Praia Grande North

Surfing
Shortboard, Longboard
Best for
Beginner
Skill Level
Ocean
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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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 this spot

About

Praia Grande North is a long, urban beach break in Ubatuba with multiple surfing peaks, including a well-known classic left-hand wave that peels off the northern rocky point (Baguari / Ponta do Baguari). The sandy bottom makes entry generally straightforward, but the northern headland area includes rocks that demand extra caution around the break zone. It tends to work best with south to southeast swells and north/northwest wind directions that help keep the face better and more manageable. Spot guidance describes the wave starting to come alive under about 1 m and holding up to 3 m+ when the season and swell line up, with typical ride lengths commonly around 50–150 m and longer rides possible on better days. While conditions can suit all surfers, the spot is also described as competitive at times when the point is working, so crowds can turn the water busier and potentially more dangerous—particularly on weekends and holiday periods. Current and rip behavior are specifically noted in certain points, especially near the rocky northern end, and can become more noticeable when stronger south/southeast swells are running. For planning, the most favorable season is winter (May through November, with July and mid-year months highlighted for reliability in guidance). Early mornings can be especially crowded, while afternoons are often quieter; regardless of timing, surfers should keep a close eye on swimmers in shallower water during peak tourist periods and follow standard surf etiquette to reduce conflicts in the line-up.

  • Classic left-hand point wave (Baguari area)
  • Sandy main beach with easy access
  • Winter-focused best season with good swell holding power
Great for
Surfing shortboardSurfing longboardBeginners
What's great
  • Classic left-hand surf character peeling from the northern rocky point
  • Good water quality and sandy beach access for entry
  • Works across a wide tide range, with consistent usability in the main season
Heads up
  • Rocks at/near the northern point can create hazardous takeoffs and wipeout zones
  • Rip currents and local current/drift can be present in certain sections
  • Crowds on weekends and holidays can increase risk and wave competition
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Practical spot guide

Wind, water and seasons

Wind

Direction
N, NW
Offshore directions
N, NW
Wind Range
10–20 kts
Wind Type
Frontal — Frontal-type conditions referenced by spot wind guidance.
Reliability
regular
Gust Factor
Moderate gusts
Best Months
May, June, July, August, September, October, November
Shadow Zones
Northern point can provide some shelter from northeast winds (local effect).

Water & beach

Water Type
Ocean
Beach
Sand — Sandy main beach; rocks concentrated near headlands.
Beach Size
Tidal
Waves
Small — Sources describe small to medium with the main working range starting under about 1 m and holding to 3 m+.
Launch
Big — Wide sandy beach area with instant access for entering the water.
Launch Difficulty
Easy

Through the year

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
17–22 °C
Water Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Jan–May: shorty or 2mmJun–Nov: 3mm (comfort guidance), with winter also described as 2/2mm shorty to 3/2mm full suit
Crowds by Season

Crowded on weekends and classic surf days; also extremely crowded during summer holidays and long weekends.

Storm/Rain Season

December to March are the rainiest and often include heavy afternoon tropical downpours (regional guidance).

By sport

What to expect for each.

SurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

Long beach break with multiple peaks on Praia Grande North, including a classic left-hand wave peeling off the northern rocky point (Ponta do Baguari / Baguari area).

Beach break
Wave Direction
Left
Optimal Swell
S, SSE, SE
Swell Height
1–3 m
Optimal Tide
All tides — Sources reference all-tides, with additional guidance that the point works around mid tide.
Shelter
Semi-sheltered — Exposed beach break overall, but the northern point area offers partial shelter from some wind directions.
Wind Effect
Northwest/north winds are ideal (offshore for the main left-hand section); east winds can turn conditions more cross-onshore and reduce quality.
Bigger Swell
Holds size well up to 3 m+; the point can become more challenging and conditions can get crowded/dangerous on bigger sets.
Wave Quality
Good
Wave Power
Moderate — Moderate/power described as ordinary and fun; holds well into larger sizes.
Wave Shape
Mixed — Mixed shape overall, with peeling lefts on the point when conditions suit.
Peel Speed
Medium
Ride Length
Medium
Typical Ride Length
50–150 m
Ride Length Details
Normal rides commonly run about 50–150 m, with longer rides (150–300 m) possible on good days.
Forecast

Check the forecast before you go

See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Praia Grande North in the full forecast view.

Praia Grande North wind and wave forecast summary

Wind
2–9 ktsGusts 20 kts
Direction
S173°
Strongest day
Sun, Oct 259 kts
Windy days
0/712 kts or more
Waves
0.8–2.1 m7s period
Temperature
18–27 °C

Over the next 7 days, Praia Grande North is forecast for daytime winds of 2–9 kts, peaking around 9 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 20 kts. The prevailing direction is S. Waves run 0.8–2.1 m with a period of about 7s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.

Nearby

Other spots in the area

Safety

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 near the northern headland (Ponta do Baguari / Baguari area)
  • Rip currents can occur, especially near the northern rocky point
  • Currents/downwind drift in some points, especially with strong south/southeast swells
  • Heavy/crowded conditions on weekends and holidays can increase danger
Ability Level: Beginner
Recommended Safety Gear
HelmetImpact vestLeash

Rescue & support

Lifeguard
Seasonal — Seasonal lifeguards are referenced for Praia Grande; emergency coverage is best during peak periods.
Rescue & Self-Rescue
Limited — Rescue is described as limited for the spot.
Emergency Info
If needed, local emergency services include 193 (fire/rescue) and 192 (medical/ambulance).
Localism / Vibe
None — Notes indicate localism is not a major problem; still follow surf etiquette.

Rules of the spot

Standard surf etiquette; avoid aggressive behavior and respect priority when the wave is competitive.

Local Tips
  • Use caution around the northern rocky section; it can be hazardous even when the main beach is sandy.
  • Expect extra difficulty if you get south/southeast swells with strong conditions—drift and current can become more noticeable.
  • Crowds build early; mornings (around 6–7 AM) are typically busy, while afternoons are often quieter.
  • Watch swimmers in shallower water during peak tourist periods.

Getting there & access

Nearest City
Ubatuba
Nearest Town
Ubatuba
Parking
Parking available near the beach; paid street/private lots referenced.
Access
Easy access via Rio-Santos Highway; instant access (<5 min walking) from the city.
Cost Level
Moderate
Local Language
Portuguese
Amenities

What's on the beach

Showers
Toilets
Changing rooms
Parking
Restaurant
Accommodation
Nearby town — Numerous pousadas/hotels/holiday rentals within walking distance; city-center options also referenced.
Food & Drink
Multiple beach kiosks (quiosques) along the beach front and restaurant/bar options nearby.
Equipment Rental:
Surfboard rentals are available at kiosks/shops along the beach.
Gear Repair
Repairs available via surf shops in the city center (referenced at regional level).
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

Latest reported conditions

Spot questions

Frequently asked questions

When is the best season at Praia Grande North?

The best overall months at Praia Grande North are May, June, July, August, September, October, November.

Which wind directions work at Praia Grande North?

Praia Grande North works with N, NW winds. Offshore directions are N, NW.

What skill level is Praia Grande North suitable for?

Praia Grande North suits these riding levels: Surfing: Beginner.