Ceará is one of the most famous kitesurf regions in the world, and for good reason: half the year, the wind blows almost every single day. But planning a trip still raises a lot of questions. When should you go? How do you get from Fortaleza airport to the spot? Where should you stay, and what is there to do when the wind drops? This practical guide covers everything you need to organise a kitesurf trip to Parajuru, a quiet fishing village on the east coast of Ceará.
Where is Parajuru?
Parajuru is a fishing village in the municipality of Beberibe, on the east coast of Ceará, in Northeast Brazil. It is about 130 km south-east of Fortaleza, between the coloured cliffs of Morro Branco and the red cliffs of Canoa Quebrada. Unlike the busy west coast (Cumbuco, Jericoacoara), the east coast has kept its traditional villages, its jangadas and its wide empty beaches. Not sure which side of Ceará to choose? Read our guide on where to kitesurf south of Fortaleza.
When to go: the kitesurf season in Ceará
| Period | Wind | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| July to January | 16 to 28 knots, almost daily | Main kite season, dry and sunny |
| August to November | Strongest and most reliable | The best window for a kite-focused trip |
| February to June | Lighter, around 8 to 16 knots, irregular | Rainy season, quieter, good days still possible |
If kitesurfing is the main reason for your trip, plan it between July and January. The water stays between 26 and 28 °C all year, so you will never need a wetsuit.
How to get to Parajuru from Fortaleza airport
Most international travellers fly into Fortaleza International Airport (FOR), often with a connection in Lisbon, São Paulo or another Brazilian hub. From the airport, the drive to Parajuru takes around 1h40 to 2 hours along the CE-040 coastal road.
Option 1: private transfer (the easiest)
Send us your flight details before you arrive and we organise your pick-up at the airport. It is the most relaxed option after a long flight, especially with a kite bag.
Option 2: rent a car
All the main rental companies are at Fortaleza airport. A car gives you the freedom to explore the coast: Lagoa do Uruaú, Morro Branco, Fortim or Canoa Quebrada are all within reach for a day trip. Avoid driving at night if you can, as roads are not always well lit.
Option 3: bus
Regional buses connect Fortaleza with Beberibe, but with a board bag and kite gear, a transfer or a rental car is far more practical.
How long should you stay?
- One week: enough for a discovery course or a solid progression block if you already ride.
- Ten days to two weeks: the sweet spot to go from complete beginner to independent rider (10 to 20 hours of lessons on average), with rest days in between.
- Three weeks or more: time for downwinders, waves on the sandbar and exploring the coast.
Where to stay in Parajuru
Parajuru is a small village, so choosing your base matters. At Caju Knots, our kite and yoga house, we offer three places to stay, all opening onto a tropical garden with a pool, a few minutes from the spot:
- Chalé Kitepirinha and Chalé Kitepiroska: 55 m² garden chalés for up to 3 people, with private bathroom and an outdoor bathtub.
- Villa Caju Knots: a 150 m² architect-designed house with two bedrooms, each with its own bathroom, ideal for a family or two couples.
Breakfast with homemade jars and local fruit, air conditioning, Wi-Fi, laundry and housekeeping are included. Discover our kitesurf accommodation in Parajuru.
Kitesurfing in Parajuru: what to expect on the water
One long open beach, sandbanks creating shallow flat-water lagoons at high tide, close to shore, and small waves on the outer sandbar. The wind is usually cross-shore in the morning and side-onshore in the afternoon, often strongest at the end of the day. And above all: very few kites. We explain in detail why Parajuru is the perfect spot to progress.
On site you can book private IKO-certified lessons, supervised sessions or gear rental from 30 € per day, all listed on our prices page.
Downwinders along the east coast
With the trade winds blowing from the east and south-east, the coast of Ceará is made for downwinders. From Parajuru, you can ride along endless beaches, past fishing villages, river mouths and cliffs. Popular options include riding from Fortim towards Parajuru or from Parajuru towards Prainha do Canto Verde.
A downwinder is a commitment: you need to ride upwind comfortably, be autonomous with your gear and know how to handle river mouths and currents. We organise them according to your level and the conditions of the day, with support from the beach.
Life in Parajuru: the local atmosphere
Parajuru is not a resort town, and that is its charm. In the morning, fishermen push their jangadas, the traditional sailing boats of Ceará, into the sea. In the evening, the beach turns orange and people gather for the sunset. You will eat grilled fish and lobster on the beach, tapioca for breakfast and fresh caju, the cashew fruit that gave our house its name.
What to do when the wind drops
- Yoga and mobility in the garden, to recover from long sessions.
- Buggy across the dunes from Parajuru to Fortim.
- Boat trip on the Piranji river and its mangroves.
- Horse riding on the beach, five minutes from the house.
- Paragliding over the cliffs of Canoa Quebrada.
- Brazilian cooking class or a watercolour afternoon at the house.
See all things to do in Parajuru.
What to pack for a kitesurf trip to Ceará
- A lycra or UV top, board shorts or a swimsuit (no wetsuit needed).
- Reef-safe, high-protection sunscreen, sunglasses with a strap and a cap.
- If you bring your gear: two kites (for example 7 and 9 m² in high season), a twin-tip and a harness.
- Light, breathable clothes and a light sweater for the evenings.
- Some cash in Brazilian reais for small village shops and beach kiosks.
Check the entry requirements for your nationality before you book your flights, as they can change.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get from Fortaleza to Parajuru?
By private transfer or rental car, around 1h40 to 2 hours (130 km) along the CE-040 coastal road. We can arrange your airport transfer on request.
What is the best month for kitesurfing in Ceará?
The season runs from July to January, and August to November is usually the windiest and most consistent period.
Do I need to bring my own kitesurf equipment?
No. Lessons include all equipment, and independent riders can rent gear on site from basic to high-performance.
Is Parajuru suitable for families and non-kiters?
Yes. It is a quiet and safe village, and non-kiters can enjoy the pool, yoga, the beach and local trips along the coast.
Plan your trip with us
Tell us your dates, your level and what you would like to try, and we will put the week together with you, from the airport pick-up to the last sunset session. Contact Caju Knots.