Meia Praia is a long, crescent-shaped beach just across the rivermouth from Lagos, a super sheltered stretch of sand that mostly stays flat and only wakes up on winter swells. When it does come to life, it can serve up surprisingly good lefts and rights that run fast and occasionally hollow over the sandy bottom. It has a mellow, easygoing feel that makes it a friendly option, even if it rates below average as a wave overall.
When It Works
This is a winter spot through and through, with the best waves landing between December and February. It needs plenty of swell to get going, drawing energy from the south to southwest and breaking as both rights and lefts, including a jetty-influenced peak. Expect anything from waist to head high once it fires. The working size range runs from 0.9 m / 3 ft to 1.8 m / 6 ft, so it takes a solid swell before the sand starts producing.
Wind and Tide
Look for north-northwest offshore wind to groom the faces, with a workable wind window stretching from northwest to north-northeast (NW-NNE). It can break through most of the tide, from low to high, though a rising tide is generally the better call.
Local Tips
The lineup suits everyone, from beginners finding their feet to intermediates and experts chasing the better days, and it handles just about any board, whether you are on a shortboard, funboard, longboard, fish, SUP, or bodyboard. It tends to stay fairly quiet, and the atmosphere in the water can feel a little reserved.
Access
You will find parking at the breakwater and by the beach bar, and getting out is an easy paddle. Note that the water can be polluted after heavy rain.
