Overview
Joaquina is a sand-bottom beachbreak near Florianópolis, breaking as a shifting left-hand semi-point off a rocky headland with both lefts and rights on offer. It's the center of surfing in Santa Catarina and one of the most consistent beachbreaks around, powerful and often hollow, rarely without a rideable peak. As a former World Tour contest site it even has stadium lighting, so a night session is possible when the council rates the surf fun enough.
When It Works
The beach picks up plenty of swell and draws it from northeast through east-southeast to south (NE-ESE-S), with southeast swell the best match. It works from 0.9 m / 3 ft to 3.7 m / 12 ft, holding size up to double-overhead and getting heavy on its best days, when the paddle-out turns into hard work. Shifting sandbars mean you can find longer lefts at the north end or pick a peak on the walk south. It's most reliable through autumn and winter, though there's usually something to ride year-round. Currents pick up on bigger days.
Wind and Tide
Look for calm mornings or northwest offshore wind. It breaks on all tides, but a rising tide is generally the better call, and the left corner offers longer rides on lower to mid tide.
Local Tips
This is a shortboard wave at its best. It can suit beginners when it's small and junky, but it's not the place to learn once there's size. Expect a busy but friendly lineup when it's on.
Access
Getting here is easy, with a car park offering free parking alongside paid and roadside options. Facilities are well sorted, with restrooms, showers, a lifeguard, camping, and a surf school and surf shop nearby.
