Shortboard
Best for
Beginner
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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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

Setiba is an exposed beach break in the Vila Velha/Guarapari area, offering reasonably consistent surf with both left and right waves. Reports indicate that while conditions can stay usable most of the year, summer is often flatter, so the most reliable periods tend to come outside the peak summer months. For surf setup, low tide is repeatedly cited as the best time, and the ideal swell angle is from the south. One provider also notes that moderate South swells tend to hold better, while very large swells may start to close out. Wind can strongly affect wave quality: offshore winds from the northwest are reported as most favorable for grooming, while more onshore flow (east/northeast) tends to add chop. Local guidance emphasizes pairing South swells with offshore northwest winds for the best combination of clean peaks and power. Safety-wise, the break has rocks and submerged coral/reef patches, and riptides are noted during larger swell conditions. Rescue availability is reported as limited, so it’s important to be conservative around the rockier sections—especially at the north end where better-shaped waves may require extra caution.

  • Exposed beach break with both left and right waves
  • Low tide commonly favored for defined peaks
  • Offshore northwest winds improve wave cleanliness
  • South swells are reported as the best swell direction
Great for
Surfing shortboard
What's great
  • Reasonably consistent surf for a beach break.
  • Best angle reported with South swells and offshore northwest wind.
  • Low tide is often the most favorable time for defined peaks.
Heads up
  • Exposed conditions can be more challenging when winds and swell build.
  • Rocks and coral/s submerged patches add risk near the break.
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Practical spot guide

Wind, water and seasons

Wind

Direction
W, NW, SW
Offshore directions
NW, W
Wind Range
18–20 kts
Wind Type
Sea breeze — Sea-breeze style winds with seasonal strengthening reported for the broader Setiba area.
Reliability
moderate
Gust Factor
Light gusts
Best Months
March, April, May, June, July, August, September
Thermal Window
Other · Afternoon · Months: Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec · Afternoon winds can be reinforced/strengthened by local thermal effects (regional note).

Water & beach

Water Type
Chop
Beach
Sand
Beach Size
Medium
Waves
Medium — Providers describe medium wave size; another report emphasizes that summer can be mostly flat.
Chop Level
Moderate chop
Launch
Medium — Wide sandy beach area suitable for paddle out from the shore.

Through the year

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
22–27 °C
Water Temperature
18–31 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Jan–Dec: 1mm neoprene top (or boardshorts)Jun–Oct: 2mm shorty or spring suit
Crowds by Season

Rarely crowded in the water overall, but the beach can be very busy with tourists in January and February.

Storm/Rain Season

October–April (wetter period).

By sport

What to expect for each.

SurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

Exposed beach break with reasonably consistent surf; both left and right waves are reported. Low tide is commonly favored, with South swells providing the best angle.

Beach break
Wave Direction
Both
Optimal Swell
S, SSE
Swell Height
0.5–2 m
Optimal Tide
Low
Shelter
Exposed — Open/exposed beach break with limited shelter from swell.
Wind Effect
Offshore winds groom the waves most effectively; onshore winds from the east/northeast tend to increase chop.
Bigger Swell
Can close out on very large swells, but moderate South swells are reported to hold better.
Wave Quality
One provider describes average wave quality; another describes powerful, tubular-capable waves.
Wave Power
Powerful
Wave Shape
Mixed — Can present mixed shape; another report describes peeling.
Peel Speed
Medium
Ride Length
Ride length described as medium by one provider.
Ride Length Details
Medium ride length reported by one provider.
Forecast

Check the forecast before you go

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

Setiba wind and wave forecast summary

Wind
2–15 ktsGusts 23 kts
Direction
E87°
Strongest day
Mon, Oct 2615 kts
Windy days
3/712 kts or more
Waves
1.0–1.6 m7s period
Temperature
20–34 °C

Over the next 7 days, Setiba is forecast for daytime winds of 2–15 kts, peaking around 15 kts on Monday, October 26 with gusts to 23 kts. The prevailing direction is E. Waves run 1.0–1.6 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
  • Coral
  • Submerged coral/reef patches
  • Riptides during larger swells
Ability Level: Beginner
Recommended Safety Gear
LeashWetsuit

Rescue & support

Lifeguard
Seasonal — Seasonal lifeguard presence is reported.
Rescue & Self-Rescue
Limited
Emergency Info
National emergency numbers: 193 (firefighters/lifeguards) and 192 (medical emergencies).
Localism / Vibe
None — Localism reported as none at this spot.

Rules of the spot

Local Tips
  • Best conditions for surf are reported when a South swell combines with offshore winds from the northwest.
  • Check tide charts as low tide often provides the most defined peaks.
  • The north end near rocks can offer better-shaped waves but needs extra caution due to the terrain.

Getting there & access

Nearest City
Vila Velha
Nearest Town
Vila Velha
Nearest Airport
Eurico de Aguiar Salles Airport (VIX) in Vitória (~60 km away).
Parking
Street parking is available along the beachfront, though it can fill up quickly during weekends and peak summer months.
Public Transport
Accessible via local bus lines (Transcol) and intercity coaches; routes run along Rodovia do Sol (ES-060).
Access
Accessible by road via Rodovia do Sol (ES-060).
Cost Level
Moderate
Local Language
Portuguese
Amenities

What's on the beach

Parking
Toilets
Restaurant
Bar
Accommodation
Nearby town — A wide range of accommodations from hotels/apartments in Guarapari city center to pousadas near Setiba and Ulé.
Food & Drink
Several beach kiosks (quiosques) serve local seafood and drinks directly on the sand.
Equipment Rental:
Surf/SUP gear is more commonly available at urban beach kiosks; kitesurfing/windsurfing rentals are less common and typically tied to specific schools/clubs.
Gear Storage
Limited dedicated gear storage is available; most riders store equipment at accommodations or local clubs.
Gear Repair
Minor sail and kite repairs can be found via workshops in Vitória or through specialized individuals in the local rider community.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

The area

Off the water

Praia da Areia Preta2 km

Famous for its monazitic sands believed to have medicinal properties.

Antiga Matriz de Guarapari3 km

A 16th-century church founded by Saint Joseph of Anchieta, representing the colonial history of the region.

Paulo Cesar Vinha State Park5 km

Hiking trails through restinga vegetation and lagoons near the Setiba area.

Meaípe Gastronomy District8 km

Renowned for traditional Moqueca Capixaba, a fish stew unique to Espírito Santo.

Acquamania Water Park12 km

A large water park with slides and pools suitable for all ages.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

Latest reported conditions

Spot questions

Frequently asked questions

When is the best season at Setiba?

The best overall months at Setiba are March, April, May, June, July, August, September.

Which wind directions work at Setiba?

Setiba works with W, NW, SW winds. Offshore directions are NW, W.

What skill level is Setiba suitable for?

Setiba suits these riding levels: Surfing: Beginner to Intermediate.