Best beaches to surf in Florianópolis

Florianópolis, the “Island of Magic”, has around 42 beaches, not counting the secret spots that aren't published. Those we can't tell you about, haha.

Because it's an island, Florianópolis has a huge range of conditions. Depending on the wind and the swell, there's almost always somewhere working.

Best beach to learn to surf in Florianópolis: Barra da Lagoa

For beginners, Barra da Lagoa is one of the best beaches. The waves tend to be friendlier, many lessons happen in chest-deep water, and the beach is less affected by some of the bigger swells.

That's why the Surf Family school has been here since 2000. See our surf lessons in Barra da Lagoa.

Beaches for experienced surfers: the east and south of the island

If you already surf on your own, the beaches on the east of the island usually give you more options, mainly because they're more exposed to the swell. Some of the main ones are Praia Mole, Joaquina and Moçambique. In the south, Campeche and Matadeiro can also have excellent conditions.

On small-swell days, many of these beaches work really well for different levels.

Wind: which beaches work with south, north and west winds

With a south wind, some beaches are more sheltered, like Barra da Lagoa, Matadeiro and Ingleses.

With a north wind, Moçambique, Santinho, Joaquina and Praia Mole usually work better.

A west wind is usually good news: it tends to be offshore on much of the island, blowing from the land out to sea and cleaning up the waves.

Swell: direction matters as much as size

An east swell brings waves to many beaches on the island. A south swell reaches the more sheltered beaches less, like Barra da Lagoa, Matadeiro and Ingleses, which are sometimes almost flat while other spots are working. Swells with some north in them can also work very well at many beaches.

So when you check the surf forecast, don't just look at the swell size: look at the direction too.

The tainha fishing season: when surfing is restricted (May to July)

Tainha (mullet) fishing is a very important tradition in Florianópolis. During the season, the artisanal fishermen work close to the shore, and so as not to disturb the fishing, some beaches can have temporary restrictions on surfing.

From around 1 May to 31 July, several beaches on the island may have restrictions or use a flag system that shows when surfing is allowed. If you're on the island at that time, keep an eye on the signs, the flags and local guidance, and respect the fishermen.

Localism in Florianópolis

Localism in Florianópolis is generally moderate, but it varies a lot from spot to spot. Campeche, Matadeiro and Joaquina can call for a bit more care; Praia Mole and Barra da Lagoa usually have a more relaxed atmosphere.

The rule is simple: at a new spot, watch first. Understand how the line-up works, respect priority and surf etiquette, and avoid unnecessary situations. We'll talk more about surf etiquette in another post.

Which beach should you surf today?

It depends on your level, the wind, the swell and the day. That's the fun of surfing in Florianópolis: within a few kilometres you'll find completely different beaches.

Get your gear ready, check the forecast and pick your spot. And if you come and train with us, we'll help you choose the best conditions for your level: see the Surf Family programs.

See you in the line-up.