Itacoatiara is a well-known surf spot located near Niterói, Brazil. To get there, surfers typically take the 14km (9mi) Niteroi bridge across the Bahia de Guanabara. The beach can get crowded, especially when the swell is good, making it a lively spot for wave riders. Itacoatiara offers a mix of waves, but it's important to remember that conditions can vary, and you might not always find perfect surf.

This place is famous for its heavy, hollower beach breaks that come alive with south swells. The west end of the beach, known as Pampo, can serve up some solid right-hand waves on southwest swells, while the Meio section has its own quirks with hard lurching waves in the middle. If you're looking for lefts, Costão can deliver some E-SE waves. The beach handles swell sizes starting from about 0.3m (1ft) and can effectively break over sand. For the best conditions, look for north winds and any tide—low, mid, or high—although experienced surfers will find more favorable situations with a bit more push to the tide.

Itacoatiara can be intense, so it’s essential to have some experience under your belt, especially when taking on the air-drops. If you’re a beginner, consider checking out nearby beaches like Piratininga and Camboinhas, where the waves are more manageable. Just remember to keep an eye on the conditions, and don’t hesitate to pick a spot that suits your skill level.