All activities / Kitesurfing / Jericoacoara
Kitesurfing in JericoacoaraBR
A remote fishing village reachable only by 4x4 through 40km of sand dunes, and one of the most celebrated kitesurfing destinations in the world. Trade winds, dune lagoons (Lagoa do Paraíso, Lagoa Azul), and a car-free village with no paved streets create an experience that feels like the sport at its most uncompromised.
Why here
Jericoacoara is where kitesurfing meets myth. A remote fishing village reachable only by 4x4 through 40km of sand dunes, "Jeri" is one of the few kitesurfing destinations in the world where the physical journey is still part of the experience — and where the destination itself rewards the effort. Trade winds deliver 18-25 knots for six to seven months, the main bay provides a cross-shore setup that works for beginners inside and advanced riders outside, and multiple flat-water lagoons (Lagoa do Paraíso, Lagoa Azul) are accessible by dune buggy for skills sessions and freestyle training. The village has no paved streets, no large hotels, and a sunset ritual on the main dune that draws the whole community every evening. For kitesurfers who want the activity to feel like an adventure rather than a service, Jericoacoara delivers it without compromise.
Best months
Wind: NE trade winds, 18-25 knots consistent, peak season July-January. Cross-shore to the main beach. Water temp: 27-30°C. Main bay: horseshoe shape — beginner-appropriate inside section with flatter water, more exposed outside for experienced riders and jumping. Lagoa do Paraíso (10km east by dune buggy): flat warm lagoon, shallow, most schools offer day trips here for flatwater freestyle and advanced course work. Lagoa Azul: smaller and calmer — suitable for early first sessions. Wind builds from approximately 10am, peaks 1-4pm, drops in the evening. Calm mornings are normal — useful for early beach sessions or lagoon paddles. Note: village is car-free — all movement on foot, quad bike, or horse within Jeri proper.
Getting there & around
Fly to Fortaleza (FOR) — same hub as Cumbuco. Transfer to Jericoacoara: bus to Jijoca de Jericoacoara (4-5 hours, Fretcar company, book ahead), then 4x4 open-top truck through the dunes (45 minutes, included in most bus packages). Alternatively: private transfer from Fortaleza 4 hours, $100-150 USD. Village has no road access — all arrivals by 4x4 from Jijoca or by the beach at low tide from the east. Schools (Club Ventos, Rancho do Peixe, Jeri Kite School) are well-established with English-speaking instruction. Book well ahead for July-November peak — school capacity and accommodation fill up. Mid accommodation dominant; Club Ventos and Rancho do Peixe offer course-plus-accommodation packages. Power comes from generators — bring power banks. No ATM in the village (one in Jijoca) — bring sufficient cash.
Skill levels: beginner, intermediate, advanced
Schools & guides (3)
Club Ventos Jericoacoara
SchoolJericoacoara's most iconic kite brand, Club Ventos combines beachside accommodation with IKO instruction and a festival-like atmosphere. The hub for Jeri's annual kite events and organised downwinder camps. As much a lifestyle destination as a school.
Preá Kite Club
SchoolIKO school in Preá village, 12 km from Jericoacoara, offering a quieter alternative to Jeri's busier beach. Flat-water lagoon sessions with small groups and personalised coaching. A strong choice for beginners who want to learn in low-crowd conditions before graduating to the main Jericoacoara kite beach.
Rancho do Kite
SchoolOne of the world's highest-volume IKO schools, operating from Jericoacoara's dune-backed kite beach from June through February. Full beginner programmes through advanced wave and freestyle clinics. Also runs Cabrinha Pro Center equipment and guided downwinders along the Ceará coast.