What size does Praia do Forte dos Andradas work best at?

2–5 ft is the working range. Below that it goes flat; above, it stops being fun and the lineup thins out.

When is the best season to surf Praia do Forte dos Andradas?

Peak season runs through the months when the swell window aligns and trade winds blow offshore. See the month strip in Wave fit for the working window.

What type of wave is Praia do Forte dos Andradas?

Praia do Forte dos Andradas is a right breaking wave over mixed. Long right-hand point over rock and sand, two-section, rare E-swell dependent.

Guarujá, Sao Paulo, Brazil

Praia do Forte dos Andradas

-24.026, -46.285

Edited by Thomas Jackson

Verified May 2026

Editor-reviewedCross-checked against 1 reference

Right · MixedBeginner → Advanced2–5 ftMar – Aug

A rare, long right-hand point that only fires on outsized E swells, Praia do Forte dos Andradas sits on the sheltered south end of São Francisco do Sul Island, São Paulo state, Brazil. It needs a massive E swell to wake up: when nearby spots like PG and Prainha are already running 10ft, expect 3-4ft at the rocky take-off section and 2-3ft as the wave walls into the sandy inside. SW to W winds work best, keeping the face clean as the right peels for up to 300-500m on a good day. Because it demands such rare conditions, the lineup almost always stays uncrowded even when neighboring spots are packed. Bottom: point over rock and sand. Season: autumn and winter E swell events, roughly March through August. Consistency: low, but very long rides when it connects. Bring food and water, facilities are minimal and often closed in winter months.

Wave fit

Skill suited

Beginner → Advanced

BegIntAdv

Best months

Mar – Aug

Character

Long right-hand point over rock and sand, two-section, rare E-swell dependent.

Conditions

When it works

Optimum tide

Low and mid tide

Trip planning

Quick facts

Wetsuit

Boardies to 2mm

What to bring

Shortboard 6ft to 6ft 4in for outer rock section
Longboard 9ft+ for inside mellow walls
Fish or mid-length for smaller, fatter days

Lineup

Mellow lineup

Where it sits

Location

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About this break

What it's actually like

Crowd Access Nearby Alternatives

Crowd & Localism

Fort's rarity is its own crowd filter. Even when Sumidouro across the beach is wall-to-wall, Forte tends to be quiet. Worth a five-minute check before committing to the longer walk to Sumidouro. Vibe is calm and relaxed.

Access & Facilities

Park at Praia do Forte near the Army area and walk 15 minutes to the right side of the beach. Left leads to Sumidouro. This is a remote, quiet stretch of coast. Pack food and water, especially in winter when the few bars along here are closed.

Nearby Alternatives

Sumidouro, a short walk left, is the more consistent and better-known option on the same island when the E swell is running. If Forte is too small or fat, Sumidouro will typically have more size and punch, though expect significantly more company in the water.

10-day swell, wind and tide