Santa Maria
Beach break · Sal · Beginner → Advanced
Santa Maria surf today
Forecast for Friday 16 October
Intermediate : Looking good — aim for 7h. — Best window: 7h–10h
Today's score by level (at the day's best, out of 100)
- Beginner 70
- Intermediate 88
- Advanced 61
- Waves 1.1 m · 12 s period
- Wind NE 13 km/h (gusts 23 km/h)
- Tides: ▽ 05:00 · ▲ 11:00 · ▽ 17:00
About this spot
An 8km beach at Sal's southern tip. Mostly mellow beach breaks around the old wooden pier, plus a few lefts on a nearby reef — it catches the rare SW swells and summer NE swells.
Spot photos
Santa Maria in detail
Beginner → Advanced
Ideal for starting out or longboarding. Mellow waves, little current, surf school usually nearby.
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 Santa Maria
What tide is best for surfing Santa Maria?
At Santa Maria, tide isn't a deciding factor: the spot stays surfable across most tide states. Focus on the swell and the wind instead.
Is Santa Maria suitable for beginners?
Santa Maria is rather accessible to beginners when the waves stay small and the wind is light. Still, check currents, tide and local guidelines before entering.
What wind is ideal for Santa Maria?
The ideal wind at Santa Maria comes broadly from North: it's offshore, which helps shape and hold the waves. A strong onshore wind generally degrades conditions.
What surf spots are near Santa Maria?
Around Santa Maria, you can also check conditions at Ponta do Sino, Fragata, Alibaba. Compare the scores, wind and swell direction before choosing where to surf.