Prainha dos Molhes (Laguna)
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
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
- 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.
- 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.
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
Very crowded year-round, especially on weekends and during summer holidays.
Rain is evenly distributed, but summer can see heavy tropical downpours.
By sport
What to expect for each.
A jetty-guided right-hander where sand accumulation against the north jetty creates consistent long rights.
- 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.
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.
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
- 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
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.
- 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
What's on the beach
- 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.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
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.
A pair of jetties where dolphins famously assist local fishermen by herding mullet toward the nets.
One of the largest lighthouses in the Americas, offering world-class surfing and spectacular views south of Laguna.
A historic building dedicated to the 'Heroine of Two Worlds' who was born in Laguna.
The beachfront boulevard in Mar Grosso is lined with seafood restaurants and bars serving local shrimp specialties.
Exploring colonial architecture and cobblestone streets of one of Brazil's oldest cities.
From riders who've been here
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.