A variety of spots meets the cosmopolitan vibe of Icaraizinho
Icaraí da Amontada also known as Icaraizinho, often referred to as Jericoacoara some 20-30 years ago (similar to Atins) is sat in large swaths of coconut trees, the village boasts a number of pousadas and restaurants, many of them are only steps away from the beach.
Initially discovered by windsurfers, just like Jeri, more recently the kitesurf community took to Icaraizinho, its turquoise waters, various spots that offered different conditions and a cosmopolitan, yet tranquil vibe. Whilst spots aren’t overrun like some busier spots in Ceará, the place is developing as a firm favourite among the kitesurfing community. Wind conditions here are similarly strong to Jeri and Preá given the comparability in geography.
Along the wide, six kilometres long beach of Icaraí kiteboarders encounter the full variety of conditions from flat, bumb’n jump, waves as well as various downwind options. Due to its geography the wind blows very differently at the various spots. The little headland that reaches into the sea protects Icaraí da Amontada from easterly wind. So to avoid this leeward area kiters keep east or west of the bay. The wind tends to blow offshore on the east side and onshore on the west side. There are four different spots to kitesurf in Icaraizinho, that offer different conditions to suit all styles:
The wind blows the strongest and most constant on the east of the village. Here, you’ll find a wave spot with waves towering up to 1-2m, perfect for surfing waves.
Roughly in front of ClubVentos, on the eastern point of the bay, you’ll encounter flat water that’s 1m - 1.5m deep, at low tide, which is ideal to practise little tricks. This spot does get slightly choppy during high tide.
On the western side, roughly in front of Cabana do Kite you’ll encounter Icaraizinho’s most popular spot. This stretch of beach provides ideal flat water conditions in low tide and on high tide, you’ll want to ride the stunning waves! You may encounter a few gusty spots, but head out further to experience constant, powerful winds.
Head further down the west, right behind the wind turbines you’ll find the perfect flat water spot during low tide. The wind here is constant and strong. It’s also ideal for freestylers and beginners.
There are a few classic downwinders both to and from Icaraizinho that you can try. The 15km stretch from Caetanos to Icaraizinho has good waves. The 12km stretch between Icaraizinho to Patos has smaller waves and clear flat water sections during high tide. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can continue this stretch all the way to Ilha de Guajiru - roughly 35km in distance.
From Fortaleza International Airport to Icaraí da Amontada it’s approximately a two and a half hour drive covering 200km. From Jericoacoara Airport to Icaraí you’ll be on the road for about two hours for the 120km drive. You can hire a car, a private car or minivan or get on a public bus to Amontada and from there on to Icaraí. If you already have a hotel reservation they will arrange a private driver for you.
Icaraizinho has a bit of a nightlife thanks to a variety of bars and restaurants which serve some of the best caipirinhas. But don’t expect any late hour clubbing here.
As for most of the more remote places along the coast, make sure to bring some reais (BRL), as there are no cash machines or money exchanges to be found here, even though most places accept card payment these days.
In the unlikely case of a no-wind day, options include Surfing or Stand Up Paddle (SUP) down the nearby Aracatiaçu river. You can also go for a fishing expedition with a local fisherman or kayak upriver or get onboard a local rowing boat and navigate through the mangroves of the Aracatiaçu to explore the tunnel-like vegetation on the lookout for tropical birds, river crabs and oysters. A delicious stop is the shack of Uncle Clé on Oyster Island, sat in the middle of the river.
A buggy tour to neighbouring Moitas let’s you explore some beautiful dunes and lagoons, also referred to as the “Lençóis Cearenses”, which of course pales in comparison to the real stuff, the “Lençóis Maranhenses”. Icaraí’s long beach also lends itself for a walk, jog or to cycle along.