Planning the perfect kite holiday to Brazil? This travel guide offers insights from our editors Jen Tyler and Crystal Veness, along with the recent experiences of Pro Rider Hannah Whiteley. Brazil is a must-visit destination for kiters who love warm water and tropical energy. Whether you're aiming to elevate your level or testing the waters as a beginner, this guide is the key to making the magic happen!

About Brazil 

For those obsessed with kitesurfing, a trip to Brazil is a must! This country boasts an array of spots with steady winds, making it an ideal kiteboarding destination. The small coastal villages are inhabited mainly by fishermen and kitesurfers, creating a haven for those seeking a true escape. The popular mantra of "eat, sleep, kite, repeat" perfectly encapsulates the experience of a kitesurfing holiday in Brazil. Surrounded by palm trees and breathtaking sunsets, it's easy to forget about the rest of the world. Bonding over caipirinhas with like-minded kiteboarders only adds to the allure of this unforgettable destination! 

Brazil's warm water, sandy beaches, and steady winds have been attracting kiteboarders for years. With hundreds of miles of beach and so many kite spots to choose from, it's hard to know where to begin. Most of the hotspots people know about are Taiba, Fortaleza, Cumbuco and Paracuru, all spots well worth a visit. In this travel guide, we've covered the basics for your first trip to Brazil!

Before You Go

Every country has different requirements for entering Brazil, and many travellers will require a visa to be arranged well in advance. You may also require a yellow fever vaccination to enter the country, or to travel to other destinations onwards from Brazil. Be sure you have researched these requirements in advance, as every country has different rules, and you won't want to be stuck at a border without the correct documents! Look into the specific information relevant to your passport and country of origin before booking your trip! 

The official language in Brazil is Portuguese. If you have yet to battle the green owl in preparation for your foreign travels, a Portuguese phrasebook or an offline Google Translate language pack will come in handy for your trip to Brazil. You'll find English-speaking kite instructors and travellers in the popular spots and English-speaking staff at the nicer hotels, but the majority of quieter beaches are exclusively Portuguese. To avoid difficulty communicating, come prepared!

What To Bring 

Beyond the obvious packing list, which should consist of all the kites and boards you need to ensure you're on the water as often as you want to be, you will also want to prepare for the extreme sunniness of Brazil! Being so close to the equator, you'll find hot weather year-round with rain in the off-season. Even after the sun sets, the temperature in Brazil is so comfortable that you'll only want that warmer layer for your flights in and out.

It's warm in the water, too - you don't need a wetsuit in most kite spots in Brazil; here, it's bikini and board shorts heaven! However, that hot, sunny weather means you cannot skip out on sun protection. Bring a 1mm protective layer or rash guard and leggings, a hat and sunglasses suitable for the ocean, waterproof sunscreen, and zinc. Safety first!

How To Get There

The closest major airport to Brazil's most popular kite beaches is Fortaleza (FOR). This is where most kiters fly, especially if you plan to kite in Cauipe, Jericoacoara, and Cumboco. From Fortaleza, it's a 30 to 60-minute taxi ride or Uber to the nearest kite beach. You can organise an Uber upon arrival (make sure you have a data roaming package on your cell phone) or pick up a taxi at the airport. If you are arriving late at night or early in the morning, consider organising a taxi in advance through your hotel or accommodation. 

Fortaleza is the main hub for kitesurfing travel in the Ceará province of Brazil, and this is the spot that you should be searching for when arranging your flights and picking your primary kite hub. Of course, there is an even more convenient airport in Jericoacoara for those who want to get to that spot fast… wind and nightlife await! For those who would rather spend less cash and enjoy the scenic route, prepare for a few-hour drive from the airport. While public transport is an option, you'll almost certainly prefer a private vehicle or airport transfer. Don't hesitate to ask your hotel or accommodation for assistance!

Accommodation

Be sure to book your accommodation in advance, as peak season on Brazil’s kite beaches can get busy. Being beachfront or a short walking distance to the kite spot is prime, but we highly recommend searching for accommodation with experience hosting kiters! Kite pousadas and beachfront hotels can help with the complex details, like booking a beach buggy and finding the lagoon with the best conditions. 

Hannah Whiteley is a big fan of the convenience in Ilha do Guajirú. As Hannah describes, you can stay directly at the lagoon; she loves the vibes! It feels special when everyone is there for the same reason, chasing the same passion. The village is small and charming, with a relaxed atmosphere. Hannah loves to stay at Bambu Blu in Ilha; it's a slice of heaven, with beautiful bungalows and an atmosphere right next to the lagoon. 

Wind

There's nothing more disheartening than going on an expensive trip halfway around the world only to discover that you only have a few days of kiteable wind during your trip! So, let's dive straight into the most important point – the wind! Brazil's northeastern coast in the Ceará province is windy throughout the year. For that infamous wind that blows every day like clockwork, July-December is the time to go. Wind speed can range between 16-30+ knots daily in the peak windy season. When the wind starts blowing in the late morning, it will blow until the sun goes down. You'll probably wear out before the wind does!

A Typical Day in Brazil with Hannah Whiteley

"A typical day for me in Brazil begins with a morning photo shoot, typically before breakfast, as the light quickly becomes too bright and harsh for photography. After breakfast, I work on my laptop. Occasionally, I indulge in a freeride session during midday, but I prioritise conserving my energy for the evening session since capturing the sunset is essential for the shoot.

"Ilha do Guajirú is always one of my first stops on a Brazil trip. It's a great training ground, consistently windy, and an inspiration for shooting with its varied scenery. My focus now is less on competitions and more on content creation. It's still important for me to push my riding, but my main drive is towards content creation. Previously, I would go to spots looking for the perfect conditions to ride, but now I see every spot differently. I look for an exciting backdrop for shooting and different objects at the spot that could be used for the shoot. 

"I absolutely love the golden hour, it's my favourite time of the day. Watching the sunset never gets old, and it becomes even more special when you can experience this moment while kitesurfing. When I'm shooting, I make sure to fully immerse myself in this magical moment. However, it can also be quite hectic as there is a need to coordinate with the photographer.

"Trying to be at the peak of your trick and aligning with the sunset can sometimes be challenging. You have to draw an imaginary line between the photographer, where you'll perform the trick, and the sunset. If the photographer is behind you, it's a guessing game where exactly you have to trick with the added pressure of sunset happening so quickly. It usually takes some time to get it right and involves shouting "left" and "right". I have often worked with photographers Andy Troy and Andre Magarao, so I can count on them to get the shot. They are talented and very professional photographers and videographers, and they also bring good vibes to the shoots, which is essential when you're working and travelling together on shoots as it can be quite intense.”

Taiba Lagoon

If you drive 2.5 hours south, you'll discover Taiba Lagoon, another popular spot for kiteboarders and an ideal location for beginners and experienced riders. Local kite schools offer lessons and equipment rentals. The waves are decent, perfect for wave riding, and not too crowded, creating excellent conditions for downwinders. The Taiba lagoon is butter flat, allowing optimal freestyle training. The area boasts a vibrant community of professional riders in Taiba. The wind in this area is lighter compared to Ilha, making it an ideal spot for unhooked freestyle tricks.

Taiba offers a much more peaceful and laid-back atmosphere compared to Cumbuco, which is located upwind. Despite being just an hour's drive from Fortaleza, Taiba attracts more kitesurfers during the high season, especially on weekends.

Hannah enjoys staying with friends in Taiba and sharing kite sessions. It's a spot she has been visiting for years and always finds the draw to revisit. While Taiba is a fantastic kitesurfing destination, it's also a great starting point to explore nearby kite spots like Cumbuco and Paracuru. Each place offers a different kitesurfing experience, from wave riding to downwind adventures.

Cumbuco

This sleepy fishing village has transformed into a lively Brazilian beach town that comes alive when the wind blows. Whether you're kiteboarding right in front of your beachfront hotel or taking a beach buggy down to one of the famous flat water lagoons, you'll have the opportunity to have a session almost every day of the season at this location.

When you're not on the water, you'll find yourself in the heart of the kiteboarding community! This spot is a fantastic place to meet new friends, enjoy relaxed nightlife, and immerse yourself in Brazil's vibrant beach culture.

Parajuru

Parajuru is a small village located about 130 km south of Fortaleza. What makes this spot different from the other lagoons in Ceará is that there are barely any crowds. This remoteness is perfect because you never feel like you are getting in the way of others or vice versa. Imagine being in Brazil, practising new tricks and often crashing, but on a beach that is usually empty, making it a lot more comfortable for training. Other spots like Cauipe can get extremely crowded, interfering with your confidence and riding.

The small fishing village of Parajuru enables you to see the authentic culture of Brazil. There are barely any tourists compared to other hot spots. Along the beach, the fishermen all haul up their wooden boats, which are amazing pieces of work. This spot is well worth checking out if you are heading to Brazil.

Ilha do Guajirú

Ilha do Guajirú, a hidden gem nestled along the northeastern coast of Brazil, is a tropical paradise renowned for its tranquil waters, endless sandy beaches, and, most importantly, consistent winds. The trade winds blow between 15 and 25 knots, and Ilha do Guajirú offers ideal conditions for kiteboarders of every level. The lagoon, protected by the barrier reef, provides a safe and vast area for riders to explore, practise new tricks, and push their limits.

Food & Drink / Nightlife

Brazil is rich in fresh seafood and juicy steak, so you won’t go hungry here! The best bet in Brazil is to go with the local specialities. After a long day of kiting, Hannah is usually pretty exhausted. She'll go to a restaurant with friends, eat good food and go to bed soon after. Sne rarely parties; she puts all her energy into shooting and training but occasionally enjoys the odd party. Who doesn't?!

IIha do Guajirú is a peaceful destination for kiteboarders who enjoy early nights. However, for those who prefer a more active nightlife, the German-run bar, 7 Beaufort, offers entertainment and games until late. Additional options can be found in nearby Iterama, with clubs opening on weekends featuring live music.

No Wind?

On a trip like this, you’ll hopefully be too busy kiting and drinking caipirinhas to do much else. But, when the wind isn't coming to the party, there are loads on offer! You can take a beach buggy tour, go horseback riding, explore the sand dunes nearby, go sunset sailing, and enjoy a little bit of Brazilian nightlife - However, you're not too far from the bustling city of Fortaleza where there is plenty to do, especially outside of kiting culture. If the kite vibe is what keeps you alive, do reach out to the local kite shop or school for tips on what's on!

Whether you're an experienced kitesurfer or a newcomer to the sport, Brazil has something special to offer. In Brazil, it's all about kiting and enjoying the beautiful, relaxed Brazilian vibes! Bring all the kite gear you need to maximise your sessions, keep an open mind to enjoy the excitement of the local culture, and, most importantly, have fun!!

By Jen Tyler
Italian/Egyptian Jen Tyler grew up on the sandy beaches of the Red Sea and has been on the IKSURFMAG & Tonic Mag team since 2017.

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