Terceira · Portugal
Surfing Santa Catarina
A reef (bombora) in Terceira, Portugal, for pro surfers.
- TypeReef (Bombora)
- LevelPro
- Size4-15 ft
- Best monthsOct-Apr
- Crowd1/5
The wave
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.
38.66, -27.15 · Big W-N swell · Open in Google Maps
When to surf Santa Catarina
Santa Catarina is at its best from October to April. Conditions it likes: Big W-N 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 Santa Catarina
| Wave | Area | Type | Level | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Praia da Vitória (Vietnam) | Terceira | Beach Break | Beginner / Intermediate | 11 km |
| Vila Nova | Terceira | Reef (Bombora) | Pro | 11 km |
| Porto Martins | Terceira | Right Point | Intermediate / Advanced | 11 km |
| Quatro Ribeiras | Terceira | Left Point | Advanced / Pro | 15 km |
| Ribeira Grande | São Miguel | Rivermouth/Beach | Intermediate / Advanced | 169 km |
| Populo | São Miguel | Beach Break | Beginner / Intermediate | 170 km |
Straight-line distances. By road it is usually further.
Getting there and staying around Terceira
Transport, costs and the rest of the waves in the area are in the Terceira 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 →
Santa Catarina: common questions
When is the best time to surf Santa Catarina?
Santa Catarina works best from October to April. Ideal conditions: Big W-N swell.
Is Santa Catarina good for beginners?
No. Santa Catarina is a wave for pro surfers. The closest beginner-friendly spot we cover is Praia da Vitória (Vietnam) in Terceira, about 11 km away.
How crowded is Santa Catarina?
Santa Catarina is usually empty: 1 out of 5 on our crowd scale.
Where is Santa Catarina?
Santa Catarina is in Terceira, in the Azores region of Portugal (38.66, -27.15). The nearest wave we cover is Praia da Vitória (Vietnam), about 11 km away.
Last updated October 2026. Seasons, costs and conditions change, so check the details before you book.
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