Why are Nazaré waves so big?

WHY ARE THE WAVES IN NAZARÉ SO BIG? This is possible because of the Nazaré Canyon, an underwater geomorphological phenomenon that allows the swell to form to perfect giant waves. It is the largest underwater canyon in Europe, about 170 kilometers along the coast, reaching a staggering depth of 5,000 meters.



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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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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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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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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 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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Nazaré is sand bottom, so there's more turbulence than reef waves.

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