Praia da Bertioga (Bertioga)
- Freeride, Bodyboard
- Best for
- Beginner
- Skill Level
- Small waves, Shallow
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Praia da Bertioga (also known as Enseada) is a low-profile river-beach break on a wide sandy stretch in Bertioga. It’s characterized by small, consistent surf that typically starts working under 1m and can hold up to 2m+ swell, breaking both left and right. Wave quality is described as good, with normal ride lengths around 50–150m and longer day sessions commonly stretching roughly 150–300m (with occasional exceptional longer rides). Wind for wind sports is described with a seasonal/afternoon thermal (sea-breeze) component, and monthly wind performance data for surf alignment indicates a split of 52% blown and 46% clean. Spot-level wind directions for the area are given as E through S (E, ESE, SE, SSE, S). For surfing, the best wind direction is indicated as northwest/offshore when conditions align; for kitesurfing, the best wind directions are also given as E/ESE/SE/SSE/S. Conditions can vary near the river mouth and canal entrance: currents are a key safety consideration, and occasional maritime traffic is noted near the canal. Localism is mentioned for the peak surf lineup (mild overall, but most relevant when surf is up). Beach attendance can be light on off-days but can become quite busy on weekends/holiday periods, and rules around designated bathing and water-sports zones are often enforced during peak summer months; kitesurfing may also be restricted to less crowded areas of the beach. From a sport fit perspective, the spot is repeatedly framed as beginner-friendly: surfing and progression are supported by the consistent beach-break and the sheltered southern corner near the fort (Canto do Forte). Kitesurfing is described as popular locally due to the wide beach and relatively safe progression conditions, with recommended kite sizes commonly given in the 9–14m range. Wingfoiling and windfoiling are also supported by the wide sandy launch area and the note that starting deeper than the immediate shore helps (minimum depth guidance is provided). Seasonally, surfing is best in winter (with May highlighted as best month), while wind/kite seasons are stated to be strongest later in the year, with kite best months including August through November. Water temperatures are warm year-round (with month-by-month ranges provided), so wetsuit needs typically shift from light protection in warmer months to 2/2mm shorty or 3/2mm full suit in winter months. Overall, it’s an amenity-rich, easy-access city beach well-suited for consistent sessions across multiple disciplines.
- Very consistent beach-break surf (150 days/year stated)
- Wide sandy beach with easy launching and parking
- Best surf month highlighted: May; best kite months: August–November
- Wind sports benefit from a thermal/sea-breeze afternoon pattern (often ~13:00–18:00 regional window)
- Safety emphasis on currents near river mouth/canal and local rules in peak periods
- Very wide sandy beach with easy access and launching space
- Consistent beach-break surf with long day lengths
- Clean water and sandy bottom; beginner-friendly pockets (notably southern end near the fort)
- Versatile for multiple wind/water sports (surf, kitesurf, windfoil, wingfoil) with moderate depth considerations
- Can get busy on weekends and in peak surf lineup
- Strong/nearshore currents can occur near the river mouth/canal entrance
- Localism noted in peak surf lineup; kiting may be restricted to specific areas
- Limited rescue availability; lifeguards are seasonal
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- E, ESE, SE, SSE, S
- Offshore directions
- NW, W, NNW
- No-go directions
- S, SSE, SSW
- Wind Range
- 10–20 kts
- Wind Type
- Thermal — Sea-breeze/thermal pattern referenced for the area; spot wind described as having a strong component tied to seasonal and afternoon thermal development.
- Reliability
- moderate; monthly clean/blown split also provided (52% blown / 46% clean).
- Gust Factor
- Light gusts — Light gusting referenced in wind conditions.
- Best Months
- August, September, October, November
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 9–14 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Small waves, Shallow
- Beach
- Sand — Sandy beach.
- Beach Size
- Big
- Waves
- Small — Small surf described, with occasional work up to 2m+.
- Chop Level
- Light chop — Chop not strongly emphasized; surf described as often powerless/soft and sometimes mushy, implying generally manageable conditions for beginners.
- Launch
- Big — Very wide sandy beach with plenty of room for setup and launching; big/very wide launch area.
Through the year
Extremely crowded during summer (December to February) and holiday weekends; very quiet on weekdays in the off-season.
Rainy season typically occurs from December to March.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Wide sandy beach and relatively friendly conditions for progression make this a popular local kitesurfing area. Kitesurfing restrictions may apply away from the most crowded surf sections.
- Kite Sizes
- 9–14 m²
Suitable for freeriding and foiling, especially in calmer waters near the southern corner.
- Sail Sizes
- 5.5–7.5 m²
Moderate depth and wide beach make it a friendly wingfoiling environment, especially when starting away from the immediate shore.
- Foil Friendly
- Yes — Foil friendly is explicitly stated as yes.
- Min Depth
- 1.5 meters
- Wing Sizes
- 4–6 m²
Praia da Bertioga (Enseada) is a consistent river-beach break that can work from less than 1m up to 2m+ swell, breaking both left and right. Winter months tend to bring the best surf conditions, and the southern corner near the fort is noted as more sheltered when conditions are rough elsewhere.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- S, SSE
- Swell Height
- 0.5–2 m
- Optimal Tide
- All tides — All tides indicated; some sources note preference for rising tide position.
- Shelter
- Semi-sheltered — Southern end near the fort is described as the most sheltered area for surfing.
- Wind Effect
- Offshore-best for surf when winds align; NW winds can provide cleaner/groomed faces. Wind effect described as offshore-best for the surf setup referenced for the spot.
- Bigger Swell
- Holds size reasonably well but tends to close out when it exceeds about 2.5m (spot-level note).
- Wave Quality
- Good — Wave quality described as good.
- Wave Power
- Soft — Surf power described as fun/powerless with sources also indicating soft/powerless tendencies.
- Wave Shape
- Mushy — Wave shape described as mushy (and mixed elsewhere).
- Peel Speed
- Slow — Peel speed described as slow.
- Ride Length
- Medium — Standard rides commonly 50–150m; can reach ~300m on exceptional days.
- Typical Ride Length
- 50–150 m
- Ride Length Details
- Normal ride length described as 50–150m; good day length 150–300m; exceptional days up to ~300m.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Praia da Bertioga (Bertioga) in the full forecast view.
Praia da Bertioga (Bertioga) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 2–10 ktsGusts 25 kts
- Direction
- S176°
- Strongest day
- Mon, Oct 2610 kts
- Windy days
- 0/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.5–1.3 m7s period
- Temperature
- 17–28 °C
Over the next 7 days, Praia da Bertioga (Bertioga) is forecast for daytime winds of 2–10 kts, peaking around 10 kts on Monday, October 26 with gusts to 25 kts. The prevailing direction is S. Waves run 0.5–1.3 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
- localism in the peak surf lineup
- currents near the canal / river mouth and canal entrance
- swimmers in designated bathing zones
- fort/structure and pier at the southern end
- occasional maritime traffic near the canal
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal — Lifeguards described as seasonal.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Rescue availability described as limited by spot data and supported by regional context.
- Emergency Info
- Rescue availability is limited. Emergency services: 193 (Fire/Rescue) or 192 (Ambulance). Hospitals are located in Bertioga city center within about 5–10 minutes (regional: Hospital Municipal de Bertioga primary medical facility).
- Localism / Vibe
- Mild — Mild localism referenced; stronger localism noted mainly in the peak surf lineup.
Rules of the spot
Designated bathing zones and water-sports zones are often enforced during peak summer months; follow local instructions during busy periods.
- Kiting may be restricted to specific areas away from the most crowded sections of the central beach.
- The southern end near the fort (Canto do Forte) is the most sheltered for surfing when seas are rough elsewhere.
- If you head toward the canal mouth, watch for boat traffic.
- Expect localism mainly in the peak surf lineup; keep a low profile and follow zone rules.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Santos
- Nearest Town
- Bertioga
- Parking
- Parking in front of the beach; on-street parking along the beachfront avenue.
- Access
- Direct access via the city promenade with paved roads.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- Portuguese
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Near — Numerous pousadas and hotels are located within walking distance in the city center.
- Food & Drink
- Abundant beach kiosks (barracas) serving food and drinks along the entire length of the beach.
- Equipment Rental:
- Equipment rental is available for surf boards and SUPs at several kiosks; kite gear rental is limited to schools.
- Gear Storage
- Limited storage facilities are available via local schools and some sports-friendly pousadas.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
Bertioga combines historical sites, ecological preserves, and modern amenities—popular with families and adventure seekers.
Hiking trail to a secluded beach with lush Atlantic Forest surroundings.
Oldest surviving fortification in Brazil, with historical exhibits and views of the channel.
Historic company town accessible by boat and tram, known for preservation and scenic surroundings.
Hiking trail to a secluded beach with lush Atlantic Forest surroundings.
Upscale area with restaurants, shopping, and nightlife options.
Protected area offering eco-tours and birdwatching opportunities.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Praia da Bertioga (Bertioga)?
The best overall months at Praia da Bertioga (Bertioga) are May, June, July, August, September, October. The best wind months are August, September, October, November.
Which wind directions work at Praia da Bertioga (Bertioga)?
Praia da Bertioga (Bertioga) works with E, ESE, SE, SSE, S winds. Offshore directions are NW, W, NNW. No-go directions are S, SSE, SSW.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Praia da Bertioga (Bertioga)?
Recommended equipment sizes at Praia da Bertioga (Bertioga): Kitesurfing: 9–14 m² · Windsurfing: 5.5–7.5 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 10–20 kts.
What skill level is Praia da Bertioga (Bertioga) suitable for?
Praia da Bertioga (Bertioga) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Beginner · Windsurfing: Intermediate · Wingfoiling: Intermediate · Surfing: Beginner.