Lopes Mendes
Lopes Mendes is consistently rated one of Brazil's most beautiful beaches, a 3km stretch of white sand on Ilha Grande that catches SW swells wrapping around the island. Getting there requires a ferry and a hike, but the reward is uncrowded waves in a pristine tropical setting. The beach has been protected from development, preserving its wild character.
Lopes Mendes 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° - 227°
- Size range
- 0.9m - 2.5m
- Ideal size
- 1.6m - 2.1m
- Height multiplier
- 0.90×
- Ideal period
- 14s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- NE (45°)
- Offshore range
- 0° - 90°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- all
Water temp
23°C
Wetsuit
Springsuit / 2mm
Difficulty
4/10
Crowd level
2/10
Access: Ferry to Ilha Grande, then hiking trail
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of wave is Lopes Mendes?
Lopes Mendes is a beach break in Ilha Grande, RJ, Brazil, with peaks that run both left and right.
What swell works best at Lopes Mendes?
Lopes Mendes picks up swell from the SSE round to the SW, 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 Lopes Mendes?
A NE wind is dead offshore at Lopes Mendes, 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 Lopes Mendes?
Lopes Mendes isn't especially fussy about tide and generally works through the cycle, so swell and wind matter more here. Big tides can still change how it breaks, so it's worth checking before you paddle out.
When is the best time of year to surf Lopes Mendes?
The most reliable run of swell at Lopes Mendes comes Apr to Sep. Needs SW swell to wrap into bay.
How cold is the water at Lopes Mendes?
The water at Lopes Mendes averages around 23°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 Lopes Mendes good for beginners?
It's more of an intermediate wave, rated 4/10 for difficulty, so newer surfers are best off sticking to the smaller days. The lineup is usually quiet (crowd 2/10). Island access - boat and trail.
How do I get to Lopes Mendes?
The nearest airport on our list is GIG, then it's roughly a 2.5-hour drive. From there you need a boat to reach the break (we estimate around $30 USD, but confirm with an operator). Ferry to Ilha Grande, then hiking trail.
What other surf spots are near Lopes Mendes?
The closest breaks we track are Aventureiro (16 km) and Cepilho (59 km), handy when Lopes Mendes isn't working.
Best Season
Peak: Apr-Sep
Needs SW swell to wrap into bay
Getting There
Nearby Spots
Aventureiro
⛺ Remote adventure • Camping community • Complete isolation
Cepilho
🏛️ Near colonial Paraty • Rocky point • Jungle setting
Grumari
🌿 Environmental reserve • Carlos Burle's favorite • Pristine nature
Prainha
🌳 Atlantic Forest setting • Rio's best quality wave • Pristine environment
Barra da Tijuca
🏢 18km of peaks • Former CT venue • Modern Rio
Itamambuca
🏆 Competition venue • Multiple quality peaks • Year-round versatility