Água D’Alto

Água D’Alto, on the south coast of São Miguel, is a beach break with a sandy bottom that works mainly with southern swell and north to nordeste wind, preferably at low tide. The waves break both ways and reach around one metre in height, making this spot a good option for both beginners and intermediate-level surfers.

The main pico is located next to the Hotel Bahia Palace, on the left side, where the left-hand wave is usually the reference break. On the right corner of the beach, whenever the sand banks align, a right-hand wave also forms that’s worth catching. When the Milícias get crowded on good condition days, many surfers head over here looking for less congested waters.

Access is straightforward by car. And the spot isn’t just about surfing: with strong winds from the west and northwest quadrants, the beach becomes a regular meeting point for kitesurfers and windsurfers.