South America is blessed with a great coastline exposed to both the Pacific Ocean on the west side and Atlantic Ocean on the east side. No matter the time of the year, there is certainly a place with perfect waves somewhere in South America. Here a the 4 best countries to visit on a surf trip to South America…

Chile

Chile is a great country to visit on a surf trip to South America with surf towns like Pichilemu which can rival with some of the world’s greatest surfing destinations. With a long, rugged coastline, Chile has several uncrowded point breaks that will please any type of surfers.

Surfing in Chile can also get pretty wild, specially during winter season, as enormous south swells come from the Pacific. Tow-in surfing is sometimes the only way to conquer some of those giant waves…

Another gem that could be considered as part of Chile is the mysterious Easter Island, located several hundred miles off the coast. Easter Island has some awesome waves with barely anyone out.

Peru

Peru not only is a great country to surf in South America, it also is home of the world’s longest wave! In fact, Chicama (pictured above) is a point break that can run for several miles when conditions line up perfectly. The best time to surf Peru is from April to October as south swells make their way up the Peruvian coast.

Read our complete surfing guide to Chicama, Peru

Ecuador

Ecuador is a wonderful surfing destination with great weather, consistent waves and cheap cost of traveling. Montanita is probably the country’s best surf town and many surf camps and surf schools can be found in the area. For the most adventurous surfers, Galapagos Islands also have great waves and remain a very special place to surf in South America.

Brazil

Brazil has the longest coastline in South America, making it a prime surfing destination on the continent. The country is exposed to south and north swells coming from the Atlantic Ocean with two distinct surfing seasons.

From May to October, swells come from the south, making the whole southern end of the country turn into a wave machine. From November to April, north swells roll into the northern coast, including the Fernando de Noronha archipelago. 

With so many surf spots and year round swells, it’s easy to see how surfing legends such as Gabriel Medina, Filipe Toledo and Adriano de Sousa all come from Brazil.

Read our complete surfing guide to Rio de Janeiro

The post 4 Best Countries to Surf in South America appeared first on My Wave Finder.

• Summary

• When to go

• Where to stay

• Getting there

• Safety/things to know

• Surf spots

   

Summary

A big part of Brazilian culture comes from the ocean, beaches and of course, surfing. They represent a place of gathering and celebration for all Brazilians.

To find the best surfing destination for you, try our WaveFinder search engine!

This is all even more accurate in Rio, where surfing is very popular with a huge amount of surf spots up and down the coast.

Rio has no restrictions when it comes to surfing skills as there are many surf schools to help beginners get into the sport, while experts will be able to get challenged by some heavy beach breaks surrounding the city.

Most surf spots in Rio will suffer from massive crowds. However, some people prefer surfing at night when spotlights from the beach will light up the ocean. It is an ideal destination for a good all around surf trip with good vibes, food and cultural discoveries.

When to go

Surfing is good and consistent all year in Rio. However, the Atlantic lights up and sends bigger waves over the winter months, from April to October.

For beginners, the most enjoyable period would probably be over summer with smaller waves and slightly warmer weather.

Where to stay in Rio 

Rio is massive and as a surfer, you will want to be as close to the beach as possible. Two good options are Saquarema, which is a bit further outside of Rio to the north, or Arpoador, just on the other side of Copacabana.

Browse our interactive map to find the best accommodation in Rio!

Getting there

Fly straight into Rio, which has a big international airport. As most spots are not located right in the bay, having a car is probably the best option to reach beaches like Saquarema which are a bit out of the city.

Safety/things to know

• Beaches and surf spots can get VERY crowded
• Respect the locals, things can heat up quickly

Surf spots in Rio de Janeiro

Arpoador

South of Copacabana, Arpoador is a beach break offering some nice lefts for surfers of all skill levels. Much more consistent in winter, waves can reach up to 10 feet! Like most surf spots around Rio, crowds are a factor.

• Wave direction : Left
• Bottom : Sand
• Best tide : Any
• Skill level : Any
• Optimal swell direction : SE
• Optimal wind direction : NE

Itacoatiara

A powerful and hollow beach break north of Rio located in a small bay. Left point break and right point break. Both are more suitable for experienced surfers.

• Wave direction : Right and left
• Bottom : Sand
• Best tide : Mid to high
• Skill level : Advanced
• Optimal swell direction : SW
• Optimal wind direction : N

Saquarema

Very popular beach break located north of Rio, Saquarema is home of the World Surf League once a year for a WCT event. This surf spot should suit surfers of all levels. Beginners can catch the rollers on the inside while advanced surfers can have a go at a few barrels at the point.

• Wave direction : Right and left
• Bottom : Sand
• Best tide : Any
• Skill level : Any
• Optimal swell direction : S
• Optimal wind direction : N

Grumari

Next to Prainha is this consistent beach break offering lefts and rights on a beautiful sandbar. It is a very nuce option for poeple looking to get away from the Rio crowds as it usually isn’t as crowded as the other beaches closer to the big city. Breaks better on a SSW swell and a north wind.

• Wave direction : Right and left
• Bottom : Sand
• Best tide : Any
• Skill level : Intermediate and advanced
• Optimal swell direction : S
• Optimal wind direction : N

Prainha

A very consistent beach break located further down the coast near Praia de Grumari. Works on the south swell and offers good conditions throughout the year. Summer will be smaller and more fickle.

• Wave direction : Right and left
• Bottom : Sand
• Best tide : Any
• Skill level : Any
• Optimal swell direction : S
• Optimal wind direction : NW

The post Rio de Janeiro, Brazil appeared first on My Wave Finder.

• Summary

• When to go

• Where to stay

• Getting there

• Safety/things to know

• Surf spots

Summary

Fernando de Noronha is Brazil’s most exclusive surfing destination. It is a breathtaking volcanic archipelago located about 350 kilometers (220 miles) off the northeastern coast of Brazil. Known for its crystal-clear water, abundant marine life, and postcard-perfect beaches, it is often considered Brazil’s most beautiful destination even for non surfers.

What makes this island chain a true surfer’s dream is the rare combination of powerful North Atlantic swells, pristine barrels, and limited crowds. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site with daily tourist limits, Fernando de Noronha offers a unique blend of untouched nature and world-class surf.

Why Surf Fernando de Noronha?

• Hollow, fast, world-class barrels.

• UNESCO World Heritage Site with restricted visitor access.

• Exceptional marine life, perfect for diving on flat days.

• Tropical weather year-round.

• Secluded, uncrowded lineups (compared to mainland Brazil).

When the north swells arrive, Fernando de Noronha lights up with some of Brazil’s best waves, rivaling top surf destinations around the world.

When to go

The best and only time to surf Fernando de Noronha, Brazil is from November to April. During austral winter, the North Atlantic goes pretty quiet and even if it produces small storms, they do not have enough power to go all the way down to the archipelago.

The rainiest time of the year is from March to June.

Where to stay in Fernando de Noronha

Getting there

The best way to get to Fernando de Noronha is to take a domestic flight from one of the following Brazilian cities : Rio, Sao Paulo, Recife, Natal, Belo Horizonte, Aracaju, Salvador and Maceio.
 

Safety/things to know

• It’s expensive: Daily tourist fees, environmental taxes, and limited accommodations make this a premium destination.

• Visitor restrictions: Daily entry caps apply. Book well in advance.

• UNESCO-protected: Strict environmental rules and entry conditions.

• Remote location: Medical facilities are basic, and surf shops are limited. Bring spare equipment.

Surf spots in Fernando de Noronha

Bode

A picturesque beach offering shorter but punchy waves. Works well on the same north swells as Cacimba but with fewer people in the lineup.

• Wave direction: Left and right

• Bottom: Sand and reef

• Best tide: Mid

• Skill level: Intermediate

• Optimal swell: N

• Optimal wind: S

Abras

Another solid option on the north-facing coast. Typically smaller and less consistent but can offer fun sessions when the main spots are crowded.

• Wave direction: Left and right

• Bottom: Reef

• Best tide: Mid to high

• Skill level: Beginner to intermediate

• Optimal swell: N

• Optimal wind: S

Meio & Boboca

Both offer smaller, user-friendly waves suitable for beginners or less experienced surfers. Perfect for mellow days or surf lessons.

• Wave direction: Left and right

• Bottom: Sand and reef

• Best tide: Any

• Skill level: All levels

• Optimal swell: N

• Optimal wind: S

Baia da Rata

A more remote wave that offers a unique surf experience when conditions align. Less crowded due to its challenging access.

• Wave direction: Left

• Bottom: Reef

• Best tide: Mid

• Skill level: Advanced

• Optimal swell: N

• Optimal wind: SE

Cacimba do Padre

The most famous wave on the island and arguably the best beach break in Brazil. Heavy, hollow, and fast with world-class barrels.

• Wave direction: Left and right

• Bottom: Sand

• Best tide: Mid to high

• Skill level: Intermediate to advanced

• Optimal swell: N

• Optimal wind: S-SE

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