Cumbuco | Kite Surfing Spots in Brazil

ABOUT DESTINATION SPOT DETAILS PRACTICALITIES NO WIND ACTIVITIES

With its long stretch of sandy beach, warm water and air temperatures and strong constant southeast winds, combined with a close proximity to Fortaleza and the international airport has turned this former fishing village into a popular kiteboarding spot in the whole of Brazil for every type of riding style and level. Cumbuco offers a wide range of hotels for all budgets as well as a lively off-water scene. Just be aware, on weekends and during Brazilian holidays the place gets busy, very busy indeed.

Cumbuco offers in essence two spots. The first is a 4km stretch of white sand beach bordered by swaying coconut trees. On low tide, it's wide but on high tide it can turn into a bit of a narrow affair. Conditions on the beach tend to be slightly choppy, however during low tide, you can find plenty of flat water spots with small waves around the sandbanks. When the tide rolls in, the water gets choppier, and the waves get bigger and stronger . The more leeward, the bigger the waves. Being that close to Fortaleza, Cumbuco fills up with swimmers and kitesurfers on the weekends and in high season, meaning you’ll always have to stay alert and aware of your surroundings.

Second is the famous Cauipe Lagoon with its shallow, flat water and no rocks whatsoever. The Lagoa is 7km downwind from Cumubco and you can ride the waves there in no time. The lagoon is separated from the sea by a narrow sandbank, and the water is perfectly flat. The south tip is ideal for beginners, whilst the pros find action on the northern end. During peak season, you’ll see plenty of pros flying around. Get an early start as the lagoon starts to fill up quickly by midday.

Wind Season: July - January
Peak: August - December
Air temperature: from 30˚C to 35˚C
Water temperature: from 27˚C to 30˚C

WHAT’S IN STORE

FREERIDE

FREESTYLE

WAVE

SPOT INCLUDES

BEGINNER FRIENDLY

CHILL AREA

DOWNWINDER/TRIPS

FLAT WATER

OCEAN

RESTAURANTS

SWEET WATER LAGOON

WAVES

SHADE

SHALLOW AREA

SHOWERS

SIDE/ONSHORE WIND

SIDE/OFFSHORE WIND

TIDE EFFECTS

LEVELS

BEGINNER

ADVANCED

PRO

We recommend flying in via Fortaleza, it’s the best way to get to Cumbuco. Once you’re there, travel approximately one hour up north and you’ll be on the beach! You could rent a car at the airport which may be handy if you want to check out other places along the coast north of Fortaleza. Alternatively, you can ask your hotel to arrange pick-up and transfer from Fortaleza airport, or simply call an Uber. There is even a public bus (line # 366 from Fortaleza to Cumbuco).

With friendly locals, a number of restaurants and lots of bars, Cumbuco is a lively village to visit. If you’re interested in a bit of nightlife, head to Fortaleza to experience the clubbing scene. Many of the downwind safaris start from here heading towards Preá/Jericoacoara or even all the way to Atins if you are shooting for the Ironman class.

HOW TO GET THERE
Google Maps Directions - https://goo.gl/maps/pCADxHKTXrgUuzkq8
A COUPLE OF ACCOMMODATIONS
Duro Beach
Kite Cabana
A COUPLE OF SCHOOLS/KITE CENTERS
Duro Beach
Kite Cabana

In the unlikely event of a no-wind day, well, there are the famous buggys to explore some of the local dunes and lagoons with names like Banana, Cristalina, Cauipe, or Parnamirim. Activities here include sand boarding, jet ski, Stand Up Paddle (SUP), kayak, or zip line.

For less adventure-driven days there are numerous chilled alternatives from mountain tours to yoga, horse riding or even golf.

Not exactly a “no wind” activity, but yet a change of perspective. Everyday the local fishermen take people out for the sailing ride on their Jangadas, the traditional fishing boats. Don’t expect anything crazy. It’s quite a peaceful experience.

OTHER ACTIVITIES

SUP

KAYAK

BUGGY

DUNES

LAGOONS

ZIP LINE

HORSE RIDING

GOLF

JET SKI

SANDBOARDING

YOGA