Surf Travel Guide: Saquarema

Ever watch the pros tear apart powerful lefts during the Brazil CT stop and wonder if you could surf there? I did too. The good news is that Saquarema, the official Maracanã of surfing, is more accessible than you think.

Why Saquarema?

This place is the undisputed heart of Brazilian surf culture. As the long-time home of the Oi Rio Pro, it's built around one of the most consistent and powerful waves in the country, Itaúna. With at least 3 main world-class breaks in one town, you get heavy water energy and a town that truly understands surfers.

→ The coastline faces directly into the South Atlantic swell window.
↳ This exposure means it captures the full force of winter storms, creating the legendary waves you see on the WSL broadcast.

Getting There & Getting Around

Your journey will start in Rio de Janeiro. From there, it’s a beautiful 2-hour drive east to the surf capital.

• Fly into Rio de Janeiro’s Galeão International Airport (GIG) or the domestic Santos Dumont Airport (SDU).
• → The easiest and cheapest way to Saquarema is by bus from Rio's main bus terminal (Rodoviária Novo Rio).
  ↳ The bus company Auto Viação 1001 runs direct routes every hour. The trip takes about 2.5 hours and costs around $12 USD / 66 BRL.
• In Saquarema, most key spots are walkable, especially around Itaúna. Taxis and ride-sharing apps are perfect for short trips between breaks.

When to Surf

The prime season for waves is the Southern Hemisphere's autumn and winter, from April to October. This is when powerful groundswells from the south hit the coast, with waves consistently in the 4-10 foot range. The average water temperature during this peak season is around 72°F (22°C), making a 2mm spring suit or long-sleeve top ideal. The powerful waves at Itaúna and Barrinha work on all tides, but a mid-tide is often the sweet spot.

Surf Breaks

• Itaúna: The main event. A powerful and long left-hand point break.
  → This is the WSL contest site, located right by the iconic church on the hill. It's a challenging wave for intermediate to advanced surfers, known for its thick walls and holding serious size.
• Barrinha: A world-class, heavy, right-hand barrel.
  → Located on the other side of the lagoon mouth from Itaúna. This wave is fast, hollow, and breaks over a shallow sandbar. Strictly for advanced and expert surfers looking for heavy barrels.
• Praia da Vila: A more forgiving and mellow beach break.
  → In the center of town, this is the go-to spot when the main breaks are too big. It offers fun peaks and is the best place for beginner and intermediate surfers to get a taste of Saquarema's waves.

Where to Stay (Hotels)

→ All three are located in the Itaúna neighborhood, putting you right in the heart of the action.

• Budget ($): Pousada das Garças
  Nightly rate: Approx. $55 USD / 305 BRL.
  Clean, comfortable, and has a pool. It’s known for its friendly staff and is just a short walk to Itaúna beach.
• Mid-Range ($$): Hotel Maasai
  Nightly rate: Approx. $90 USD / 500 BRL.
  A stylish hotel with direct beach access, an excellent restaurant, and a great pool area overlooking the ocean.
• Luxury ($$$): Casa Larrosa
  Nightly rate: Approx. $135+ USD / 750+ BRL.
  A chic, adults-only boutique hotel with beautifully designed rooms, a relaxing pool, and premium amenities for a more exclusive stay.

Food & Drink

• Local Beer: Cerveja Original (Pilsner)
  → A classic, crisp Brazilian beer you'll find at any beach kiosk (quiosque). Perfect for watching the sets roll in. Price is around $2 USD / 11 BRL.
• Local Lunch: Prato Feito (PF)
  → The surfer's fuel. A simple, hearty plate of rice, beans, a choice of grilled meat or fish, salad, and fries. Expect to pay around $7 USD / 38 BRL.