Praia Preta (Guarujá)
- Shortboard, Longboard
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Chop
- Spot Type
- Quiet
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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 Preta (Guarujá) is a fairly exposed beach-break that usually has waves, but clean, surfable conditions can be limited. In May, conditions are reported to be clean only about 13% of the time, while blown-out conditions occur about 23% of the time, which can make it a less reliable choice for consistently workable surf during peak wind periods. When it is working, the spot is described as secluded and wild, producing short, punchy waves that break close to shore. Sources highlight the importance of swell timing: it tends to require a meaningful swell to get going properly, and the most suitable swell direction is S to SE. Conditions are reported as semi-sheltered, with an east-wind/swell combination often described as offering shelter. The surfing window is generally strongest in the cooler months. Spot-level summaries indicate best conditions during April through September, with winter months (May to August) noted as particularly favorable for more consistent swell and offshore grooming winds. Optimal surf conditions are described with an example working swell size of roughly 0.5–1.5 meters, and the best tide is reported as mid tide. Safety and logistics are major factors here. The beach is remote with access by trail or boat and no onsite vendors/infrastructure, so visitors should be self-sufficient. Hazards include submerged rocks near the headlands and rip currents during larger swells; there are no lifeguards. Local guidance also emphasizes environmental protection restrictions, including rules that apply to vehicles on the trail or beach.
- Winter months are typically the most consistent for working surf
- Short, punchy waves that break close to shore
- Secluded, trail-access beach setting
- Typically has waves in the right season
- Can offer secluded conditions due to walk-in access
- Works best with S or SE swells
- Clean surfable conditions are infrequent (especially in peak wind months)
- Access is remote (trail/boat) with limited onsite infrastructure
- Submerged rocks and rip currents possible during swell
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- NW
- Wind Range
- 8–15 kts
- Wind Type
- Trade — Provider data lists trade winds; local pattern also includes frontal systems along the region.
- Reliability
- Low (spot-level reliability)
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts
- Best Months
- May, June, July, August
- Shadow Zones
- Significant wind shadow from surrounding hills and dense forest
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Chop
- Beach
- Sand — Dark sand is noted in access-region descriptions.
- Beach Size
- Small
- Waves
- Small — Often fairly small; can require significant swell to work properly.
- Chop Level
- Heavy chop — Chop reported; conditions can be blown out in some wind patterns.
- Launch
- Small — Narrow beach strip surrounded by Atlantic Forest
Through the year
January to March
By sport
What to expect for each.
Fairly exposed beach break that usually has waves but may be blown out or small. Delivers short, punchy waves that require sufficient swell to work properly.
- Optimal Swell
- S, SSE
- Swell Height
- 0.5–1.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- Mid
- Shelter
- Semi-sheltered — Semi-sheltered position; conditions can be sheltered from some swell/wind combinations, but can still become heavy/disorganized on big swells.
- Wind Effect
- North and Northwest winds act offshore and can groom waves; east-wind conditions can provide shelter.
- Bigger Swell
- Can become heavy and disorganized with very large swells.
- Wave Quality
- Average
- Wave Power
- Moderate
- Wave Shape
- Peeling
- Peel Speed
- Medium
- Ride Length
- Short — Short, punchy waves; breaks close to shore.
- Typical Ride Length
- 30–50 m
- Ride Length Details
- Waves generally break close to the shore, resulting in short rides.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Praia Preta (Guarujá) in the full forecast view.
Praia Preta (Guarujá) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 2–10 ktsGusts 28 kts
- Direction
- S170°
- 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 Preta (Guarujá) is forecast for daytime winds of 2–10 kts, peaking around 10 kts on Monday, October 26 with gusts to 28 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
- Submerged rocks near the headlands
- Rip currents possible during larger swells
- Remote location with difficult access
Rescue & support
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- No
- Emergency Info
- Nearest medical facilities are in Bertioga or central Guarujá
Rules of the spot
- Environmental protection area rules apply
- No motorized vehicles on the trail or beach
- Access is only via a trail or boat; bring your own water and supplies because there is no beach infrastructure
- Plan for occasional blown-out/unclean conditions during peak wind months
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Santos
- Nearest Town
- Guarujá
- Parking
- Paid parking lots are available in Bertioga near the ferry terminal.
- Access
- Access is via a 20-30 minute trail; also possible by boat.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- Portuguese
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Camping and small pousadas are available near Praia Branca.
- Food & Drink
- No vendors on the beach; kiosks are available at Praia Branca.
- Equipment Rental:
- No rentals available at this specific beach.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
Eco-trails through preserved Atlantic Forest offering panoramic views of the coastline.
A traditional caiçara fishing community known for its local fish market and artisanal boats.
A secluded waterfall located within the protected condominium area of Iporanga.
A small, calm, and scenic beach covered in shells, ideal for families.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Praia Preta (Guarujá)?
The best overall months at Praia Preta (Guarujá) are May, June, July, August.
Which wind directions work at Praia Preta (Guarujá)?
Praia Preta (Guarujá) works with NW winds.
What skill level is Praia Preta (Guarujá) suitable for?
Praia Preta (Guarujá) suits these riding levels: Surfing: Intermediate.