Jardim do Mar Surf: Big Waves On Madeira Island

Jardim do Mar is one of the original surf villages of Madeira with powerful waves and reeling right-handers sweeping along the rocky point. During the winter, this quiet coastal town often provides consistent waves for surfers, who have been coming to Jardim do Mar since the 1970s. Madeira wasn’t a surfing hotspot until the 1990s, when magazine features, increased media attention, and local competitions put Jardim do Mar and nearby breaks Paul do Mar and Ponta Pequena on the map.

On October 29, 2020, a big swell and almost perfect conditions were predicted for Jardim do Mar. A number of high-profile surfers from Portugal and internationally had arrived in town and there was a quiet buzz in Jardim do Mar. I headed down for the morning session and stayed for the late sunset session to shoot this coming together of incredible waves and talented surfers in one of the most picturesque surf towns in Europe.

The morning session was a thunderous occasion with waves crashing with ferocity into the walls of Jardim do Mar. A dozen surfers courageously paddled out to take on these monoliths of the sea. Less than 50 onlookers perched themselves on the terraces of the village with a perfect vantage point of the break while the sun slowly rose over the towering cliffs behind the town. As the first light broke onto the ocean, the show was well and truly on.

The late afternoon session was equally impressive as the sun set directly behind the waves but offered slightly smaller waves than in the morning and only five surfers mustered the energy for a second block after a marathon 4+ hour effort in the morning.

Personally, I had an incredible day exploring Jardim do Mar with a lens in hand. We shot from the terraces next to the coast, and the promenade and even ventured up into the vineyards and farming terraces for some alternative vantage points and framing. All of the photos were captured on my Sony A7riii and a Sony FE 100-400mm 4-5.6 telephoto lens. I shot handheld the entire day as I roamed throughout Jardim do Mar, taking in the uncommon spectacle of these incredible conditions.

These are my favorite photos from the day of shooting the surf in Jardim do Mar on Madeira Island.

WONDERING ABOUT WHERE TO STAY ON MADEIRA?

Throughout my six months on Madeira Island, I stayed in multiple accommodations. My favorite regions to stay in were Funchal and Canico de Baixo. I’ve created several guides to help you find the right region for you and a great hotel or apartment.

The ultimate guide: WHERE TO STAY ON MADEIRA: WHICH REGION IS RIGHT FOR YOU?
If you want luxury: BEST 5-STAR LUXURY HOTELS ON MADEIRA ISLAND
To feel at home: TOP 10 BOUTIQUE HOTELS ON MADEIRA ISLAND
If you want to base in Funchal: WHERE TO STAY IN FUNCHAL: 15 TOP-RATED HOTELS

HAVE YOU READ MY OTHER MADEIRA BLOGS?

I spent six months exploring Madeira and the nearby island of Porto Santo. These are some of my most popular guides about the region that you may be interested in.

My favorite hikes: 65 AWESOME HIKES ON MADEIRA
My favorite levada walks: 25 BEAUTIFUL LEVADA WALKS ON MADEIRA
The best waterfalls on the island: 25 EPIC WATERFALLS ON MADEIRA
Guide to the best Accommodation: WHERE TO STAY ON MADEIRA
Hardest hike: THE MADEIRA ISLAND ULTRA TRAIL IN 4 DAYS (115KM)
Longest hike: CAMINHO REAL 23: MADEIRA’S ROYAL PATH (180KM)