Porto da Cruz Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Right, folks, Rusty here. Let’s have a look at what’s cookin’ for Porto da Cruz. I’ll be straight with you – this is a tough stretch. The whole 16-day window is a bit of a grind, with not a single day showing anything even close to good surf. The wind is stuck in a cross-on pattern from the north or north-northeast for the entire run, which is going to keep things choppy and messy. The water is a touch warmer than normal for this time of year at 74°, so at least you won’t freeze while you’re staring at the junk.

The first few days, from the 16th to the 20th of July, are tiny. We’re talking knee-high dribble from the north-northeast, with swell heights around 1 foot to 3 feet. The combined energy is weak, sitting between 19 and 60, so there’s just no power. The wind is light to gentle, but it’s always cross-on, so the surface is full of ripples and chop. It’s a no-go.

Things start to pick up a little around the 21st, with swell heights creeping up to 4 feet, and the energy gets into the moderate range (115). But the wind is still cross-on, now a moderate breeze, and it’s just a messy, lumpy 4 feet. Not worth paddling out for.

By the 23rd of July, the swell builds further. We’re seeing 5 feet from the north-northeast, with the combined energy hitting 261. That’s a step up in power, but the wind is still cross-on and the period is only 8 seconds, which is short and weak. The surf is still marked as poor, and the cross-on wind will ruin any chance of a decent face.

The standout, if you can call it that, is around the 28th of July. The swell peaks at 8 feet from the north-northeast, with the combined energy hitting a very strong 1110. But here’s the catch – the wind is still cross-on, now a moderate breeze from the north-northwest. For a reef break like Porto da Cruz, the optimum swell direction is from the north, so this is a decent angle, but the cross-on wind is going to destroy the shape. At 8 feet, this is expert-level size, and the poor surf conditions make it a real gamble. The only positive is the period stretches to 9 seconds, which is a bit better, but that wind is the killer.

Honestly, mates, this is a blank run. The whole 16 days is a write-off for quality surfing. The wind never swings offshore, and the swell is always accompanied by that cross-on breeze. For a spot that’s fairly consistent, it’s a real bummer, but this pattern can change. If you are desperate, the 28th offers the most size, but it’s for experts only and you’ll be fighting the chop. Otherwise, save your energy.

Rusty.

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