Pedra da Cachorra
- Shortboard, Longboard
- Best for
- Intermediate to Expert
- Skill Level
- Ocean, Swell, Mixed
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Pedra da Cachorra is an exposed, sand-based beach break near Ilhéus, with waves shaped by a prominent rock formation. Sources describe generally consistent surf, with peeling sections that can offer longer rides on the best days. The break is sensitive to swell and local setup around the rock and surrounding seabed features. The wave zone comes with significant safety concerns. Reported hazards include coral/rock obstacles and dangerous rip currents. Surfing here therefore involves negotiating rip-prone water and navigating around the rock-affected break area—especially when tide is unfavorable and currents can push surfers against the formation. Wind conditions matter for ride quality. North and Northwest winds are described as offshore/grooming for the swell, and west offshore winds are also noted as best. Typical wind ranges are reported around 10–20 knots, with moderate reliability and light gusting. Timing-wise, the spot is best in spring, with multiple sources pointing to April as a strong month and a broader best window from April through August for more consistent swell. Crowds can build when surf is up, so plan for heavier in-water traffic on busy days.
- Consistent exposed beach break influenced by the Pedra da Cachorra rock formation
- Peeling wave shape; longer rides possible on optimal days
- Offshore grooming winds from N/NW (and west offshore winds) improve conditions
- Best season reported as spring, with April highlighted
- Consistent exposed beach break with reliable wave action
- Works best with correctly oriented offshore winds
- Best swell window aligns with spring/April through August
- Dangerous rip currents and strong ocean hazards near coral/rocks
- Exposed to weather and can get heavy with shore break on larger swells
- Can be busy when surf is up
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- N, NW
- Offshore directions
- W
- Wind Range
- 10–20 kts
- Wind Type
- Sea breeze — Sea-breeze/thermal reinforcement common in the afternoon on this coast.
- Reliability
- moderate
- Gust Factor
- Light gusts — Spot-level sources describe generally light gusting.
- Best Months
- April, May, June, July, August
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Ocean, Swell, Mixed
- Beach
- Sand — Sand beach.
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Medium — Sources describe medium waves overall; can become more challenging on larger swell.
- Launch
- Medium — Sandy beach with a prominent rock formation nearby.
- Launch Difficulty
- Moderate — Launch/manage access described as moderate due to rocks and break features.
Through the year
Busy during summer holidays (December to February) and sunny weekends; can also get quite busy in the water when surf is up.
Rainy season typically occurs from April to July.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Exposed beach break influenced by the Pedra da Cachorra rock formation, producing consistent surf in spring and during better swell windows. Requires navigating ocean hazards including dangerous rips and coral/rock obstacles.
- Optimal Swell
- ESE, SE
- Swell Height
- 1–2 m
- Optimal Tide
- Mid — Best ride reported around mid tide when managing the rock-affected break area.
- Shelter
- Exposed — Open/exposed beach setting.
- Wind Effect
- North and Northwest winds are typically offshore here, grooming the swell; best with west offshore winds.
- Bigger Swell
- Can become powerful and challenging, with increased shore break.
- Wave Quality
- Good — Generally consistent; conditions reported best when winds are correctly oriented.
- Wave Power
- Moderate — Can become more powerful and challenging with shore break on larger swells.
- Wave Shape
- Peeling — Waves tend to peel (left and/or both directions reported depending on swell and setup).
- Peel Speed
- Medium — Peeling sections on good days.
- Ride Length
- Medium — Waves can peel for roughly 50–100 meters on optimal days.
- Ride Length Details
- Ride length can reach 50–100 meters on optimal days.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Pedra da Cachorra in the full forecast view.
Pedra da Cachorra wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 4–13 ktsGusts 25 kts
- Direction
- E93°
- Strongest day
- Sun, Oct 2513 kts
- Windy days
- 1/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 1.0–1.6 m6s period
- Temperature
- 23–31 °C
Over the next 7 days, Pedra da Cachorra is forecast for daytime winds of 4–13 kts, peaking around 13 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 25 kts. The prevailing direction is E. Waves run 1.0–1.6 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
- dangerous rips
- rocks
- submerged obstacles near the rock formation
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal — Lifeguards are seasonal.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Rescue availability is limited; lifeguard stations are maintained by local fire department on more populated stretches.
- Emergency Info
- Medical services are available at Hospital Regional Costa do Cacau; emergency services can be reached via 192 (SAMU) or 193 (Fire Department).
- Localism / Vibe
- Mild — Locals described as mildly local.
Rules of the spot
- Be mindful of the tide when surfing near the rock to avoid getting pushed against it.
- Surfing here means negotiating dangerous rips.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Ilhéus
- Nearest Town
- Ilhéus
- Parking
- Street parking available nearby.
- Access
- Accessible via the southern beach road (Praia do Sul) in Ilhéus.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- Portuguese
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Several pousadas and hotels are located along the Praia do Sul coastline.
- Food & Drink
- Beach kiosks and restaurants available along the main road.
- Equipment Rental:
- Some local surf shops in Ilhéus city center or nearby beaches offer rentals.
- Gear Storage
- Gear storage is offered by a few specialized surf-lodges and pousadas for watersports enthusiasts.
- Gear Repair
- Basic surfboard and fiberglass repair services are available via local shapers in Ilhéus.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
Ilhéus Coast (Costa do Cacau) combines warm year-round watersports conditions with cocoa-coast (Costa do Cacau) history and literature-inspired tourism.
Historical architecture including the São Sebastião Cathedral and the Bar Vesúvio, linked to Jorge Amado’s literature.
Former home of the author, now a museum.
Beach club/restaurant area known for Bahian cuisine and live events.
Wide sandy beach with many cabanas (beach huts) for food and shade.
Guided visits to traditional Fazendas de Cacau to learn about chocolate production and history.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Pedra da Cachorra?
The best overall months at Pedra da Cachorra are April, May, June, July, August.
Which wind directions work at Pedra da Cachorra?
Pedra da Cachorra works with N, NW winds. Offshore directions are W.
What skill level is Pedra da Cachorra suitable for?
Pedra da Cachorra suits these riding levels: Surfing: Intermediate to Expert.