Pontal Island (Ilha do Pontal)

Ilha do Pontal is a fairly exposed reef break known for left-hand waves that come together only when the swell and wind conditions align. The spot is best around low tide, and surfers generally target offshore wind conditions—especially southwest offshore winds—to keep faces groomed and improve consistency. When it works, the break can produce clean groundswells and peeling, left-hand lines. On good days, ride lengths are typically described as medium, with runs often extending roughly from 50 to 100 meters. The spot is also reported to handle larger swells, but current strength can increase significantly as conditions build. Safety is a key consideration: exposed and submerged rocks are the primary hazard, and strong currents can develop around the island—especially on bigger sets. Water temperatures are frequently cold due to coastal upwelling, with the coldest periods often extending into the warmer months, so planning for cold water year-round is important even when the air feels warm. In terms of seasonality, the spot is reported as working best during the Brazilian winter, with favorable conditions from May through September (with some sources also highlighting October). It can be sometimes crowded, particularly on weekends and peak holiday periods, while winter weekdays are described as quieter.