Arpoador
Arpoador is Brazil's most iconic urban surf spot, a rocky point break between Ipanema and Copacabana that has been the heart of Rio's surf scene for over 50 years. The wave is lit at night for after-dark sessions, a unique feature that has made it famous worldwide. The left peels along the rocks toward the beach, offering clean walls when SE swells wrap in. The sunset views from the rock are legendary, drawing crowds of spectators who applaud as the sun dips below the horizon.
Arpoador surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
Today's Conditions
Find FlightsLocation & Conditions
Hourly Forecast, Tide & Strike Windows
Tide times today
Strike Score Breakdown
Plan Your Strike
Return flights to GIG, departing today with a 5-day trip window.
Search Flights on SkyscannerLocation & Conditions
Know when South America is about to fire
Get the best strike windows in South America — and worldwide — in your inbox every Monday & Thursday. Live Strike Scores, the swell behind them, zero fluff.
Prefere português? Receba o Strike Report em português, grátis →
Get the full Arpoador trip window
Pro unlocks the 10-day forecast window, unlimited alerts, and custom spot tracking that help turn a good-looking surf report into a better travel decision.
10-day window
See the trip window before flights get expensive.
Unlimited alerts
Let the app watch your score threshold for you.
Custom spots
Track the breaks that actually matter to your travel plans.
Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SSE (157°)
- Direction range
- 90° - 180°
- Size range
- 0.9m - 3m
- Ideal size
- 1.8m - 2.5m
- Height multiplier
- 0.97×
- Ideal period
- 14s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- NW (315°)
- Offshore range
- 270° - 45°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- all
Water temp
23°C
Wetsuit
Springsuit / 2mm
Difficulty
5/10
Crowd level
9/10
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at Arpoador?
The Arpoador profile does not specify a preferred tide stage. That does not mean tide has no effect: check local conditions alongside swell and wind.
What wind direction is offshore at Arpoador?
The Arpoador profile uses wind from NW (315°) as its preferred direction, with an offshore range of 270° to 45°. Wind speed matters too: light winds outside that range can still produce surfable conditions, while strong offshore winds can make takeoffs difficult.
What swell size and direction work best at Arpoador?
The Arpoador scoring profile favors swell from SSE (90° to 180°), a swell-height range of 0.9m to 3m, and a reference period of 14s. These are model inputs, not guaranteed breaking-wave heights or a promise that the surf will suit every ability.
When is the best time of year to surf Arpoador?
The main season at Arpoador is Mar-Oct. Best in autumn/winter
How do I get to Arpoador?
The spot profile lists GIG as a nearby airport. The estimated road transfer is 20 minutes.
What kind of wave is Arpoador?
Arpoador is a point break, a left-hander. Difficulty is rated 5/10.
Best Season
Peak: Mar-Oct
Best in autumn/winter
Getting There
Nearby Spots
Copacabana Posto 5
🌴 Iconic Copa • Heavy shorebreak • Urban surf
Leblon Pontão
🌊 Rio's big wave spot • Handles size • Powerful rights
São Conrado
🪂 Rob Machado's Rio favorite • Fast hollow A-frames • Hang glider landing zone
Camboinhas
🛡️ Protected bay • Beginner option • Itacoatiara alternative
Piratininga
🌊 All levels option • Niterói reliability • Less crowded
Barra da Tijuca
🏢 18km of peaks • Former CT venue • Modern Rio