Intermediate: Ponta Pequena (Fair, 1.1 m, offshore around 09:00), Paul do Mar (Fair, 1.3 m, offshore around 19:00), Jardim do Mar (Fair, 1.4 m, offshore around 13:00)
Advanced: Jardim do Mar (Good, 1.4 m, offshore around 13:00), Achadas da Cruz (Good, 2.0 m, cross-offshore around 09:00)
Forecast updated 20 Oct, 01:03 UTC.
The spots
Paul do Mar · point break, advanced, best on W/WNW swell with NE/ENE wind, mid tide. Right-hand point wave breaking in front of a fishing village on the southwest coast of Madeira. Works on winter swells and gets shared with Jardim do Mar.
Ponta do Pargo · point break, advanced, best on NW/W/N swell with S/SE/E wind, all tides. Right point on Madeira's western tip near the lighthouse, rated a regional classic. Breaks only sometimes, and wannasurf has few details.
Ponta Pequena · point break, advanced, best on W/WNW/WSW swell with NE/ENE/E wind, all tides. Right-hand reef point a short paddle from Paul do Mar and Jardim do Mar, needing west swell and northeast wind. Surf-Forecast rarely sees crowds, mind the submerged…
Jardim do Mar · point break, advanced, best on W/WNW swell with NE/ENE wind, mid tide. Long right-hander below the village on Madeira's southwest coast that breaks over a boulder point. Hosts a regular pro event, and works with winter west-northwest swells.
Achadas da Cruz · reef break, advanced, best on NW/N/W swell with S/SE/E wind, all tides. Remote flat-rock reef below cliffs on Madeira's northwest tip, reached by cable car. Wannasurf calls it world class and it is usually empty.
When to surf in Calheta
Best months for intermediate surfers: February to April, October to December. The water goes from about 18 °C in March (3/2 mm fullsuit) to 24 °C in September (Boardshorts / rash vest).
Days per month at the best third of the 5 spots for each level, from three years of wave and wind model data.
Questions
What are the best surf spots in Calheta?
The best-known are Jardim do Mar, Paul do Mar, Ponta Pequena, Achadas da Cruz. In all, 5 spots lie within 8 km: 1 reef break, 4 point breaks.
Where can beginners surf in Calheta?
Calheta is mostly for intermediate and advanced surfers: reefs, points or powerful beach breaks. Beginners should take a lesson and stay on the smallest days.
When is the best time to surf in Calheta?
For intermediate surfers February to April, October to December.
What wetsuit do I need to surf in Calheta?
The sea goes from about 18 °C in March (3/2 mm fullsuit) to 24 °C in September (Boardshorts / rash vest).