Santa Catarina

Praia da Vitória · Azores · Portugal

Today’s forecast: the current surf forecast for Santa Catarina (wave height, swell, wind, tide and a 0–10 rating for every hour of the next 16 days) are only shown on SurfCams. They change every hour, so this text doesn’t contain them. To check today’s surf, open https://surf-cams.com/spot/terceira-santa-catarina.

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Santa Catarina, by the port of Praia da Vitória on Terceira's east coast, is one of Europe's heaviest slabs. A short peak breaks left and right over very shallow lava reef, throwing thick barrels with a fast, vertical take-off. It is also known as the deadly princess (princesa mortal). It is a famous bodyboard wave and has hosted national and international bodyboard contests.

Level
Experts only
Break
Slab, reef
Waves
Lefts and rights
Crowd
Busy
Season
autumn, winter
Boards
A bodyboard is the tool of choice; stand-up surfers need a short, strong board and a lot of experience.

When it works

✓ A north to north-west swell of 1.5–2.5 m with a west or south-west wind, around mid tide.

When it doesn't

✕ Low tide over the shallow reef, and east winds.

Watch out for

  • reef
  • rocks
  • localism
  • crowds

Best months

October, November, December, January, February, March

Local tips

Surfmarket advises a helmet. Respect the locals and wait your turn. There is a small concrete ramp a few metres away for getting in and out.

Getting there

In Praia da Vitória, beside the port on the south side of the bay; parking close by.

Travel notes

How often it works
Works on the north swells of autumn and winter that wrap into the bay.
Crowd and vibe
Usually 10–20 people when it is on, mostly Terceira's best local surfers and bodyboarders.
Camping and vans
North Coast Camping in Biscoitos, on Terceira's north coast near the natural pools, is the campsite we found listed on the island.
Facilities
All services in Praia da Vitória town.
Water quality
No monitored bathing water at the reef itself. The town beaches of Praia da Vitória (Praia Grande, Riviera, Prainha) were rated excellent for the last three seasons (EEA data from the Azores regional government).

Ideal conditions

Swell
NNW–NNE best, WNW–NE works
Size
1.5–2.5 m offshore swell; starts at 1.2 m, holds to 3.5 m
Period
10 s minimum, best from 13 s
Wind
Offshore SSW–W; handles onshore up to 10 km/h
Tide
mid best, avoid low
Faces
NE (50°)

Live cam

No cam at this spot yet: the forecast and the guide are on the map.

In the guides

Nearby spots

All spots in Azores · All spots

Sources