Point break · Ribeira Grande, Azores · 37°49′N 25°35′W
Rabo de Peixe
A powerful, tubing left that breaks off the fishing harbour of Rabo de Peixe on Sao Miguel's north coast. Top quality on a solid north swell, with a tight take-off and a local crew that knows it.
Rabo de Peixe is a town in the municipality of Ribeira Grande that lives mainly from fishing and farming. Its wave breaks off the harbour: you park at the end of the harbour wall and paddle out from the ladders.
The wave
A powerful, hollow left over a cobble and rock bottom, which the Azores tourism board rates five stars for quality. Waves over 3 metres are common in season, and big sets often close out the bay. It works best at 2 to 3 metres on a N to NE swell.
Who it is for
Advanced surfers, and confident intermediates on smaller days. Getting caught inside can put you on the rocks. The take-off is tight and the access easy, which makes it a known localism hotspot: wait your turn, and leave it to the locals on the best days.
When
N to NE swell with a wind from SW through S to SE, ideally on a falling tide. Consistency is moderate, so it gets busy on the days it breaks.
Schools & rentals near here
Nearby
Santa Barbara
A long black volcanic-sand beach on the north coast of Sao Miguel, just west of Ribeira Grande. The main surf spot in the Azores, with a surf school on the sand and a competition history, and peaks for every level depending on size.
All levelsAutumn to spring for size; surfable year-roundMonte Verde
Ribeira Grande's town beach on Sao 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 springPraia das Milicias
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 arriveCommon questions
- What kind of wave is Rabo de Peixe?
- Rabo de Peixe is a point break. It wants N to NE, from about 2 m swell and works best with offshore from the s; works from sw to se wind.
- Is Rabo de Peixe good for beginners?
- No — it's rated advanced surfers and is for experienced surfers only.
- When's the best time for Rabo de Peixe?
- Autumn to spring, on the big north swells.
- What should I watch out for at Rabo de Peixe?
- Cobble and rock on the inside, closeout sets across the bay, and strong localism at a tight take-off.