Maresias

Maresias Beach is on the south coast of São Sebastião, on the north coast of São Paulo, about 5 km long between Boiçucanga and Paúba, considered by many surfers to be one of the five best waves in Brazil. The bottom is sand with several sandbanks spread along the beach, forming strong, barreling, fast waves that work at any swell size, with the best conditions on south swell above 7 feet, long period and east or northeast offshore wind.

It is the point where two-time world champion Gabriel Medina learned to surf and still trains regularly, with the Gabriel Medina Institute operating between gates 9 and 10 of the beach, a stretch with stronger current and bigger waves. The left end, also called Barrinha or Canto da Barra, has smaller, calmer waves, sought by beginners and surf schools. Maresias hosts several championships throughout the year, so anyone looking to learn should stay at the left end and leave the rest of the beach for when they have more experience.