Quick facts about the Nazaré Waves
Known as one of the few big wave surfing spots in the planet, Nazaré attracts experienced big wave surfers from all over the globe who come to challenge the massive swells which create waves that reach up to 30 meters (100 ft) in height.
As well, Nazaré attracts also thousands of surf fans, tourists and onlookers to enjoy this spectable of nature and how the best big wave surfers in the world play around in this brutal and savage ocean environment.
Up to 100 ft (30m)
If the swell, wind and weather conditions are the correct ones, the waves that form in Nazaré can have a height of 100 ft (30m)
Biggest wave ever surfed
The biggest wave ever surfer by anyone was surfed in Nazaré: it was Sebastian Steudtner who surfed a 88fter in 2022
Cliff Panoramic View
Unlike many other big wave spots, Nazaré offers a natural amphitheater that makes it easy to see the action
Big wave challenge spot
When the forecast predicts giant size waves, professional surfers from all over the world rush to Portugal for the WSL call
Latest news and updates about Nazaré XXL waves
Nazaré Waves: Why are they so big?
The waves in Nazaré are so powerful and huge due to the presence of an underwater canyon finishing exactly in the cape of Nazaré.
This canyon, measuring 210 kilometers (130 miles) long, funnels and amplifies the huge swells coming from the north and northwest Atlantic Ocean.
However, only a big swell is not enough to create big waves in Nazaré. It is also important to have a correct swell direction, and wind also plays a part in the game: when the three factors combine together in the correct magnitude (big swell, correct swel direction, and correct wind), those are the occasions when these huge waves develop in the North Canyon, making it the perfect spot for experienced big wave riders seeking to challenge themselves and ride the biggest waves in the world.
Nazaré Off VS Nazaré ON
If you visit Nazaré on a random day, you may find a relatively peaceful beach: maybe some decent size waves and experienced surfers having fun on them, but nothing impressive.
Some tourists and visitors go to Nazaré in summer months and expect to see the big waves working, but is not like that.
In the following before & after images you can see how is Nazaré on a calm sunny day of January, compared with the giant waves that come into Praia do Norte when the swell conditions are the correct ones.
When is the ideal Nazaré BIG Wave Season?
The ideal big wave season in Nazaré is between October and March, marked by the winter season in Portugal.
However, depending on the weather conditions, and always depending on the forecasts, it is possible to see some decent size waves also in September or April.
However, the peak season in Nazaré is during the colder climate for the north Atlantic, that in the winter season causes the formation of more intense storms in the Atlantic Ocean and South Arctic Ocean whose swells make their way to the Nazaré coastline in the form of giant waves.
During the whole winter season, probably the weakest month is December, since meteorologically speaking is a bit a of a quiet month, so we would say October and November, plus end of January and February to be the months with more probabilities of swells bringing giant waves to Nazaré.
Most famous surfers that have challenged Nazaré
From all the thousands of professional surfers that chase waves around the planet, just a few chosen ones have the experience, the mentality, the strength and the courage to face +20 meter waves. Those are the ones that come to Nazaré when the forecasts predict XXL waves. Some of these names (there are way more) are listed here.
Garrett McNamara
Garrett McNamara is an american professional surfer known for being the pioneer and discoverer of Nazaré’s big waves, and so to put these waves on the map and make them famous as the biggest in the world.
He set the world record for the largest wave ever surfed in 2011 in Nazaré, riding a 78-foot wave. He is known for being a big fan and real ambassador of the big waves of Nazaré.
Andrew Cotton
Andrew Cotton is a british professional big wave surfer, known for his experience and skill in riding the giant waves of Nazaré. It was him, together with McNamara and Mennie, who perfected the jet-ski and wave spotter system now used in Nazaré.
He has set multiple records at this spot, including the largest wave surfed in the UK and the biggest wave surfed in Europe. He is considered one of the most experienced surfers in the big wave scene.
Al Mennie
Al Mennie is a Northern Irish professional big wave surfer, book writer, explorer and a total man-of-the-ocean known for his experience and skill in riding giant waves in Ireland. He was, along with McNamara and Cotton, part of the first team that successfully surfed the giant waves of Nazaré back in 2010.
He is considered one of the most experienced surfers in the big wave scene, and he is still highly bonded to the ocean.
Kai Lenny
Kai Lenny is a professional big wave surfer, waterman and stand-up paddle surfer, known for his versatility and ability to tackle challenging waves in various disciplines.
He’s a multiple world champion in stand-up paddling, and also excels in windsurfing, kitesurfing, and surfing.
He’s considered as one of the most well-rounded and accomplished waterman of his generation and has gained a reputation for pushing the limits of what is possible in the ocean, also in Nazaré.
Rodrigo Koxa
Rodrigo Koxa is a Brazilian professional big wave surfer, known for his incredible skill and fearless attitude while surfing giant waves.
He’s considered one of the best big wave surfers in the world. In 2014 he had a serious wipeout in Nazaré while surfing big waves that profoundly affected him professionally.
He came physically and mentally stronger from the accident and in 2017 he set a world record for the largest wave ever surfed, at Nazaré.
Maya Gabeira
Maya Gabeira is a Brazilian professional big wave surfer, known for her fearless attitude and skill in riding giant waves.
In 2013 she suffered a severe wipeout in Nazaré that almost costs her life: was rescued unconscious from the water. She was taken to the hospital just with a broken ankle.
The accident made her realise she needed to improve, so she moved her residence to Nazaré and beat many records on the years after.
Justine Dupont
Justine Dupont is the name to follow in the female big wave surfing scene. This french professional surfer known for her skill and determination in big wave surfing has demonstrated very high technical skill and she’s one of the most accomplished female big wave surfers in the world.
Justine has set multiple records for the biggest wave surfed by a woman, she’s a regular competitor in the Big Wave Tour and she’s a regular in Nazaré if big waves come in.
Nic Von Rupp
Nic von Rupp, portuguese-born from german father and swiss mother, is also one of the big names in the professional big wave surfing scene and a regular surfer of Nazaré XXL waves.
He started as a regular surfer, winning national surf competitions in Portugal and also international ones many times. However, he fell in love for big waves in Mullaghmore (Ireland), what made him redirect his career into big wave surfing. He’s a regular at Nazaré.
Sebastian Steudtner
Sebastian Steudtner, who at a young age moved from Baviera (Germany) to Hawaii to learn surfing, is the current Guiness World Record holder for the biggest wave ever surfed by anyone. The wave was surfed on the 29th of October 2020 in Nazaré.
Aside from a big wave surfer, he excels in windsurfing and stand-up paddle surfing. Sebastian is a celebrity in his home country, Germany, and is the name that pops-up more in the german surfing scene.
Lucas Chumbo
Lucas Chumbo is a Brazilian professional surfer and big wave surfer, known for winning the Nazaré Challenge in 2018 with the best score in this competition history.
He is an habitual partner of Kai Lenny towing each other with a jetski in Nazaré. In 2020, Lucas and Kai partnered as a team and that lead them to win the Tow Surfing Challenge in Nazaré that year.
Axier Muniain
Axi Muniain is a spanish professional big wave surfer born in Zarautz, in the atlantic coast of north Spain. He’s an expert in the big waves of the Cantabric sea, has been in Nazaré many times and is one of the most experienced big wave surfers in europe.
In 2017 he suffered a serious accident in Nazaré that could have costed his life and that he described as “I was born a second time”.
BIG Wave Competitions organized in Nazaré
World Surfing League (WSL) Big Wave Tow Challenge debuted first in February 2020. Also, the World Surfing League has set foot in Nazaré as regular event if the spot is working. Also Mavericks (in California), Jaws (Hawaii) and Puerto Escondido (México) are big wave surfing spots that hold official competitions during the big wave season.
Biggest Waves ever surfed in Nazaré
What is the list of the biggest waves ever surfed in Nazaré? We have been checking the net for you and here you have the Top-7 biggest waves ever surfed in this spot.
According to the Guiness World Records Official website, the biggest waves ever surfed in Nazaré are the following.
- Sebastian Steudtner – 2020 – 86 feet (26 meters)
- Rodrigo Koxa – 2017 – 80 feet (24 meters)
- Garrett McNamara – 2011 – 78 feet (23 meters)
- Maya Gabeira – 2020 – 73 feet (22 meters)
- Francisco Porcella – 2016 – 73 feet (22 meters)
- Sebastian Steudtner – 2014 – 71 feet (21 meters)
- Justine Dupont – 2020 – 70 feet (21 meters)
How to watch the BIG WAVES of Nazaré
Where is the public area to watch the Nazaré waves? | How can you arrive? | Are there services around?
Parking might be a difficult challenge
If you come by car, you might have to park a bit far away and walk till the viewing area.
Food and drinks are available
There are food trucks that offer food and drinks. You also have restaurants in Nazaré town.
Some areas might have limited access
During competitions, the area around the lighthouse is reserved to judges and wave spotters.
Beware of the steep and slippery terrain
The area is steep and because of the mist, might be slippery. Watch your feet!