Surfing in Costa Verde
Surfing guide to Costa Verde, Peru (South), Peru, South America
Costa Verde has 14 surf spots . Go explore!
Overview of surfing in Costa Verde
Overview of surfing in Costa Verde
Brazil’s Costa Verde is one of the most beautiful coastlines in South America — a lush jungle coastline stretching between Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, where rainforest-covered mountains drop straight into turquoise bays and long stretches of beach. The landscape here is shaped by dramatic rocks, sweeping dunes, lush valleys, and winding rivers, all contributing to the region’s stunning natural scenery. While this region is famous for its islands, colonial towns, waterfalls, and biodiversity, it also hides a rich and dynamic surf scene that is often overshadowed by Rio and Florianópolis.
Surfing on the Costa Verde blends warm water, tropical landscapes, peeling beach breaks, powerful storm-driven swells, mellow beginner bays, and a diverse range of waves that suit surfers of all levels. The coastal area is defined by its proximity to the sea and ocean, offering breathtaking views and a variety of ocean-related activities that attract visitors seeking seaside experiences. The coastline catches both long-period southern swells and short, punchy swells generated in the South Atlantic, making it surprisingly consistent throughout the year.
The vibe is mellow, welcoming, and deeply rooted in Brazilian surf culture. Surfers gather at beach kiosks, push groms into waves, share açai bowls after sessions, and keep the lineup energy playful and friendly. Costa Verde also benefits from countless coves, peninsulas, islands, and sheltered corners, which create options even when wind or swell rises.
Whether you’re exploring Ubatuba’s surf town energy, chasing long walls in Paraty’s outer beaches, hunting hidden coves on Ilha Grande, or scoring playful peaks near Angra dos Reis, the Costa Verde delivers warm-water surf in one of the most photogenic and wonderful regions in Brazil.
Surf Regions on the Green Coast (Costa Verde)
Angra dos Reis Region
A maze of islands, coves, and exposed beaches located along the southeastern coast, near the entrance to Ilha Grande Bay. Less consistent but incredibly scenic with hidden surfable corners.
Ilha Grande
Ilha Grande, located off the coast of Angra dos Reis, offers remote island energy with a handful of world-class beach breaks and reef setups. Warm, powerful, and pristine.
Paraty Region (Trindade & Surrounds)
Located between the mountains and the sea, the Paraty region is one of the most underrated surf zones in Brazil — tropical beaches, clear water, exposed coastlines, and consistent peaks.
Ubatuba Region
Ubatuba, located on the northern coast of São Paulo state, is Brazil’s official “surf city” with 100+ beaches and dozens of surfable breaks. Massive variety and a thriving surf culture.
North São Paulo Coast (Caraguatatuba, São Sebastião Pre-North Coast)
Located north of Ubatuba, this region features scenic open beaches with consistent winter swell exposure and playful summer waves.
Getting there
The Good
- Warm tropical water
- Perfect beaches and lush jungle scenery
- Surf for all levels
- Less crowded than Rio
- Small coastal towns with relaxed vibes
- Incredibly photogenic beaches
- Easy internal linking thanks to tons of separate surf zones
- Affordable food and accommodation
- Consistent swell in winter and shoulder seasons
The Bad
- Can be inconsistent in summer
- Winds can affect exposed beaches
- Jellyfish occasionally appear
- Some beaches require hikes or boat trips
- Rainforest humidity can be intense
- Ubatuba gets busy on holidays
- Storm systems can make water murky after rain
Getting There and Access
Access is through: Rio de Janeiro (Santos Dumont or Galeão) — closest to Angra & Ilha Grande São Paulo (GRU or CGH) — closer to Ubatuba
Approx travel times: Rio → Angra dos Reis: 2.5 hours Rio → Paraty: 4 hours Rio → Ubatuba: 5 hours São Paulo → Ubatuba: 3 hours São Paulo → Paraty: 4 hours
Expect to spend between 2.5 to 5 hours traveling between these key locations, depending on your starting point and destination.
Boat transfers required for Ilha Grande. Car hire is highly recommended for exploring hidden beaches.
Crowds
Angra: light
Ilha Grande: very light
Paraty/Trindade: moderate
Ubatuba: heavy on holidays, manageable otherwiseLocals are friendly and share waves, but respect is important.
Lineup Lowdown
Brazilian surf culture is energetic, supportive, and welcoming.
- Say hi
- Don’t snake locals
- Share waves
- Respect groms & female surfers
- Be mindful of families at beach-break zones
- Keep stoke levels high
The vibe is relaxed compared to Rio’s competition-heavy breaks.
Surf seasons and when to go
The best time of the year to surf in Costa Verde
Surf Seasons and When to Go
Winter (May–Sept):Strongest swell. Best season for consistent, powerful surf. Offshore mornings.
Spring (Sept–Nov):Clean conditions, rising swell, warm weather.
Summer (Dec–Feb):Smaller waves but warm water and fun peaks. Great for beginners.
Autumn (Mar–Apr):One of the best seasons — glassy mornings, consistent surf, fewer crowds.
The climate of Costa Verde is generally mild, humid, and often foggy, which influences surf conditions throughout the year by creating consistent swells and cooler water temperatures.
Water Temperatures and Weather
Water: 22–27°C depending on season
Air: 25–32°C most days
Wetsuit rarely needed — rash guard is enough
Rainforest humidity is high, especially near Paraty and Ubatuba
Can’t-Miss Surf Spots
Praia Brava dos Castelhanos (Ilha Grande)
The most powerful wave in the entire Costa Verde region. This exposed beach break receives full-force South Atlantic swell, producing heavy beach break barrels and long walls. The beach is shaped by prominent rocks along the shoreline, adding to its rugged beauty and influencing the surf. Requires a 4×4 or boat trip to access, making it one of Brazil’s true hidden gems. Best for experienced surfers.
Praia Lopes Mendes (Ilha Grande)
A long, pristine white-sand beach with clean, peeling peaks that suit beginners to intermediates. Fast, playful, and beautifully scenic, with fantastic ocean views stretching along the coast. Consistent year-round and perfect during mid-size swells.
Praia do Sono (Paraty Region)
A stunning tropical bay accessible by hiking trail or boat. Offers left and right peaks that break over sand with long, playful walls. The beach is bordered by natural dunes, enhancing its tranquil setting. Ideal for intermediates. One of the prettiest waves in Brazil.
Praia de Trindade (Trindade, Paraty)
A powerful, consistent beach break with A-frames, punchy drop-ins, and fun rippable walls. Can produce heavy barrels on larger swells. Some areas feature scattered rocks that shape the wave and add to the natural landscape. A core surf spot with a laid-back village vibe.
Praia Brava de Camburi (Near Paraty)
A remote, wild beach with heavy surf and scenic jungle cliffs. The coastline here is marked by dunes and rocks, creating a dramatic natural setting. Best on clean winter swells. Local crew is friendly but protective — respect goes a long way.
Itamambuca (Ubatuba)
One of Brazil’s most iconic high-performance beach breaks. Long, hollow lefts and rights, rippable shoulders, and fast, punchy sections. The beach features stretches of dunes and occasional rocky outcrops, adding to its appeal. A must-surf if you’re in Ubatuba. Crowds are common but the long beach distributes surfers.
Vermelha do Norte (Ubatuba)
A powerful open beach with heavy waves during winter swells. Barrels, steep takeoffs, and long left-hand walls. Rocky patches near the surf break can affect wave shape and swimming safety. Not beginner-friendly.
Praia Grande (Ubatuba)
Consistent, accessible, and perfect for longboarders and surf schools. Fun reforms and mellow walls. The wide sandy beach is backed by low dunes, offering relaxing ocean views.
Toninhas (Ubatuba)
Two personalities: mellow longboard waves at one end and punchier shortboard peaks at the other. A versatile beach perfect for mixed-skill groups. Some rocky areas at the ends of the beach add variety to the surf and scenery.
A heavy shorebreak famous for bodysurfing. Not for beginners. Incredible to watch and occasionally offers rare, powerful tubes. The beach is framed by rocks and dunes, contributing to its wild and unique landscape.
Costa Verde surf travel guide
Find trips that fit a flexible lifestyle
Learning to Surf in the Costa Verde
Best beginner-friendly beaches:
- Lopes Mendes
- Praia Grande (Ubatuba)
- Toninhas
- Praia do Centro (Trindade)
- Angra sheltered bays
Lessons: AU$20–40
Board rentals: AU$10–20/day
Warm water + easy whitewater = top-tier beginner environment.
Safety and Etiquette
- Watch for strong rips at exposed beaches
- Reef is minimal but shorebreak can be powerful
- Jellyfish occasionally appear
- Heavy currents at Ilha Grande and Vermelha do Norte
- Respect local cultures and beach communities
- Stay hydrated in the humidity
- Secure belongings in tourist areas
Surf and Yoga Retreats
Most popular around:
- Paraty (eco-retreats)
- Trindade surf hostels
- Ubatuba wellness lodges
- Ilha Grande jungle retreats
Packages typically include surfing, yoga, treks, boat trips, meditation, and Brazilian home-cooked meals. Retreats offer a range of facilities such as yoga studios, communal spaces, and relaxation areas to enhance your stay. Prices: AU$700–2,000 per week.
Accommodation Options for Surfers
Angra dos Reis: AU$40–200/night
Paraty: AU$50–250/night
Trindade: AU$25–80/night
Ubatuba: AU$30–180/night
Ilha Grande: AU$40–300/night
There are many hotels and hotel options throughout the Costa Verde region, offering a range of choices for travelers. Guests can choose from a variety of rooms, from simple and cozy to spacious suites with modern amenities, ensuring comfort and convenience for every type of visitor. The cost of accommodation varies depending on the type of hotel, location, and room features, making it possible to find both affordable and premium options to suit different budgets.
Budget guesthouses are common and charming.
Comparison to Other Surf Destinations
Costa Verde vs Rio de Janeiro:
- Less crowded
- Less urban
- More tropical and scenic
- Mellow vibe
Compared to other places surfers might consider, Costa Verde stands out for its unique combination of tranquility and natural beauty, offering an alternative to more crowded or well-known surf destinations.
Costa Verde vs Florianópolis:
- Warmer water
- Less consistent in summer but more peaceful
- More jungle/beach beauty
Costa Verde vs Northeast Brazil:
- More wave variety
- More protected bays
- More dramatic landscapes
Costa Verde is the perfect blend of tropical beauty, warm-water surf, and laid-back Brazilian culture.
Expenses (AUD)
Accommodation: AU$25–250
Meals: AU$5–15
Transport: AU$40–70/day (car hire)
Boat transfers: AU$10–30
Board hire: AU$10–20/day
Surf lessons: AU$20–40
On average, visitors typically spend around AU$100–200 per day on a surf trip to Costa Verde, covering accommodation, food, and activities.
One of Brazil’s best-value surf regions.
Cultural Notes
Costa Verde blends Afro-Brazilian, Indigenous, Portuguese, and coastal fishing heritage.
Locals are warm, expressive, and proud of their landscapes.
- Smile
- Be kind
- Learn a few Portuguese words
- Respect the rainforest and beaches
- Support local businesses
- Enjoy açai, coxinha, pão de queijo, and fresh seafood
The region is deeply community-oriented and family-friendly.
Cell Coverage and Wi-Fi
Good in Ubatuba and Paraty.
Patchy on Ilha Grande.
Strong in towns, weaker in remote beaches.
Wi-Fi widely available but not ultra-fast.
Final Thoughts
Costa Verde is one of the most beautiful surf destinations in Brazil — a region where mountains, rainforest, turquoise bays, islands, and warm Atlantic waves combine into a paradise that feels untouched and deeply soulful. The surf here is varied, fun, warm, and perfect for travelers seeking a blend of adventure, culture, nature, and authentic Brazilian charm.
Whether you’re carving long walls at Itamambuca, exploring hidden beaches near Paraty, chasing jungle-framed peaks on Ilha Grande, or just enjoying mellow longboard days in warm tropical water, Costa Verde offers a surf trip that is beautiful, welcoming, and unforgettable.
It’s the perfect region for surfers who want warm waves, stunning landscapes, fewer crowds, and the true Brazilian coastal experience.