Jardim do Mar
Jardim do Mar is Madeira's controversial surf legend—a world-class right-hand reef break in one of Portugal's most picturesque villages, forever altered by a controversial seawall built in 2004. Before the construction, this wave was regarded among Europe's finest, producing massive, hollow walls up to 30 feet high. Today, the break is changed but still capable of excellence on the right swells. The dramatic volcanic cliffs, the charming village clinging to the coastline, and the raw Atlantic power make Jardim do Mar a must-visit for advanced surfers exploring Madeira's big-wave potential.
Jardim do Mar surf forecast
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- WNW (300°)
- Direction range
- 270° - 350°
- Size range
- 1.2m - 4m
- Ideal size
- 2.5m - 3.3m
- Height multiplier
- 1.00×
- Ideal period
- 16s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- NE (45°)
- Offshore range
- 0° - 90°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- low
- Optimal range
- 0.3m - 1.2m
Water temp
19°C
Wetsuit
3/2mm fullsuit
Difficulty
8/10
Crowd level
4/10
Access: 50min from Funchal airport. Scenic coastal drive.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of wave is Jardim do Mar?
Jardim do Mar is a reef break in Madeira, Portugal, that mostly breaks right. It's also a renowned bodyboarding wave.
What swell works best at Jardim do Mar?
Jardim do Mar picks up swell from the W round to the N, and it's best when it's coming straight out of the WNW. It starts working at around 1.2m and handles up to about 4m, with the sweet spot around 2.5 to 3.3m. Period matters too: aim for 16s or longer, as anything under 12s 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 Jardim do Mar?
A NE wind is dead offshore at Jardim do Mar, and anything from the N round to the E keeps it clean. The morning is typically the best window, roughly 7am to 11am. Light winds from other directions can still be fine; strong offshores can make it hard to get into waves.
What tide is best at Jardim do Mar?
Jardim do Mar is at its best around low tide, roughly 0.3m to 1.2m on the local chart.
When is the best time of year to surf Jardim do Mar?
The most reliable run of swell at Jardim do Mar comes Oct to Mar. Winter swells only. October-March.
How cold is the water at Jardim do Mar?
The water at Jardim do Mar averages around 19°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 Jardim do Mar good for beginners?
Not really. It's rated 8/10 for difficulty and suits experienced surfers. Expect a moderate crowd (4/10) when it's on. Powerful reef break. Shallow at low tide. Experts only.
How do I get to Jardim do Mar?
The nearest airport on our list is FNC, then it's roughly a 50-minute drive. 50min from Funchal airport. Scenic coastal drive.
What other surf spots are near Jardim do Mar?
Fun fact: it's the most southerly break we track in Portugal.
Best Season
Peak: Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar
Winter swells only. October-March.
Getting There
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