Surfing and beach sports in João Pessoa

Between surf spots in the metropolitan region and events like the Paraíba World Beach Games, the state capital has become a beach sports hub.

João Pessoa and its surroundings bring together surf spots with varied profiles, suited to different experience levels. According to a survey by Jornal da Paraíba, Intermares Beach, in Cabedelo (a neighboring municipality), at the spot known as Mar do Macaco, works year-round and is considered a good option for beginners, while beaches further south along the Paraíba coast, such as Praia Bela and Barra de Camaratuba, tend to form bigger, more tubular waves at certain times of year. Within João Pessoa's own territory, Praia do Sol is also mentioned as an option, though with less consistent swell than the neighboring spots.

The sport is organized in Paraíba by the Paraíba Surfing Federation, affiliated with the Brazilian Surfing Confederation (CBSurf), which is responsible for sanctioning amateur championships held along the state's coast.

Beyond surfing, João Pessoa has been establishing itself as a host for major multi-sport beach events. The second edition of the Paraíba World Beach Games, held between September 1 and November 9, 2025, brought together 15 disciplines, including beach volleyball, footvolley, beach tennis, beach handball, surfing and open-water swimming, with events held in arenas set up between the beaches of Tambaú and Cabo Branco, as well as Intermares, in Cabedelo, according to Agência Brasil.

For those who just want to try it out, surf schools operate mainly on the beaches of Tambaú, Cabo Branco and Intermares, generally offering beginner lessons with board and equipment included — it's worth researching and confirming a school's credentials before signing up.