Lavadouro is a surf spot that you might want to check out if you’re in the area. It's located near a rivermouth, and while it can offer some decent waves, it's not always reliable. It faces northeast, which can limit its potential at times, particularly when it comes to big tube rides. Most of the action is around the rivermouth at Praia Melão, where righthanders can take advantage of the rock and sand banks, as long as the swell is up.
The surf at Lavadouro is best with south to southwest swells, handling sizes around 2 to 6 feet (0.6 to 1.8 meters). The waves here break over a rock ledge, creating mostly right-handers. It’s more suited for expert surfers, especially when the conditions line up. The best time to catch waves is during low to mid tide, and ideally, you want a southwest wind to make things cleaner.
If you're planning a session here, keep in mind that after a good rain, the rivermouth can get pretty polluted, which might affect your choices. It’s always good to check the conditions before heading out to make sure you’re in for a decent surf.