Cumbuco is in Caucaia, about 30 to 40 minutes from Fortaleza, and is often called the capital of Brazilian kitesurfing. The village grew around the sport: schools, shops, pousadas for riders and people from around the world in the water during season.
The spots
- Cumbuco Beach: open sea with waves much of the year. Busy during high season.
- Lagoa do Cauípe: a few kilometers from the village, it’s a flat, shallow lagoon with steady wind. One of the most sought-after spots for lessons and freestyle.
- Downwinds: the coast to the west is great for downwind runs toward Taíba, always with land support.
For whom
Cumbuco serves all levels. Lagoa do Cauípe is perfect for learning and progressing, the sea is for experienced riders wanting waves, and the infrastructure makes life easy for those traveling without gear.
Best season
Season generally runs from July to January, with the most consistent months between August and November. It’s also the village’s busiest season.
How to get there
Cumbuco is the most accessible kite spot in the Northeast: it’s near Fortaleza Airport, with a transfer of less than an hour. It’s a great base if you want to combine your trip with other spots along Ceará’s west coast.
Tips
- During high season, the lagoon and beach fill up: respect the priority rules.
- Want to rent gear? See our article on renting vs. bringing kitesurf equipment.
- For a longer trip, follow the kite route through Ceará.
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 | 12.4 | 19% |
| feb | 11.5 | 16% |
| mar | 9.9 | 4% |
| apr | 10.9 | 13% |
| may | 13.6 | 30% |
| jun | 15.5 | 64% |
| jul | 16.8 | 80% |
| aug | 17.7 | 92% |
| sep | 17.7 | 93% |
| oct | 16.4 | 76% |
| nov | 15.3 | 58% |
| dec | 14.5 | 44% |
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
