Point break · Mosteiros, Azores · 37°53′N 25°49′W
Praia dos Mosteiros
A right-hand point over shallow volcanic rock at the western tip of São Miguel, finishing at a black-sand beach. Intermediate level, best on a west to north-west swell.
Praia dos Mosteiros, at the western tip of São Miguel, is a right-hander that breaks over uneven reef. The take-off is over shallow volcanic stone, and a good ride runs along a short shoulder towards the black-sand beach.
It works on a west to north-west swell with an easterly offshore, in roughly 1 to 2 m of surf, and it is one of the more consistent waves on the island. Sources disagree about the tide, so check it on the day. Rips and undertow make it hard going for beginners, and the rock under the take-off is unforgiving.
It sits on the far west of the island, a drive from Ponta Delgada.
Nearby
Rabo de Peixe
A powerful, tubing left that breaks off the fishing harbour of Rabo de Peixe on São Miguel's north coast. Top quality on a solid north swell, with a tight take-off and a local crew that knows it.
Advanced surfersAutumn to spring, on the big north swells
Praia das Milícias
The black volcanic sand beach on the Estrada do Populo just east of Ponta Delgada, also called Praia Grande, and the south coast's main beach break. Works on south swells when the north coast is blown out.
All levelsAutumn to spring, when south swells arrive
Monte Verde
Ribeira Grande's town beach on São Miguel's north coast, and the island's main beach break, with peaks spread across four sections. A good wave for most levels on a NW swell.
All levelsAutumn to springCommon questions
- What kind of wave is Praia dos Mosteiros?
- Praia dos Mosteiros is a point break. It wants W to NW swell and works best with offshore from the e to se wind.
- Is Praia dos Mosteiros good for beginners?
- Not for a first session. It's rated intermediate — better once you can paddle out and read a line-up on your own.
- What should I watch out for at Praia dos Mosteiros?
- Take-off over shallow volcanic stone; rips and undertow