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Aerial satellite view of Praia Vermelha do Centro surf break in Ubatuba, Sao Paulo, Brazil
Ubatuba, Sao Paulo, Brazil

Praia Vermelha do Centro

-23.462, -45.046
Edited by Thomas Jackson
Verified May 2026
Editor-reviewedCross-checked against 1 reference
A-frame · BeachBeginner → Advanced3–8 ftJan – Dec

A punchy beach break on the São Paulo coastline that fires in a wide swell window and stays rideable from knee-high to overhead-plus. Located along the Rio-Santos highway corridor south of Santos, the break picks up SE, S, and SW groundswells funnelled by the coastline orientation. Offshore winds blow from the NW and NE, glassing the surface on early-morning sessions before the sea breeze kicks in. Mid-to-large tides tend to fatten the bank, so lower tides reward surfers looking for more defined form. The break suits intermediates comfortably and gives advanced surfers something to work with when regional swells build past 1.5m. Beginners can paddle out on smaller days but should be aware that hollow sections close out quickly above 1m. Bottom: sand. Season: year-round with peak consistency in austral autumn and winter. Consistency: moderate-to-good. Dawn patrol is the move here, especially on weekends when the lineup fills out.

Wave fit

Skill suited
Beginner → Advanced
BegIntAdv
Best months
Jan – Dec
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Character
Hollow beach-break peaks with fast sections.

Conditions

When it works
Optimum tide
All tides
Trip planning

Quick facts

Water temp
20° to 27°C
Wetsuit
Boardies to 2mm
What to bring
  • Shortboard 6ft to 6ft 4in for punchy conditions
  • Fish or hybrid for smaller days under 3ft
  • Step-up 6ft 8in when swell exceeds 6ft
Lineup
Easy-going
Where it sits

Location

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About this break

What it's actually like

Crowd & Localism

Weekdays see a near-empty lineup, which is a genuine advantage for a São Paulo state beach within reach of a large metropolitan area. Weekends bring a few more surfers but pressure stays manageable compared to beaches closer to Santos. Respect local surfers in the water and the vibe stays relaxed.

Access & Facilities

Reach the spot via the Rio-Santos highway (BR-101). Pass Praia Grande and Tenório beach and the break is right off the road. Parking is accessible roadside. Facilities in the immediate area are basic, so bring water and wax. The coastline here runs through a stretch of Atlantic Forest, and water quality can vary after heavy rain inland.

Nearby Alternatives

Tenório beach, just to the north, offers another beach-break option when banks shift. Further north toward Guarujá, Tombo is a well-known São Paulo state beach break that handles more swell size and has better facilities.

10-day swell, wind and tide

Praia Vermelha do Centro surf forecast

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Forecast by Windy.app

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Frequently asked

Before you paddle out

Praia Vermelha do Centro is a beach break suited for beginner to advanced surfers. Confident beginners can give it a go on small days.
Praia Vermelha do Centro
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