Saquarema is often called the best surf in Brazil, though that reputation owes a lot to its place in the country's surfing history. Contests were held here through the '60s and '70s, and it was one of the first places Rio surfers went as they started exploring outside the city.
Overview
The stretch of beach west of the old church is Praia da Itauna. A channel runs out of the natural lagoon on the west end, while the east end has a rock shelf that captures the sand flow and builds banks that can be very, very good. Unlike much of the Rio surf, these sandbars hold big swells and keep their shape. The wave is generally a long left with hollow sections, and on certain swells it breaks right as well. The jetty at the west end can be good too. The bottom is sand and rock shelf, and the water is fairly clean for the most part.
When It Works
Swell comes in from east through south to southwest (E-S-SW), and the beach is very consistent, with plenty of options along its length. The Point at the east corner picks up south to southeast swell and produces the longer, larger lefts. Barrinha at the west corner takes south to southwest and turns powerful and hollow rights. In between, the middle of the beach delivers fun beach break. It works from 0.9 m / 3 ft to 3 m / 10 ft, which covers chest high through double overhead, and the corners can hold triple overhead and beyond when a big, clean southeast swell lands at the Point or a big southwest to south-southwest swell lights up Barrinha. Autumn and winter are the best seasons, but it breaks year-round.
Wind and Tide
Look for calm mornings or offshore wind, with north (N) the true offshore and a workable window running from northwest to northeast (NW-NE). It works on low and mid tide, and a rising tide is generally the better call. The corners at the Point and Barrinha prefer low, while the middle of the beach likes it around medium.
Local Tips
Bring a shortboard. There is something here for most levels, from beginners on the beach break to experts on the corners, though the bigger days at either end are not the place to learn. Expect a moderately busy lineup: weekends can be packed, while weekdays stay a lot mellower. The lineup is competitive, so paddle out with some respect for the pecking order.
Watch out for hold-downs, long paddles, and getting caught inside on a big set, especially during a strong south-southwest to south-southeast swell. The paddle back is easy if you stay close to the rock at the left corner, but it gets very difficult if you stop in the middle of the beach. The water can also turn very cold after strong east winds and currents.
Access
Easy to find. Follow the signs.
