Copacabana Posto 5 is one of the best surf spots along Rio's most famous beach, producing heavy shorebreak barrels when conditions align. The wave is fast and punishing, but the iconic setting and urban convenience make it worth the battle. Best early morning before crowds descend.
Return flights to GIG, departing today with a 5-day trip window.
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Water temp
23°C
Wetsuit
Springsuit / 2mm
Difficulty
6/10
Crowd level
8/10
Copacabana Posto 5 handles all stages of the tide, so time your session around the wind instead. The live chart above shows the next few days.
Offshore wind at Copacabana Posto 5 blows from the N (0°). Anything in the 315° to 45° range grooms the faces; outside it, expect chop or bumpy conditions.
Copacabana Posto 5 wants ESE swell (90° to 157°) between 0.9m and 2.5m, with a period of 12s or more for quality waves.
The main season at Copacabana Posto 5 is Mar-Oct. Best in autumn/winter
Fly into GIG, then allow about 20 minutes by road.
Copacabana Posto 5 is a beach break, a left-hander. Difficulty is rated 6/10.
Peak: Mar-Oct
Best in autumn/winter
🌅 Brazil's iconic wave • Night surfing • Legendary sunsets
🌊 Rio's big wave spot • Handles size • Powerful rights
🪂 Rob Machado's Rio favorite • Fast hollow A-frames • Hang glider landing zone
🛡️ Protected bay • Beginner option • Itacoatiara alternative
🌊 All levels option • Niterói reliability • Less crowded
⚡ Rio's most powerful wave • Dramatic boulder setting • Competition venue