Surf Travel Guide: Búzios

Dreaming of chic European charm but with consistent Brazilian beach breaks? I know the feeling. Búzios delivers that exact vibe, blending sophisticated streets with some seriously fun surf.

Why Búzios?

This glamorous peninsula, made famous by Brigitte Bardot, isn't just for the jet set. For surfers, Búzios offers over 20 diverse beaches, with a few that reliably pick up swell. It’s the perfect spot if you're traveling with non-surfers or just want great nightlife and restaurants after your session.

→ The peninsula’s geography is its greatest asset.
↳ Beaches face different directions, so a southerly swell will work for one spot, while an easterly swell lights up another just around the headland.

Getting There & Getting Around

Getting to Búzios is a classic Rio de Janeiro road trip. You'll fly into Rio and then head east along the coast to the peninsula.

• Fly into Rio de Janeiro’s Galeão International Airport (GIG) or Santos Dumont Airport (SDU).
• → From the airport, the most common and cost-effective option is the Auto Viação 1001 bus.
  ↳ The bus ride takes about 3 hours from the main bus terminal (Rodoviária Novo Rio) and costs roughly $15 USD / 82 BRL.
• Once in Búzios, you can get around the small peninsula with ride-sharing apps, taxis, or by renting a beach buggy for a classic local experience. Many surf spots are a short drive from the center.

When to Surf

The best time for surf is during the Brazilian autumn and winter, from April to October. This is when strong Antarctic storms send consistent south and southwest swells up the coast, producing waves in the 3-6 foot range. The average water temperature is a pleasant 72°F (22°C), so a spring suit or 2mm top might be wanted on windier days, but boardshorts are often enough. The best tide is usually a rising mid-tide for the main beach breaks.

Surf Breaks

• Praia de Geribá: This is the heart of the Búzios surf scene. A long, beautiful beach with multiple peaks.
  → Located on the southern side of the peninsula, easily accessible by car or bus. The wave is a fun beach break, perfect for all surfing levels. The left corner ("Canto Esquerdo") can be faster and more powerful.
• Praia de Tucuns: Just next to Geribá, this beach is more exposed and picks up more swell.
  → A short drive away, it offers powerful, often hollow waves. When Geribá is small, Tucuns will be bigger. This break is best for intermediate to advanced surfers due to strong currents.
• Praia Brava: As the name ("Brave Beach") suggests, this spot is for the more experienced.
  → A stunning, more secluded cove on the northern side. It's a reef/point break that offers fast lefts over a rocky bottom. For advanced surfers only.

Where to Stay (Hotels)

→ Staying near Geribá beach is your best bet for quick access to the main surf break.

• Budget ($): Pousada Recanto de Geribá
  Nightly rate: Approx. $50 USD / 275 BRL.
  A simple, clean, and charming pousada with a pool and a great location, just a few minutes' walk from Geribá beach.
• Mid-Range ($$): Pousada dos Gravatás
  Nightly rate: Approx. $110 USD / 605 BRL.
  This hotel is located directly on the sands of Geribá, offering incredible convenience, comfort, a pool, and a beachfront bar.
• Luxury ($$$): Insolito Boutique Hotel & Spa
  Nightly rate: Approx. $300+ USD / 1650+ BRL.
  Overlooking Ferradura beach, this hotel offers supreme luxury with uniquely decorated rooms, private plunge pools, and a high-end spa experience.

Food & Drink

• Local Drink: Caipirinha
  → Brazil's national cocktail, made with cachaça, sugar, and lime. The perfect sundowner after a long day in the water. Price is around $4 USD / 22 BRL.
• Local Lunch: Peixe com Banana
  → A classic Búzios dish of grilled fish served with a caramelized banana puree. You can find it at many beachfront restaurants on Geribá. Expect to pay around $13 USD / 71 BRL.