Guarda do Embaú
Guarda do Embaú is a UNESCO World Surfing Reserve and one of Brazil's most iconic waves, a long left-hand point that has drawn comparisons to Uluwatu. The wave breaks off a rocky headland at the mouth of the Madre River, which you must cross by paddling or small boat to access the lineup. When solid S swells arrive, the point offers long, walling lefts with hollow sections that can run for 200+ meters. The village maintains a rustic fishing town atmosphere despite its fame.
Guarda do Embaú surf forecast
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SSE (157°)
- Direction range
- 135° - 200°
- Size range
- 1m - 3m
- Ideal size
- 1.9m - 2.5m
- Height multiplier
- 0.97×
- Ideal period
- 14s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- N (0°)
- Offshore range
- 315° - 45°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- mid to high
Water temp
20°C
Wetsuit
3/2mm fullsuit
Difficulty
6/10
Crowd level
8/10
Access: Cross river by paddle or small boat
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of wave is Guarda do Embaú?
Guarda do Embaú is a point break in Palhoça, SC, Brazil, that mostly breaks left.
What swell works best at Guarda do Embaú?
Guarda do Embaú 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 1m and handles up to about 3m, with the sweet spot around 1.9 to 2.5m. 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 Guarda do Embaú?
A N wind is dead offshore at Guarda do Embaú, 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 Guarda do Embaú?
Guarda do Embaú is at its best around the mid to high tide.
When is the best time of year to surf Guarda do Embaú?
The most reliable run of swell at Guarda do Embaú comes Mar to Oct. Year-round with best swells in winter.
How cold is the water at Guarda do Embaú?
The water at Guarda do Embaú averages around 20°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 Guarda do Embaú 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. It gets busy (crowd 8/10), so mind the pecking order. Must cross river to access - paddle or boat.
How do I get to Guarda do Embaú?
The nearest airport on our list is FLN, then it's roughly a 50-minute drive. Cross river by paddle or small boat.
What other surf spots are near Guarda do Embaú?
The closest breaks we track are Praia da Pinheira (4.2 km), Lagoinha do Leste (15 km) and Silveira Point (15 km), handy when Guarda do Embaú isn't working.
Best Season
Peak: Mar-Oct
Year-round with best swells in winter
Getting There
Nearby Spots
Praia da Pinheira
😌 Quieter alternative • Near Guarda • Relaxed atmosphere
Lagoinha do Leste
🥾 2-hour hike access • Pristine paradise • Worth the effort
Silveira Point
🥊 "Mike Tyson" • Powerful right point • Hollow barrels
Ferrugem
✨ Brazil's most consistent • 300 days/year • Always something to ride
Campeche
✅ Floripa's most consistent • Year-round waves • Multiple peaks
Praia do Rosa
🐋 Crescent bay beauty • Powerful lefts • Whale watching in winter