Cacimba do Padre
Cacimba do Padre is Brazil's Pipeline—a world-class beach break on the remote island paradise of Fernando de Noronha. When North swells hit this UNESCO World Heritage Site, the beach produces thick, heavy barrels in crystal-clear water. The setting is unreal: dramatic volcanic formations, pristine beaches, and strict environmental protections. Getting here is expensive and requires planning, but the reward is Brazilian surfing's ultimate prize. Pipe-quality tubes in paradise.
Cacimba do Padre surf forecast
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- NNW (330°)
- Direction range
- 310° - 350°
- Size range
- 1m - 4m
- Ideal size
- 2.3m - 3.3m
- Height multiplier
- 0.97×
- Ideal period
- 15s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SE (135°)
- Offshore range
- 90° - 180°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- all
- Optimal range
- 0.5m - 2m
- Danger below
- 0.4m
Water temp
27°C
Wetsuit
Boardshorts / Rashguard
Difficulty
7/10
Crowd level
6/10
Access: Fly to the island, then short drive/walk.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of wave is Cacimba do Padre?
Cacimba do Padre is a beach break in Fernando de Noronha, Brazil, with peaks that run both left and right. It's on our list of the world's 100 best waves.
What's the story behind Cacimba do Padre?
At the 2009 Hang Loose Pro here, 13-year-old Filipe Toledo became the youngest surfer ever to win a heat at a WQS event. Fernando de Noronha is made up of 21 volcanic islands, islets and rocks, and HMS Beagle stopped here in February 1832 to fix the island's exact longitude.
What swell works best at Cacimba do Padre?
Cacimba do Padre picks up swell from the NW round to the N, and it's best when it's coming straight out of the NNW. That's a tight window, so it needs the swell direction to line up. It starts working at around 1m and handles up to about 4m, with the sweet spot around 2.3 to 3.3m. Period matters too: aim for 15s or longer, as anything under 10s tends to be weak. These are the numbers our scoring uses, so treat them as a guide rather than a promise.
What wind is offshore at Cacimba do Padre?
A SE wind is dead offshore at Cacimba do Padre, and anything from the E round to the S keeps it clean. Light winds from other directions can still be fine; strong offshores can make it hard to get into waves.
What tide is best at Cacimba do Padre?
Cacimba do Padre has a preferred tide range, roughly 0.5m to 2m on the local chart. Below 0.4m it gets dangerously shallow.
When is the best time of year to surf Cacimba do Padre?
The most reliable run of swell at Cacimba do Padre comes Dec to Mar. There's a second window in Apr and Nov too. Northern hemisphere winter swells bring the biggest surf.
How cold is the water at Cacimba do Padre?
The water at Cacimba do Padre averages around 27°C, so boardshorts or a rashguard will do. It shifts a few degrees through the year, so check the season before you pack.
Is Cacimba do Padre good for beginners?
Not really. It's rated 7/10 for difficulty and suits experienced surfers. Expect a moderate crowd (6/10) when it's on. Remote island. Expensive access. Can get crowded with pro Brazilians.
How do I get to Cacimba do Padre?
The nearest airport on our list is FEN, then it's roughly a 15-minute drive. Fly to the island, then short drive/walk.
What other surf spots are near Cacimba do Padre?
The closest breaks we track are Sancho (0.6 km), Laje do Bode (1.9 km) and Biboca (2.3 km), handy when Cacimba do Padre isn't working. We track 7 spots around Fernando de Noronha in total.
Best Season
Peak: Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar
Secondary: Nov, Apr
Northern hemisphere winter swells bring the biggest surf.
Getting There
Nearby Spots
Sancho
🌊 UNESCO marine paradise • Brazil's best wave • Limited access
Laje do Bode
💎 Noronha's secret gem • Perfect right reef • Longer than Cacimba
Biboca
🌊 Noronha's big wave • Rarely surfed • Maximum commitment
Boldró
🐢 Mellow alternative • Same swells, less intensity • Great snorkeling
Conceição
🏝️ Noronha beauty • Punchy beach break • Morro do Pico views
Abricadabras
✨ Hidden gem • Easy takeoff, heavy finish • Local knowledge required
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