hand and also left-hand waves are noted), and swells typically start working from under 1 m and can build up toward about 2.5 m+ when conditions line up. For surf quality, offshore winds from the west are repeatedly described as the best wind alignment. The jetties/moles at the southern end can shape the sandbars and help form more defined rights/lefts, while the overall exposure means it can feel crowded and energetic when swell is present. Surfing is generally considered accessible (all-surfer suitability is mentioned), with some sources noting beginner-friendliness while others place the spot more toward intermediate riders. Water and safety conditions are a key theme: rip currents are specifically flagged, and fishing lines near the launch/shore area are another practical hazard. There are also mentions of pollution and that water clarity can degrade after heavy rain due to runoff from the nearby Itajaí-Açu river. Rescue availability is described as limited, and lifeguards are described as seasonal. Wind sports are supported by the wide sandy beach and the seasonal wind pattern. Kitesurfing is best in September through November with NE and SE winds, and a typical range of kite sizes commonly falls around 9–14 m²; the spot is described as offering a mix of flatter water and small-to-medium waves. For wingfoiling, it is noted as suitable when the swell is small, and windsurfing is possible but less common than kitesurfing.
- Often working exposed beach/jetty break with classic regional reputation
- Offshore west winds improve wave quality
- Kitesurfing season: September–November with NE/SE winds
- Winter is a strong surfing season
- Exposed beach/jetty break that is often working year-round.
- Offshore west winds help produce cleaner, groomed surf and wind conditions.
- Wide sandy beach and ample space for setup (beneficial for kiting).
- Strong regional classic reputation for surfing.
- Rip currents and fishing lines (hazards for all users).
- Water clarity can worsen after heavy rains due to river runoff.
- Crowding (especially weekends) and seasonal localism can increase friction.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- W, NW, SW, S, NE, SE
- Offshore directions
- W, NW, SW
- Wind Range
- 12–22 kts
- Wind Type
- Sea breeze — Northeast to sea-breeze pattern is noted for wind buildup in warmer months (thermal NE winds typically build in the afternoon).
- Reliability
- 43% blown (monthly blown percentage).
- Gust Factor
- Light gusts — Gust factor described as light-gusts.
- Best Months
- September, October, November, June
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 9–14 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Small waves, Medium waves
- Beach
- Sand
- Beach Size
- Big
- Waves
- Medium — Surf sources describe flat to medium conditions, with potential to reach 2.5 m+ in swell.
- Chop Level
- Light chop — Wind and wave descriptions suggest conditions can range from groomed to choppy depending on wind alignment; offshore winds are preferred for clean waves.
- Launch
- Medium — Instant access from beach; wide sandy beach with space for kite setup.
Through the year
Weekdays: crowded; weekends/holidays: ultra crowded (and also sometimes crowded).
Thunderstorms are common in late afternoon during summer (January–March).
By sport
What to expect for each.
Wide sandy beach with ample setup space. Works with NE and SE winds in September–November; generally described as offering a mix of flatter water and small to medium waves.
- Kite Sizes
- 9–14 m²
Possible but less common than kitesurfing; launching gear can be more challenging than at nearby lagoon-type spots.
- Sail Sizes
- 5.5–7.5 m²
Suitable for wingfoiling when swell is small; sandy bottom is described as foil-friendly, though shore break requires experience.
- Foil Friendly
- Yes — Foil-friendly described as yes.
- Min Depth
- 1.2m
- Wing Sizes
- 4–6 m²
Exposed beach/jetty break that is often working year-round. Winter is described as optimum and can produce hollow/powerful waves; surf direction can be right and left depending on conditions.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- SE, E, NE
- Swell Height
- 0.5–2.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- All tides — All tides are described as working, including rising and falling.
- Shelter
- Exposed — Exposed break; jetties/moles at the southern end help shape sandbars.
- Wind Effect
- Works best offshore from west winds; west/northwest/southwest winds are described as offshore and provide cleaner, groomed waves.
- Bigger Swell
- Holds up to about 2.5 m+; can handle larger swells but may close out if the direction is too direct.
- Wave Quality
- Good — Wave quality described as good / regional classic.
- Wave Power
- Powerful — Power described as powerful in one source; another source describes it as moderate.
- Wave Shape
- Mixed — Mixed wave shape is noted; elsewhere it is described as peeling.
- Peel Speed
- Medium
- Ride Length
- Medium — Normal rides: 50–150 m; good day: 150–300 m.
- Typical Ride Length
- 50–300 m
- Ride Length Details
- Typical/normal ride distances are given as 50–150 m, with longer rides up to ~300 m on excellent days.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Navegantes in the full forecast view.
Navegantes wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 2–11 ktsGusts 24 kts
- Direction
- E97°
- Strongest day
- Mon, Oct 2611 kts
- Windy days
- 0/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.7–1.4 m6s period
- Temperature
- 14–23 °C
Over the next 7 days, Navegantes 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 E. Waves run 0.7–1.4 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
- rip currents
- fishing lines
- mole
- jetty
- pollution
- localism
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal — Lifeguard presence described as seasonal.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Rescue availability described as limited.
- Emergency Info
- Rescue availability is described as limited; hospitals are available in the city of Navegantes and nearby Itajaí.
- Localism / Vibe
- Moderate — Localism is described as mild to moderate in different sources.
Rules of the spot
Respect surf zones and give priority to surfers in designated areas. Avoid riding areas with fishing gear/lines when possible.
- Respect surf zones and give priority to surfers in designated areas.
- Be aware of rips.
- Avoid fishing lines.
- Water quality can be poor after heavy rains due to runoff from the nearby Itajaí-Açu river.
- The area near the moles can be crowded with local surfers.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Itajaí
- Nearest Town
- Navegantes
- Parking
- Parking available / on-street parking along the beachfront avenue.
- Access
- Easy access directly from the city streets; the beach runs parallel to the urban area. Instant access (under 5 minutes walking distance).
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- Portuguese
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Numerous hotels and pousadas within walking distance; close to the city with easy access.
- Food & Drink
- Many cafes, shops, and bars close by; abundant options including kiosks, bars, and restaurants along the boardwalk.
- Equipment Rental:
- Equipment rental available at some local surf shops in town.
- Gear Storage
- Yes
- Gear Repair
- Local surf shops offer board repair services.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
Cable car system connecting the central beach to Laranjeiras beach with panoramic views.
Massive statue overlooking Balneário Camboriú with a nightly light show.
Historic market featuring local crafts, fresh seafood, and live traditional music.
Popular takeoff spot for paragliding and hang gliding with views over Praia Brava.
Largest theme park in Latin America, located a short drive north of the region.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Navegantes?
The best overall months at Navegantes are June, September, October, November. The best wind months are September, October, November, June.
Which wind directions work at Navegantes?
Navegantes works with W, NW, SW, S, NE, SE winds. Offshore directions are W, NW, SW.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Navegantes?
Recommended equipment sizes at Navegantes: Kitesurfing: 9–14 m² · Windsurfing: 5.5–7.5 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 12–22 kts.
What skill level is Navegantes suitable for?
Navegantes suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Intermediate · Windsurfing: Intermediate · Wingfoiling: Intermediate · Surfing: Beginner to Intermediate.