Crowd & Localism
Rarely crowded. The faja is accessed on foot or by boat, and that friction keeps numbers low even on good days. Respect the remote setting and the local community that lives here. Do not leave rubbish on the path or faja floor.
São Roque do Pico Municipality, Sao Jorge North, Portugal
Direita do Passe
38.629, -27.933
Edited by Tom Jackson
Verified May 2026
Cross-referencedCross-checked against Stormrider
At a glance
- Direita do Passe is a right over point, medium-pace right-hand point peeler with occasional barrel sections on bigger swells.
- Beginner to intermediate ability, working 3-8 ft.
- Peak October to March.
Right · PointBeginner → Intermediate3–8 ftJan – Dec
A reliable right-hand point peeling in front of the lagoon opening on São Jorge's north coast, Direita do Passe is the closest break to the car park on the Faja da Caldeira do Santo Cristo. NE swell is the sweet spot, walling up consistently across a wide window from NW through E. SW winds keep conditions clean. The wave runs at a medium pace, predictable and forgiving enough for beginners while offering genuine length, and the inside section softens further, giving newer surfers room to build confidence. Crowds are rare on this remote faja, but currents near the pass deserve attention. Bottom: point. Season: year-round given high consistency. Consistency: high. Pack more leash cord than you think you need and keep an eye on lateral drift near the channel entrance, particularly when swell is above 6ft and the current alongside the pass picks up speed.
Wave fit
Skill suited
Beginner → Intermediate
BegIntAdv
Best months
Jan – Dec
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Character
Medium-pace right-hand point peeler with occasional barrel sections on bigger swells.
Conditions
When it worksSwell window
NW
NW - E
Offshore wind
SW
South westerly
Optimum tide
All tides
Size range
2-20ft
High
Hazards
No concerns
Trip planning
Quick facts
Wetsuit
3/2
What to bring
- Longboard or mid-length for small to medium days
- Shortboard 6ft to 6ft 6in for 5ft-plus NE swell
Lineup
Mellow lineup
Where it sits
Location
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About this break
What it's actually like
Access & Facilities
Reach the faja by a long coastal walking trail descending the cliff, or by boat from Velas or Calheta. No facilities on site. Bring water, food, and sun protection. The tidal lagoon at Cubres is sealed from the sea, so water quality is clean with no pollution concerns. The car park sits at the trailhead above, not at sea level.
Nearby Alternatives
The wider Faja da Caldeira do Santo Cristo hosts several left-hand setups, including longer and more powerful walls to the east when W to N swell is running and you want something with more punch. If the north coast is maxed out, the south coast of São Jorge picks up SE to W swell and offers an offshore alternative.
10-day swell, wind and tide
Direita do Passe surf forecast
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Forecast by Windy.app
Stay nearby
Camps within boat range
Browse all Portugal surf camps
No vetted camps within boat range of Direita do Passe yet.
More breaks in Sao Jorge North
If this isn't your wave
Faja dos Cubres
long fast powerful left point with open barrels · Left · Point
Advanced
Feiticeiras
fast hollow right-hand submerged reef, big wave capable · Right · Reef
Advanced
Lago do Linho
long powerful left-hand point with steep take-offs and hollow inside sections · Left · Point
Intermediate → Advanced
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Frequently asked
What you need to know before paddling out at Direita do Passe
What skill level is Direita do Passe suited for?
Direita do Passe is a point bottom, medium-pace right-hand point peeler with occasional barrel sections on bigger swells, break suited for beginner through intermediate surfers. Beginners can give it a go on the smaller end of the size range.
What size does Direita do Passe work best at?
Working size is 3 to 8 ft. Below 3 ft the swell goes flat. Above 8 ft it tends to close out.
When is the best season to surf Direita do Passe?
Direita do Passe fires from October through March. Outside that window the swell window narrows and the lineup goes quiet.
What swell direction does Direita do Passe need?
Direita do Passe switches on with a nw - e groundswell. Offshore winds blow from the south westerly.
What are the main hazards at Direita do Passe?
Main hazards at Direita do Passe: no concerns.
What type of wave is Direita do Passe?
Direita do Passe is a right-breaking wave over point. Medium-pace right-hand point peeler with occasional barrel sections on bigger swells.
Sources
- Stormrider
Direita do Passe
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