Cepilho
Cepilho is a rocky point break near the colonial town of Paraty, offering quality waves in a stunning jungle-meets-ocean setting. The wave wraps around the rocks and produces both lefts and rights depending on the swell direction. The nearby town is one of Brazil's best-preserved colonial gems, making this an excellent surf/culture combination.
Cepilho surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SSW (202°)
- Direction range
- 157° - 247°
- Size range
- 0.9m - 2.5m
- Ideal size
- 1.6m - 2.1m
- Height multiplier
- 0.97×
- Ideal period
- 14s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- NE (45°)
- Offshore range
- 0° - 90°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- mid
Water temp
22°C
Wetsuit
Springsuit / 2mm
Difficulty
6/10
Crowd level
3/10
Access: Near historic Paraty town
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of wave is Cepilho?
Cepilho is a point break in Paraty, RJ, Brazil, with peaks that run both left and right.
What swell works best at Cepilho?
Cepilho picks up swell from the SSE round to the WSW, and it's best when it's coming straight out of the SSW. It starts working at around 0.9m and handles up to about 2.5m, with the sweet spot around 1.6 to 2.1m. 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 Cepilho?
A NE wind is dead offshore at Cepilho, and anything from the N round to the E 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 Cepilho?
Cepilho is at its best around mid tide.
When is the best time of year to surf Cepilho?
The most reliable run of swell at Cepilho comes Apr to Sep. Best with SW swells.
How cold is the water at Cepilho?
The water at Cepilho averages around 22°C, so you'll want a springsuit or 2mm. It shifts a few degrees through the year, so check the season before you pack.
Is Cepilho 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. The lineup is usually quiet (crowd 3/10). Rocky point.
How do I get to Cepilho?
The nearest airport on our list is GIG, then it's roughly a 3-hour drive. Near historic Paraty town.
What other surf spots are near Cepilho?
The closest breaks we track are Itamambuca (31 km), Aventureiro (44 km) and Lopes Mendes (59 km), handy when Cepilho isn't working.
Best Season
Peak: Apr-Sep
Best with SW swells
Getting There
Nearby Spots
Itamambuca
🏆 Competition venue • Multiple quality peaks • Year-round versatility
Aventureiro
⛺ Remote adventure • Camping community • Complete isolation
Lopes Mendes
🏝️ Island paradise • Ferry + hike access • Pristine beauty
Maresias
🏆 Gabriel Medina's home • World-class beach break • Legendary nightlife
Paúba
💥 Heavy shorebreak • Experts only • Maximum consequences
Camburi
🏄 All levels welcome • Peeling walls • Longboard friendly