Pontal is an open and exposed beach that offers a laid-back surf experience. Getting here requires a boat ride, which means it tends to be less crowded than other spots. This can be a great advantage for competent surfers looking for some space to work on their skills without the usual hustle of more popular beaches.

The surf here is quite variable but tends to set up some decent sucky peaks during a southeast swell, especially at lower incoming tides. The optimal swell direction comes from the east, while the beach can handle swells from the northeast and south too. Swell sizes around 1ft (approximately 0.3 meters) are generally good to ride here. Waves break over sandy bottoms and can produce both left and right breaks, making it suitable for various riding styles. The preferable wind direction is from the west, and intermediate surfers will find this spot to be a fitting challenge.

Besides surfing, Pontal offers good opportunities for stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) in the river. This adds some variety to your water activities if you want a break from catching waves or just want to explore the tranquil surroundings.