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.
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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
- 2.0m
- 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 tide is best at Lopes Mendes?
Lopes Mendes handles all stages of the tide, so time your session around the wind instead. The live chart above shows the next few days.
What wind direction is offshore at Lopes Mendes?
Offshore wind at Lopes Mendes blows from the NE (45°). Anything in the 0° to 90° range grooms the faces; outside it, expect chop or bumpy conditions.
What swell size and direction work best at Lopes Mendes?
Lopes Mendes wants SSW swell (157° to 227°) between 0.9m and 2.5m, with a period of 14s or more for quality waves.
When is the best time of year to surf Lopes Mendes?
The main season at Lopes Mendes is Apr-Sep. Needs SW swell to wrap into bay
How do I get to Lopes Mendes?
Fly into GIG, then allow about 150 minutes by road, plus a boat transfer (around $30 USD). Ferry to Ilha Grande, then hiking trail
What kind of wave is Lopes Mendes?
Lopes Mendes is a beach break, a peak with lefts and rights. Difficulty is rated 4/10.
Best Season
Peak: Apr-Sep
Needs SW swell to wrap into bay
Getting There
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