Lopes Mendes
Lopes Mendes is consistently rated one of Brazil's most beautiful beaches, a 3km stretch of white sand on Ilha Grande that catches SW swells wrapping around the island. Getting there requires a ferry and a hike, but the reward is uncrowded waves in a pristine tropical setting. The beach has been protected from development, preserving its wild character.
Today's Conditions
Location & Conditions
Tide Times
Strike Score Breakdown
Location & Conditions
Spot Details
Swell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SSW (202°)
- Direction range
- 157° - 270°
- Size range
- 0.9m - 2.5m
- Ideal size
- 2.0m
- Height multiplier
- 0.90×
- Ideal period
- 14s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- NE (45°)
- Offshore range
- 0° - 90°
- Best window
- morning
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- all
Water temp
23°C
Wetsuit
Springsuit / 2mm
Difficulty
4/10
Crowd level
2/10
Access: Ferry to Ilha Grande, then hiking trail
Best Season
Peak: Apr-Sep
Needs SW swell to wrap into bay
Getting There
Nearby Spots
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Cepilho
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Grumari
🌿 Environmental reserve • Carlos Burle's favorite • Pristine nature
Prainha
🌳 Atlantic Forest setting • Rio's best quality wave • Pristine environment
Barra da Tijuca
🏢 18km of peaks • Former CT venue • Modern Rio
Itamambuca
🏆 Competition venue • Multiple quality peaks • Year-round versatility