Cardoso Point
Cardoso Point is part of Santa Catarina's famous "Big Surf Route" and offers one of the region's best right-hand point breaks. The wave wraps around a rocky headland and produces long, walling rights with hollow sections that barrel on solid S swells. The spot is less crowded than the more famous breaks further north, making it a favorite for surfers willing to drive the extra distance. The surrounding area has a rustic, small-town feel.
Cardoso Point surf forecast
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SSE (157°)
- Direction range
- 135° - 200°
- Size range
- 1.2m - 3.5m
- Ideal size
- 2.2m - 2.9m
- Height multiplier
- 0.97×
- Ideal period
- 14s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- N (0°)
- Offshore range
- 315° - 45°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- mid
Water temp
19°C
Wetsuit
3/2mm fullsuit
Difficulty
6/10
Crowd level
6/10
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of wave is Cardoso Point?
Cardoso Point is a point break in Laguna, SC, Brazil, that mostly breaks right.
What swell works best at Cardoso Point?
Cardoso Point picks up swell from the SE round to the SSW, and it's best when it's coming straight out of the SSE. It starts working at around 1.2m and handles up to about 3.5m, with the sweet spot around 2.2 to 2.9m. Period matters too: aim for 14s 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 Cardoso Point?
A N wind is dead offshore at Cardoso Point, and anything from the NW round to the NE keeps it clean. The morning is typically the best window, roughly 5am to 10am. Light winds from other directions can still be fine; strong offshores can make it hard to get into waves.
What tide is best at Cardoso Point?
Cardoso Point is at its best around mid tide.
When is the best time of year to surf Cardoso Point?
The most reliable run of swell at Cardoso Point comes Mar to Oct. Best in autumn/winter.
How cold is the water at Cardoso Point?
The water at Cardoso Point averages around 19°C, so you'll want a 3/2mm fullsuit. It shifts a few degrees through the year, so check the season before you pack.
Is Cardoso Point good for beginners?
It's more of an intermediate wave, rated 6/10 for difficulty, so newer surfers are best off sticking to the smaller days. Expect a moderate crowd (6/10) when it's on. Rocky point, local crew.
How do I get to Cardoso Point?
The nearest airport on our list is FLN, then it's roughly a 1.5-hour drive.
What other surf spots are near Cardoso Point?
The closest breaks we track are Farol de Santa Marta (13 km), Camacho (17 km) and Itapirubá (20 km), handy when Cardoso Point isn't working.
Best Season
Peak: Mar-Oct
Best in autumn/winter
Getting There
Nearby Spots
Farol de Santa Marta
🏠 Lighthouse point • Dramatic quality jump • Big wave potential
Camacho
🛣️ Big Surf Route • Wild dune setting • Uncrowded peaks
Itapirubá
🔄 Two-sided headland • Multiple peaks • Less crowded option
Praia da Vila
🌊 Brazil's Sunset Beach • Triple overhead potential • Deep water power
Laje de Jaguaruna
🌊 Brazil's Nazaré • Tow-in slab • 50ft+ potential
Itiraquera
3️⃣ Three quality peaks • Hollow A-frames • Crowd escape