Praia do Matadeiro

Matadeiro is a beach break on the southern edge of Florianópolis with a sandy bottom that produces both left and right peaks. The wave is hollow and powerful, offering barrels near the peak, a good wall section, and fast runners. It handles 0.5 to 2 meters consistently and works well on all tides, responding best to southeast groundswell with southwest wind. Winter provides the most reliable conditions, with spring also favorable. The break is considered intermediate to advanced due to the wave's power and the intensity of the local crowd; dangerous rip currents are a known hazard in the water.

The exact origins of recreational surfing here are unclear from available sources, though the beach itself takes its name from its use in the 18th century as a whale processing site.

Access is by foot only—a 15-minute trail winds through Atlantic forest from Praia da Armação to reach the cove. The beach sits tucked into a small bay on the southern tip of Santa Catarina Island, with Atlantic forest running directly to the shoreline.