Terceira · Portugal
Surfing Santa Catarina
A right reef in Terceira, Portugal, for pro surfers.
Santa Catarina is an offshore reef on Terceira that bends and focuses the swell into thick, fast, hollow rights. It's one of the heaviest waves in the Azores.
It only works on a solid swell. The takeoff zone is small, the rocks around it are very sharp and it's a long way from help. A small crew of local surfers rides it. It's for experts only, and you should watch it with someone who knows it before thinking about paddling out.
On other days, the beach at Praia da Vitória is where most people surf on Terceira.
When to surf
Santa Catarina
Santa Catarina is at its best from October to April. Conditions it likes: Big W-N swell.
October to March: Prime
Biggest, most consistent Atlantic swell, wet and cool
April to June: Good
More settled weather, still decent swell
July to August: Quiet
Smaller swell, best weather for sightseeing
The year across Azores
Waves near Santa Catarina
Porto Martins
under 1 kmTerceira · Left & Right Point · Intermediate / Advanced
Praia da Vitória
3 kmTerceira · Beach Break · Beginner / Intermediate
Vila Nova
12 kmTerceira · Right Reef · Pro
Straight-line distances. By road it is usually further.
Getting there
Where to stay: Praia da Vitória sits right by the island's harbour and the most consistent east-coast surf, with plenty of pousadas and rentals.
Transport, costs, where to stay and the rest of the waves in the area are in the Terceira guide.
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