Praia Grande North
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
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
- 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
- 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
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
Crowded on weekends and classic surf days; also extremely crowded during summer holidays and long weekends.
December to March are the rainiest and often include heavy afternoon tropical downpours (regional guidance).
By sport
What to expect for each.
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).
- 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.
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.
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 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
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.
- 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
What's on the beach
- 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).
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
From riders who've been here
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.