MadeiraInfo
Livesouth coast·Jardim do Mar·Right point

Ponta Pequena surf report

Intermediate to advanced

Walking distance from Jardim do Mar. Smaller and friendlier than its famous neighbour, often the call when Jardim do Mar is closing out.

Right now at Ponta Pequena
Fun
Waist-to-chest, the sweet spot for most surfers.
Wave
1.3 m
8 s period
Swell
1.0 m
6 s
Wind
—
Sea temp
21.3 °C
swell N

As of , Ponta Pequena is showing 1.3 m waves at 8 s period, sea 21.3 °C — rated fun by our heuristic.

About Ponta Pequena

Coast
south coast of Madeira
Nearest town
Jardim do Mar
Break type
Right point
Best for
Intermediate to advanced
Coordinates
32.7383, -17.1972

Surfing Ponta Pequena — quick intro

Madeira is a volcanic island in the middle of the North Atlantic, 800 km off the Moroccan coast. With deep water right up to the shoreline and exposure to long-period North Atlantic groundswells, it offers some of Europe's most powerful waves — and almost none of them are sand-bottom beach breaks. Ponta Pequena is a right point on the south coast near Jardim do Mar, and it sits firmly in that Madeiran tradition: rewarding on its day, unforgiving on the wrong one. Compare it with the rest of the island on the Madeira surf report.

When Ponta Pequena works

Best season
October to March
Ideal swell
WNW to W, 1.5–3 m at 10–14 s
Ideal wind
Offshore from N / NE, under 12 kt
Best tide window
Mid to high tide on the push

Best in the two hours either side of high. Low tide shows the inside reef and shortens the ride considerably. For a wind read before you drive over, check the live Calheta weather page, or the island-wide Madeira weather by parish forecast.

Local tips

  • Walk in from the small fishing harbour on the west side of Jardim do Mar — about 10 minutes.
  • Reef booties recommended. Entry and exit are both over loose boulders.
  • Often a fall-back when Jardim do Mar is over-sized — same swell window, half the consequences.
  • Bring water and snacks. No shops or facilities at the spot itself.
Getting there
Park in Jardim do Mar village and walk west along the seafront path. There is no direct road to the spot.
Hazards
Slippery boulder entry, urchins, an outgoing rip on the inside that can sweep you toward Jardim do Mar.

Want eyes on the spot first? Watch the before you commit to the drive.

FAQ

Why surf Ponta Pequena instead of Jardim do Mar?

When the swell tops out and Jardim do Mar is closing out or too crowded, Ponta Pequena offers a smaller, more manageable wave with a much friendlier line-up.

Can intermediate surfers handle Ponta Pequena?

On a clean 1.5–2 m day, yes — provided you're comfortable with a rocky entry and a reef bottom. Avoid it above 2.5 m unless you're advanced.

Related on Madeira Info

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