Tofinho

KitesurfingWindsurfingWingfoilingSurfing
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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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 this spot

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
Great for
Surfing shortboardKitesurfing waveKitesurfing freeride
What's great
  • 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
Heads up
  • 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
Was this description helpful?
Practical spot guide

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

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
17–31 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Dec–Mar: rash guard or 2mm shortyMay–Sep: 3/2mm full suit
Crowds by Season

Peak surfing crowds during South African holiday periods (July and December).

Storm/Rain Season

January to March (rainy season; potential cyclone risk in southern Mozambique).

By sport

What to expect for each.

KitesurfingSkill Level

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.

FreerideWaveStraplessFoil
Kite Sizes
7–12 m²
WindsurfingSkill Level

Challenging wave riding for experienced windsurfers, but less frequently visited due to difficult launch.

Wave
Sail Sizes
4.7–5.7 m²
WingfoilingSkill Level

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
SurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

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.

Reef breakPoint break
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.
Forecast

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.

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

  • Reefs
  • Rocks
  • Sharp reef
  • Submerged rocks
  • Sea urchins
  • Strong currents
  • Rip currents
  • Sharks
  • Heavy shore break
Ability Level: Intermediate to Advanced
Recommended Safety Gear
HelmetImpact vestLeashBoots

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.

Restrictions
  • No-kite zone in the immediate swimming areas of neighboring beaches
Local Tips
  • 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
Amenities

What's on the beach

Parking
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.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

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.