Surfing Guarda do Embaú: The Complete Guide

Guarda do Embaú is a point break located in Palhoça, SC, Brazil, offering a left-hander along South America's vast coastline. Guarda do Embaú is a UNESCO World Surfing Reserve and one of Brazil's most iconic waves, a long left-hand point that has drawn comparisons to Uluwatu. Rated as advanced difficulty with crowded conditions, this point break is a worthy destination for surfers looking beyond the usual suspects.

Best Conditions

Swell Direction: The ideal swell direction is SSE (157°), with workable conditions from SE to SSW (135°–200°). Swells outside this window will either miss the break or produce disorganized waves.

Swell Size: Guarda do Embaú needs a minimum of 1m / 3ft to start working and handles swells up to 3m / 10ft before conditions deteriorate.

Swell Period: Look for a swell period of at least 10 seconds, with 14 seconds being the sweet spot. Longer periods deliver more organized, powerful waves with better shape.

Wind: True offshore here blows from the N (0°). The full offshore range spans NW to NE (315°–45°). Glassy conditions under 4km/h from any direction also produce excellent surf. Plan for early morning dawn patrol sessions.

Tide: This spot works best at mid to high tide.

When to Go

Primary Season: The prime window at Guarda do Embaú runs March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October (Mar–Oct). This is when swell consistency and direction align most reliably with the break.

Season Notes: Year-round with best swells in winter

Water Temperature: Expect water temperatures around 20°C / 68°F. A shorty or spring suit is recommended for longer sessions.

Getting There

The nearest airport is FLN, roughly 50 minutes by car.

Access: Cross river by paddle or small boat

Hazards & Tips

Known Hazards:

👥 Crowded — Gets very crowded
🪨 Rocks — Rocky entry/exit or in lineup
🌀 Strong rips — Dangerous currents

Must cross river to access - paddle or boat

Safety Tips:

Study the currents before paddling out. Know your exit strategy
Surf early mornings or off-peak days to avoid the worst of the crowds

Skill Level: This spot is rated advanced (6/10). Crowd Level: Typically crowded (8/10).

Check the Live Forecast

Planning a session at Guarda do Embaú? Check the live forecast on Strike Mission to see today's conditions and the 10-day outlook. Our Strike Score algorithm rates this spot from 0 to 100 every day, factoring in swell direction, size, period, wind, and tide — so you know exactly when to paddle out.

Don't leave your next surf trip to chance. Let the data tell you when Guarda do Embaú is firing.

*Conditions data sourced from Strike Mission's verified spot database.*