Nazare
Nazaré is where surfing's largest waves are ridden—a Portuguese beach break that produces mountainous surf thanks to the Nazaré Canyon, an underwater trench that amplifies Atlantic swells to terrifying heights. Waves over 80 feet have been ridden here, and the world record for the largest wave surfed has been broken here repeatedly. The wave breaks on sand, making it marginally more forgiving than reef breaks, but the size, power, and chaos are beyond anything else on Earth. Tow-in required at size.
Nazare surf forecast
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- NW (310°)
- Direction range
- 280° - 340°
- Size range
- 13.1m - 30.5m
- Ideal size
- 16.6m - 21.8m
- Height multiplier
- 1.15×
- Ideal period
- 20s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- E (90°)
- Offshore range
- 45° - 135°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- mid
Difficulty
6/10
Crowd level
3/10
Access: Beach/jet ski
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of wave is Nazare?
Nazare is a big-wave spot in Praia do Norte, Portugal, with peaks that run both left and right. It's on our list of the world's 100 best waves. It's also a renowned bodyboarding wave.
What's the story behind Nazare?
Garrett McNamara put Nazaré on the map in November 2011 with a record-breaking 23.8 m (78 ft) wave. In October 2020 Sebastian Steudtner rode a 26.2 m (86 ft) wave here, and Maya Gabeira set the women's record at 22.4 m (73.5 ft) that February.
What swell works best at Nazare?
Nazare picks up swell from the W round to the NNW, and it's best when it's coming straight out of the NW. It starts working at around 13.1m and keeps going up to about 30.5m, with the sweet spot around 16.6 to 21.8m. Period matters too: aim for 20s or longer, as anything under 16s 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 Nazare?
An E wind is dead offshore at Nazare, and anything from the NE round to the SE keeps it clean. The morning is typically the best window, roughly 6am to midday. Light winds from other directions can still be fine; strong offshores can make it hard to get into waves.
What tide is best at Nazare?
Nazare is at its best around mid tide.
When is the best time of year to surf Nazare?
The most reliable run of swell at Nazare comes Oct to Mar. There's a second window in Apr and Sep too. 1-6 big swells/month (Oct-Mar).
Is Nazare good for beginners?
No. As a big-wave spot, it's strictly for experienced surfers. The lineup is usually quiet (crowd 3/10). Things to watch for: strong rips, long hold-downs and rocks at the entry or in the lineup.
How do I get to Nazare?
The nearest airport on our list is LIS, then it's roughly a 1.5-hour drive. Beach/jet ski.
What other surf spots are near Nazare?
The closest breaks we track are Baleal (34 km) and Supertubos (38 km), handy when Nazare isn't working. Fun fact: it's the second most northerly break we track in Portugal.
Best Season
Peak: Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar
Secondary: Sep, Apr
1-6 big swells/month (Oct-Mar)
Getting There
Nearby Spots
Baleal
🏄 Europe's surf school HQ • Beginner paradise • Peninsula consistency
Supertubos
🇵🇹 Portuguese Pipeline • WSL Championship venue • Europe's heaviest tubes
Coxos
🇵🇹 Portugal's best • Heavy hollow right • Ericeira's crown jewel
Ribeira d'Ilhas
🏆 WSL CT venue • World Surfing Reserve • Europe's premier point
Praia Grande
Sintra beach break • Consistent Atlantic exposure • Easy Lisbon access
Praia do Guincho
💨 Lisbon's windy outlet • Dual-sport beach • Sintra backdrop
Plan a trip around Nazare
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