Paul do Mar
Southwest Coast, Madeira
Reef breakAdvanced
A dramatic left-hand reef break in a clifftop fishing village on Madeira's southwest coast, Paul do Mar sits below sheer volcanic cliffs and delivers long, powerful lefts on solid Atlantic swells.
Typical Conditions
The Surf Window
Swell Window
OptimalW (270°)
WindowSSW–NNW (210°–330°)
Wind
NE
Offshore
Tide
mid tide
LowMidHigh
Season
December–February
JFMAMJJASOND
The Wave
Type
Left
Bottom
Rock and reef
Shape
Long, powerful left, the wave walls up and runs along the reef with hollow sections and excellent length
Length
100–250m
Skill Level
- •Who it's for: Advanced
- •Why: Powerful Atlantic swell, rocky reef, and a challenging paddle-out require solid experience.
Hazards
- •Rocky reef throughout
- •Cliffs behind the lineup (no escape)
- •Strong current on bigger swells
- •Limited access road (winding cliff road to the village)
Local Tips
- •Paul do Mar village is only accessible via a narrow tunnel cut through the cliff, one of Madeira's most dramatic village approaches.
- •The wave works on a similar swell to Jardim do Mar (just 3km east), check both spots on the same day.
Location
32.7548, -17.2272