Ilha da Madeira & Porto Santo · São VicenteRecommended level: Intermediate to Advanced

Fajã da Areia · São Vicente

Madeira's most consistent North Coast reef break, featuring hot showers, easy parking, oceanfront cafés, and support from Clube Naval de São Vicente.

WHERE TO SURF TODAY

Clean surf on the SW coast (Jardim & Paul do Mar) + Fajã da Areia & Porto da Cruz fun at mid-tide

BEST WINDOW: {START}–{END}: 08:30–12:15 (0.90m–1.45m)

WAVE POWER & SIZE RIGHT NOW

150 kJ

0.7m · Sets 0.9m

Safe Entry Channel: 0.78m – 1.62m

LIVE STREAM — Fajã da Areia · São VicenteLIVE 24/7

Fajã da Areia · Juncos Bay (Câmara Principal 24/7)

CAMERA VIEW:

WATCH LIVE CAMERA

HOW TO READ THIS CAMERA (LOCAL TIP)

The 30m cliff camera flattens waves visually by 20%–30% (1.5m looks like 1.0m). Whitewash on the rocks = use the boat ramp channel. 8+ cars in the 18 promenade spots = 15+ surfers out.

LOCAL WEATHER & PARKING (18 SPOTS)

Encumeada Tunnel Rule: Southerly winds that blow out Funchal blow straight offshore in São Vicente. During strong North trades, stay on the Southwest Coast.

WAVE SIZE

0.7m (Sets 0.9m)

1st Period (s): 12s · NW

POWER

150 kJ

Ideal size: {min}m–{max}m (Max {limit}m): 1.2m–1.8m (Max 2.0m)

BEACH WIND

13 km/h (7 kt)

offshore · SSE

CURRENT TIDE

1.87m ▲

Safe Entry Channel: 0.78m – 1.62m

ALL 3 ACTIVE SWELLS IN THE WATER (SWELL 1, 2 & 3)3 Simultaneous Swells

1ST SWELLNW

0.7m · 12s

[Sets 0.9m] · 150 kJ

2ND SWELLNNW

0.4m · 10s

344° · 45 kJ

3RD SWELLW

0.2m · 8s

269° · 45 kJ

TODAY'S TIDE CHARTBEST WINDOW: {START}–{END}: 08:30–12:15

ENTER & EXIT SAFELY

WATER ACCESS

Always use the rock entry channel in front of Clube Naval de São Vicente between 0.78m and 1.62m tide. During fast ebb tides (< -0.45 m/h), a strong outflow rip pulls through the channel.

Cabeço do Boi (500m Seaward Outer Reef): Exceeds Bay Capacity (> 2.0m): Severe backwash off promenade wall. Outer bank (Cabeço do Boi) only (2.2m–4.5m @ 16s, tide 0.40m–1.10m).

SIMPLE GUIDE FOR BEGINNERS & SURFERSHow waves, wind, and tides work at Fajã da Areia · São Vicente

1. AVERAGE SIZE & BIGGER SETS

0.7m (Sets up to {height}m 0.9m)

Every 5 to 10 minutes, a group of larger waves ("sets") arrives reaching 0.9m. Always judge the spot by the set size before paddling out.

2. TIME BETWEEN WAVES (SECONDS)

Best from 13 seconds up

Under 8s means weak, messy wind waves. Above 13s means clean ocean groundswell with long walls and much more push.

BEST TIDE HEIGHT:

0.8m a 1.9m (Safe Entry Channel Safe Gate: 0.78m to 1.62m)

Between 0.8m and 1.9m the wave peels best. Too high tide causes backwash off the rocks/wall.

ENTER & EXIT SAFELY

Safe tide: 0.8m – 1.6m

Exit Open · Safe Safe Entry Channel (0.78m–1.62m)

24-HOUR HOUR-BY-HOUR FORECAST

Hourly + 6-Day Overview

Fajã da Areia · São Vicente — 1. Current Wave Size & Wind

1. Wave Size [Sets]: Sets up to {height}m

2. Period (s): 2. Best Tide Hours to Get In & Out

3. Wave Power (kJ): Wave Power & Size Right Now

4. Wind & Tide: 3. Beach Bottom, Access & Safety Tips

1ST SWELL (Mon 08 Nov)1ST SWELL (Primary Breaking) + 2ND SWELL & 3RD SWELL

1ST SWELLPrimary Breaking

1.1m [Sets 1.4m] · 13s

Power: 436 kJ · NNW (345°)

NNW

2ND SWELLSecondary Train

0.6m · 15s

Power: 150 kJ · NW (323°)

3RD SWELLTertiary Train

0.3m · 10s

Power: 25 kJ · NNE (19°)

NNE

COASTAL MAP · 1ST SWELL & WINDFajã da Areia · São Vicente · Mon 08 Nov (14:00)GPS 32.8138°, -17.0328° · DIRECTION THE BEACH FACES: N (0°)

1ST SWELL (Primary Breaking)Aligned Pulse

1.1m [Sets 1.4m] · 13s NNW (345°) · 436 kJ

2ND SWELL (Secondary Train)Aligned Pulse

0.6m · 15s NW (323°) · 150 kJ

3RD SWELL (Tertiary Train)Aligned Pulse

0.3m · 10s NNE (19°) · 25 kJ

WIND & CURRENT TIDE (14:00)Offshore

13 km/h (7 kt) S · Current Tide 2.18m

GETTING IN & OUT OF THE WATER // FAJA DA AREIA

SAFE TO GET IN & OUT

Good tide level to get in and out safely via the boat ramp channel (0.78m - 1.62m)

Current tide: 1.15m // Best tide height: 0.78m - 1.62m

24-HOUR HOUR-BY-HOUR FORECASTMon 08 Nov — 00:00 - 23:00HI: 02:10 (2.2m) / 14:20 (2.2m) · LO: 08:15 (0.1m) / 20:35 (-0.0m)

Select Day (24h):

Hour (00h–23h)	00:00	01:00	02:00	03:00	04:00	05:00	06:00	07:00	08:00	09:00	10:00	11:00	12:00	13:00	14:00	15:00	16:00	17:00	18:00	19:00	20:00	21:00	22:00	23:00
Rating (0-10)	5.6	5.6	5.6	5.6	5.6	5.6	5.6	5.6	5.6	5.6	5.6	5.6	5.6	5.6	5.6	5.6	5.6	5.6	5.6	5.6	5.6	5.6	5.6	5.6
1st Swell [Sets] Primary (m · s · kJ)	1.0m [1.3m] NNW 12s · 332kJ	1.0m [1.3m] NNW 12s · 332kJ	1.0m [1.3m] NNW 12s · 332kJ	1.0m [1.3m] NNW 12s · 332kJ	1.0m [1.3m] NNW 12s · 332kJ	1.0m [1.3m] NNW 12s · 332kJ	1.0m [1.3m] NNW 12s · 332kJ	1.0m [1.3m] NNW 12s · 332kJ	1.0m [1.3m] NNW 12s · 332kJ	1.0m [1.3m] NNW 12s · 332kJ	1.0m [1.3m] NNW 12s · 332kJ	1.1m [1.4m] NNW 13s · 436kJ	1.1m [1.4m] NNW 13s · 436kJ	1.1m [1.4m] NNW 13s · 436kJ	1.1m [1.4m] NNW 13s · 436kJ	1.1m [1.4m] NNW 13s · 436kJ	1.1m [1.4m] NNW 13s · 436kJ	1.0m [1.3m] NNW 12s · 332kJ	1.0m [1.3m] NNW 12s · 332kJ	1.0m [1.3m] NNW 12s · 332kJ	1.0m [1.3m] NNW 12s · 332kJ	1.0m [1.3m] NNW 12s · 332kJ	1.0m [1.3m] NNW 12s · 332kJ	1.0m [1.3m] NNW 12s · 332kJ
2nd Swell Swell 2	0.5m · 10s NW 69kJ · 318°	0.5m · 10s NW 69kJ · 318°	0.5m · 10s NW 69kJ · 318°	0.5m · 10s NW 69kJ · 318°	0.5m · 10s NW 69kJ · 318°	0.5m · 10s NW 69kJ · 318°	0.5m · 10s NW 69kJ · 318°	0.5m · 10s NW 69kJ · 318°	0.5m · 10s NW 69kJ · 318°	0.5m · 10s NW 69kJ · 318°	0.5m · 10s NW 69kJ · 318°	0.6m · 15s NW 150kJ · 323°	0.6m · 15s NW 150kJ · 323°	0.6m · 15s NW 150kJ · 323°	0.6m · 15s NW 150kJ · 323°	0.6m · 15s NW 150kJ · 323°	0.6m · 15s NW 150kJ · 323°	0.5m · 10s NW 69kJ · 315°	0.5m · 10s NW 69kJ · 315°	0.5m · 10s NW 69kJ · 315°	0.5m · 10s NW 69kJ · 315°	0.5m · 10s NW 69kJ · 315°	0.5m · 10s NW 69kJ · 315°	0.5m · 10s NW 69kJ · 315°
3rd Swell Swell 3	0.3m · 9s NNE 22kJ · 14°	0.3m · 9s NNE 22kJ · 14°	0.3m · 9s NNE 22kJ · 14°	0.3m · 9s NNE 22kJ · 14°	0.3m · 9s NNE 22kJ · 14°	0.3m · 9s NNE 22kJ · 14°	0.3m · 9s NNE 22kJ · 14°	0.3m · 9s NNE 22kJ · 14°	0.3m · 9s NNE 22kJ · 14°	0.3m · 9s NNE 22kJ · 14°	0.3m · 9s NNE 22kJ · 14°	0.3m · 10s NNE 25kJ · 19°	0.3m · 10s NNE 25kJ · 19°	0.3m · 10s NNE 25kJ · 19°	0.3m · 10s NNE 25kJ · 19°	0.3m · 10s NNE 25kJ · 19°	0.3m · 10s NNE 25kJ · 19°	0.3m · 9s N 22kJ · 11°	0.3m · 9s N 22kJ · 11°	0.3m · 9s N 22kJ · 11°	0.3m · 9s N 22kJ · 11°	0.3m · 9s N 22kJ · 11°	0.3m · 9s N 22kJ · 11°	0.3m · 9s N 22kJ · 11°
Wind (Hourly)	SSE11 km/hOffshore	SSE11 km/hOffshore	SSE11 km/hOffshore	SSE11 km/hOffshore	SSE11 km/hOffshore	SSE11 km/hOffshore	SSE11 km/hOffshore	SSE11 km/hOffshore	SSE11 km/hOffshore	SSE11 km/hOffshore	SSE11 km/hOffshore	S13 km/hOffshore	S13 km/hOffshore	S13 km/hOffshore	S13 km/hOffshore	S13 km/hOffshore	S13 km/hOffshore	SSW15 km/hOffshore	SSW15 km/hOffshore	SSW15 km/hOffshore	SSW15 km/hOffshore	SSW15 km/hOffshore	SSW15 km/hOffshore	SSW15 km/hOffshore
Tide & Entry	1.58m ▲ Tide Caution ({tide}m)	1.98m ▲ Tide Caution ({tide}m)	2.16m ▲ Tide Caution ({tide}m)	2.07m ▼ Tide Caution ({tide}m)	1.74m ▼ Tide Caution ({tide}m)	1.26m ▼ Tide Caution ({tide}m)	0.75m ▼ Tide Caution ({tide}m)	0.35m ▼ Tide Caution ({tide}m)	0.16m ▼ Tide Caution ({tide}m)	0.23m ▲ Tide Caution ({tide}m)	0.55m ▲ Tide Caution ({tide}m)	1.02m ▲ Tide Caution ({tide}m)	1.54m ▲ Tide Caution ({tide}m)	1.96m ▲ Tide Caution ({tide}m)	2.18m ▲ Tide Caution ({tide}m)	2.12m ▼ Tide Caution ({tide}m)	1.81m ▼ Tide Caution ({tide}m)	1.33m ▼ Tide Caution ({tide}m)	0.78m ▼ Tide Caution ({tide}m)	0.30m ▼ Tide Caution ({tide}m)	0.03m ▼ Tide Caution ({tide}m)	0.02m ▲ Tide Caution ({tide}m)	0.28m ▲ Tide Caution ({tide}m)	0.74m ▲ Tide Caution ({tide}m)

18 Compared Slots18 Compared Slots

Day // Time	Mon 08 Nov			Tue 09 Nov			Wed 10 Nov			Thu 11 Nov			Fri 12 Nov			Sat 13 Nov
Slot	AM 08:00	PM 14:00	NIGHT 20:00	AM 08:00	PM 14:00	NIGHT 20:00	AM 08:00	PM 14:00	NIGHT 20:00	AM 08:00	PM 14:00	NIGHT 20:00	AM 08:00	PM 14:00	NIGHT 20:00	AM 08:00	PM 14:00	NIGHT 20:00
Rating (0-10)	5.6	5.6	5.6	5.6	5.6	5.6	3.8	5.6	5.6	5.6	5.6	5.6	5.6	5.6	5.6	5.6	5.6	5.6
1st Swell [Sets] Primary Breaking	1.0m [1.3m]	1.1m [1.4m]	1.0m [1.3m]	0.9m [1.2m]	0.9m [1.2m]	0.9m [1.2m]	0.7m [0.9m]	0.8m [1.0m]	0.8m [1.0m]	0.8m [1.0m]	0.8m [1.0m]	0.8m [1.0m]	0.9m [1.2m]	1.0m [1.3m]	0.9m [1.2m]	1.0m [1.3m]	1.1m [1.4m]	1.0m [1.3m]
1st Swell Dir	NNW340°	NNW345°	NNW337°	NNW340°	NNW345°	NNW337°	NNW340°	NNW345°	NNW337°	NNW340°	NNW345°	NNW337°	NNW340°	NNW345°	NNW337°	NNW340°	NNW345°	NNW337°
1st Period (s)	12s	13s	12s	12s	12s	12s	11s	12s	12s	11s	12s	12s	12s	12s	12s	12s	13s	12s
1st Power (kJ)	332 kJ	436 kJ	332 kJ	269 kJ	269 kJ	269 kJ	149 kJ	213 kJ	213 kJ	195 kJ	213 kJ	213 kJ	269 kJ	332 kJ	269 kJ	332 kJ	436 kJ	332 kJ
2nd Swell Swell 2 (Size · s · kJ)	0.5m · 10sNW69 kJ · 318°	0.6m · 15sNW150 kJ · 323°	0.5m · 10sNW69 kJ · 315°	0.5m · 10sNW69 kJ · 318°	0.5m · 14sNW97 kJ · 323°	0.5m · 10sNW69 kJ · 315°	0.4m · 9sNW40 kJ · 318°	0.4m · 14sNW62 kJ · 323°	0.4m · 10sNW44 kJ · 315°	0.4m · 9sNW40 kJ · 318°	0.4m · 14sNW62 kJ · 323°	0.4m · 10sNW44 kJ · 315°	0.5m · 10sNW69 kJ · 318°	0.5m · 14sNW97 kJ · 323°	0.5m · 10sNW69 kJ · 315°	0.5m · 10sNW69 kJ · 318°	0.6m · 15sNW150 kJ · 323°	0.5m · 10sNW69 kJ · 315°
3rd Swell Swell 3 (Size · s · kJ)	0.3m · 9sNNE22 kJ · 14°	0.3m · 10sNNE25 kJ · 19°	0.3m · 9sN22 kJ · 11°	0.3m · 9sNNE22 kJ · 14°	0.3m · 9sNNE22 kJ · 19°	0.3m · 9sN22 kJ · 11°	0.2m · 8sNNE10 kJ · 14°	0.2m · 9sNNE10 kJ · 19°	0.2m · 9sN10 kJ · 11°	0.2m · 8sNNE10 kJ · 14°	0.2m · 9sNNE10 kJ · 19°	0.2m · 9sN10 kJ · 11°	0.3m · 9sNNE22 kJ · 14°	0.3m · 9sNNE22 kJ · 19°	0.3m · 9sN22 kJ · 11°	0.3m · 9sNNE22 kJ · 14°	0.3m · 10sNNE25 kJ · 19°	0.3m · 9sN22 kJ · 11°
Wave Shape	Aligned Pulse	Aligned Pulse	Aligned Pulse	Aligned Pulse	Aligned Pulse	Aligned Pulse	Single Train	Aligned Pulse	Aligned Pulse	Single Train	Aligned Pulse	Aligned Pulse	Aligned Pulse	Aligned Pulse	Aligned Pulse	Aligned Pulse	Aligned Pulse	Aligned Pulse
Wind	SSE11 km/h6 kt	S13 km/h7 kt	SSW15 km/h8 kt	SSE13 km/h7 kt	S15 km/h8 kt	SSW17 km/h9 kt	SSE13 km/h7 kt	S15 km/h8 kt	SSW15 km/h8 kt	SSE11 km/h6 kt	S13 km/h7 kt	SSW13 km/h7 kt	SSE9 km/h5 kt	S11 km/h6 kt	SSW13 km/h7 kt	SSE11 km/h6 kt	S13 km/h7 kt	SSW13 km/h7 kt
Wind Effect	Offshore	Offshore	Offshore	Offshore	Offshore	Offshore	Offshore	Offshore	Offshore	Offshore	Offshore	Offshore	Offshore	Offshore	Offshore	Offshore	Offshore	Offshore
Entry / Exit	BouldersTide Caution ({tide}m)	BackwashTide Caution ({tide}m)	BouldersTide Caution ({tide}m)	BouldersTide Caution ({tide}m)	BackwashTide Caution ({tide}m)	BouldersTide Caution ({tide}m)	In PocketTide Caution ({tide}m)	BackwashTide Caution ({tide}m)	In PocketTide Caution ({tide}m)	In PocketTide Caution ({tide}m)	In PocketTide OK ({tide}m)	In PocketTide Caution ({tide}m)	In PocketTide OK ({tide}m)	In PocketTide OK ({tide}m)	In PocketTide OK ({tide}m)	In PocketTide OK ({tide}m)	In PocketTide OK ({tide}m)	In PocketTide OK ({tide}m)
High / Low Tide	HI: 02:10 (2.2m)HI: 14:20 (2.2m) LO: 08:15 (0.1m)LO: 20:35 (-0.0m)			HI: 02:45 (2.2m)HI: 14:55 (2.2m) LO: 08:50 (0.2m)LO: 21:05 (0.0m)			HI: 03:20 (2.1m)HI: 15:25 (2.1m) LO: 09:20 (0.2m)LO: 21:35 (0.1m)			HI: 03:50 (2.1m)HI: 15:50 (2.0m) LO: 09:50 (0.3m)LO: 22:00 (0.2m)			HI: 04:15 (2.0m)HI: 16:20 (1.9m) LO: 10:20 (0.4m)LO: 22:30 (0.3m)			HI: 04:45 (1.9m)HI: 16:45 (1.8m) LO: 10:50 (0.5m)LO: 22:55 (0.4m)