Barra Grande is in Cajueiro da Praia, on Piauí’s small coastline, between Jericoacoara and the Lençóis Maranhenses. It was a fishing village and has become one of Brazil’s most beloved kite destinations, without losing its laid-back pace.
The spot
What makes Barra Grande special is the shallow bay. When the tide drops, water recedes and forms a huge area of flat, shallow water, protected by sandbars and rocks. It’s the kind of place where you can touch bottom almost everywhere—perfect for learning and a playground for those practicing freestyle.
At high tide, the flat water area shrinks and the sea gets a bit rougher. Schools organize lessons according to the tide table. There’s also the option to downwind along the coast for those who ride with confidence.
For whom
- Beginners: one of the safest, most comfortable places for first lessons.
- Freestyle: smooth water and consistent wind in season.
- Downwind: for experienced riders, with local support.
Best season
Wind blows strong and consistent between July and December, peaking between September and November. In the first half, wind is weaker and the village quieter.
How to get there
The nearest airport is usually Parnaíba (PI), about an hour and a half by car. Another option is to fly to Jericoacoara or Fortaleza and drive, on the route known as the Rota das Emoções, which connects Jeri, the Parnaíba Delta and the Lençóis Maranhenses.
Tips
- Plan sessions for low tide: that’s when the bay shows its best.
- Wear neoprene booties if you ride near rocks.
- Combine Barra Grande with Atins and Jericoacoara on the same trip.
- Just starting out? Read our beginner’s guide to kitesurfing.
Wind month by month
Model forecast for the sea off the spot. Data: MET Norway (yr.no), CC BY 4.0.
Average wind between 10:00 and 17:00, when sessions happen, and the share of days with an average of 15 knots or more.
% of days averaging 15 knots or more: <30% 30–54% 55–79% 80%+· Average wind: knots
| — | Average wind (knots) | Days with 15+ knots |
|---|---|---|
| jan | 13.5 | 32% |
| feb | 12.2 | 21% |
| mar | 10.7 | 4% |
| apr | 10.7 | 9% |
| may | 12.1 | 11% |
| jun | 12.8 | 19% |
| jul | 13.5 | 29% |
| aug | 15.6 | 65% |
| sep | 17.9 | 92% |
| oct | 18.4 | 91% |
| nov | 17.5 | 84% |
| dec | 16.0 | 69% |
Source: 10-year history (ERA5) via Open-Meteo, CC BY 4.0, measured at sea off the spot. This is a climate average, not a forecast. On the beach the wind can differ by a few knots due to thermal and terrain effects. For the coming days, check a forecast such as Windguru or Windfinder.
Photos of the spot
