Waves of nazaré

Experience the raw power of the Atlantic Ocean through this gallery of images taken in Nazaré, Portugal, during a February swell.


Famed for some of the world’s biggest waves, Nazaré draws elite surfers and thrill-seekers to its dramatic coastline. This collection captures the intensity of towering walls of water, surfers riding the giants, and the rugged beauty of the cliffs and lighthouse at São Miguel Arcanjo.


From the suspense of a surfer dropping into a monstrous wave to quieter moments revealing the coastal landscape, these photographs offer a glimpse into the exhilarating and awe-inspiring spirit of Nazaré in winter.

A massive turquoise wave rises high with white foam spray breaking at its peak against a mountainous backdrop.
A seagull silhouetted against a dramatic golden sunset over a calm ocean horizon.
Aerial view of turquoise ocean waves crashing onto a golden sandy beach with sweeping curves along the coastline.
A seagull soars gracefully through misty golden skies during sunset over the ocean.
Powerful ocean wave with turquoise water curls and crashes against dark waters creating dramatic sea spray.
Long exposure photograph of a turquoise ocean wave with white spray against blurred blue water motion.
Abstract long exposure of a blue ocean wave with white foam creating a dreamy, ethereal seascape effect.
Rocky coastal landscape with waves crashing against stone formations and misty sea foam creating ethereal atmosphere.
Dramatic waves crash against rocky coastal cliffs creating misty ocean spray along a rugged shoreline.
Powerful ocean waves crash against rocky coastline creating dramatic sea spray in black and white.
Powerful ocean waves crash with dynamic turquoise water and white foam spray during stormy conditions.