Surf spot

Itacoatiara

Forecast conditions and map view for Itacoatiara in Brazil, Rio de Janeiro City. Open the interactive surf map to inspect wind, waves, and nearby spots.

Country: Brazil, Rio de Janeiro City
Coordinates: -22.9726, -43.0334

Metric
Metric	03:00	06:00	09:00	12:00	15:00	18:00	21:00	00:00	03:00	06:00	09:00	12:00	15:00	18:00	21:00	00:00	03:00	06:00	09:00	12:00	15:00	18:00	21:00	00:00	03:00	06:00	09:00	12:00	15:00	18:00	21:00	00:00	03:00	06:00	09:00	12:00	15:00	18:00	21:00	00:00	03:00	06:00	09:00	12:00	15:00	18:00	21:00	00:00	03:00	06:00	09:00	12:00	15:00	18:00	21:00	00:00
Wave height (m)	1.1	1	1	0.8	0.8	0.7	0.7	0.7	0.7	0.7	0.6	0.6	0.9	1.1	1.2	1.3	1.2	1.2	1.1	1.1	0.8	0.8	0.9	0.8	1	1	1	1.1	1.2	1.3	1.2	1.3	1.3	1	1.3	1.3	1.1	0.9	1.4	1.7	1.8	1.9	1.9	2.1	1.8	2.2	2.2	2.2	2.1	2	1.8	1.8	1.5	1.9	1.8	1.7
Wave direction	S	S	S	S	SE	S	SE	E	E	E	E	E	SSW	SSW	SSW	S	SSW	S	S	S	SSW	SSE	S	SSE	S	S	SSE	SE	SE	SE	SE	SE	SSE	S	SSE	SSE	SSE	SSW	S	S	S	S	SSW	S	S	S	S	S	S	S	S	S	S	S	S	S
Wave period (s)	10.5	10.3	10.1	9.4	8	9.4	8.2	6.8	6.8	6.5	6.7	6.8	5	6.3	6	5.5	5.7	5.5	5.5	5.5	5.5	6.1	6.6	6.6	6.5	7.2	6.7	6.8	6.7	6.6	6.7	6.6	7	7.5	7.3	6.6	6.5	5.8	6.8	7	7.2	7.5	7.5	8.1	8.2	8.7	8.8	8.9	8.7	8.9	8.8	8.8	10.1	10.1	9.8	9.7
Wave energy (kJ)	267	227	194	120	89	93	65	45	42	37	34	32	41	96	105	97	90	86	75	71	43	53	64	61	83	104	93	105	138	138	129	147	178	119	183	156	102	60	176	277	336	384	389	557	455	706	750	753	655	634	518	480	435	745	650	564
Wind speed (km/h)	5.5	7.3	19.1	10.1	3.9	15.7	11.9	7.1	6.2	6.2	7.2	8.5	3.6	6.9	11.4	3.8	9.2	3.9	4.9	1.3	6.9	6.8	6.9	6.9	4.9	7.9	3.1	3.5	13.7	9.9	6.6	6.4	8.4	6.8	7.4	12.9	19.6	15.7	11.2	9	10	8.4	7.4	5.2	3	3.6	4.1	5.1	4.2	5.3	4.5	4.1	2.9	13.4	6	7.1
Wind direction	NOffshore	NCross-off	WCross-on	NWCross-off	WSWGlassy	SCross-on	SSECross-on	SSWOnshore	SOnshore	SSECross-on	SSECross-on	SECross-on	SEGlassy	ESECross	ESECross	SEGlassy	ECross-off	WNWGlassy	NWGlassy	NWGlassy	NCross-off	SSWOnshore	SSWOnshore	WSWCross-on	WNWGlassy	NEOffshore	ESEGlassy	SSEGlassy	SOnshore	SOnshore	SOnshore	WSWCross-on	WCross-on	WNWCross	NWCross-off	WSWCross-on	SWOnshore	SSWOnshore	SSWOnshore	SOnshore	SSECross-on	SSECross-on	SSECross-on	ESECross	ENEGlassy	EGlassy	ESEGlassy	ECross-off	ENEGlassy	ENECross-off	ENEGlassy	NEGlassy	ESEGlassy	SSECross-on	SSECross-on	NWCross-off

Itacoatiara is one of the most famous surf spots in Niterói, Rio de Janeiro state—just across the bay from Rio de Janeiro City, not actually inside Rio proper. It’s a classic beachbreak set against a dramatic, scenic backdrop, and it has a strong reputation for being powerful, hollow, and often heavy.

Quick description

Location: Itacoatiara Beach, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Type of wave: Mostly beachbreak
Best for: Intermediate to advanced surfers; can be very challenging on bigger days
Wave character: Fast, punchy, hollow, and sometimes intense
Beach: Beautiful crescent-shaped beach with a wild, natural feel

Surf conditions

Itacoatiara typically works best with solid swell and favorable winds, and it can produce excellent barrels when the sandbanks line up. Because the beach faces open ocean, it can pick up plenty of swell, making it consistent but also powerful and sometimes unforgiving. The wave can get shallow and heavy, so timing and local knowledge matter a lot.

Vibe and setting

The spot is known for its stunning scenery—lush mountains, granite hills, and a more rugged atmosphere than many city beaches. It feels more like a surf destination than an urban break. The beach is also popular with locals for swimming, sunbathing, and beach sports, but when the surf is up it becomes a serious session spot.

Things to know

Can be dangerous for beginners when surf is large
Strong currents and shallow sections are common
Best approached with caution and respect
Local surf etiquette is important, as the spot can get crowded on good days

Overall

Itacoatiara is a high-energy, world-class beachbreak with a raw and powerful personality. If you like exciting surf in a beautiful natural setting, it’s one of the standout spots in the Rio/Niterói area.