How big can the waves get in Nazaré?

The waters off Nazaré, Portugal, cooperate in a big way. Just-right conditions there have churned out some of the largest waves ever surfed. In winter, the waves off North Beach (Praia do Norte) average about 15 meters (50 feet) high. On an exceptional day, surfers can catch a wave towering around 24 meters (80 feet).



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What is the biggest wave ever surfed at Nazare? Nazare has frequently been the location for setting the world record for biggest wave ever surfed. Most recently in October 2020 German surfer Sebastian Steudtner set the world record with a bomb the size of 26.21m.

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The latest attraction of Nazaré, Portugal - the giant waves - is both unique and uncertain. Well, the big waves are not always there, they depend on the storms on the high seas that bring the big swells.

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While sharks do inhabit the waters off the coast of Nazare, Portugal, the chances of encountering one are incredibly rare. The sharks found in this region are typically deep-sea species that do not pose a significant threat to beachgoers.

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Can you swim at Nazare? Yes, you can swim in Nazare! The sea on Nazare's Praia do Norte is much too dangerous for swimming, but the main beach, Praia da Nazare, is a great option during the summer. About 15 minutes down the coast, there is another excellent beach with much calmer waters called Sao Martinho do Porto.

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The last wave, RIP Márcio Freire On January 5, 2023, Brazilian surfer Márcio Freire died after surfing a big wave in Nazaré.

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When conditions are calm offshore, you can actually have a very normal beach day at Nazaré. But just off the coast, the ocean floor is anything but normal. It's home to the Nazaré Canyon, an underwater trench that is 140 miles (230 kilometers) long and up to 16,000 feet (4,877 meters) deep.

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Are there any areas I should avoid? Nazare for the most part is very safe. We do recommend that you not drive to Nazare Beach, as there have been reports of car burglaries, with many victims being tourists. Take a taxi or walk to the beach.

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The big wave season in Nazaré is roughly between October and March, the Portuguese winter season. The size of the waves then depends on multiple factors, such as winds, tides, and storms.

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This town has such a unique atmosphere I haven't seen anywhere else in the world. Nazare beach itself is really scenic and big and I can easily see why it's so popular with the locals and tourists alike. If you are visiting Nazaré in summer, definitely plan to spend some time here, with or without kids.

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Nazaré is most famous for its tow waves — you gotta do what you gotta do when the waves hit a certain size — but people paddle there, too.

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If you're going to Nazaré to enjoy the beach, then the summer months are perfect but keep in mind that on some days you won't be allowed to go inside the water. For those who want to see the big waves, then winter months are for you.

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