Engenhoca

Engenhoca is a sandy beach break with a crescent bay formation that produces mellow, peeling waves suitable for both left and right-hand takeoffs. The sheltered bay shape protects it from the northeast winds that dominate Itacaré's summer months. Best swells arrive from the east to east-southeast, and the break responds well to westerly (offshore) winds. Conditions remain consistent year-round with water temperatures between 26 and 28 degrees Celsius. Wave heights typically range from 0.3 to 2 meters, with spring and autumn offering the most reliable conditions. Strong tidal currents run through the bay, particularly on the right side, requiring awareness from surfers. The spot has become established as a go-to location for beginner and intermediate surfers, with multiple local schools using it for instruction.

Engenhoca gained recent prominence as host of the 2025 Baiano de Surf Marisol Surf Challenge in early February, which opened the annual Bahian surf championship season. The competition set a historic record for female participation, with over 50 women competitors entering categories ranging from base level through professional and longboard divisions. The event brought together state and national athletes despite the remote location and was named after a six-year-old local surfer, emphasizing the area's emergence as a center for grassroots and competitive Brazilian surfing.

The beach lies approximately 12 to 15 kilometers south of Itacaré on the road toward Ilhéus, accessible only by a 20-minute hiking trail that passes through Atlantic rainforest before descending along coastal cliffs. The spot remains undeveloped with no electricity, cellular signal, or internet infrastructure. Food and beverage vendors operate on the beach itself, and board rentals are available, making it practical for visiting surfers without equipment.