Prainha dos Molhes (Laguna)

Surfing
Freeride, Shortboard
Best for
Intermediate
Skill Level
Small waves, Ocean, Mixed
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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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

Prainha dos Molhes (Praia do Gravata) is a jetty-influenced surfing destination in Laguna where the interaction of sand with the north jetty helps form long, peeling right-hand waves. Spot performance is strongly tied to the sandbank/jetties setup, and riders can see exceptionally long rides (over 100 meters) when the sandbars line up well against the jetty. For surf-focused conditions, southeast swell is indicated as the best swell direction, while northwest wind is described as offshore for grooming. Spot-level conditions are described as most promising from June through September, aligning with a winter-to-early-spring window for more consistent swells and favorable wind. The spot also benefits from semi-shelter from the jetty, which can help maintain a more workable wave face when conditions are otherwise changeable. Safety at this spot is a priority: strong and potentially dangerous currents are reported, especially near the mouth of the Laguna canal and around the jetties, and dangerous rip currents are also noted. The north jetty/rocks are the primary physical hazard, and boat traffic at the lagoon mouth adds complexity for entry and time-on-water. Finally, local etiquette is emphasized. Sources describe strict priority behavior around the most powerful peak near the jetty and a heavy local crowd presence that can be intimidating for outsiders. Recommended approach is to respect local rules, carefully observe currents before entering, and manage risk around the jetty/rock zones and the areas where flow concentrates.

  • Long, peeling right-hand waves shaped by the north jetty
  • Offshore northwest wind for wave grooming
  • Winter/early spring window (June–September) for more consistent conditions
  • Very strong currents near the canal mouth and jetties
Great for
Surfing shortboardSurfing longboardAdvanced ridersKitesurfing freerideKitesurfing freestyle
What's great
  • Iconic, consistent surfing wave in southern Brazil with long right-hand rides.
  • Best conditions cluster in winter/early spring (June–September) with offshore NW wind described for grooming.
  • Jetty interaction can produce very good wave shape when sandbanks are well-formed.
Heads up
  • Heavy local presence and etiquette issues can intimidate outsiders.
  • Currents can be extremely challenging near the canal mouth and jetties; rip currents are a known hazard.
  • There are rocks associated with the north jetty that create a significant hazard.
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Practical spot guide

Wind, water and seasons

Wind

Direction
NW, W
Offshore directions
NW
Wind Range
10–20 kts
Wind Type
Mixed — Sources describe northwest/offshore wind for surf grooming, with a mixed wind regime for the spot.
Reliability
moderate
Gust Factor
Moderate gusts — Moderate gusts reported for the spot.
Best Months
June, July, August, September
Shadow Zones
The jetty provides some shelter from certain wind directions.

Water & beach

Water Type
Small waves, Ocean, Mixed
Beach
Sand — Sand beach.
Beach Size
Small
Waves
Medium — Surf spot guide describes medium wave size; surfing notes emphasize powerful performance when sandbanks are formed.
Launch
Medium — Sandy beach area adjacent to the north jetty.
Launch Difficulty
Easy — Launch difficulty is reported as easy.

Through the year

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
15–24 °C
Water Temperature
12–30 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
May–Oct: 3/2mm or 4/3mmNov–Apr: Shorty or lycra
Crowds by Season

Very crowded year-round, especially on weekends and during summer holidays.

Storm/Rain Season

Rain is evenly distributed, but summer can see heavy tropical downpours.

By sport

What to expect for each.

SurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

A jetty-guided right-hander where sand accumulation against the north jetty creates consistent long rights.

SandbarBeach break
Wave Direction
Right
Optimal Swell
SE, E
Swell Height
1–2.5 m
Optimal Tide
Mid — Mid tide is listed as optimal.
Shelter
Semi-sheltered — North jetty provides semi-shelter.
Wind Effect
Northwest wind is offshore here, grooming the waves perfectly.
Bigger Swell
Holds significant size but currents become extremely challenging at larger swell.
Wave Quality
Excellent — Wave quality rated excellent by the spot guide data provided.
Wave Power
Powerful — Described as powerful.
Wave Shape
Peeling — Long right-hand wave that peels along the north jetty.
Peel Speed
Medium — Reported as medium peel speed.
Ride Length
Medium — Can offer rides over 100 meters when sandbanks form well against the jetty.
Ride Length Details
Long rides are possible, including over 100 meters when sandbanks are well-formed against the jetty.
Forecast

Check the forecast before you go

See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Prainha dos Molhes (Laguna) in the full forecast view.

Prainha dos Molhes (Laguna) wind and wave forecast summary

Wind
2–16 ktsGusts 28 kts
Direction
ESE109°
Strongest day
Fri, Oct 2316 kts
Windy days
5/712 kts or more
Waves
0.9–1.8 m7s period
Temperature
13–24 °C

Over the next 7 days, Prainha dos Molhes (Laguna) is forecast for daytime winds of 2–16 kts, peaking around 16 kts on Friday, October 23 with gusts to 28 kts. The prevailing direction is ESE. Waves run 0.9–1.8 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

  • dangerous rip currents
  • strong currents, especially near the mouth of the Laguna canal and the jetties
  • rocks near/at the north jetty
  • heavy local crowd that can be intimidating for outsiders
  • lagoon mouth boat traffic
Ability Level: Intermediate
Recommended Safety Gear
WetsuitLeash

Rescue & support

Lifeguard
Seasonal — Seasonal lifeguard presence is reported.
Rescue & Self-Rescue
Limited — Regional rescue is described as limited with seasonal services and maritime rescue support by the Brazilian Fire Department.
Emergency Info
Emergency number is 193 (Fire Department/Ambulance). Hospital de Caridade Senhor Bom Jesus dos Passos is listed for emergency care in central Laguna.
Localism / Vibe
Heavy — Reported as heavy local presence; peak closest to the jetty is highly contested and etiquette is strictly enforced.

Rules of the spot

Priority is strictly observed at the most powerful peak closest to the jetty; respect local etiquette.

Local Tips
  • Watch the currents before entering; they can pull you toward the jetty or out to sea quickly.
  • Be respectful of the local surfing community; it can be very protective of the wave.
  • Use caution around the canal mouth and jetties where currents are strongest.

Getting there & access

Nearest City
Laguna
Nearest Town
Laguna
Nearest Airport
Florianópolis International Airport (FLN)
Parking
Parking is available near the end of the road by the jetties.
Public Transport
Regular bus services connect Laguna to Florianópolis and Tubarão; local taxis and ride-sharing apps serve the immediate coastal area.
Access
Accessible by road through the Molhes da Barra area of Laguna.
Cost Level
Moderate
Local Language
Portuguese
Amenities

What's on the beach

Parking
Restaurant
Bar
Accommodation
Nearby town — Various pousadas and hotels are available in downtown Laguna and nearby beaches like Praia do Mar Grosso.
Food & Drink
Several seafood restaurants and kiosks along the road leading to the jetties.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

The area

Off the water

Laguna offers maritime-focused culture and nearby viewpoints/heritage, with the Molhes da Barra jetties being a key local landmark associated with dolphin-assisted fishing.

Best time to visit: December to March for the warmest weather and vibrant summer atmosphere, or September to November for the most consistent wind.
Molhes da Barra0 km

A pair of jetties where dolphins famously assist local fishermen by herding mullet toward the nets.

Farol de Santa Marta15 km

One of the largest lighthouses in the Americas, offering world-class surfing and spectacular views south of Laguna.

Museu Anita Garibaldi3 km

A historic building dedicated to the 'Heroine of Two Worlds' who was born in Laguna.

Mar Grosso Gastronomy1 km

The beachfront boulevard in Mar Grosso is lined with seafood restaurants and bars serving local shrimp specialties.

Historic Center Walking Tour2 km

Exploring colonial architecture and cobblestone streets of one of Brazil's oldest cities.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

Latest reported conditions

Spot questions

Frequently asked questions

When is the best season at Prainha dos Molhes (Laguna)?

The best overall months at Prainha dos Molhes (Laguna) are June, July, August, September.

Which wind directions work at Prainha dos Molhes (Laguna)?

Prainha dos Molhes (Laguna) works with NW, W winds. Offshore directions are NW.

What skill level is Prainha dos Molhes (Laguna) suitable for?

Prainha dos Molhes (Laguna) suits these riding levels: Surfing: Intermediate.