Useful information for tourists who want to see the big waves of Nazare - Portugal
The latest attraction of Nazare - the giant waves - is both unique and uncertain. Well, the big waves are not always there, they depend on the storms on the high seas that bring the big swells. It is different from the Niagara Falls (ex.), another spectacular place to observe Nature but where it can be observed daily for much of the year.
When to go? For how long?
The Big Waves season in Nazare - Portugal, is between October and February (winter season).
- For those who need to book the trip in advance, a stay of at least 2 weeks in the region is recommended to ensure that you catch at least one day of giant waves. A three week stay increases the chances of catching big waves days. In the months described, there’s usually between 1 and 6 large big swells. For more statistics see previous years news history. Even so, there is no guarantee that you will get a good day, but the probability is good.
- Another option for those who have more availability is to travel as soon as there is a good forecast. The forecasts only anticipate at most one week, and the longer the forecast range is the less certain it is. For big wave the forecast should indicate a wave size higher than 3 meters, a wave period greater than 13 seconds and a bit offshore and north wind. Usually, the Nazare North Canyon - big waves generator greatly amplifies the predicted size of the waves, generating waves up to 100 feet (30 meters) high!
- For those who are closer to the zone you can check the state of the sea in real time via webcams footage and forecast - because the forecasts are not 100% reliable, there are many variables such as wind and wave direction (ex.), which influence and can vary on the hour and spoil a day with a perfect forecast. Nazare is a magical place with a lot of surprises...
The Place to Watch the Giant Waves
The giant waves take place on Praia do Norte in Nazare, Portugal. Catch a plane to Lisbon! The best place to observe is on sítio da Nazaré, next to the lighthouse (Fort of São Miguel Arcanjo), on the north side. You can also go down to the sand on the beach for another perspective, via a dirt road, but be very careful by the sea as it is dangerous.
Usually there are always surfers present, and more and more, coming from all over the world. Many already spend the season of great waves in Nazare, so if there are waves they will surf, which is also good for tourists because it gives a better idea of the size of the waves.
Annual big wave surfing event - Nazare Challenge – WSL Big Wave Tour (World Surf League)
This competition joins the best big wave surfers from all World, it lasts only one day and has no fixed date, depends on the predictions of the state of the sea. The waiting period is from 15 October to 28 February of the following year (includes winter in Portugal). The competition belongs to big wave world championship WSL Big Wave Tour.
The day of the competition is confirmed 3 days in advance (72 hours), it is the best that can be achieved with the current technology of forecasting sea conditions, wind, etc., to ensure that the competition will have the best conditions possible, with the biggest waves. At that time surfers, journalists and tourists from all over the world will come. This competition was first performed in 2016 with amazing results. The championship event is held at Praia do Norte - Nazaré, Portugal. There are great expectations for this year!
Note: The first image seems exaggerated, it has the effect of magnifying objects farther from the camera, but I guarantee the waves are really gigantic and there is no place in the world that you can see so close, it's brutal!
This article was written by me and can also be found on my nazarewaves.com website with more info about this amazing place.
The images source: nazarewaves.com
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