Crowd & Localism
Crowd pressure is not the issue here. The wave self-selects aggressively. In recorded surf history only a handful of surfers have made it, and the lineup is functionally solo. Respect that record.
Madeira, Madeira, Portugal
Ponta Paul
32.766, -17.238
Edited by Tom Jackson
Verified May 2026
Cross-referencedCross-checked against Stormrider
At a glance
- Ponta Paul is a left over point, fast hollow left-hand boulder point, big-wave consequence.
- Suits advanced surfers, working 10-25 ft.
- Peak October to March, water 18-22°C.
Left · PointAdvanced10–25 ftJan – Dec
Fast, hollow, and breaking directly onto the rocks, Ponta Paul is one of Madeira's most dangerous pointbreaks, located on the western tip of the island above Paul do Mar. It demands W to N swell in the 10-25ft range, offshore northerlies, and a low-to-mid tide window to function at all. Only a small number of surfers have ever ridden it, and several close calls have been well documented. Bottom: boulder/reef point. Season: autumn through winter swells. Consistency: very low. If you can't commit to the drop and every section on a fast-moving freight train, this is not your wave.
Wave fit
Skill suited
Advanced
BegIntAdv
Best months
Jan – Dec
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Character
Fast hollow left-hand boulder point, big-wave consequence.
Conditions
When it worksSwell window
W
W - N
Offshore wind
N
Northerly
Optimum tide
Low to mid tide
Size range
10-25ft
Low
Hazards
No concerns
Trip planning
Quick facts
Water temp
18° to 22°C
Wetsuit
2mm
What to bring
- Big-wave gun 9ft+ for entry-level size
- Step-up or tow board for full-size swells
Lineup
Mellow lineup
Where it sits
Location
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About this break
What it's actually like
Access & Facilities
Ponta Paul is visible from the coastal road at Paul do Mar on Madeira's southwest coast. There are no facilities and no infrastructure. Free roadside parking exists nearby. The approach to the water is technical. Bring everything you need. There are no rescue services specific to this break.
Nearby Alternatives
Paul do Mar itself breaks as a boulder-modified beachbreak on the same stretch of coast and handles similar swell windows with far less consequence. Jardim do Mar, a few kilometres east, is a renowned big-wave left point that offers serious size with at least marginally more established access and a documented surf community.
10-day swell, wind and tide
Ponta Paul surf forecast
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Forecast by Windy.app
Stay nearby
Camps within boat range
Browse all Portugal surf camps
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More breaks in Madeira
If this isn't your wave
Lugar de Baixo
fast hollow right-hand point with long walls · Right · Point
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Jardim do Mar
powerful long-walled big-wave right-hand point · Right · Point
Advanced
Machico
soft punchy beach peaks · A-frame · Beach
Beginner → Intermediate
Paul do Mar
fast hollow right-hand boulder reef · Right · Reef
Advanced
Ponta Pequena
long walling right-hand rock point with boils · Right · Point
Advanced
Faja da Areia
powerful right-hand rock point, long walls, tide and swell dependent · Right · Reef
Intermediate → Advanced
Achadas da Cruz
long walling reef break, empty northwest Atlantic peaks · Varies · Reef
Intermediate → Advanced
Ribeira da Janela
fast hollow left-hand reef point · Left · Reef
Advanced
Ponta Delgada
powerful boulder-reef point, outside section only · Right · Point
Advanced
Madalena do Mar
mushy bommie peak with wide shoulders · A-frame · Reef
Intermediate
Porto da Cruz
punchy reef peaks, fun to occasional power · Varies · Reef
Beginner → Advanced
Plan a trip
Build a trip around Ponta Paul
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Frequently asked
What you need to know before paddling out at Ponta Paul
What skill level is Ponta Paul suited for?
Ponta Paul is a point bottom, fast hollow left-hand boulder point, big-wave consequence, break suited for advanced surfers. This is not a beginner break. Build up at softer waves first.
What size does Ponta Paul work best at?
Working size is 10 to 25 ft. Below 10 ft the swell goes flat. Above 25 ft it tends to close out.
When is the best season to surf Ponta Paul?
Ponta Paul fires from October through March. Outside that window the swell window narrows and the lineup goes quiet.
What swell direction does Ponta Paul need?
Ponta Paul switches on with a w - n groundswell. Offshore winds blow from the northerly.
What are the main hazards at Ponta Paul?
Main hazards at Ponta Paul: no concerns.
What type of wave is Ponta Paul?
Ponta Paul is a left-breaking wave over point. Fast hollow left-hand boulder point, big-wave consequence.
Sources
- Stormrider
Ponta Paul
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