Martim de Sa Surf Spot Guide, Brazil

Martim de Sa in Caraguatatuba sits on the northern coast of São Paulo and offers a welcoming beach break perfect for surfers seeking consistent, fun waves without the intensity of Brazil's more famous breaks. This sandy bottom beach delivers playful peaks across its length, making it an ideal destination for anyone from complete beginners to intermediate surfers looking to progress their skills. The relaxed vibe and accessible infrastructure make this one of the most photographed beaches in Brazil for good reason.

Geography and Nature

Located in Caraguatatuba, Martim de Sa stretches as a wide, long beach lined with palm and coconut trees that provide natural shade throughout the day. The beach features diverse zones along its entire length, from calm waters at the northern end near a small river outlet to more active wave zones toward the south. The landscape is characterized by coarse sand and a natural, relatively undeveloped feel despite being close to urban amenities. Mountains visible on the horizon create a scenic backdrop for your sessions.

Surf Setup

Martim de Sa works as a beach break producing both left and right-hand waves across the sandy bottom. The best swell direction comes from the southwest, which regularly wraps into this stretch of coast and creates consistent peaks. Northwest winds provide the cleanest offshore conditions, peeling back the faces and creating defined wave shapes. The south end of the beach holds the most active wave zone with better-formed peaks, while the northern sections offer gentler conditions. Mid to high tide produces the best surfing, with the waves becoming more technical at low tide. On a typical session you can expect waist to chest-high waves with a fast, fun character that rewards smooth turns and progressive maneuvers.

Consistency and Best Time

Martim de Sa receives regular swell throughout the year thanks to its southwest-facing exposure, making it one of the more consistent spots along this section of coast. The Australian winter months from June through September bring the most reliable swell and offshore wind patterns. Summer months from December through March still offer rideable conditions but with less frequency and more variable winds. The shoulder seasons of April-May and October-November provide solid middle-ground conditions with fewer crowds.

Crowd Levels

Weekdays remain relatively empty with few surfers in the water, allowing plenty of space to practice and progress. Weekends and Brazilian holiday periods see increased activity, though the beach remains far from crowded compared to famous breaks like Saquarema or Fernando de Noronha. The local surf community is welcoming to visiting surfers.

Who It's For

Martim de Sa suits all skill levels perfectly. Beginners benefit from the forgiving beach break format and smaller, slower-moving waves that allow time to practice positioning and pop-ups. Intermediate surfers find enough shape and consistency to work on carving and wave selection. Advanced surfers may find the waves less challenging than other Brazilian destinations but appreciate the relaxed environment for casual sessions and skill maintenance.

Hazards to Respect

The beach experiences occasional rips and currents, particularly near the river outlet at the northern end. Some areas contain rocks and stones along the shoreline, so wear reef shoes when paddling out. Water quality can vary, with some reports of debris in the water during certain periods, so check conditions before entering.

Water Temperature and Wetsuit Guide

Summer from June to October brings water temperatures around 24 to 26 degrees Celsius, requiring only a light rash guard or thin wetsuit for sun protection. Winter from December to March sees temperatures between 22 and 24 degrees Celsius, where a 2-millimeter spring suit provides adequate warmth. Spring and fall months maintain temperatures between 23 and 25 degrees Celsius, making a rash guard sufficient for most surfers.

How to Get There

The nearest major airport is São Paulo's Congonhas Airport, located 180 kilometers south. From there, drive north toward Caraguatatuba for approximately three hours via the BR-116 and BR-101 highways. Alternatively, fly into São Paulo's international airport and rent a vehicle for the drive north. Caraguatatuba sits directly on the coast with straightforward highway access. Parking is available near the beach with multiple kiosks and restaurants along the promenade. The beach is easily walkable from the town center, with most accommodations within 500 meters of the water.

Martim de Sa Surf Spot Guide, Brazil

Martim de Sa in Caraguatatuba sits on the northern coast of São Paulo and offers a welcoming beach break perfect for surfers seeking consistent, fun waves without the intensity of Brazil's more famous breaks. This sandy bottom beach delivers playful peaks across its length, making it an ideal destination for anyone from complete beginners to intermediate surfers looking to progress their skills. The relaxed vibe and accessible infrastructure make this one of the most photographed beaches in Brazil for good reason.

Geography and Nature

Located in Caraguatatuba, Martim de Sa stretches as a wide, long beach lined with palm and coconut trees that provide natural shade throughout the day. The beach features diverse zones along its entire length, from calm waters at the northern end near a small river outlet to more active wave zones toward the south. The landscape is characterized by coarse sand and a natural, relatively undeveloped feel despite being close to urban amenities. Mountains visible on the horizon create a scenic backdrop for your sessions.

Surf Setup

Martim de Sa works as a beach break producing both left and right-hand waves across the sandy bottom. The best swell direction comes from the southwest, which regularly wraps into this stretch of coast and creates consistent peaks. Northwest winds provide the cleanest offshore conditions, peeling back the faces and creating defined wave shapes. The south end of the beach holds the most active wave zone with better-formed peaks, while the northern sections offer gentler conditions. Mid to high tide produces the best surfing, with the waves becoming more technical at low tide. On a typical session you can expect waist to chest-high waves with a fast, fun character that rewards smooth turns and progressive maneuvers.

Consistency and Best Time

Martim de Sa receives regular swell throughout the year thanks to its southwest-facing exposure, making it one of the more consistent spots along this section of coast. The Australian winter months from June through September bring the most reliable swell and offshore wind patterns. Summer months from December through March still offer rideable conditions but with less frequency and more variable winds. The shoulder seasons of April-May and October-November provide solid middle-ground conditions with fewer crowds.

Crowd Levels

Weekdays remain relatively empty with few surfers in the water, allowing plenty of space to practice and progress. Weekends and Brazilian holiday periods see increased activity, though the beach remains far from crowded compared to famous breaks like Saquarema or Fernando de Noronha. The local surf community is welcoming to visiting surfers.

Who It's For

Martim de Sa suits all skill levels perfectly. Beginners benefit from the forgiving beach break format and smaller, slower-moving waves that allow time to practice positioning and pop-ups. Intermediate surfers find enough shape and consistency to work on carving and wave selection. Advanced surfers may find the waves less challenging than other Brazilian destinations but appreciate the relaxed environment for casual sessions and skill maintenance.

Hazards to Respect

The beach experiences occasional rips and currents, particularly near the river outlet at the northern end. Some areas contain rocks and stones along the shoreline, so wear reef shoes when paddling out. Water quality can vary, with some reports of debris in the water during certain periods, so check conditions before entering.

Water Temperature and Wetsuit Guide

Summer from June to October brings water temperatures around 24 to 26 degrees Celsius, requiring only a light rash guard or thin wetsuit for sun protection. Winter from December to March sees temperatures between 22 and 24 degrees Celsius, where a 2-millimeter spring suit provides adequate warmth. Spring and fall months maintain temperatures between 23 and 25 degrees Celsius, making a rash guard sufficient for most surfers.

How to Get There

The nearest major airport is São Paulo's Congonhas Airport, located 180 kilometers south. From there, drive north toward Caraguatatuba for approximately three hours via the BR-116 and BR-101 highways. Alternatively, fly into São Paulo's international airport and rent a vehicle for the drive north. Caraguatatuba sits directly on the coast with straightforward highway access. Parking is available near the beach with multiple kiosks and restaurants along the promenade. The beach is easily walkable from the town center, with most accommodations within 500 meters of the water.