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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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 this spot

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
Great for
Surfing shortboardSurfing longboard
What's great
  • Typically has waves in the right season
  • Can offer secluded conditions due to walk-in access
  • Works best with S or SE swells
Heads up
  • 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
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Practical spot guide

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

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
19–26 °C
Water Temperature
16–30 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Dec–Mar: Boardshorts / 1mm topJun, Jul, Aug: 2/2mm or 3/2mm full suit (winter mornings)
Storm/Rain Season

January to March

By sport

What to expect for each.

SurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

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.

Beach break
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.
Forecast

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.

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

  • Submerged rocks near the headlands
  • Rip currents possible during larger swells
  • Remote location with difficult access
Ability Level: Intermediate
Recommended Safety Gear
LeashWetsuit

Rescue & support

Rescue & Self-Rescue
No
Emergency Info
Nearest medical facilities are in Bertioga or central Guarujá

Rules of the spot

Restrictions
  • Environmental protection area rules apply
  • No motorized vehicles on the trail or beach
Local Tips
  • 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
Amenities

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.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

The area

Off the water

Serra do Guararu Trails

Eco-trails through preserved Atlantic Forest offering panoramic views of the coastline.

Perequê Fishing Village

A traditional caiçara fishing community known for its local fish market and artisanal boats.

Iporanga Waterfall

A secluded waterfall located within the protected condominium area of Iporanga.

Praia das Conchas

A small, calm, and scenic beach covered in shells, ideal for families.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

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.