Icaraí de Amontada
(Icaraizinho)
Located along the coast of Ceará, about 200 km west of Fortaleza, Icaraí de Amontada—also known as Icaraizinho—offers a perfect blend of authentic Brazilian village charm and great kitesurfing conditions. Framed by a crescent-shaped bay, this spot combines natural beauty, varied kite conditions, and a more lively village atmosphere compared to other Ceará destinations like Ilha do Guajirú or Paracuru.
16 to 30 knots
shallow waters to 2-meter waves
26ºC to 28ºC
better for intermediate to advanced riders, good for beginners with assistance
a bit more bustling than other kite villages
Closest Kitesurf Spots
Kitesurfers in Icaraizinho have three distinct areas to choose from: the east side, the west side, and Moitas Beach, just a 10-minute buggy ride further west. Each has its own appeal, depending on wind, tide, and rider level.
Kitesurfing Conditions for Beginners
While the main beach may present some challenges for beginners due to choppy water at high tide, Moitas Beach offers flat and shallow water during low tide—ideal for learning. Most kite schools in Icaraizinho bring their students here for safe and focused lessons in a 10-minute ride by buggy.
Infrastructure
Icaraizinho stands out for its atmosphere. There are several pousadas, bars, and restaurants offering live music in the evenings, making it a more bustling destination than some neighboring kite spots. Whether you’re looking for a relaxed beachside dinner or drinks with friends after your session, you’ll find good options here.
Wind Conditions
The wind season runs from July to January, with speeds typically ranging between 16 and 30 knots. Thanks to the bay’s geography, the village center is somewhat protected from the strongest winds, but both east and west kite spots offer solid, consistent conditions.
Water Conditions
The east side of the bay delivers the strongest wind and often features 1 to 2-meter waves, good for wave-riders. Closer inside the bay, also at the east side, during low tide, there’s a flat-water section with depths ranging from 1 to 1.5 meters, great for freeriders, although the position of the beach at that point makes the wind more side-offshore. The west side offers a unique backdrop with wind turbines dotting the dunes. The lower the tide, the flatter it gets, but as the tide rises, kitewave conditions emerge. Sunset sessions on the west side, with the sun setting behind the wind generators, are simply unforgettable.
What Else to Do Besides Kitesurfing
Beyond kitesurfing, you can enjoy boat tours on the river estuary at Moitas, rent a buggy for beach explorations, or simply relax with cocktails at one of the beach bars. Wingfoiling has also become popular in the central area of the bay, with easy access to lessons and rentals.
How to Get There
Icaraizinho is best reached by car, either through a private transfer or rental, with a 3.5 to 4-hour drive from Fortaleza’s international airport, or a 1.5-hour from Jericoacoara's airport.
Want to know more?