Name: Surfing in Brazil
Brand: PlanetaEXO
SKU: activity_type_761

Question 1

Q: Where is the best place to go surfing in Brazil for beginners?

Accepted Answer

For learning, the northeast of Brazil hits the spot: warmer water, gentler swells, and forgiving sandy bottoms. Our surf trips are based in Itacaré, on the Cocoa Coast of southern Bahia, which is one of the best places to learn to surf in Brazil. In Itacaré, you learn on beaches like Praia da Tiririca and Resende, where an instructor can stand beside you in waist-deep water. The town has around 18 beaches, so there is room to progress from whitewater to green waves at your own pace, whatever your starting point.

Question 2

Q: Can a complete beginner learn to surf in Brazil?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our 4-day surf school and 6-day surf lessons in Itacaré are built for first-timers as much as improvers. You start with a beach briefing on safety, paddling, and how to pop up, then move into gentle, sandy breaks with a patient local instructor close by. Boards and wetsuit tops are provided, so you only need swimwear and sunscreen. Most people stand up on a foam board in their first or second session. From there, the daily rhythm of lessons and Itacaré’s range of beaches let you keep building. More confident surfers find punchier waves nearby, so the same trip works whether you are starting out or sharpening up.

Question 3

Q: When is the best time to surf in Brazil?

Accepted Answer

Brazil has waves year-round, but the season shifts by region. In the northeast, including Bahia, the drier, sunnier months from September to March are ideal for learning, with warm water around 24 to 30°C and smaller, cleaner waves. From April to August, bigger Atlantic swells arrive, which experienced surfers prefer, though it can be rainier.

Question 4

Q: How many days do I need to learn to surf?

Accepted Answer

It depends on your goal. Our 4-day surf school is enough to learn the basics, get to your feet, and ride whitewater safely with supervision. It suits a short trip or a taster combined with time on Itacaré’s beaches. If you want to actually progress, the 6-day surf lessons give you more time in the water to read waves, paddle into green sections, and build real confidence. As a rule, more consecutive days of practice means faster progress, so choose the 6-day option if surfing is the main reason for your trip.

Question 5

Q: What’s included in a Brazil surf trip, and do I need my own board?

Accepted Answer

You don’t need your own board. On our Itacaré surf trips, surfboards and wetsuit tops are provided, along with daily lessons from local instructors. Packages typically include the surf instruction and transfers. International and domestic flights are not included; travelers book their own flights to Ilhéus (IOS). Bring swimwear, a rash guard if you have one, reef-safe sunscreen, and sandals. Tell our team your level and dates, and we will confirm exactly what your chosen package covers.

Question 6

Q: How do I get to Itacaré for a surf trip?

Accepted Answer

The easiest way to reach Itacaré is by flying into Ilhéus Airport (IOS), located approximately 70 km from the town. Ilhéus receives regular flights from major Brazilian hubs such as São Paulo, Belo Horizonte, Brasília, and Salvador. From Ilhéus Airport, travelers can continue to Itacaré by shared shuttle, private transfer, rental car, or bus. The journey typically takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes, depending on traffic and road conditions. PlanetaEXO can assist with arranging transfers if needed.

Question 7

Q: How much does it cost to go surfing in Brazil?

Accepted Answer

Surf trips are among the most affordable ways to travel with us. Our Itacaré packages start from around R$1,090 for the 4-day surf school and R$1,640 for 6 days of lessons. Final pricing depends on your dates, group size, and accommodation. Every trip page shows a clear “from” price, and our team can tailor a package, including private departures for couples, families, or friends.

Question 8

Q: Is surfing in Bahia suitable for kids and families?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Itacaré’s gentle, sandy beach breaks and shallow learning areas make it a good place for families and younger surfers—always under the eye of a local instructor, of course. Lessons are matched to age and ability. Beyond the surf, the destination keeps non-surfers busy with calm-water beaches, forest waterfalls, and easy walks, so a mixed-ability group can travel together. Let us know the ages in your party, and we will advise on the right setup!

Question 9

Q: What else can I do besides surfing in Itacaré?

Accepted Answer

Plenty. Between sessions, you can hike Atlantic Forest trails, swim under forest waterfalls, raft on the Rio de Contas, or take a boat toward the Maraú Peninsula. Itacaré also has yoga, capoeira, and a relaxed town scene for the evenings. Many travelers pair surfing with the region’s other experiences, such as a yoga retreat or the Cocoa Route by bike from Ilhéus . If you want to combine activities into one trip, our team can build the itinerary around your surf days.

Question 10

Q: Are PlanetaEXO surf trips private or shared?

Accepted Answer

Both are possible. Surf lessons in Itacaré can run as small shared groups or as private departures for couples, families, or friends who want flexibility on dates and pace. Private groups may carry different rates. Tell our team your preferred dates and group size, and we will check availability with our local partner. Because Itacaré operates year-round, lessons can often start on the dates you choose.

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