What size does Madalena do Mar work best at?

6–12 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 Madalena do Mar?

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 swell direction does Madalena do Mar need?

Madalena do Mar works on a sw - nw groundswell with northerly winds.

What are the main hazards?

no concerns. Reef booties are common at reef breaks; check tide and crowd conditions before paddling out.

What type of wave is Madalena do Mar?

Madalena do Mar is a a-frame breaking wave over reef. Mushy bommie peak with wide shoulders.

Madeira, Madeira, Portugal

Madalena do Mar

32.700, -17.137

Edited by Thomas Jackson

Verified May 2026

Multi-checkedCross-checked against 2 references

A-frame · ReefIntermediate6–12 ftJan – Dec

A submerged bommie-style peak off Madeira's south coast, Madalena do Mar only wakes up on genuine W to NW swells pushing 6ft and above. SW through NW swell window, with N winds keeping it clean offshore. Works across all tides, though the wave stays mushy and shouldery rather than driving hard sections. Intermediates get the most from it: enough face to work, enough depth beneath you to keep the danger level low, and enough variety in the swell angles to occasionally produce something worth chasing. Crowds are essentially a non-issue since better waves are usually firing elsewhere on the island when this one is on. Bottom: submerged reef. Season: autumn and winter, Oct through Mar. Consistency: low. Bring a step-up or a floaty shortboard for the bigger days, and accept that you may drive past and keep going.

Wave fit

Skill suited

Intermediate

BegIntAdv

Best months

Jan – Dec

Character

Mushy bommie peak with wide shoulders.

Conditions

When it works

Swell window

SW - NW

Offshore wind

Northerly

Optimum tide

All tides

Size range

6-12ft

Low

Hazards

No concerns

Trip planning

Quick facts

Water temp

18° to 23°C

Wetsuit

2mm

What to bring

Floaty shortboard 6ft 4in to 6ft 8in for everyday size
Step-up 7ft+ for 10ft+ days

Lineup

Mellow lineup

Where it sits

Location

Loading map...

About this break

What it's actually like

Crowd Access Nearby Alternatives

Crowd & Localism

Solitary sessions are common here. The wave's low consistency and proximity to higher-quality alternatives around Paul do Mar and further west naturally thin the lineup. Respect the few locals who do show up on prime swells.

Access & Facilities

The spot sits right off the main south-shore coastal road, making it easy to check from the car. Free parking along the road. No facilities on site, so bring water and food. The nearest services are in the village itself.

Nearby Alternatives

When Madalena is too small or too mushy, Paul do Mar to the west produces a boulder-bottom wave that handles similar swell but with more punch. Further west, the Jardim do Mar area offers Madeira's most celebrated setups when the swell is large enough.

10-day swell, wind and tide