Sape (Ubatuba)
- Bodyboard, Beginners
- Best for
- Beginner
- Skill Level
- Chop, Small waves
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Sape (Praia do Sapê) is described as a sheltered sandy beach break in southern Ubatuba, with waves breaking both left and right. Surf quality is commonly characterized as “regional-classic” and “fun,” with small but usable surf that starts working under about 1 meter and can hold up to around 2 meters and beyond. Conditions are generally framed as user-friendly for progression: beginner surfing is specifically noted, and the spot is described as consistent and democratic for different surfers. The break is said to work across all tides, with the falling tide often highlighted for cleaner, more structured waves. Rides are described as medium length, with a “good day length,” and on better days they may span roughly tens of meters. Wind is most often linked to light afternoon sea-breeze conditions, with sea-breeze timing around mid-afternoon (approximately 14:00–17:00). Offshore cleaning is associated with a northwest/west component, while wind reliability is described as low overall; for wind-dependent sports, this means conditions may be more variable. Safety-wise, the main warnings include rip currents and shore break, particularly during larger swells and outgoing tides. Localism is also noted as a hazard, so respectful behavior and standard surf etiquette are emphasized, especially in crowded periods. Lifeguards are described as seasonal, and rescue availability is limited, with medical care located in central Ubatuba about 30 minutes away.
- Sheltered sandy beach break breaking both lefts and rights
- Works on all tides; falling tide often preferred for structure
- NW/W offshore winds help groom faces
- Consistent, small-to-up-to ~2m+ surf; beginner-friendly
- Sheltered, consistent sandy beach break with both lefts and rights.
- Works across all tides; falling tide often mentioned for cleaner structure.
- Offshore northwest winds are associated with cleaner faces.
- Beginner-friendly surf is frequently highlighted.
- Mild localism risk (follow etiquette to avoid conflicts).
- Rip currents and shore break can be present, especially with larger sets and outgoing tides.
- Wind reliability is described as low.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- N, S, SE
- Offshore directions
- NW, W
- Wind Range
- 8–15 kts
- Wind Type
- Sea breeze — Light afternoon sea breezes are common in spring and summer; generally reinforced by regional afternoon thermal patterns.
- Reliability
- low
- Gust Factor
- Light gusts — Gusts described as light.
- Best Months
- September, October, November
- Shadow Zones
- The northern end can be slightly sheltered by terrain during certain wind angles.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Chop, Small waves
- Beach
- Sand — Sandy bottom.
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Small
- Chop Level
- Heavy chop — Water type described as chop.
- Launch
- Medium — Wide sandy beach with ample space for launching and landing in various tide conditions.
Through the year
Very crowded during Brazilian summer holidays (December to February) and long weekends; quiet on winter weekdays.
The rainy season typically peaks from December to March.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Possible during off-season / when crowds are low; typically with larger kites due to light sea breezes.
- Kite Sizes
- 12–17 m²
Viable for wingfoiling, particularly on outer peaks; sandy bottom and generally manageable shore break.
- Foil Friendly
- Yes
- Min Depth
- 1.5 meters
- Wing Sizes
- 5–7 m²
Sheltered beach break with sandy bottom; waves break both left and right and are described as regional-classic / fun.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- SE, E
- Swell Height
- 0.5–2 m
- Optimal Tide
- All tides, Low — Works on all tides; falling tide often highlighted for structure.
- Shelter
- Sheltered — Sheltered beach break.
- Wind Effect
- Offshore wind on the clean side helps groom faces; wind direction effects are described as producing offshore-clean conditions on the northwest offshore.
- Bigger Swell
- Holds up to around 2m+ / 6ft+; can close out when swells exceed about 2.5 meters (outer banks can sometimes hold).
- Wave Quality
- Good — Regional classic quality; good wave quality.
- Wave Power
- Soft — Also described as fun.
- Wave Shape
- Peeling
- Peel Speed
- Medium
- Ride Length
- Medium — Good day length; also described as spanning about 50–100 meters on good days.
- Typical Ride Length
- 50–100 m
- Ride Length Details
- Good day length; on good days, rides often span roughly 50–100 meters.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Sape (Ubatuba) in the full forecast view.
Sape (Ubatuba) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 2–10 ktsGusts 25 kts
- Direction
- SSE156°
- Strongest day
- Mon, Oct 2610 kts
- Windy days
- 0/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.4–0.9 m7s period
- Temperature
- 17–29 °C
Over the next 7 days, Sape (Ubatuba) is forecast for daytime winds of 2–10 kts, peaking around 10 kts on Monday, October 26 with gusts to 25 kts. The prevailing direction is SSE. Waves run 0.4–0.9 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
- Localism
- rip currents
- shore break
- crowds
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal — Lifeguard services are seasonal.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Rescue availability is limited.
- Emergency Info
- Hospitals are located in the Ubatuba city center, approximately 30 minutes away.
- Localism / Vibe
- Mild — Hazard noted as localism; described as mild.
Rules of the spot
Follow good surf etiquette / standard international surfing etiquette; respect local surfers and avoid dropping in.
- Localism: be respectful to avoid conflicts.
- Follow good surf etiquette to avoid annoying locals.
- The falling tide is often the best time for clean, structured waves.
- The southern end near Maranduba is generally calmer and better for absolute beginners.
- Northwest offshore is the clean side; southeast swell is the trigger.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Ubatuba
- Nearest Town
- Maranduba
- Parking
- Roadside parking near the beach; parking is also available along the roadside and in various paid lots near beach kiosks.
- Access
- Located about 29 km south of Ubatuba center in the Maranduba quarter; instant access (<5 min walking) from the road; requires a car.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- Portuguese
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Numerous pousadas and holiday rentals are available within walking distance of the beach.
- Food & Drink
- Multiple beach kiosks (quiosques) serve fresh seafood, snacks, and drinks directly on the sand.
- Equipment Rental:
- Surfboard (and some SUP) rentals are available via local schools and nearby kiosks.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Sape (Ubatuba)?
The best overall months at Sape (Ubatuba) are May, June, July, August. The best wind months are September, October, November.
Which wind directions work at Sape (Ubatuba)?
Sape (Ubatuba) works with N, S, SE winds. Offshore directions are NW, W.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Sape (Ubatuba)?
Recommended equipment sizes at Sape (Ubatuba): Kitesurfing: 12–17 m² · Wingfoiling: 5–7 m². The typical wind range is 8–15 kts.
What skill level is Sape (Ubatuba) suitable for?
Sape (Ubatuba) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Intermediate · Wingfoiling: Intermediate · Surfing: Beginner.