The Surf Window

Pemba

Cabo Delgado, Mozambique

Beach breakBeginner

Mozambique's northern resort town sits on a beautiful red-cliffed bay with calm, protected beach break waves, the northernmost accessible surf in Mozambique and a gateway to the extraordinary Quirimbas Archipelago.

Typical Conditions

The Surf Window

Swell Window

N
OptimalE (90°)
WindowNNE–SSE (30°–150°)

Wind

Any, bay sheltered

Tide

Mid to high

LowMidHigh

Season

April–July

JFMAMJJASOND

The Wave

Type

Both

Bottom

Sand

Shape

Gentle, slow, protected by the bay

Length

30–60m

Skill Level

  • •Who it's for: Beginner
  • •Why: The bay shelters most swell energy, waves are small and manageable for beginners

Hazards

  • •Limited surf culture and no board rental
  • •Malaria zone, take precautions
  • •Very occasional shark sightings

Local Tips

  • •Pemba Beach Hotel sits above the bay, a good base for exploring the area
  • •The Quirimbas Archipelago offshore has exceptional surf and diving, a proper expedition destination

Location

Map showing the location of Pemba in Cabo Delgado, Mozambique

-12.9736, 40.5215