Kite trips - Ilha do Guajiru

Kitesurf paradise

Ilha do Guajirú is not an island, besides its name (Ilha = Island). But it is also not a beach: it is an area in front of a river that flows to the ocean, protected from the ocean by a sand strip. Also known by locals as Praia da Barra. It belongs the city of Itarema, close to the other spots ​Preá​ & Jericoacoara and is a mandatory stop for those seeking flat water and  downwinds.

All the village is in front of this lagoon, so almost every pousada has direct access to this flat water kitepark. Ilha de Guajiru has been growing a lot the past years, but in an organized way, and many of the investors here are foreigners. For the lovers of kitesurf, Ilha is certainly paradise.

The kite spot

In Ilha do Guajirú, the best freestyle spot is in the middle of the lagoon, the called Praia da Barra, right i front of all the pousadas. But, depending on the tide conditions, it is not possible to kite there, so always check online the tide timetable. If the tide is not enough for practicing in front of your pousada, don't worry: there are plenty of options around, like Almofala (do the downwind!), Guajirú beach and the lagoon that is formed downwind to the beach.

Due to the strategic location, right on the river, there is always wind in Ilha do Guajiru, even in the early mornings, what is not usual on the other spots from the state, that depend much on the termic winds.

Attention: as the pousadas are all in front of the lagoon, take extra caution when launching and descending your kite. The lagoon area tend to get crowded during high season.

When to go

​The strong winds season also happens between July and January. But, as said Ilha do Guajirú has wind almost all the time, for different kite sizes. We have kited there in February with kite sizes 8 and 10.

The wind can start really early, before 7 am. If there is enough water, you will definetely see a kitesurfer!

Where to stay

You have many options in front of the spot.
We recommend Barraca do Kite from Alejandro & Poli, couple from Argentina that have one of the best pousadas and restaurants in town. There is also 7 Beaufort, from the german Jorg & Markus, a really animated pousada full of germans!
...

Barraca do Kite - Ilha do Guajiru - Brasil

Barraca do Kite es la casa internacional del Kitesurf en Ilha do Guajirú, Brasil. Donde las vacaciones soñadas de todo kitesurfista se hacen realidad.
http://www.barracadokite.com

Where to eat

All pousadas in Ilha do Guajiru have restaurants that are open to the public. And the nicest thing is that they even organize their off days, so no one in town gets to sleep hungry!

In 7 Beaufort they have nice pizzas and burguers. At Barraca do Kite, the fish are amazing. On the main road, the restaurant Pico dos Piratas also work with fresh fish. At Pura Vida there are some snacks and light meals for the afternoon.

How to get there

Ilha do Guajirú is located 217 km from Fortaleza or 241 km from Barra Grande. 

The access is made through CE-085. When inside of the city of Itarema follow the signs to Ilha do Guajiru. 

Fast Guide

Kite spot: Ilha do Guajirú

Location: Itarema, CE – 217 km from Fortaleza

Kite season: from June to January

How to get there:

  • From Fortaleza: get the CE-085. Around 217 km from central Fortaleza.
  • From the west of the state Ceará (Piauí, Maranhão e demais praias do Ceará): main access also made through CE-085. When inside of the city of Itarema follow the signs to Ilha do Guajiru.

Main kite spots around:

  • Secret Spot, Lagoa, Almofala, praias do Guajirú e das Dunas

Main Downwinds from Ilha do Guajirú:

  • Lagoa: 10 km
  • Almofala: 10 km
  • Praia do Guajirú: 2 km
  • Praia das Dunas: 16 km
  • Secret Spot: 5 km (only possible to get there by boat)