Tofinho
- Wave, Shortboard
- Best for
- Intermediate to Advanced
- Skill Level
- Medium waves, Ocean, Mixed
- Spot Type
- 15–25 kts
- Wind Range
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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Tofinho is an exposed reef-and-point break area on the Inhambane coast with clear water and small, rocky access. For surfing, it’s known for powerful right-hand waves that break over a rocky shelf, with barreling potential and long, high-performance rides on the best days. The conditions are emphasized as advanced due to the combination of heavy energy, exposed positioning, and close reef hazards. For kitesurfing, Tofinho is primarily a wave-kiting spot that benefits from trade winds. The recommended wind directions cluster around NNE, NE, SE, and SSE, with the most consistent months typically running from August through December. Wind is generally described as moderate, with typical ranges around 15–25 knots, and lighter gusting behavior noted. Safety is a major theme: the take-off/entry zone includes sharp rocks and reef, with additional hazards such as sea urchins and sharks mentioned in sources. Strong currents (including rip currents) and a heavy shore break add to the challenge, and entry is often described as involving a jump from the rocks. Practical guidance includes wearing reef-protective footwear and carefully checking the ‘jump-in’ area before committing. Local operation and etiquette matter as well. Kitesurfers are advised to avoid conflicts with surfers by prioritizing surfers already on the wave, and to kite further downwind of the main peak. You should also avoid dive boat launch zones, as dive operations can be active near access routes. There are no lifeguards at the spot, so relying on local medical services (via Inhambane city) and being prepared for self-rescue planning is important.
- Powerful right-hand point break with barreling potential
- Trade-wind wave kiting window mainly August–December
- Clear water visibility, with marine hazards around the reef
- Clear water and exposed Indian Ocean beach/point conditions
- Strong wave energy for right-hand barrel potential and advanced wave kiting
- Trade winds from NNE/NE/SE/SSE are available mainly from August to December
- Rocky, reef-based launch and entry with sharp reef and sea-urchin hazards
- Strong sweep/rip currents and heavy shore break can make conditions demanding
- Spot can be less reliable for surfing compared with wind-based conditions
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- NNE, NE, SE, SSE
- Offshore directions
- W, WNW, NW
- Wind Range
- 15–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Trade — Trade winds from NNE, NE, SE, and SSE; local sea-breeze support in afternoons.
- Reliability
- moderate
- Gust Factor
- Light gusts
- Best Months
- August, September, October, November, December
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 7–12 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Medium waves, Ocean, Mixed
- Beach
- Sand — Sand is present, but sources also describe rocky access/ledges.
- Beach Size
- Small
- Waves
- Big — Surf sources describe medium to big waves, with surfing characterized as very powerful.
- Chop Level
- Heavy chop — Heavy shore break described; reef proximity can create roughness.
- Launch
- Small — Narrow rocky ledge and a small sandy area south of the point; described as easy for some approaches but also reported as difficult due to rocky access.
Through the year
Peak surfing crowds during South African holiday periods (July and December).
January to March (rainy season; potential cyclone risk in southern Mozambique).
By sport
What to expect for each.
Wave kiting with trade winds from NNE/NE/SE/SSE; hazards include reefs and rocks around take-off/entry areas. Kiting is commonly done downwind of the main peak to reduce conflicts.
- Kite Sizes
- 7–12 m²
Challenging wave riding for experienced windsurfers, but less frequently visited due to difficult launch.
- Sail Sizes
- 4.7–5.7 m²
Foilable on the outer reefs, but the rocky point/shallow shelf make it extremely hazardous for beginners.
- Foil Friendly
- Limited — Described as foilable only with significant hazard considerations.
- Min Depth
- 2 meters
- Wing Sizes
- 4–6 m²
Powerful right-hand point break over a shallow reef shelf with an exposed feel; entry and launch require care around sharp reef and strong currents.
- Wave Direction
- Right
- Optimal Swell
- S, SE
- Swell Height
- 1.5–3 m
- Optimal Tide
- Low
- Shelter
- Exposed
- Wind Effect
- Southwest winds can be cross-shore/offshore; westerlies are described as cleaner offshore.
- Bigger Swell
- Holds size well and can become a heavy, expert-only barrel.
- Wave Quality
- World class — Described as offering very long, high-performance rides and barreling potential.
- Wave Power
- Very powerful — Known for high-performance right-hand barrels over a rocky shelf.
- Wave Shape
- Barreling
- Peel Speed
- Fast
- Ride Length
- Long — Can offer rides up to 300 meters on best days; typical rides around 150 meters.
- Typical Ride Length
- 150 m
- Ride Length Details
- Can connect multiple sections; up to 300 meters reported on best days.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Tofinho in the full forecast view.
Tofinho wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 8–18 ktsGusts 29 kts
- Direction
- ESE114°
- Strongest day
- Wed, Oct 2818 kts
- Windy days
- 4/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 1.3–2.5 m8s period
- Temperature
- 22–28 °C
Over the next 7 days, Tofinho is forecast for daytime winds of 8–18 kts, peaking around 18 kts on Wednesday, October 28 with gusts to 29 kts. The prevailing direction is ESE. Waves run 1.3–2.5 m with a period of about 8s. 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
- Reefs
- Rocks
- Sharp reef
- Submerged rocks
- Sea urchins
- Strong currents
- Rip currents
- Sharks
- Heavy shore break
Rescue & support
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — No organized public lifeguard/rescue service; assistance is typically provided by local dive operators and surf lodges (general coastal safety advice applies).
- Emergency Info
- Nearest basic medical services are in Tofo, with a hospital in Inhambane city. Emergency numbers: 117 (Police) and 119 (Medical Support).
- Localism / Vibe
- Moderate — Surfer/kiter priority dynamics near the point are emphasized.
Rules of the spot
Avoid dive boat launch zones; watch for dive boat launches. Priority is strictly given to surfers already on the wave; kitesurfing is generally done further downwind of the main take-off peak to avoid conflict.
- No-kite zone in the immediate swimming areas of neighboring beaches
- Watch the take-off/entry area carefully before attempting to enter the water at the point.
- Wear booties to protect against sharp reef and sea urchins.
- Best to kite with a partner due to the remote nature and heavy conditions.
- You can kite along the beach, but don’t get in the way of dive boat launches.
- When on the wave, be ready for heavy energy and sharp reef impacts at the launch/entry.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Inhambane
- Nearest Town
- Tofo
- Nearest Airport
- Inhambane Airport (INH), approx. 20 km away.
- Parking
- Limited parking available on the grassy verge above the point.
- Public Transport
- Mainly informal minibuses (chapas) and private airport transfers from Inhambane.
- Access
- East of Inhambane.
- Cost Level
- Budget
- Local Language
- Portuguese, Bitonga
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Guesthouses and lodges are located directly on the cliff overlooking the spot; additional options along the coastline.
- Food & Drink
- Local restaurants and bars within walking distance in Tofinho and Tofo.
- Equipment Rental:
- Rental gear available in the nearby village of Tofo.
- Gear Storage
- Offered by some local lodges.
- Gear Repair
- Basic sail and board repair available in Tofo village; specialized kite bladder repair is limited.
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 Tofinho?
The best overall months at Tofinho are August, September, October, November, December.
Which wind directions work at Tofinho?
Tofinho works with NNE, NE, SE, SSE winds. Offshore directions are W, WNW, NW.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Tofinho?
Recommended equipment sizes at Tofinho: Kitesurfing: 7–12 m² · Windsurfing: 4.7–5.7 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 15–25 kts.
What skill level is Tofinho suitable for?
Tofinho suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Intermediate to Advanced · Windsurfing: Expert · Wingfoiling: Expert · Surfing: Intermediate to Advanced.