Praia Formosa (Santa Maria)
Beach break · Açores · Santa Maria · Beginner → Advanced
Praia Formosa surf today
Forecast for Friday 16 October
Intermediate : Looking good — aim for 17h. — Best window: 17h
Today's score by level (at the day's best, out of 100)
- Beginner —
- Intermediate 75
- Advanced 68
- Waves 1.7 m · 11 s period
- Wind SE 18 km/h (gusts 30 km/h)
- Tides: ▲ 05:00 · ▽ 11:00 · ▲ 17:00
About this spot
One of the best spots in the Azores for south swells — fairly rare in the archipelago. A sandy beach that comes alive on S/SW swells with consistent, rideable waves for all levels.
Spot photos
Praia Formosa in detail
When to surf here
Autumn is the queen season. Winter brings the big sessions, spring stays very quality.
Beginner → Advanced
Good level required. You can stand, paddle and read a peak. When it fires, better know what you're doing.
Access & landmarks
Easy beach access, parking usually nearby. Ask locally about seasonal currents.
Safety
Wear an appropriate wetsuit. Scout the currents before you paddle out. Respect the locals and right-of-way. Check weather and tides.
Frequently asked about Praia Formosa
Is Praia Formosa suitable for beginners?
Praia Formosa is rather recommended for intermediate surfers. If you're a beginner, prefer a surf school, a small swell and a suitable tide, or look for a more sheltered nearby spot.
What wind is ideal for Praia Formosa?
The ideal wind at Praia Formosa comes broadly from East: it's offshore, which helps shape and hold the waves. A strong onshore wind generally degrades conditions.
What surf spots are near Praia Formosa?
Around Praia Formosa, you can also check conditions at Santa Bárbara, Praia da Vitória, Paúl do Mar. Compare the scores, wind and swell direction before choosing where to surf.