Coxos wave is a powerful and consistent right-hand wave that breaks over a reef. It is included in the Ericeira World Surfing Reserve and it is along Ribeira d’Ilhas, the best wave of the area and probably of the country. Coxos is known for its long, fast, and hollow barrels, making it a popular spot among experienced and pro surfers.
Coxos is best surfed at low to mid-tide, and you can expect the best waves coming when swell direction is from the northwest. Coxos can offer very good quality waves even with very big swells.
Description of the spot
Coxos break is located at the bay of Coxos, on its north side, at 1.5 kilometers in straight line from Ribeira d’Ilhas. To arrive to Coxos first you need to arrive to the little town of Ribamar.
The waves at Coxos break over a rocky reef with long grooves and with no geographical accidents or objects. The reef has a subtle inclination towards the ocean and always with the same angle and slope, so that makes the waves break symmetrically into the right and barrelling almost always at the same speed and pace one set after the other.
Coxos is different from other spots in the fact that the wave pushes from the bottom, concentrating the energy in the base and the main body of the wave instead of in the lip. That allows for manuevers and even corrections, and makes it a wave that feels more predictable and surfer-friendly compared to other spots (remember: talking always from an advanced surfer point of view).
All these features makes Coxos probably a jewel in Portugal and in Europe itself.
Entry, exit and hazards
Entering and exiting is tricky, since the reef makes it difficult to walk on it. Also, the reef full of grooves and holes makes it a perfect home for sea urchins that can give you a surprise if you dare to walk too much on the reef during entries and exits.
During big swells you may have to go hard on paddling and duck diving to reach the main peak and fight the currents. Be aware that with big swells you will have to paddle hard to not ending up pushed to the rocks.
Localism and crowds
Localism is nothing extreme anywhere in Portugal, since all the surfers are almost everywhere quite nice. However, with very high quality waves like Coxos, you can expect the locals to be protective and not making it easy for you if you are not humble, you do not wait for your turn and do not respect the etiquette.
Coxos wave is a must-visit for any avid and advanced surfer visiting Ericeira, so that means you can expect some crowds in the water.
Video: the right at Coxos on a big day
Check this video from February 2023 featuring some surfers challenging Coxos on a big day:
Access and services
Coxos is located in the northern part of Ericeira, about 1.5 kilometers north in straight line from Ribeira d’Ilhas, and it is easily accessible by car or public transport.
If you are driving, you have to arrive till the tiny town of Ribamar, then turn left and drive down till the spot. There are two small car park areas in front of the spot.
If you are taking public transport, there are bus lines that run regularly from Ericeira till Ribamar and Torres Vedras. Also in summer you have the surf bus from Ericeira town, that runs along the most known spots in the area. As well, some people arrive here by bicycle or e-bicycle.
