Surf Travel Guide: Maresias

You’ve seen the highlight reels of Brazilian storm surf and wonder where to find those perfect, powerful beach break barrels. I can tell you from experience: the search often ends in Maresias. This is the training ground of champions for a very good reason.

Why Maresias?

Maresias is home to one of the most powerful and consistent beach breaks in all of Brazil. It's the wave that forged 3-time World Champion Gabriel Medina. The 3-mile (5 km) stretch of beach is a magnet for any south swell, producing heavy, hollow waves that will test your limits and deliver the session of a lifetime.

→ The beach faces directly south, with a deep offshore canyon focusing the swell energy.
↳ This creates A-frame peaks with thick, barreling walls, especially when a strong cold front passes in the autumn or winter.

Getting There & Getting Around

The trip to Maresias involves flying into São Paulo and then hitting the road for a stunning drive through the lush Atlantic Rainforest to the coast.

• Fly into São Paulo’s Guarulhos International Airport (GRU) or Congonhas Airport (CGH).
• → A rental car is your best bet for freedom, but the bus is easy and affordable.
  ↳ The bus company Pássaro Marron runs services to the neighboring town of Boiçucanga. The trip takes about 4 hours and costs roughly $20 USD / 110 BRL. From there, it's a short taxi to Maresias.
• Once in Maresias, the main beach is walkable, but a car is useful for exploring nearby beaches like Paúba.

When to Surf

The best and most powerful waves arrive during the autumn and winter, from April through September. This is when strong south swells hit the coast, creating waves in the 4-8 foot range, with bigger days possible. The water is cooler this time of year, averaging around 70°F (21°C), so a 3/2mm wetsuit is recommended. The sandbanks at Maresias work on all tides, but a mid-tide is often ideal for producing hollower waves.

Surf Breaks

• Maresias Beach Break: The main stage. A long stretch of sand with multiple, powerful peaks.
  → Located right in front of the town. The waves are fast, powerful, and often hollow. The middle of the beach is for everyone, but the talent level is high. Suitable for intermediate to advanced surfers.
• Canto do Moreira: The most famous corner of Maresias, known for its perfect lefts.
  → At the far right end of the beach (looking at the ocean). This spot is a heavy, barreling wave that breaks close to the rocks. This is where the pros surf. For advanced surfers only.
• Paúba: A neighboring beach offering a different kind of challenge.
  → A 5-minute drive south. Paúba is a very heavy and often dangerous shorebreak barrel. It's beautiful to watch but should only be surfed by experts comfortable in shallow, powerful waves.

Where to Stay (Hotels)

→ Maresias is packed with "pousadas" (guesthouses) and hotels right near the beach.

• Budget ($): Pousada Tani
  Nightly rate: Approx. $60 USD / 330 BRL.
  A simple, clean pousada with a pool, located just a couple of blocks from the beach and the town's main strip.
• Mid-Range ($$): Amora Hotel
  Nightly rate: Approx. $130 USD / 715 BRL.
  A modern, stylish hotel right on the beach with a fantastic pool area and direct access to the sand. Great comfort and location.
• Luxury ($$$): Villa’l Mare Hotel
  Nightly rate: Approx. $220+ USD / 1210+ BRL.
  The premium choice in Maresias, featuring beachfront luxury with multiple pools, a high-end spa, and impeccable service for a truly relaxing stay.

Food & Drink

• Local Beer: Cerveja Original (Pilsner)
  → A classic, crisp lager that's a go-to choice throughout Brazil. Perfect for a post-surf drink at a beachside bar. Price is around $2.50 USD / 14 BRL.
• Local Lunch: Açaí na Tigela (Açaí Bowl)
  → The quintessential Brazilian surfer's meal. A thick, frozen blend of açaí berries topped with granola, banana, and other fruits. A large bowl will cost about $7 USD / 38 BRL.