Between Porto Moniz and Ponta do Pargo, on the West side of the island.

A consistent reef break which goes both left and right. It works with all tides, depending on wave size, and starts breaking at 3 feet, but can handle swell up to 8 feet. On a good day you can get 200 meter long rides. There is hardly any crowd, but to reach it you need to take a cable car or walk 50 minutes down a narrow path.

South side of the Island, between Funchal and Câmara de Lobos.

A right hander point break with regular bottom and some rocks to look out for. Only works with West or Northwest swell and at mid-tide, both outgoing and incoming. A mushy wave which can give you 300 meter long rides on its best days. Starts breaking around 3 feet and can handle over 9 feet. Not much crowd but remember to look out for the rocks.

On the North side of the island, in São Vicente.

This reef break is one of the most crowded in the Island, especially because just about any surfer can make it here. The point break goes both left and right and is quite consistent. On good days, when the swell is coming in from the North or Northeast with the wind blowing in the opposite direction you can ride up to 300 meters, but it stops working above 6 feet. Works best at mid outgoing tide, which is when the crowd increases.

Between Calheta and Paul do Mar, on the West coast of the island.

This is a world class wave on its best days, but used to be more consistent. A powerful right hander reef break which should only be tackled by the bravest big wave surfers. Rides can go up to 300 meters and the spot only works above 6 feet. Getting in and out of the water is tricky and the backwash is also a menace.

At Ponta do Sol, to the South.

High quality right hander reef break which works consistently and breaks close to a rock. This is often a long, fast, powerful wave which on good days can be ridden for 500 meters and has several hollow sections. Works over 6 feet and can handle swell up to 9 feet. Has some crowd and the backwash at high tide is one of the biggest concerns. Only works between mid and full high tide.

Above Jardim do Mar, on the West side of the Island.

Like the neighbouring points, this is a right hander reef break. It is one of the island’s most famous waves and is quite consistent. It is a fast and powerful wave which can carry surfers for over 300 meters on the best of days. It works best with mid incoming tide and only gets off when the swell is 4 feet or more, handling up to 12 feet. Watch out for rocks, currents and backwash.