Boracéia

Boracéia Beach sits on the border between Bertioga and São Sebastião, on the north coast of São Paulo, and is considered the gateway to the São Paulo north coast for those coming from Santos. The bottom is sand and the waves tend to be full and maneuverable, forming out back and spreading along the nearly 5 km of beach, since the spot picks up swell from every direction and the right end usually has the biggest surf.

The crowd is intense, but it spreads out well among the dozens of sandbanks scattered along the shore, which avoids the concentration of people typical of smaller spots. The beach hosts stops of the Bertioga Surf Circuit, bringing together athletes from various categories, from under-10 to masters, in an event that energizes the local community. It's a long, quiet beach even in high season, so it's worth walking a bit to find the emptiest stretch before choosing where to paddle out.