Praia Brava is a beach break near Arraial do Cabo that breaks over a mix of boulders and sand, with peaks scattered along a narrow strip of beach. At its best it fires long, near-perfect lefts, though it works both ways with rights on offer too. Upwelling keeps the water cold here.
When It Works
The break draws swell from east to south (E-S), with southeast (SE) the best match. It's usable from 0.6 m / 2 ft to 3 m / 10 ft, and it's moderately consistent, so expect worthwhile windows when the setup lines up rather than surf every day.
Wind and Tide
Look for northeast (NE) offshore wind, which cleans up an E-S swell and is what pulls those long lefts into shape. It works on low to mid tide, with a rising tide generally the better call. Keep an eye on the tide as it fills in, since the narrow beach and its peaks wash out at high tide.
Local Tips
This one suits intermediate surfers. Expect a moderately busy lineup when it's working.
Access
Getting to the beach means a hike around the far side of the Itajaru Canal. Once there, you'll find a car park with free parking plus roadside parking. Be aware that nudists frequent this wild stretch of beach.
