📍 The Spot

Let’s get this straight: Praia dos Pescadores isn’t its real name. The official name is Praia da Ribeira—not to be confused with Ribeira d’Ilhas.

This place is one of Ericeira’s most historically rich locations, long before it became a surf spot. It was never meant to be a beach. It was a fishermen’s dock, where boats were parked, launched, and pulled ashore. Fishing was the backbone of Ericeira’s economy, and for a long time, there were no cranes or trucks to haul boats out—bulls were used to drag them up the shore.

As time went on, a pier was built, making it easier to use mechanical equipment for the boats. But even then, this was still a working dock, not a place for sunbathing or swimming. Over the years, as Ericeira evolved, more and more people started using the area as a beach, taking advantage of the shelter from the cliffs and the breakwater.

🏗️ The Pier Extensions & Sand Movement

About 10 years ago, the local government decided to extend the pier. This had massive consequences for the beach:

• The sand movement changed drastically, leading to a buildup that reshaped the shoreline.
• Suddenly, a new sandbank formed, creating waves where none had been before.
• Swimming conditions improved, but it became a nightmare for fishermen—too much sand made it difficult and dangerous to launch and dock boats.

For years, they tried everything to fix the problem:

• Excavators were sent to remove sand.
• Bigger trucks were used to push the boats in and out.
• But nothing worked—the sand just kept piling up.

Finally, they brought in a draga (dredger), a boat designed to remove excess sand from the port and dump it elsewhere. For nearly six months, the dredger worked to clear the harbor, restoring deeper water for boats and reducing the quality of the wave at Pescadores.

Where did all that sand go?
 It was dumped further south, in front of Praia do Sul. And something crazy happened—a perfect A-frame wave formed at Praia do Sul for about six months. Unfortunately, it came at a cost: all the old waves at Praia do Sul disappeared, and over time, the sand drifted back to Pescadores, bringing back some of the same issues.

🌊 The Wave

Praia dos Pescadores is a beach break inside a dock, shaped by shifting sandbanks.

• Main wave: A left-hander, but sometimes a right appears in the middle of the beach.
• Works best in winter, when most of Ericeira is maxed out.
• Best conditions:
   ✅ Swell: Big west swells.
   ✅ Tide: Low tide is best. Mid to high, and the waves get too soft or stop breaking.
   ✅ Wind: No wind or light offshore (east).

🏄 The Different Zones

There are three main take-off zones, depending on the sandbanks and the season:

1️⃣ In front of Ouriço nightclub – A long, mellow left when the banks align.
 2️⃣ Near the pier – Used to have a steeper section, but that’s not happening this year.
 3️⃣ Middle of the beach – Sometimes produces a right, depending on sand movement.

⚠️ Hazards & Dangers

🔴 Rip current – A strong rip along the big pier, right where the boats enter and exit. If you drift too far right, you’re in for a tough paddle back.
 🔴 Rock zone – Left side near the small pier (in front of Ouriço). If you end up here, you’re in serious trouble.
 🔴 Crowds – When the wave is working, expect 100+ surfers in the water—a complete free-for-all.

💡 Who Is It For?

✔ Beginners – Stay inside, catching reforms in the middle of the beach.
 ✔ Intermediates – The middle of the beach, further out. Use the channel to paddle out easily.
 ✔ Advanced surfers – The left side of the break or closer to Furnas, where better sections form.

🚨 Be mindful of the rip current—many surfers drift too far left and end up in the danger zone near the small pier’s rocks.

🎥 Competition History & Notable Sessions

• A few years ago, WSL moved the World Surf Pro Junior here for a few rounds when Ribeira d’Ilhas was too big.
• Local legends say there was a world tour event here in the ‘90s, where Taj Burrow and other pros competed.
• A few winters ago, it got insanely crowded—150 surfers in the water at times, a full-on war zone.

🏄 What Board to Ride?

• This year, the wave is more mellow, so a board with good volume is key. A mid-length or longboard helps navigate the fat sections.
• You can rip on a shortboard, but only if the banks are right—otherwise, it’s a struggle.

🚗 Getting There & Parking

• 🚫 No parking at the dock.
• Park at Furnas or São Sebastião and enjoy the short walk down.

💡 Pro Tips for Surfing Here

✔ Use the rip on the right to paddle out faster.
 ✔ Be patient. Crowds can be a nightmare, and it’s not worth fighting over every wave.
 ✔ If the sand keeps stacking up, the wave could improve again. Watch it after storms.

This spot is part of Ericeira’s history, not just in surfing but in its fishing roots. Even though I don’t surf here regularly, I grew up spending summers at Praia dos Pescadores—swimming, playing sports, and jumping off the piers. When the waves are huge everywhere else, it’s a fun place to paddle out with friends and enjoy some long lefts and messy waves.

When it’s on, it’s chaotic but fun. If you’re lucky, you might just score a few good ones.