The main beach
In front of the Cabana, with cross-shore wind. This is the everyday spot: independent kitesurfers, trick coaching and the starting point of the downwinders. The storage is right in front.
Icaraizinho — A spot for all levels
Icaraizinho has unique conditions for kitesurfing and wing foiling. Main beach with cross-shore wind, freshwater lagoon for beginners, and epic downwinders along the Ceará coast. Our team knows every detail of the spot and will point you to the best place for your level and the day's conditions.
The kitesurf spots of Icaraizinho, one by one
The Cabana do Kite kitesurf school is right on the sand, and each spot is used according to the student's level and the day's conditions. The instructor decides where you ride.
The lagoon
This is where the first hours of lessons happen: you can stand up, recover your board and start again without stress.
Moitas
Destination of the school's first guided downwinder, designed for riders who have just become independent: short distance, full briefing and an instructor on the water with the group.
Patos
Finish of the 15 km downwinder from Icaraizinho, intermediate level or above, with a ride in the Patos lagoon at the end of the route.
Caetanos
Start of the 25 km downwinder to Icaraizinho, with a variety of spots along the way: flat sections, waves and scenery that changes throughout the ride.
Which spot for which level
Beginners
The shallow lagoon for the first hours — kite control, body drag and water start — with an IKO and ABK certified instructor on the radio. Around 12 hours of lessons to ride independently.
Intermediate riders
The main beach with cross-shore wind to consolidate riding both ways and going upwind, then the first guided downwinder to Moitas once independence is there.
Advanced riders
15 and 25 km downwinders with 4x4 support, trick coaching on the main beach and, on the right days, waves for wave riding and strapless.
When to ride in Icaraizinho
The wind season runs from July to January, peaking from August to October. For first lessons, 18 to 22 knots is ideal — July, early August and November are usually the best months. September and October bring the strongest wind, preferred by riders who already jump.
The water stays 28 to 30 °C throughout the season, so no wetsuit is needed. From February to June there is still wind, but it is irregular.
Safety on the spots
The team knows every detail of the spot and picks the lesson location according to the day's wind and tide. In lessons, radio support follows the student throughout the session; on downwinders, the 4x4 follows along the beach with water and spare equipment. Being able to swim is mandatory, and the instructor's instructions apply on every spot.
Equipment adapted to the spot
The school works with Duotone and Ozone equipment, renewed regularly. In the lagoon, a kite sized for the student's weight and a beginner board; on the main beach, equipment adapted to the day's wind and to your level; on downwinders, a spare kite in the support vehicle.
The school on the spot
Everything is at the same address: kitesurf school, storage in front of the spot, restaurant and beach bar, equipment rental for riders who are already independent. Pousada País Tropical, the school's partner, is a few minutes' walk away. See also our kitesurfing lessons and the downwinders from Icaraizinho.
A riding day in Icaraizinho
In the morning, a lesson in the shallow lagoon for beginners, or a session on the main beach for riders who are already independent. At midday, lunch at the Cabana restaurant, a few metres from the spot, with the equipment kept in the storage. In the afternoon, main beach, trick coaching or wing foil in the bay; on trip days, a downwinder with 4x4 support. At the end of the day, sunset on top of the dunes or in front of the Cabana.
And off the water?
Icaraizinho is a quiet village: less nightlife than Jeri or Cumbuco, more silence with the sound of the sea. On rest days, Cabana do Kite organises buggy trips, fishing outings, evenings in the dunes and a cultural outing with local crafts and the Mosquito community; the Caetanos lagoons and the Lençóis Cearenses complete the programme. See the guide to things to do in Icaraizinho beyond kitesurfing.
Getting to the spots
Icaraizinho is about 200 km from Fortaleza, roughly 3 hours by car. You can cross the village on foot: from the Cabana, the main beach is in front of you and the beginners' lagoon is next door. Moitas, Patos and Caetanos are reached by kite, on the downwinders, with the support vehicle along the beach. See how to get to Icaraizinho from Fortaleza.
Frequently asked questions
Which spot in Icaraizinho is best for beginners?
This is where the Cabana do Kite kitesurf school gives the first hours of lessons: kite control, body drag and water start, with the IKO and ABK certified instructor on the radio. You can stand up and start again, which speeds up progress a great deal.
Is the main beach suitable for beginners?
The main beach, in front of the Cabana, has cross-shore wind and is used by riders who are already independent or consolidating their rides. For the first hours, the instructor prefers the shallow lagoon; the instructor decides the spot for each lesson according to the day's wind and tide, to keep the student safe.
Where are Moitas, Patos and Caetanos?
They are the three points of the downwinders from Icaraizinho. Moitas is the destination of the first guided downwinder, Patos the finish of the 15 km route with a ride in the Patos lagoon, and Caetanos the start of the 25 km downwinder to Icaraizinho. All with 4x4 support along the beach during the ride.
Is there storage at the spot?
Yes. The Cabana do Kite storage is right in front of the spot, on the main beach of Icaraizinho, and keeps your equipment throughout your stay. Whether you rent the school's gear or bring your own, you use the same space, a few metres from the restaurant and the beach bar.
Do I need a wetsuit on the Icaraizinho spots?
No. The water stays 28 to 30 °C throughout the season, in the lagoon and in the sea, so no wetsuit is needed. A UV rash vest is recommended for long sessions but remains optional. What matters is water-resistant sunscreen and, if you wear contact lenses, a spare pair.
When is the wind best on the spots?
The season runs from July to January, peaking from August to October, when the wind is strongest and most regular. For first lessons, 18 to 22 knots is ideal — July, early August and November are usually the best months. From February to June there is still wind, but it is irregular.
Do the Icaraizinho spots get crowded?
Icaraizinho keeps a low density of kitesurfers on the water, even in season: more space, less collision risk and more freedom to make mistakes in the first hours. September and October are the favourite months of experienced riders, so the peak is busier than July or November.
How do I get to the spots?
Icaraizinho is about 200 km from Fortaleza, roughly 3 hours by car. You can cross the village on foot: the main beach is in front of the Cabana and the lagoon is next door. Moitas, Patos and Caetanos are reached by kite, on the downwinders, with the support vehicle along the beach.
Can I ride on my own at the spots?
Riders who are already independent can rent the school's equipment, use the storage and ride on the main beach. Learners always ride with the instructor, in the shallow lagoon and with the radio. On every spot, being able to swim is mandatory and the team's instructions apply at all times.
Can I wing foil at the Icaraizinho spots?
Yes. Wing foil takes place in the centre of Icaraizinho bay, on an exclusive spot with calm, protected water, in partnership with Icaraí Wing Academy. Many students kite in the morning on the main beach or in the lagoon and wing in the afternoon in the bay, with the school's Duotone and Ozone equipment.