West Madeira · Portugal
Surfing Paul do Mar
A left point in West Madeira, Portugal, for pro surfers.
- TypeLeft Point
- LevelPro
- Size4-15 ft
- Best monthsNov-Mar
- Crowd3/5
The wave
Paul do Mar is one of Madeira's two big left points, breaking over boulders in front of a small fishing harbour on the west coast. The island has almost no continental shelf, so swells arrive in deep water and stand up fast.
On a big north-west to north swell in winter it produces long, powerful lefts that hold a lot of size, and it can go from rideable to very heavy quickly as the swell builds. The currents are strong and the bottom is rock. It's for experienced big-wave surfers only. Watch it from the harbour wall first.
32.7422, -17.2564 · Big NW-N swell · Open in Google Maps
When to surf Paul do Mar
Paul do Mar is at its best from November to March. Conditions it likes: Big NW-N swell. This is how the year looks across Madeira:
| Months | Verdict | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
Waves near Paul do Mar
| Wave | Area | Type | Level | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jardim do Mar | West Madeira | Left Point | Pro | 4 km |
| Ponta Pequena | West Madeira | Left Point | Advanced / Pro | 10 km |
| Faja da Areia | West Madeira | Beach/Reef | Intermediate / Advanced | 15 km |
| Tonel | Sagres & Lagos | Beach Break | Beginner | 894 km |
| Mareta | Sagres & Lagos | Beach Break | Beginner | 894 km |
| Zavial | Sagres & Lagos | Right Point | Beginner / Intermediate | 895 km |
Straight-line distances. By road it is usually further.
Getting there and staying around West Madeira
Transport, costs and the rest of the waves in the area are in the West Madeira surf guide →
A week here costs from about $490 with flights from Europe, or around $1,095 travelling comfortably. See other surf trips under $500 →
Paul do Mar: common questions
When is the best time to surf Paul do Mar?
Paul do Mar works best from November to March. Ideal conditions: Big NW-N swell.
Is Paul do Mar good for beginners?
No. Paul do Mar is a wave for pro surfers. The closest beginner-friendly spot we cover is Tonel in Sagres & Lagos, about 894 km away.
How crowded is Paul do Mar?
Paul do Mar is usually moderate: 3 out of 5 on our crowd scale.
Where is Paul do Mar?
Paul do Mar is in West Madeira, in the Madeira region of Portugal (32.7422, -17.2564). The nearest wave we cover is Jardim do Mar, about 4 km away.
Last updated October 2026. Seasons, costs and conditions change, so check the details before you book.
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