A heavy, shifting right-hander breaking over a submerged reef shelf about 1-2km north of Ribeira D'Ilhas, Sao Lourenco is one of Ericeira's lesser-surfed big wave options. Clean NW swell is the trigger, with SW through N in the swell window and easterly winds keeping faces clean. Low to mid tide is the sweet spot, and the wave starts showing at 5-6ft but the real performance window opens at 8ft and above, holding to 18ft on its biggest days. The hollow, powerful rights are strictly expert territory: size, shifting peaks, and the exposure of a spot sitting well off the coast demand experience and the right equipment. Crowds are minimal even on weekends, so you'll have space, but that isolation cuts both ways when cleanup sets swing wide from the west. Bottom: submerged reef. Season: autumn through spring. Consistency: medium. Bring a big board and know how to read shifting lineups before paddling out here.
One of Ericeira's quieter expert spots. Weekend crowds rarely exceed a handful of surfers, and on mid-week swells you may find yourself largely alone. The exposed position and size requirement act as natural filters. Respect the local surfers who know this reef's moods best.
Head north on the main road past Ribeira D'Ilhas, through Ribamar, for 1-2km. Watch for the sign to the beach. Free parking is available. Camping is nearby. No significant pollution concerns, but the reef is urchin-adjacent territory in this stretch of coast, so protect your feet.
When Sao Lourenco is too big or too inconsistent, Ribeira D'Ilhas to the south handles a wide swell range and multiple skill levels. Coxos, the benchmark right-hand reef of Ericeira, is the direct comparison for expert days and picks up similar NW swell.
Forecast by Windy.app
