Praia do Diabo

Praia do Diabo is a small, scenic surf spot in Rio de Janeiro City, tucked between Arpoador and Praia do Arpoador / Copacabana side near the southern end of Copacabana. It’s more of a compact, punchy beach break than a long, open surf beach.

Surf character

• Wave type: Mostly a beach break with quick, playful waves.
• Best for: Intermediate to advanced surfers, depending on the day. The waves can get fast and hollow when conditions line up.
• Swell exposure: Works best with south and southeast swells, especially when there’s enough size.
• Wind: Offshore conditions are typically favored by light northwest winds; onshore winds can make it messy quickly.
• Tide: Can be tide-sensitive, with some days better around mid tide.

Conditions and vibe

• The spot can be crowded, especially because it’s in a famous, central part of Rio with lots of local and visiting surfers.
• It’s a good option when Arpoador is working, since the area often shares the same swell and wind window.
• Water quality can vary, especially after heavy rain, as is common in urban beach settings.

What to expect

• Fast takeoffs
• Shorter rides
• Fun peaks that shift with the sand
• Occasional strong currents and rock influence near the edges

Best known for

• A beautiful city backdrop with the view of Arpoador, Ipanema, and the surrounding coastline
• Being part of one of Rio’s most iconic surf zones
• Delivering reliable fun waves when the ocean is active