SURFING UBATUBA, BRAZIL: AN ABSOLUTE GEM FOR ADVENTUROUS SURFERS
DATE: 21 JUNE 2023 #travel guide
Bom dia, tudo bem? Waves, monkeys, juicy avocados, bossa nova, crystal blue water. This city’s got everything you need for a perfect summer surf getaway.
Welcome to Ubatuba, a surf city as awesome as its name, nestled on the stunning coastline of Brazil. While cherished by locals, this destination remains undiscovered by many tourists and backpackers. Well, good for you!
Ubatuba is the perfect place for you if you're an adventurous surfer or a solo traveller seeking lesser-known surf destinations. With its breathtaking beaches, countless surf spots, jungle hikes, fun ecotourism activities and a vibrant surf vibe, Ubatuba offers an authentic Brazilian experience away from the crowds.
I spent a month volunteering for a local eco-Airbnb' in Ubatuba in July. In this travel guide, you'll learn the best of Ubatuba with insider tips to make the most of your visit.
UBATUBA TRAVEL GUIDE
The Perfect Summer Surf Trip Getaway: A Solo Backpacker's Guide to Surfing Ubatuba, Brazil
Where’s Ubatuba in Brazil?
Ubatuba is located on the northern coast of São Paulo state in Brazil. It stretches along a picturesque coastline, surrounded by tropical rainforests and pristine beaches.
When to go to Ubatuba?
Although Ubatuba is a year-round destination, the best time to visit for surfing is in winter, from May to November.
I visited Ubatuba in July. Despite not being the peak season, July offers favourable weather conditions and consistent waves for surfing. You can enjoy the beauty of Ubatuba without the crowds. The beaches were all empty while I was there. There were mostly locals in the town (it was always a big surprise when I crossed paths with another backpacker, since gringos were such a rare find during this time!)
How to get to Ubatuba
Ubatuba is well connected to other coastal towns and bigger cities. You'll find plenty of bus routes to get there.
- How to get from São Paulo to Ubatuba: The most convenient way to reach Ubatuba from São Paulo is by bus from the Barra Funda Terminal to Ubatuba. It costs around 8€ and lasts 5 to 7 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.
- How to get to Ubatuba from Rio de Janeiro: If you're travelling from Rio de Janeiro, you can take a direct bus to Ubatuba.
- How far is Ubatuba by bus from Rio de Janeiro? The bus from Rio de Janeiro to Ubatuba takes 5 to 6 hours.
- How to say “Does this bus go to Ubatuba?” in Brazilian Portuguese: Esse ônibus vai para Ubatuba?
- Do bus drivers speak English in Brazil? It depends. Some spoke excellent English and Spanish, and others didn't know a word. It always helps to have a Brazilian phrasebook with you to communicate with the locals.
What to do in Ubatuba?
Chill at the beach
Ubatuba boasts an impressive number of beaches, each with its unique charm. Some must-visit beaches include Praia do Félix, Praia Grande, Praia Vermelha do Sul, and Praia do Itamambuca. My favourite one was Praia do Cedro. It's got this wild, raw appeal of beaches untouched by humankind.
How many beaches are there in Ubatuba?
Ubatuba has 102 beaches to explore! So whatever the length of your trip to Ubatuba, you'll have plenty of options to soothe your beachy dreams.
Hike through the jungle
For nature enthusiasts, Ubatuba offers hiking trails through rainforests and picturesque landscapes. Don't miss the trail to Pico do Corcovado, which has panoramic views of the coastline. The trail Praia do Cedrinho is another adventure, leading you to a secluded and often empty beach if you get there early in the morning.
Skate and meet the locals
Ubatuba has a vibrant skateboarding scene, and you can test your skills at the local skate park. It's a great spot to meet young locals, have a beer at sunset and practice your Portuguese.
Visit nearby towns
While in Ubatuba, you can explore nearby towns such as Paraty and Paraty Mirim, known for its colonial architecture and rich cultural heritage.
Paraty is approximately 2 hours away from Ubatuba and presents a charming contrast to the coastal atmosphere.
Heading to Paraty Mirim? Book your stay at ReMo Hostel, a tree house in the jungle and one of the best hostels I’ve ever stayed at.
Engage in volunteering opportunities
While in Ubatuba, I volunteered for a local Brazilian host building an eco-Airbnb in an agroforest. I was working with a team of four other international and local volunteers to help with eco-construction, gardening, cleaning the house for the guests, and preparing food. In exchange, we slept for free in a big house minutes away from Praia Grande. We had free fruits, bikes and even surfboards. The host was one of the nicest people I had ever met.
Ubatuba provides many volunteering opportunities for those looking to give back to the local community and environment (and save money on accommodation). Consider joining initiatives focusing on marine conservation, beach cleanups, or supporting local educational programs. Head to Workaway to find your next volunteering opportunity!
Ubatuba Surf Spots & Surf Guide
Ubatuba is a paradise for surfers, with a wide range of surf spots suitable for all skill levels, from beach breaks to point breaks. Some popular surf spots include Itamambuca, Felix, Playa Grande, and Vermelha do Sul.
When’s the best time to surf in Ubatuba?
The best time to surf in Ubatuba is during winter (March to November) when consistent swells bless the coastline.
And yet, even if I was travelling during the off-season, I didn't get one flat day in July. There were waves every day while I was there, ranging from shoulder to overhead. The water was warm (I only needed a rashguard) and crystal blue. The water quality is excellent here, and the beaches are clean.
Where to rent surfboards in Ubatuba?
There aren't many places to rent surfboards and equipment in Ubatuba. The rental price is expensive, so if you plan on staying a long time and don't have your surf gear, I'd recommend buying a used surfboard in one of the many surf shops. I found a perfect board for only 90€.
How to access Ubatuba surf spots?
You can bike to most surf spots if you're staying in the city centre near Playa Grande. Otherwise, you'll need a car to explore surf spots further down the coast.
Are the locals friendly in Ubatuba surf spots?
In front of Playa Grande was a giant graffiti saying TURISTAS PORCOS (tourist pigs). So you get the idea.
I didn't get any issues, apart from a couple of local surfers flirting with me in playa Grande. But they were always friendly, giving me tips on how to improve my skills.
Ubatuba Surf Spots
Playa Grande: a long exposed beach break popular with local surfers and beachgoers alike. Depending on the swell orientation, you'll find different peaks working from the Baguari Point on the left of the beach, offering a long left breaking on soft sand, all the way to Bombeiros and its epic A-frames. It's a good beach for all levels but always follow good surf etiquette to avoid annoying the locals.
Praia das Toninhas: works well with Eastern swells. On the left side, towards the rocks, you'll find Rocky Point, which offers powerful waves.
Itamambuca: located northeast of Ubatuba, it's actually where Brazil's most important surf competitions are held each year, being one of the country's most consistent beaches. It boasts all types of waves for all levels.
Felix: another surf spot northeast of Ubatuba, Felix is for more experienced surfers. The best locals hang out here to surf a powerful, hollow left. Works best at low tide.
If you have a car, you'll find more remote surf spots to the South of Ubatuba, like Sape Beach. You can also take the bus, but you'll have to plan your journey carefully!
Where to stay in Ubatuba?
Ubatuba is quite a big city. You'll have to choose which side to stay on: up North, close to Itamambuca Beach, or further South, near Praia Grande.
Affordable accommodation options are more limited in the South. Most hostels are concentrated in the North near Itamambuca Beach. You may find yourself staying in the South if you volunteer for a local host.
In the South, I'd recommend staying near Praia Grande so you can easily explore the little Peninsula near Praia Vermelha do Sul. You'll find plenty of hiking trails to access pristine beaches like Praia do Cedro and even caves like Gruta das Andorinhas.
If you're looking for an easy way to meet other solo travellers, head to the North for its livelier scene.
💡 Budgeting for your trip to Ubatuba
Accommodation prices start at around 15€ per night. Remember that Brazil is much more expensive than other countries in South America, so volunteering might be the best option for finding affordable accommodation for extended stays.
But if you're staying just a few days, you'll find some good surf hostels and accommodation options in Ubatuba below.
Need some tips on backpacking on a budget? Read my guide︎︎︎
Best backpacker and surf hostels in Ubatuba
Surf Base Hostel Ubatuba
📍Itamambuca beach, Ubatuba NorthIn a conscious effort to preserve the environment, this surf hostel was designed using ecological materials. The huts blend harmoniously with the natural surroundings, minimising their impact on the ecosystem. External bathrooms feature an organic pit system with Vapo Transpiration (TVAP) technology. This eco-friendly system ensures that waste is properly treated and transformed, allowing for a more sustainable and environmentally friendly approach to sanitation.
Bonus: it has a skate ramp, your best friend to practice your turns!
Book your stay at Surf Base Hostel ︎︎︎
Images via the Surf Base website
Green Haven Hostel
📍Praia do perequê açu, Ubatuba North
The Green Haven Hostel boasts two awards: the best hostel in Brazil in 2015 and 2020 and the best Hostel in Latin America in 2015 (Hostelworld). This surf hostel in Ubatuba offers a good balance between party and chill vibes. Perfect for introvert solo travellers looking for an easy way to meet other people.
Book your stay at Green Haven ︎︎︎
Image via Hostelworld
Sitio Simple Life eco-hostel
📍Itamambuca beach, Ubatuba North
A peaceful eco-friendly surf house just 5 minutes walking from Itamambuca beach, situated in a quiet neighbourhood. Easy access to grocery stores and local bakeries. You’ll find an agroforest in the hostel garden.
Book your stay at Sitio Simple Life Ubatuba ︎︎︎
Images via HostelworldWhere to stay in Ubatuba: Beautiful Airbnbs
Ecoubatuba eco-house
📍Vermelha do Centro beach, Ubatuba Centro
Book your stay at Ecoubatuba︎︎︎
Images via Airbnb
Casa Itaguá
If you’re a couple, this Airbnb will be perfect for a week-long stay (or more!). This peaceful, well-decorated flat steps away from delicious restaurants and local shops has everything you need for your next surf getaway, including a garden and parking space.
Book your stay at Casa Itaguá ︎︎︎
Images via AirbnbSo what do you think? Does Ubatuba seem like a surf city you’d love to explore? If yes, add it to your itinerary wish list :)
