Tabatinga
Tabatinga is a scenic beach south of Natal featuring dramatic dunes and headland reefs. The waves are mellow and consistent, making it a good option for intermediate surfers. The surrounding dune landscape is spectacular for exploring.
Tabatinga surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
Today's ConditionsToday's Conditions
Find FlightsLocation & Conditions
Hourly Forecast, Tide & Strike Windows
Tide times today
Strike Score Breakdown
Plan Your Strike
Return flights to NAT, departing today with a 5-day trip window.
Search Flights on SkyscannerLocation & Conditions
Know when South America is about to fire
Get the best strike windows in South America — and worldwide — in your inbox every Monday & Thursday. Live Strike Scores, the swell behind them, zero fluff.
Prefere português? Receba o Strike Report em português, grátis →
Get the full Tabatinga trip window
Pro unlocks the 10-day forecast window, unlimited alerts, and custom spot tracking that help turn a good-looking surf report into a better travel decision.
10-day window
See the trip window before flights get expensive.
Unlimited alerts
Let the app watch your score threshold for you.
Custom spots
Track the breaks that actually matter to your travel plans.
Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- E (90°)
- Direction range
- 67° - 135°
- 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
- mid
Water temp
27°C
Wetsuit
Boardshorts / Rashguard
Difficulty
4/10
Crowd level
4/10
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of wave is Tabatinga?
Tabatinga is a beach break in Nísia Floresta, RN, Brazil, that mostly breaks left.
What swell works best at Tabatinga?
Tabatinga picks up swell from the ENE round to the SE, and it's best when it's coming straight out of the E. 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 Tabatinga?
A SSW wind is dead offshore at Tabatinga, 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 Tabatinga?
Tabatinga is at its best around mid tide.
When is the best time of year to surf Tabatinga?
The most reliable run of swell at Tabatinga comes Apr to Sep. Best with E swells.
How cold is the water at Tabatinga?
The water at Tabatinga 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 Tabatinga 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. Expect a moderate crowd (4/10) when it's on.
How do I get to Tabatinga?
The nearest airport on our list is NAT, then it's roughly a 50-minute drive.
What other surf spots are near Tabatinga?
The closest breaks we track are Madeiro (16 km), Praia do Amor (17 km) and Pipa Lajão (18 km), handy when Tabatinga isn't working.
Best Season
Peak: Apr-Sep
Best with E swells
Getting There
Nearby Spots
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
Ponta Negra
🏖️ Natal's main beach • Morro do Careca backdrop • Surf hub