Ponta Negra
Ponta Negra is Natal's main surf beach, an urban stretch of sand backed by the iconic Morro do Careca dune. The beach offers multiple peaks suitable for all levels, with the best waves typically found near the rocky sections. The city's surf scene is centered here, with plenty of surf schools, shops, and beach bars. The warm water and consistent waves make it an ideal learning destination.
Ponta Negra surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- ESE (112°)
- Direction range
- 90° - 157°
- Size range
- 0.9m - 2m
- Ideal size
- 1.4m - 1.7m
- Height multiplier
- 0.97×
- Ideal period
- 12s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SSW (202°)
- Offshore range
- 157° - 247°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- low to mid
Water temp
27°C
Wetsuit
Boardshorts / Rashguard
Difficulty
4/10
Crowd level
7/10
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of wave is Ponta Negra?
Ponta Negra is a beach break in Natal, RN, Brazil, that mostly breaks left.
What swell works best at Ponta Negra?
Ponta Negra picks up swell from the E round to the SSE, and it's best when it's coming straight out of the ESE. It starts working at around 0.9m and handles up to about 2m, with the sweet spot around 1.4 to 1.7m. Period matters too: aim for 12s or longer, as anything under 8s 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 Ponta Negra?
A SSW wind is dead offshore at Ponta Negra, and anything from the SSE round to the WSW 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 Ponta Negra?
Ponta Negra is at its best around the low to mid tide.
When is the best time of year to surf Ponta Negra?
The most reliable run of swell at Ponta Negra comes Apr to Sep. Best with E/SE swells.
How cold is the water at Ponta Negra?
The water at Ponta Negra averages around 27°C, so boardshorts or a rashguard will do. It shifts a few degrees through the year, so check the season before you pack.
Is Ponta Negra 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. It gets busy (crowd 7/10), so mind the pecking order. Urban beach, rocky sections.
How do I get to Ponta Negra?
The nearest airport on our list is NAT, then it's roughly a 15-minute drive.
What other surf spots are near Ponta Negra?
The closest breaks we track are Tabatinga (25 km), Madeiro (41 km) and Praia do Amor (42 km), handy when Ponta Negra isn't working.
Best Season
Peak: Apr-Sep
Best with E/SE swells
Getting There
Nearby Spots
Tabatinga
🏜️ Dune landscape • Headland reefs • Scenic setting
Madeiro
🐬 Dolphins in the lineup • Protected bay • Magical atmosphere
Praia do Amor
❤️ Heart-shaped cove • Dramatic cliff access • Dolphin sightings
Pipa Lajão
➡️ Right point • Longer rides • Rocky quality
Cacimbinha
🪂 Paraglider launch point • Uncrowded peaks • Pipa alternative