Tercera Ponte
- Freeride, Shortboard
- Best for
- Beginner
- Skill Level
- Chop
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Tercera Ponte is an exposed beach-break surfing spot in North Bahia (Salvador), known for consistent waves on a sandy shoreline. The setup is tied closely to tide and timing: sandbanks and pools can be exposed at low tide, but local guidance also emphasizes that mid to high tide often works better because very low water can close out quickly. Wave direction is described as compatible from both sides, with south to southeast swells generally preferred for rideable surf. The spot also carries notable safety considerations. Hazards include submerged rocks (including the Pedra do Meio), bridge pillar structures, and the likelihood of rip currents forming near the bridges and rocky sections during larger swells. Beginners should be especially cautious: the Pedra do Meio rock is described as dangerous for less experienced surfers at mid-tide. Crowds can be heavy at peak times, and runoff after heavy rain can temporarily degrade water quality—one key precaution is to avoid the water for 48 hours after heavy rain. For wind sports, wind is most reliable during the latter part of the year, with consistent sea-breeze/trade influence and a strong afternoon component. The more favorable months for wind sports are described as August through December, when typical wind strength is around 12–22 knots. Afternoon conditions are further reinforced by a sea-breeze that often kicks in from the northeast, with a window roughly from midday to mid/late afternoon on sunny days. Wind direction is described as north/northeast providing cleaner, side-offshore surfing conditions, while also supporting kite, windsurf, and foil sessions. Kitesurfing commonly uses sizes around 9–12 m² and is described as popular; wingfoiling is labeled foil-friendly with usable depth outside the inner sandbars, and windsurfing is feasible for freeride and wave styles with sail sizes roughly in the 5–7 m² range.
- Consistent exposed beach-break surf
- Afternoon sea-breeze/trade-wind pattern supports multiple wind sports
- Warm water year-round with minimal need for neoprene
- Consistent exposed beach-break surf suitable for beginners with manageable takeoff conditions at the right tides
- Warm water year-round and generally good coastal conditions outside heavy-rain runoff
- Afternoon sea-breeze/trades provide predictable wind options for kitesurfing, windsurfing, and wingfoiling
- Exposed conditions and active water hazards near the bridge/rocks (rip currents, submerged hazards)
- Break behavior can deteriorate with very large swells (may close out or get heavy/disorganized)
- Water quality can be impacted after heavy rainfall; avoid the water after runoff events
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- N
- Offshore directions
- N
- Wind Range
- 12–22 kts
- Wind Type
- Trade — Prevailing NE (northeast) trade winds reinforced by an afternoon sea-breeze effect.
- Reliability
- Consistent side-onshore trades during the second half of the year
- Gust Factor
- Steady — Steady/consistent afternoon wind during the more reliable part of the year.
- Best Months
- August, September, October, November, December
- Thermal Window
- Sea breeze · Afternoon · Months: Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec · Dir: NE · Afternoon sea-breeze strengthens around midday and is most consistent until about late afternoon (roughly 12:00 to 17:30 on sunny days).
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Chop
- Beach
- Sand — Sand beach.
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Medium — Often described as medium; can vary from small/low to heavy on very large swells.
- Chop Level
- Heavy chop
- Launch
- Medium — Sandy beach launch area with some rocky outcrops near the bridge structures.
Through the year
High crowds on weekends and during the summer holidays (December–February).
April to July is the primary rainy season (can bring gusty conditions and runoff).
By sport
What to expect for each.
Freeride and wave-focused kitesurfing with foil-friendliness; conditions are described as popular with side-onshore trade winds.
- Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Suitable for freeride and wave windsurfing during the trade wind season, though surfing and kiting are more common.
- Sail Sizes
- 5–7 m²
Foil-friendly area for riders using the afternoon wind.
- Foil Friendly
- Yes — Enough depth outside the inner sandbars.
- Min Depth
- 1.5 meters beyond the inner sandbars
- Wing Sizes
- 4–6 m²
Exposed beach break with consistent surf. Sandbanks and pools can be exposed at low tide; sheltered vs exposed conditions are described as exposed.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- S, SSE, SE
- Swell Height
- 0.5–2 m
- Optimal Tide
- High, Mid — Some sources emphasize low tide for exposing sandbanks/pools; local guidance notes the best ride tends to be mid to high because low tide can close out quickly.
- Shelter
- Exposed — Open/exposed beach break.
- Wind Effect
- North and Northeast winds provide cleaner side-offshore conditions for surfing; north winds are the best for the spot.
- Bigger Swell
- Can close out or become heavy and disorganized with very large swells.
- Wave Quality
- Good — Generally good consistency.
- Wave Power
- Moderate — Moderate power overall; can become heavy/disorganized on very large swells.
- Wave Shape
- Peeling — Peeling form.
- Peel Speed
- Medium — Waves peel at a workable pace.
- Ride Length
- Medium — Workable sections for maneuvers, especially on incoming tides.
- Typical Ride Length
- 50–150 m
- Ride Length Details
- Typical ride length reported around 50–150 m, with workable maneuver sections on incoming tides.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Tercera Ponte in the full forecast view.
Tercera Ponte wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 4–15 ktsGusts 25 kts
- Direction
- E96°
- Strongest day
- Sun, Oct 2515 kts
- Windy days
- 3/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 1.0–1.6 m7s period
- Temperature
- 25–33 °C
Over the next 7 days, Tercera Ponte is forecast for daytime winds of 4–15 kts, peaking around 15 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 25 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.
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
- local peak
- Submerged rocks
- Rip currents
- Bridge pillar structures
- The Third Bridge (Terceira Ponte) structure and the Middle Rock (Pedra do Meio) submerged in the lineup
- Heavy crowds
- Water pollution after heavy rainfall
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal — Daylight active lifeguard stations along the beach.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Municipal lifeguards monitor main urban beaches; dedicated kite/windsurf rescue craft are not standard.
- Emergency Info
- Lifeguard stations (Salvamar) are located along the beach and are active during daylight hours.
- Localism / Vibe
- Mild — Mild localism; surfers should respect local priority/peak usage.
Rules of the spot
Standard surf priority rules apply; respect designated surf zones. Respect swimming zones during peak holidays.
- Respect swimming zones during peak holidays.
- Respect the local peak.
- Avoid the water for 48 hours after heavy rain due to runoff from the drainage canal.
- Watch out for the Pedra do Meio rock which is only visible at very low tides.
- Use Tercera Ponte as a city-beach segment: north-northwest offshore, south swell, and low tide exposing sandbanks.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Salvador
- Nearest Town
- Salvador
- Parking
- Ample parking available along the coastal road and in designated lots near the bridges
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- Portuguese
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Numerous hotels, hostels, and holiday rentals are available in the Jaguaribe and Piatã neighborhoods.
- Food & Drink
- Dozens of beach kiosks provide food, drinks, and seating directly on the sand.
- Equipment Rental:
- Available at several surf schools located directly on the beach.
- Gear Storage
- Offered by some local surf schools for members.
- Gear Repair
- Basic surfboard repairs are available in the nearby neighborhood of Itapuã.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
Salvador offers urban convenience and tropical beach life alongside a strong Afro-Brazilian cultural heritage, with watersports concentrated along the coast.
Iconic lighthouse and maritime museum at the entrance of the Bay of All Saints.
Historic center known for Portuguese colonial architecture and vibrant Afro-Brazilian culture.
Seasonal boat tours to observe humpback whales (typically July to October).
Coastal exploration and beach activities along Salvador’s extensive shoreline.
Bohemian district known for street food and lively bars.
Local and international dining options in beachfront neighborhoods.
Sea turtle conservation center in Praia do Forte.
Beach environments suitable for families with children.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Tercera Ponte?
The best overall months at Tercera Ponte are March, September, October, November, December. The best wind months are August, September, October, November, December.
Which wind directions work at Tercera Ponte?
Tercera Ponte works with N winds. Offshore directions are N.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Tercera Ponte?
Recommended equipment sizes at Tercera Ponte: Kitesurfing: 9–12 m² · Windsurfing: 5–7 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 12–22 kts.
What skill level is Tercera Ponte suitable for?
Tercera Ponte suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Intermediate · Windsurfing: Intermediate · Wingfoiling: Intermediate · Surfing: Beginner.