Simão
- Shortboard, Longboard
- Best for
- Advanced to Expert
- Skill Level
- Ocean
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Simão is a remote right-hand beach-break in Ubatuba known for powerful, hollow waves that can hold up on larger swells. The wave breaks from a sandy bottom with rock features, and quality is commonly described as good—often earning a regional-classic reputation among experienced surfers. It starts working below 1 meter and can hold up to 3 meters and beyond. The spot is best with Southeast/E swells and benefits from offshore clean wind conditions, especially NorthWest and West winds. The wave is reported to work on all tides, including both rising and falling conditions. Access is the main challenge: you typically start from Maranduba Beach and hike through the track at the end, with reports commonly putting the walk at around 1 to 2 hours (often exceeding 30 minutes). There are no facilities at the beach, and conditions can be harder after rain due to trail slipperiness. Safety planning is important. Hazards include rocks (including submerged rocks at the southern end) and the possibility of strong rip currents during larger swells, alongside moderate localism. With no rescue/lifeguard presence at the spot and remote location concerns (including limited mobile signal), you should bring appropriate equipment and be ready for a longer hike back if needed.
- Regional classic right-hand beach-break
- Works on all tides
- Best with SE/E swell and NW/W offshore wind
- Powerful, hollow right-hand beach break with regional classic reputation
- Works on all tides
- Good wave quality when wind is offshore/clean
- Long, remote access with difficult hike requirements
- Rock hazards and submerged rocks at the southern end
- Strong currents/rips possible on larger swells
- No rescue/lifeguard presence at the spot
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- NW, W, E, SE
- Offshore directions
- NW, W
- Wind Range
- 5–15 kts
- Wind Type
- Frontal — Winds can be influenced by frontal systems; offshore clean conditions are reported with NW/W flow.
- Reliability
- low
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts
- Best Months
- May, June, July, August, September, October, November
- Shadow Zones
- High hills around the beach can create significant wind shadows.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Ocean
- Beach
- Sand — Sandy with rock.
- Beach Size
- Small
- Waves
- Medium — Reports range from starts below 1m to holding up beyond 3m+.
- Launch
- Small — Narrow sandy strip often affected by tide.
- Launch Difficulty
- Difficult — Narrow sandy strip; launch can be difficult due to rocks and tide.
Through the year
Very quiet on weekdays; small crowds of dedicated surfers on weekends with good swells.
Summer (December to March) is the tropical rainy season with frequent afternoon thunderstorms.
By sport
What to expect for each.
A powerful, hollow right-hand wave that breaks over a sandy and rock bottom, offering good quality in a remote setting.
- Wave Direction
- Right
- Optimal Swell
- SSE, E
- Swell Height
- 0.5–3 m
- Optimal Tide
- All tides — Works on all tides; best described as rising and falling tides.
- Shelter
- Semi-sheltered — Remote coastline with partial wind/swell protection, but conditions can remain challenging due to exposure and rock features.
- Wind Effect
- NorthWest and West winds provide cleaner, more offshore conditions.
- Bigger Swell
- Holds size well up to around 3 meters, then becomes very heavy and challenging.
- Wave Quality
- Good — Described as a regional classic.
- Wave Power
- Powerful
- Wave Shape
- Peeling
- Peel Speed
- Medium
- Ride Length
- Medium — Normal rides are typically 50-150m; exceptional days can reach 150-300m.
- Typical Ride Length
- 50–150 m
- Ride Length Details
- Normal: 50-150m; Good day: 150-300m.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Simão in the full forecast view.
Simão wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 2–9 ktsGusts 21 kts
- Direction
- SE139°
- Strongest day
- Mon, Oct 269 kts
- Windy days
- 0/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.3–1.0 m7s period
- Temperature
- 17–29 °C
Over the next 7 days, Simão is forecast for daytime winds of 2–9 kts, peaking around 9 kts on Monday, October 26 with gusts to 21 kts. The prevailing direction is SE. Waves run 0.3–1.0 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
- Rocks
- Localism
- Submerged rocks
- Strong rip currents possible during larger swells
- Remote location with no mobile signal
- Difficult access trail
- Exposed and submerged rocks at the southern end
Rescue & support
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- No — No spot-level rescue coverage reported.
- Emergency Info
- Nearest medical help is in Maranduba or Central Ubatuba, requiring a 1-2 hour hike back to the trailhead.
- Localism / Vibe
- Moderate — Moderate localism; follow etiquette to avoid annoying locals.
Rules of the spot
Follow good surf etiquette and standard surfing etiquette; respect locals who frequent this remote spot.
- No vehicle access
- Environmental protection area rules apply
- Access requires a long walk from Maranduba Beach (often closer to 2 hours) and can exceed 30 minutes.
- Bring plenty of water and food; there are no facilities.
- The trail can be slippery after rain.
- Be prepared for long-distance access and plan accordingly.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Ubatuba
- Nearest Town
- Maranduba
- Parking
- Paid parking is available at trailheads in Praia da Lagoinha or Maranduba.
- Access
- Your trip starts at Maranduba Beach (first Ubatuba beach from the south, including the extension for Lagoinha and Sapê Beach), then go through the track at the end of Maranduba by about 2 hours. Alternatively, access is via the Trilha das Sete Praias trail starting from Praia da Lagoinha or Praia da Maranduba (about 1 to 2 hours).
- Local Language
- Portuguese
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Camping and guesthouses are available in Maranduba and Lagoinha.
- Food & Drink
- None available at the beach; bring all supplies.
- Equipment Rental:
- None available on-site for this spot.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
Ubatuba is described as a lush coastal destination with many beaches and a strong nature-focused tourism scene, alongside an active water-sports community.
A world-famous surfing beach located within a preserved Atlantic Forest area.
A conservation project and visitor center dedicated to the protection of sea turtles.
A historical building in the city center reflecting colonial architecture and local history.
A scenic hiking trail connecting seven beaches through the rainforest.
A main gastronomic street in Ubatuba with diverse international and local seafood cuisine.
Local marine life exhibits including an interactive touch tank for children.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Simão?
The best overall months at Simão are May, June, July, August. The best wind months are May, June, July, August, September, October, November.
Which wind directions work at Simão?
Simão works with NW, W, E, SE winds. Offshore directions are NW, W.
What skill level is Simão suitable for?
Simão suits these riding levels: Surfing: Advanced to Expert.