Kitesurfing in Brazil — My Favourite Kitesurf Spots from Cumbuco to Macapá

Brazil is every kitesurfer’s dream — warm water, steady trade winds, endless beaches, and a rhythm of life shaped by the breeze.

As someone who runs Belavista Coliving in the Algarve, where kite nomads come together to live, work, and chase the wind, I’d always heard stories about Brazil’s legendary north-east coast. So, a while back, I packed my board and went to experience it for myself.

I’ve now been Kitesurfing in Brazil twice, travelling the coast and riding many of its most talked-about spots, including a journey with Nomad Winds, a community of kite nomads moving together with the wind. Each trip felt different — first discovering Brazil, then understanding it better.

And one thing is important to say upfront:not all spots are perfect — and that’s exactly what makes Brazil interesting.

Here’s my honest take on the places I visited — what I loved, what didn’t quite work for me, and where I’d happily return.

Cumbuco — Lively Town, Mixed Riding

Cumbuco is where many Brazilian kite trips begin. Just 40 minutes from Fortaleza, it’s busy, social, and full of life. The town itself is great — you can fix kites easily, eat at street markets, find shops and cafés, and enjoy lively evenings.

The spot itself, however, wasn’t my favourite. On lighter wind days it can be choppy and wavy, which takes away from relaxed riding. The wind is reliable, though, and it works well as a starting point.

One highlight is the downwind from Cumbuco to Cauípe Lagoon — a scenic ride along the beach. Cauípe is world-famous for freestyle, and when conditions line up, it’s impressive to watch and ride.

Cumbuco is great for logistics and atmosphere, but not somewhere I’d stay long for pure riding.

Taíba — Good Variety, Very Busy in November

Taíba offers a mix of conditions — waves on the main beach and a small flat-water lagoon behind the dunes.

When I visited in November, it was very busy, especially in the lagoon, and that really affected the experience. The setting is beautiful, with red cliffs and palm trees, but timing clearly matters here.

A spot with potential — just not one I’d choose in peak season.

Ilha do Guajiru — One of My Favourites (Outside the Lagoon)

Ilha do Guajiru remains one of my favourite areas in Brazil — but not the lagoon itself, at least not in November.

The lagoon can get far too crowded, which takes away from the joy of riding. I much preferred staying just outside the lagoon, where the water is still relatively flat but there’s space to ride.

I stayed at Pousada Maré Cheia, which was perfectly positioned — close to the water, but away from the chaos. For me, that made all the difference.

The lagoon might be incredible off-season, but during busy months, riding outside it felt far more enjoyable.

Macapá — Calm, Authentic, but Timing Matters

Macapá stood out immediately for its calm, authentic feel. It’s a small fishing village with a relaxed pace of life, fewer schools, and a very local atmosphere — something that reminded me of home in the Algarve.

There is a lagoon in Macapá, but it can also get very busy, especially in November, which sometimes limits how enjoyable it is.

Still, the mix of lagoon and open sea, combined with the simplicity of the place, makes Macapá special — especially if you value nature and authenticity over hype.

Delta do Parnaíba — Wild, Unique, and Worth the Trip

The Delta do Parnaíba is a separate trip from Macapá — and absolutely worth making time for.

It’s one of the most unique places I’ve ever kited. At low tide, you can find wide flat-water sections surrounded by mangroves, sandbanks, and complete silence. It feels raw and untouched.

Earlier in the season — up until August or September — it’s even possible to kite between the dunes, which looks incredible. When we were there in November, we only kited in the river delta, but the experience was still unforgettable.

Pure nature, space, and wind — one of the real highlights of Brazil for me.

Preá — Big Wind, Great Vibe

When people talk about guaranteed wind in Brazil, they’re usually talking about Preá. The wind is strong and consistent, often blowing every single day.

The riding is mostly choppy, but the town has a great vibe — relaxed, bohemian, and social. One of my favourite nearby spots was Barrinha Beach, just a short ride away, where the water is flatter and you can find some really nice kickers when conditions line up.

Preá is more about atmosphere and consistency than perfect water.

Tatajuba — Beautiful, Powerful, and Intense

Tatajuba looks like a dream — wooden bungalows, lagoons behind dunes, and golden sunsets.

When I was there in November, the wind was very strong and gusty. I rode my 6m kite most days, with around 35 knots throughout that week. It was intense, powerful riding — exciting, demanding, and not for everyone.

The Legendary Downwind — Preá to Tatajuba

This downwind is iconic for a reason — around 25–30 km of open coast, rolling dunes, waves, and relentless wind.

What I loved most was riding the waves along the way. The first time felt intense; the second time, with more confidence, it flowed beautifully.

This time I rode it on my twin tip, but one day I’d love to do it strapless — that would be a completely different kind of fun.

It’s not just a session — it’s an experience that stays with you.

Spots Still on My List

Even after two trips, Brazil still feels endless. There are a few spots I haven’t ridden yet — but really want to.

In Rio Grande do Norte: Parrachos and São Miguel do Gostoso are high on my list — known for steady wind, open space, and a wilder feel that really appeals to me.

Back in Ceará, I’d love to explore Parajuru and Barra Nova — often mentioned as quieter alternatives, with more room on the water and that raw, simple Brazil energy I’m drawn to.

That’s the thing with Brazil — you never really finish it. You just keep coming back, chasing new winds and new places.

From Brazil to the Algarve — Same Spirit, Different Coast

Kiting in Brazil reminded me why I created Belavista Coliving in the Algarve — a place shaped by wind, nature, and people who choose this lifestyle.

We don’t have palm trees — but we share the same values:community, freedom, and living in rhythm with the elements.

Whether it’s Brazil’s lagoons or the Algarve’s Atlantic coast, the feeling is the same.

The wind guides us.The water grounds us.And the people we meet along the way make it unforgettable.