Praia Tenorio

WingfoilingSurfing
Shortboard, Longboard
Best for
Intermediate
Skill Level
Swell
Spot Type
Moderate
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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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 Tenorio is an urban, fairly exposed beach break in Ubatuba that’s most valued for winter surfing. The strongest days tend to line up with a South (or Southeast) groundswell, while the north wind can act offshore to help groom the waves. The beach is only about 500 meters long and the wave setup is concentrated near the right-hand corner by the rocky areas, which is often where the most organized waves appear. Surf quality is described as excellent on classic days, with peeling right-hand waves that can be powerful. However, consistency is not guaranteed overall: multiple sources emphasize that the spot can be hit-or-miss and that conditions need to align. Ride lengths are typically short to medium, and when swell becomes too large (reported around above 2 meters), the waves can close out on the sandbar. Crowds and safety management are important here. The beach can become very crowded in summer and during public holidays, and there are rocks at both ends associated with dangerous currents. Rip currents are reported as common near the rocky points, and surfing is restricted in high-density areas for safety—so it’s important to respect the designated swimming zones. Wind at the spot is not reliably strong for kitesurfing/windsurfing; north wind is mentioned for its surfing alignment, and a sea-breeze component is also reported, but both sources describe overall wind reliability as low. If you’re planning foil sessions, wingfoiling is described as rare and limited due to wind strength and swimmer density, even though the bay can sometimes offer calmer water for light-wind riding.

  • Winter-consistent beach break with peeling right-hand waves
  • North wind typically offshore for surf grooming
  • Organized waves often found near the right-side corner by the rocks
Great for
Surfing shortboardSurfing longboard
What's great
  • Consistent winter surf with potential for strong right-handers
  • North wind can be offshore for grooming surf
  • Good on-site basics (showers/toilets) and central/urban access
Heads up
  • Low wind reliability for wind sports (when wind is needed)
  • Rip currents and rocky points at both ends can be hazardous
  • Can get extremely crowded (especially summer and public holidays)
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Practical spot guide

Wind, water and seasons

Wind

Direction
N
Offshore directions
N
Wind Range
5–15 kts
Wind Type
Frontal — North-facing winter/front influence reported; north wind is also described as offshore for surfing.
Reliability
low
Gust Factor
Light gusts — Light gusting reported.
Best Months
May, June, July, August, September, October, November
Shadow Zones
High hills around the bay can block winds from many directions, especially westerly winds.

Water & beach

Water Type
Swell
Beach
Sand — Sand beach.
Beach Size
Small
Waves
Medium — Medium-sized surf reported; strong days can produce powerful waves.
Chop Level
Moderate chop — Choppy conditions can occur with onshore (South) winds.
Launch
Medium — Beach length reported as approximately 500 meters with soft sand.

Through the year

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
21–27 °C
Water Temperature
16–30 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Jun–Sep: 2/2mm shorty to 3/2mm full suitDec–Mar: Rash guard / boardshorts
Crowds by Season

Extremely crowded during summer (December–February) and public holidays; moderately crowded on winter weekends; quiet on winter weekdays.

Storm/Rain Season

December to March are the rainiest, often with heavy afternoon thunderstorms.

By sport

What to expect for each.

WingfoilingSkill Level

Rarely practiced due to high swimmer density and limited wind, but the bay can offer calm waters for light-wind foil sessions.

Foil Friendly
Limited — Foiling is described as limited.
Min Depth
2 meters
Wing Sizes
5–7 m²
SurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

Fairly exposed beach break in winter with fairly consistent surf; can produce some of the best waves in Ubatuba when conditions align (notably South/Southeast swell with north offshore wind). The most organized waves are often in the right corner near the rocks.

Beach break
Wave Direction
Right
Optimal Swell
S, SE
Swell Height
0.5–1.5 m
Optimal Tide
Mid — Mid tide preferred (reported).
Shelter
Exposed — Described as exposed; sheltered/semi-sheltered classification varies by source.
Wind Effect
North wind is offshore and grooms waves; South wind turns onshore and can create choppy conditions.
Bigger Swell
Tends to close out when swell exceeds 2 meters.
Wave Quality
Excellent — Wave quality described as excellent by one source; another rates it as average.
Wave Power
Powerful — Overall described as powerful on classic days; another source rates wave power as moderate.
Wave Shape
Peeling — Peeling right-hand corner described as most organized/consistent.
Peel Speed
Medium — Peeling waves with a medium peel speed.
Ride Length
Short — Short to medium rides before closing out on the sandbar; another source characterizes rides as short to medium.
Typical Ride Length
30–60 m
Ride Length Details
Waves typically provide short to medium rides before closing out on the sandbar.
Forecast

Check the forecast before you go

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

Praia Tenorio wind and wave forecast summary

Wind
2–9 ktsGusts 19 kts
Direction
S170°
Strongest day
Mon, Oct 269 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 Tenorio is forecast for daytime winds of 2–9 kts, peaking around 9 kts on Monday, October 26 with gusts to 19 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 at both ends of the beach (especially near rocky points) can be dangerous due to currents
  • Rip currents are common near the rocky points
  • Heavy crowds of swimmers and families
  • Occasional jellyfish
Ability Level: Intermediate
Recommended Safety Gear
LeashWetsuit

Rescue & support

Lifeguard
Seasonal — Lifeguard services reported as seasonal.
Rescue & Self-Rescue
Limited — Rescue availability reported as limited.
Emergency Info
Nearest major hospital: Santa Casa de Ubatuba (city center). Emergency numbers reported for the region: 193 (fire/rescue) and 192 (medical/ambulance).
Localism / Vibe
Mild — Mild localism reported by one source; another source describes localism as none.

Rules of the spot

Pedestrian-only entry through the condominium gate; surf etiquette applies and be mindful of designated swimming areas during high season.

Restrictions
  • Surfing among swimmers is restricted in high-density areas for safety.
Local Tips
  • The right side of the beach (facing the ocean) usually holds the swell better.
  • Arrive early in the morning during summer to avoid crowds and find parking.
  • Check the South swell forecast; the beach is somewhat protected from North swells.
  • Follow designated swimming areas during high season.

Getting there & access

Nearest City
Ubatuba
Nearest Town
Ubatuba
Nearest Airport
São José dos Campos Airport (SJK) ~130 km; São Paulo/Guarulhos International (GRU) ~200 km.
Parking
Paid parking (Blue Zone) is available along access roads but fills up quickly on weekends.
Public Transport
Regular intercity bus services from the São Paulo region to coastal towns, plus local buses along the coastline.
Access
Urban road access via the Tenorio neighborhood; pedestrian entry through the condominium gate or from the left-side entrance before the small hill separating Tenorio from Vermelha do Centro.
Cost Level
Moderate
Local Language
Portuguese
Amenities

What's on the beach

Showers
Toilets
Parking
Restaurant
Bar
Accommodation
Nearby town — Numerous hotels, guesthouses, and holiday rentals are located within walking distance in the Tenório and Itaguá neighborhoods.
Food & Drink
Local food stalls/kiosks along the beach.
Equipment Rental:
Some beach kiosks and nearby surf shops in the Itaguá area offer surfboard rentals; surf schools also reference rentals regionally.
Gear Storage
Some surf schools and accommodations offer storage; also available at many beachfront accommodations and rental shops.
Gear Repair
Board repair services available in central Ubatuba surf shops.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

The area

Off the water

Best time to visit: April to June for a balance of clearer skies, comfortable temperatures, and fewer crowds; December to March for warm weather and festivals.
Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

Latest reported conditions

Spot questions

Frequently asked questions

When is the best season at Praia Tenorio?

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

Which wind directions work at Praia Tenorio?

Praia Tenorio works with N winds. Offshore directions are N.

What equipment sizes are recommended at Praia Tenorio?

Recommended equipment sizes at Praia Tenorio: Wingfoiling: 5–7 m². The typical wind range is 5–15 kts.

What skill level is Praia Tenorio suitable for?

Praia Tenorio suits these riding levels: Wingfoiling: Advanced · Surfing: Intermediate.