West Madeira · Portugal
Surfing Jardim do Mar
A right point in West Madeira, Portugal, for pro surfers.
Jardim do Mar is a long right-hand point below a small village on Madeira's south-west coast, and the wave that put the island on the big-wave map. On a big winter swell it can link long sections over boulders.
A sea wall built in the village in the early 2000s changed the wave. There is heavy backwash from mid to high tide, so it usually works best for a short window around low tide. It breaks in deep water over rock and gets serious fast as the size goes up. Unless you have real big-wave experience, watch it from the village.
When to surf
Jardim do Mar
Jardim do Mar is at its best from November to March. Conditions it likes: Big NW-N swell.
November to March: Prime
Biggest, most powerful NW-N swell, serious big-wave season
April to May: Good
Smaller, more manageable swell, milder weather
June to September: Quiet
Flatter, warmer, better for sightseeing than surfing
The year across Madeira
Waves near Jardim do Mar
Ponta Pequena
2 kmWest Madeira · Right Point · Advanced / Pro
Paul do Mar
4 kmWest Madeira · Right Point · Advanced / Pro
Faja da Areia
17 kmWest Madeira · Beach/Reef · Intermediate / Advanced
Straight-line distances. By road it is usually further.
Getting there
Where to stay: Jardim do Mar and Paul do Mar are small villages right above the waves, with a few guesthouses and rooms to rent; book ahead for the winter swell season. Calheta, a little east, has more hotels and apartments and a small marina. Funchal is more than an hour away, so it only makes sense if you have a car and want the city.
Transport, costs, where to stay and the rest of the waves in the area are in the West Madeira guide.
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