Photo: Vitor Oliveira from Torres Vedras, PORTUGAL · CC BY-SA 2.0 · via Wikimedia Commons
Baleal
A sand isthmus north of Peniche with a beach on each side, which is the whole point: whatever the wind is doing, one of them is usually sheltered. That reliability is why Portugal’s surf-camp industry grew up here rather than anywhere else. Supertubos, a genuinely heavy barrel and a world-tour venue, is ten minutes down the road for anyone who outgrows the bay.
Surf outlook
We don't have a forecast outlook for Baleal yet. The seasonal guidance below is based on long-run averages, not on this week.
Live conditions
We don't have a current forecast for Baleal. The seasonal guidance below is based on long-run averages, not on today.
Surf Snapshot
Estimated seasonal guidance — not a live forecast.
When to surf Baleal, month by month
Estimated from our authored seasonality — not a live forecast.
Peak season: Jan, Feb, Oct, Nov, Dec (All-time).
| Month | Surf consistency | Wetsuit |
|---|---|---|
| Janpeak | All-time | 4/3 fullsuit |
| Febpeak | All-time | 4/3 fullsuit |
| Mar | High | 3/2 fullsuit |
| Apr | High | 3/2 fullsuit |
| May | Moderate | Spring suit |
| Jun | Inconsistent | Spring suit |
| July | Inconsistent | Boardshorts |
| Aug | Inconsistent | Boardshorts |
| Sept | High | Spring suit |
| Octpeak | All-time | 3/2 fullsuit |
| Novpeak | All-time | 3/2 fullsuit |
| Decpeak | All-time | 4/3 fullsuit |
Does this wave fit your level?
Rated for Levels 1-5 · Best at Level 3.
Take the 2-minute quiz to see if Baleal fits you today.
Find my Level →Beginner notes
The bay side is one of the better beginner classrooms in Europe and every camp in Baleal teaches on it. Autumn is the sweet spot — the swell has returned but the summer crowds have gone. Keep clear of the rocks at either end and of the rips that run beside them.
Hazards
- rips either side of the isthmus
- rocks at both ends of the bay
- very crowded in summer
Camps near Baleal
Nearby spots
The closest graded spots to Baleal, straight-line distance.
- Praia do Norte~35 km · Levels 6-7
- São Lourenço~41 km · Levels 5-7
- Cave~43 km · Level 7
- Pedra Branca~44 km · Levels 5-7
- Coxos~44 km · Levels 4-7
Best months to surf here
In-season months for Portugal, from our editors’ season calendar.