Vermelha (Ibiraquera)

Vermelha (Ibiraquera) is a sheltered sandy beach break near Imbituba that’s known for producing hollow, fast left-hand waves when conditions line up. It tends to work best with south to southeast swells (about 1.0–2.0 m, and up to around 2.5 m in stronger setups) and with southwest or south winds that help groom the wave face. Wave quality is described as good/“regional classic,” but the spot is also clearly inconsistent—described as sheltered with unreliable waves—and it may only break sometimes. Timing matters: it’s reported to perform best on low to mid tide (including falling tide), so plan sessions around the tide to avoid flat or unfavourable water movement. The main safety challenge is hazard management. Multiple sources flag strong/dangerous rip currents and lateral drift, and the spot has rocks located at both ends plus submerged rocks near shore. Rescue is reported as no and lifeguards are not present, so riders/swimmers should treat this as a high-consequence environment, especially if waves are larger. Local guidance emphasizes avoiding swimming when conditions are too rough (with swimming forbidden above about 1.5 m) and bringing essentials because there are no services on the beach. Access is by trail from nearby starting points, and the combination of isolation, steep access, and limited emergency coverage means conditions should be checked carefully before going in.