Paralelas
- Longboard, Advanced riders
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Swell, Ocean, Mixed
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Paralelas is a sheltered point break on Ilha do Mel that’s often working, but can go mostly flat during summer. It’s best when the tide is low (to help the wave connect along the sandbank) and it has a reputation for leg-burning, long, peeling rides. Wave-wise, the spot is described as a right-hand point break with consistent, rhythmic walls that peel across a sandbank. It tends to run well on South to Southeast swells, and on bigger sets it holds size and can become more powerful and hollow at the point takeoff. Typical ride lengths are reported in the 100–200 meter range, with “good” wave quality when conditions line up. Wind conditions are a key part of the setup: offshore winds from the West and Southwest groom the wave faces, and wind is typically in a moderate band (around 10–20 knots) with light gustiness. The seasonal best window centers on May, and broader surfing conditions are often strongest from May through September, while early mornings are commonly calmer before the sea breeze increases. Access is by ferry and then a walk, with no motor vehicles allowed on the island, so expect a more eco-focused, low-infrastructure experience. Safety considerations include rocks near the point, occasional rip currents/strong currents on higher swell, and occasional jellyfish; rescue is reported as limited and lifeguards are seasonal.
- Sheltered point break that is often working
- Low tide is the key tide
- Offshore West/Southwest winds groom the wave faces
- Long, peeling right-hand rides
- Often working sheltered point break
- Long, peeling point waves with consistent rides in season
- Offshore winds from the West/Southwest help groom the face
- Low tide is typically best
- Rocks near the point and takeoff area
- Strong currents during high swell
- Occasional jellyfish
- Summer can be mostly flat
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- W, WSW
- Offshore directions
- W, WSW
- Wind Range
- 10–20 kts
- Wind Type
- Sea breeze — Afternoon sea breezes are common (thermal reinforcement in warmer months).
- Reliability
- moderate
- Gust Factor
- Light gusts
- Best Months
- May, June, July, August, September
- Shadow Zones
- The hill with the lighthouse provides shelter from northerly winds.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Swell, Ocean, Mixed
- Beach
- Sand
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Medium — Medium waves reported; working on 1.0–2.5 m swell.
- Launch
- Medium — Sandy beach entry directly into the surf zone.
- Launch Difficulty
- Easy
Through the year
Weekends and summer holidays can be crowded; mid-week in autumn is usually quiet.
Thunderstorms are common in late afternoon during the summer months (December to March).
By sport
What to expect for each.
A sheltered point break that is often working, but tends to be mostly flat in summer. Known for leg-burning, long peeling point waves (right-hand peeling across a sandbank).
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- S, SE
- Swell Height
- 1–2.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- Low
- Shelter
- Sheltered
- Wind Effect
- Offshore winds from the West and Southwest groom the wave faces.
- Bigger Swell
- Holds size well, becoming more powerful and hollow at the point takeoff.
- Wave Quality
- Good
- Wave Power
- Moderate
- Wave Shape
- Peeling
- Peel Speed
- Medium
- Ride Length
- Long — Extremely leg-burning rides; long, peeling walls.
- Typical Ride Length
- 100–200 m
- Ride Length Details
- Long, peeling walls that run parallel to the shore; waves can offer long rides and become more powerful/hollow at the point takeoff.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Paralelas in the full forecast view.
Paralelas wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 2–13 ktsGusts 23 kts
- Direction
- SE139°
- Strongest day
- Sun, Oct 2513 kts
- Windy days
- 2/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.7–1.4 m7s period
- Temperature
- 17–23 °C
Over the next 7 days, Paralelas is forecast for daytime winds of 2–13 kts, peaking around 13 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 23 kts. The prevailing direction is SE. Waves run 0.7–1.4 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
- Rocks at/near the takeoff point
- Rocks near the point
- Strong currents during high swell
- Occasional jellyfish
- Occasional rip currents near the rocky point
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — No dedicated year-round wind-sport rescue service; emergency response relies on mainland services.
- Emergency Info
- Small medical post in the village; major hospitals are in Paranaguá on the mainland.
- Localism / Vibe
- Mild — Respect local surfers; spot has occasional crowding.
Rules of the spot
Standard surfing etiquette applies; respect the local surfers.
- No motorized vehicles on the island.
- Environmental protection rules for the state park.
- Works best on a low tide to help the wave connect along the sandbank.
- Early mornings often have the lightest wind before the sea breeze kicks in.
- Use conditions awareness around the point rocks and currents.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Paranaguá
- Nearest Town
- Brasília (Ilha do Mel)
- Nearest Airport
- Afonso Pena International Airport (CWB) in Curitiba (~115 km from boat terminals)
- Parking
- No cars allowed on the island. Secure parking is available at the ferry terminals on the mainland.
- Public Transport
- Ferries/boat access from Pontal do Sul or Paranaguá; no public transport on the island and no motor vehicles permitted
- Access
- Accessible only by ferry from Pontal do Sul or Paranaguá to Ilha do Mel, followed by a 20-30 minute walk toward the lighthouse.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- Portuguese
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Numerous pousadas and guest houses are located in the villages of Brasília and Encantadas.
- Food & Drink
- Local kiosks and restaurants serving seafood and Brazilian snacks are within walking distance.
- Equipment Rental:
- Available at surf schools and small shops in the Brasília village area.
- Gear Repair
- Basic ding repair may be found at local surf shops.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
Iconic 19th-century lighthouse with panoramic views of the island and bay.
White-sand beaches with crystal-clear waters and mangrove ecosystems.
Panoramic view from the island’s highest point.
Extensive sandy trails connecting beaches and villages through Atlantic Forest.
Kayaking through mangrove channels of the Paranaguá estuary.
Snorkeling in protected marine areas near Ilha do Mel.
Beach kiosks and local eateries.
Local seafood and Brazilian dishes.
A natural sea cave accessible via boardwalk.
Guided nature walks and birdwatching in protected zones.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Paralelas?
The best overall months at Paralelas are May. The best wind months are May, June, July, August, September.
Which wind directions work at Paralelas?
Paralelas works with W, WSW winds. Offshore directions are W, WSW.
What skill level is Paralelas suitable for?
Paralelas suits these riding levels: Surfing: Intermediate.