São Miguel · Portugal
Surfing Ribeira Quente
A right rivermouth in São Miguel, Portugal, for advanced and pro surfers.
- TypeRight Rivermouth
- LevelAdvanced / Pro
- Size3-10 ft
- Best monthsOct-Apr
- Crowd1/5
The wave
Ribeira Quente is a right rivermouth point on the south coast of São Miguel, in a small village away from Ponta Delgada. On a solid south swell it lines up into long walls.
South swells are less common in the Azores, so it doesn't break often. When it's big, it's a serious wave for experienced surfers.
37.75, -25.35 · Solid S swell · Open in Google Maps
When to surf Ribeira Quente
Ribeira Quente is at its best from October to April. Conditions it likes: Solid S swell. This is how the year looks across Azores:
| Months | Verdict | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
In season: January · February · March · October · November · December
Waves near Ribeira Quente
| Wave | Area | Type | Level | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ribeira Grande | São Miguel | Rivermouth/Beach | Intermediate / Advanced | 18 km |
| Populo | São Miguel | Beach Break | Beginner / Intermediate | 24 km |
| Vila Nova | Terceira | Reef (Bombora) | Pro | 184 km |
| Porto Martins | Terceira | Right Point | Intermediate / Advanced | 185 km |
| Praia da Vitória (Vietnam) | Terceira | Beach Break | Beginner / Intermediate | 186 km |
| Santa Catarina | Terceira | Reef (Bombora) | Pro | 187 km |
Straight-line distances. By road it is usually further.
Getting there and staying around São Miguel
Transport, costs and the rest of the waves in the area are in the São Miguel surf guide →
A week here costs from about $630 with flights from Europe, or around $1,322 travelling comfortably. See other surf trips under $1,000 →
Ribeira Quente: common questions
When is the best time to surf Ribeira Quente?
Ribeira Quente works best from October to April. Ideal conditions: Solid S swell.
Is Ribeira Quente good for beginners?
No. Ribeira Quente is a wave for advanced and pro surfers. The closest beginner-friendly spot we cover is Populo in São Miguel, about 24 km away.
How crowded is Ribeira Quente?
Ribeira Quente is usually empty: 1 out of 5 on our crowd scale.
Where is Ribeira Quente?
Ribeira Quente is in São Miguel, in the Azores region of Portugal (37.75, -25.35). The nearest wave we cover is Ribeira Grande, about 18 km away.
Last updated October 2026. Seasons, costs and conditions change, so check the details before you book.
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