Saquarema is the home of Brazilian surfing and hosts the WSL Championship Tour every year at Itaúna Point. The wave is a powerful right-hand point that breaks over a sand-covered rock shelf, producing long, hollow barrels when winter swells push up from the south. The spot has produced more world champions than anywhere else in Brazil, with Gabriel Medina, Adriano de Souza, and Filipe Toledo all cutting their teeth here. Expect heavy crowds and a competitive atmosphere, but the wave quality justifies the hype.
Water temp
22°C
Wetsuit
Springsuit / 2mm
Difficulty
7/10
Crowd level
9/10
Peak: Mar-Oct
Best in autumn/winter with SW swells
💥 Heavy wedge • Hawaiian-style barrels • SW swell magnet
🌊 Saquarema alternative • Less crowded • Consistent peaks
💀 3ft over rock • Death-defying slab • Experts only
⚡ Rio's most powerful wave • Dramatic boulder setting • Competition venue
🌊 All levels option • Niterói reliability • Less crowded
🛡️ Protected bay • Beginner option • Itacoatiara alternative