Fortaleza, Ceara
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Positives
- Two sources of swell
- Quality hollow waves
- Punchy beachies & right points
- Easy access, Fortaleza facilities
- Superb beaches
Negatives
- Mostly blown-out in summer
- Lack of size
- Intense heat
- Crowds and pollution
- Big tidal variation
Fortaleza, Ceara surf travel guide
The powerful waves discovered in Fernando do Noronha, show that Brazil also relies on a significant supply of North Atlantic winter swells, allowing a separate surf season on this north-facing coast. Centred around Natal and Fortaleza, one of the most interesting aspects of the Ceara coast is its regularity, only broken by calm bays and narrow rivermouths. At the seashore, long sand dunes, coconut palms and shrubs litter the landscape.
Fortaleza is known for having the wildest Monday nights in the world at the bars and restaurants of Praia Iracema, after spotting dolphins and watching the sunset from Ponte dos Ingleses. Further NW is Paracuru, a proper surf town with four main righthand pointbreaks that fire from November to February. Jericoacoara, aka Jeri, 300kms (180mi) west of Fortaleza is an established stop for the travelling surfing community, and remember Malhada beach has good waves as well!
Surf spots in Fortaleza, Ceara
Research the 15 surf breaks in Fortaleza, Ceara and discover what spots suit the current conditions.
Break lowdown
We’ve collated the wave data giving you a unique insight into the 15 breaks in Fortaleza, Ceara.
When to go
Surf and weather statistics to help plan your surf trip to Fortaleza, Ceara
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Library
Helpful surf travel videos and articles featuring Fortaleza, Ceara.
Travel Information
General
- Current Time
- Tourists
- 6,621,000
- Population
- 212,559,417
- Tourist Info
- Tourist Info
Security
Health
Money
- Currency
- BRL
- Exchange rate
- $1 = 1.9 BRL BRL
Cost of living
Communication
- Dialing in
- +55
- Dialing out
- 0014
- Emergencies
- 911
- Language
- Portuguese
Electricity
- Plug Type
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Visas
Visa free travel for nearly all nationalities for stays of up to 90 days.
Getting There
No Visa. Lots of direct flights to Fortaleza’s (FOR) new airport from Europe (Tap, Alitalia) and Miami (AA). Most likely to land in Rio or São Paulo first. Domestic flights are expensive; Vasp or Nordeste is cheaper than Varig. Expect $350r/t. A leite bus is cheaper ($112o/w but 45h!). Dep tax: $36 (check if inc. in ticket).
Getting Around
There are many buses going to/from Paracuru ($2o/w), it takes 2h. Buggies can be rented in Paracuru to avoid sinking in sand dunes; $30/d. Some highways, at night, are dangerous: there are risks of assault but Fortaleza is way less dangerous than Rio.
Accommodation
Surf and high tourist season coincide. Favour pousadas for budget quality lodges, prices have gone down thanks to the low Real exchange rates. In Fortaleza, try hotel Praia e Sol by Futuro or America do Sol ($22). In IcaraÌ, pousada Baiano, or Planalto Hotel. In Paracuru, try Pousada Villa Verde ($20) or Club Tropical hotel ($22). Expect $5 for a meal.
Activities
Paracuru ‘Cidade alegre’ is similar to Buzios, being a pleasant resort for wealthy Cearense & Brazilians. Carnival gets pretty big there, including Corridas de Buggy and sand surfing. Hit Jericoacoara if windsurfing and Quixad for hang gliding. Carnauba Wax is exuded by the leaves of the Brazilian "Tree of Life".
Hazards & hassles
Ceara is on the Equator; the sun is cruel. Bring high SPF sunblocks, the sun can be deceiving due to the cool ocean breezes. Street crime is much lower than the major urban parts of Brazil. Crowds and pollution can be appalling around Fortaleza but getting up early is often a safe bet.
Handy Hints
Boards in Brazil are super cheap but light: FeC, Super SÈrie, World Boards (shortboard for $350+). Try the Bagus Board shop, Ocean Drive, Prancho, Bichinho, or World. Bodyboarding is big and longboarding’s popularity is increasing. A board for hollow waves is required but not a gun. Chandler Surf runs a surf school.
Due to global pandemic, Visas, Getting There, Getting Around or Accommodation information and pricing may have changed. Always check Government Travel Advice before travelling.