Where to Surf in Florianópolis: The Complete Guide

Florianópolis has over 70 beaches, more than 40 surfable breaks, and waves that can range from soft beginner rollers to heavy barrels, sometimes on the same day.

The catch?
Only a handful of beaches work well at any given time and it can be tricky to be in the right place at the right time.

This guide breaks down where to surf in Florianópolis based on wind, swell and skill level. If you want the right wave on the right day here is the guide you need.

Why Florianópolis Works for Surfing (Quick Context)

Santa Catarina Island sits exposed to the South Atlantic and runs parallel to the mainland, which is critical:

• Only open-ocean–facing beaches receive surf (east Coast)
• Mainland-facing beaches (Weste Coast) are protected bays (great for SUP & sailing, useless for surfing)
• Multiple coastal angles = options in almost any conditions

Great swell exposure with dominant swells:

• South (S)
• Southeast (SE)
• East (E)
• Secondary: Northeast (NE)

The Most Important Thing to Understand: Wind in Floripa

Floripa is sometimes called “windy”, and accurately so.

But if you understand wind direction, there is almost always a clean option.

🧭 Quick Wind Cheat Sheet

When the Wind Is South

Go to more north-facing or protected beaches:

• Barra da Lagoa
• Matadeiro
• Armação
• Santinho (depending on angle)

South winds destroy most exposed east-coast beach breaks.

When the Wind Is West / Northwest

This is money.

Most east-coast surf spots light up:

• Praia Mole
• Joaquina
• Campeche (Pico & Riozinho)
• Morro das Pedras
• Moçambique

These are classic winter offshore conditions.

When the Wind Is North / Northeast

Look for south-exposed or wind-protected setups:

• Galheta
• Lagoinha do Leste
• Praia dos Açores
• Pântano do Sul
• Lomba do Sabão
• Morro das Aranhas (north)

These days catch visitors out, but locals score.

Best Surf Spots in Florianópolis (Complete Conditions Table)

Surf Spot	Area	Suitable For	Best Swell	Best Wind	Notes / Hazards
Lambe-Lambe	North	Advanced only	E, NE (large)	S, E	Rare inside wave, strong current, rock positioning
Praia Brava	North	Int–Adv	E, SE	W, NW	Powerful sand peaks, barrels, busy in summer
Praia dos Ingleses	North	Intermediate+	E, NE	S, SW	Fast shorebreak tubes when it works
Praia do Santinho	North	Int–Adv	E, SE, S	N, NW, W	Can be the best barrels in the north
Sovaco da Cobra (Jurerê)	North	Beginner / Longboard	E (big only)	S	Small, novelty wave
Moçambique	East	Int–Adv	E, SE, S	N, NW, W	Long, heavy beach, light crowds
Barra da Lagoa	East	Beginner–Int	E, SE	S, SW, W	Soft waves, surf schools,
Galheta	East	Int–Adv	E, NE	W, NW	Hike-in, punchy, nude beach
Praia Mole	East	Int–Adv	E, SE, S	N, NW, W	Very consistent, strong rips, crowds
Joaquina	East	Int–Adv	E, SE, S	NE, N, NW	Iconic, competition wave, powerful
Novo Campeche	East	Int–Adv	E, SE, S	W, NW	Defined peaks, pro-heavy
Campeche – Pico	East	Beginner–Int	E, SE	W, NW	Friendlier walls, progression wave
Campeche – Riozinho	East	Advanced	S, SE	W, NW	Hollow, fast, competitive
Morro das Pedras	South	Int–Adv	S, SE	SW, W, NW	Long hollow rights, less crowded
Caldeira (Armação)	South	Advanced only	E, NE	SW, W	Long stretch of sand, heavy peaks when big
Armação	South	Intermediate+	S, SE	SW, W, NW	Needs size, short fast walls
Matadeiro	South	Beg–Int	E, NE	S, SW	Protected bay, A-frame tubes on big E
Lagoinha do Leste	South	Int–Adv	E, NE	W, SW	Hike-in, point style, heavy
Praia dos Açores	South	Intermediate+	S	N, NE	Rare to get pumping, but good wave. Offshore in N winds.
Praia da Solidão	South	Int–Adv	S, SE	N, NW	Normally quiet, heavy when there is swell
Naufragados	South	Advanced	S	N, NW	Trail/boat access only, fast heavy tubes.

Where to Surf by Skill Level

🟢 Best Beginner Surf Beaches

• Barra da Lagoa – Floripa’s beginner capital
• Campeche Pico (small days)
• Matadeiro (small swells)

These spots offer:

• Sand bottoms
• Forgiving take-offs
• Surf schools nearby

⚠️ Note: On bigger swells, even “beginner” beaches can turn fast and unforgiving.

🟡 Best Intermediate Progression Waves

• Praia Mole
• Campeche Pico
• Morro das Pedras
• Praia Brava

These beaches reward:

• Good paddling fitness
• Ability to read peaks
• Comfort with currents

If you’re unsure — don’t paddle straight to the main peak. Walk the beach.

🔴 Best Advanced & Heavy Waves

• Campeche Riozinho / Campeche Rights
• Joaquina (solid winter swells)
• Moçambique
• Lagoinha do Leste
• Naufragados
• Caldeira

These waves feature:

• Fast take-offs
• Shallow sand or rock sections
• Strong currents
• Competitive lineups

Bring your A-game, respect the local crew.

Seasonal Reality: When to Surf Florianópolis

Winter (May–September)

• Most consistent
• Larger, more powerful swells
• Offshore mornings common
• Colder water (3/2 wetsuit)

Spring (September–October)

• Quality swells
• Fewer crowds
• One of the best balance periods

Summer (December–March)

• Smaller, playful surf
• More onshore wind
• Better for beginners
• Crowded beaches

⚠️ Important: Mullet (Tainha) Fishing Season

May 15 – July 15

• Surfing is prohibited on many beaches
• Enforcement varies by location
• Conflict is cultural, not scientific

If you’re visiting during this period:

• Ask locals
• Respect restrictions
• Don’t escalate conflicts

Crowd Reality & Local Etiquette

Floripa is friendly — until you act like an idiot.

Golden rules:

• Don’t drop in
• Don’t snake
• Don’t paddle straight to the main peak if you don’t belong there
• Walk the beach — there are almost always empty peaks

Respect earns respect. Disrespect spreads fast.

Where to Base Yourself for Surfing

If surfing is the priority:

• Lagoa da Conceição – best central hub
• Campeche – walkable beaches, quieter lifestyle
• Barra da Lagoa – beginner-friendly, surf schools

Quick Answers (FAQs)

Is Florianópolis good for beginner surfers?
Yes, especially Barra da Lagoa and Campeche on small days.

Is Floripa better than Rio for surfing?
For consistency, variety, and space, yes.

Do I need a car?
Not mandatory, but it massively increases your chances of scoring good waves.

Final Takeaway

Understand the wind. Respect the locals. Walk the beach.
Do that, and Floripa will deliver more surf days than almost anywhere in Brazil.