Barra de Camaratuba
- Freestyle, Longboard
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Mixed, Small waves, Medium waves
- Spot Type
- 15–25 kts
- Wind Range
This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.
About
Barra de Camaratuba is a rustic river-mouth spot on the Paraíba coast where the Camaratuba River meets the Atlantic. Conditions combine flat-water possibilities inside the river mouth with more energetic ocean-wave opportunities nearby, under reliably warm, trade-wind-driven weather. For wind sports, the wind is described as consistently blowing from the NE–SE sectors across the peak months, with an afternoon boost. Typical wind strength is reported around 15–25 knots, and winds are generally described as steady with only light gusts. Thermal/gradient effects are strongest in the afternoon, with the most consistent wind often falling between about 11:00 AM and 5:00 PM. Kitesurfing is the most supported discipline here: the river mouth creates flat water for freestyle, while the ocean side can add wave riding. Reported kite sizes span roughly 7–12 m² depending on rider weight and season, and the spot is commonly suited to intermediate riders. Windsurfing is possible in the ocean waves but is described as more advanced than the kitesurfing focus, while wingfoiling is also feasible when the channel at the river mouth is deep enough (mid-to-high tides). Surfing at Barra de Camaratuba centers on a consistent right-hander off the river mouth point, with waves that peel along a sandbar. Working swell is reported roughly from 0.5 to 2.0 meters coming from the SE–E quadrant, with a good/medium ride profile and generally exposed beach exposure. Safety-wise, the key issue is the river-mouth dynamics: strong tidal currents can be significant, and submerged rocks are reported near the point at high tide. The area is described as remote with no lifeguard presence, so it’s important to respect local fishing/swimming areas, avoid kiting near the ferry crossing, and use tide checks to plan when to enter and where to stay.
- Consistent trade winds with a mid-to-late afternoon increase
- Flat-water river-mouth riding for freestyle and progression
- Ocean wave options and a consistent right-hand surf pattern off the river mouth point
- Warm water year-round (about 26–29°C across the year)
- Consistent winds in the main season
- Versatile setup: flat-water inside the river mouth plus ocean wave options
- Surfing has a consistent right-hand pattern off the river mouth point
- Strong river currents during tide changes
- Submerged rocks near the point at high tide
- Limited medical facilities; rescue may rely on locals
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- SE, E, NE
- Wind Range
- 15–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Trade — Southeast/East trade winds (Alísios) with thermal/gradient contributions; strongest typically in the afternoon (11:00 AM–5:00 PM).
- Reliability
- High during the main season
- Gust Factor
- Light gusts
- Best Months
- July, August, September, October, November, December, January
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 7–12 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Mixed, Small waves, Medium waves
- Beach
- Sand
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Medium — Ocean/wave opportunities reported as medium wave conditions at the spot.
- Launch
- Medium — Sandy beach area near the river mouth; space can be restricted at high tide.
- Launch Difficulty
- Moderate
Through the year
Quiet on weekdays; more popular on weekends and during Brazilian holidays.
April to June is the primary rainy season
By sport
What to expect for each.
Flat-water conditions inside the river mouth for freestyle, with additional ocean-side wave potential.
- Kite Sizes
- 7–12 m²
Possible in the ocean waves, though the spot is more popular for kitesurfing.
- Sail Sizes
- 4.7–5.7 m²
The river mouth provides a deep enough channel for foiling at mid-to-high tides.
- Foil Friendly
- Yes
- Min Depth
- 1.5m in the channel
- Wing Sizes
- 4–6 m²
Considered a premier surf spot locally, featuring a consistent right-hander off the river mouth point.
- Wave Direction
- Right
- Optimal Swell
- SE, E
- Swell Height
- 0.5–2 m
- Optimal Tide
- Mid
- Shelter
- Exposed
- Wind Effect
- South/Southeast winds tend to be cross-shore; East/Northeast can be onshore.
- Bigger Swell
- Can handle larger swells, creating long, powerful lines.
- Wave Quality
- Good
- Wave Power
- Moderate
- Wave Shape
- Peeling — Peels along the sandbar formed by the river mouth.
- Peel Speed
- Medium
- Ride Length
- Medium — Typical ride length reported as 50–150 meters.
- Typical Ride Length
- 50–150 m
- Ride Length Details
- Waves can peel along the sandbar formed by the river mouth.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Barra de Camaratuba in the full forecast view.
Barra de Camaratuba wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 5–13 ktsGusts 25 kts
- Direction
- ESE105°
- Strongest day
- Sat, Oct 2413 kts
- Windy days
- 4/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.8–1.2 m6s period
- Temperature
- 25–31 °C
Over the next 7 days, Barra de Camaratuba is forecast for daytime winds of 5–13 kts, peaking around 13 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 25 kts. The prevailing direction is ESE. Waves run 0.8–1.2 m with a period of about 6s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.
Other spots in the area
What to know before you launch
Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.
Hazards
- Strong river currents during tide changes
- Submerged rocks near the point (especially at high tide)
- Remote location with limited medical facilities
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- None — No lifeguard service specifically for watersports.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — No formal government-run rescue; support commonly relies on local help.
- Emergency Info
- Small medical clinic in Mataraca; nearest major hospital in João Pessoa. Brazil emergency numbers: 192 (SAMU/ambulance), 193 (fire department).
- Localism / Vibe
- Mild
Rules of the spot
Respect local fishing zones and swimming areas near the village. Avoid kiting too close to the river ferry crossing.
- Avoid kiting too close to the river ferry crossing
- Check the tide charts as the river mouth conditions can change drastically between low and high tide.
- Use the river to go upwind before crossing into the ocean for wave sessions.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- João Pessoa
- Nearest Town
- Mataraca
- Parking
- Limited parking near the beach and village center
- Cost Level
- Budget
- Local Language
- Portuguese
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Several pousadas in/around the village, ranging from rustic to moderate comfort.
- Food & Drink
- Local restaurants serve fresh seafood and traditional Brazilian dishes.
- Equipment Rental:
- Limited rental available at local pousadas and small kite centers.
- Gear Storage
- Offered by some local pousadas for guests; limited storage options.
- Gear Repair
- Basic repairs may be available through local kiters; major repairs are typically not available on-site.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
An eco-tourism and nature-immersion area centered on dunes, mangroves, buggy touring, and nearby cultural context.
Freshwater lagoon among dunes, popular for swimming and buggy tours.
The region borders Potiguara indigenous lands, offering cultural insights and local crafts.
Off-road tours through dunes, mangroves, and along the coastline to neighboring beaches.
Guided boat or kayak trips through mangrove areas to observe local flora and fauna.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Barra de Camaratuba?
The best overall months at Barra de Camaratuba are August, September, October, November, December. The best wind months are July, August, September, October, November, December, January.
Which wind directions work at Barra de Camaratuba?
Barra de Camaratuba works with SE, E, NE winds.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Barra de Camaratuba?
Recommended equipment sizes at Barra de Camaratuba: Kitesurfing: 7–12 m² · Windsurfing: 4.7–5.7 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 15–25 kts.
What skill level is Barra de Camaratuba suitable for?
Barra de Camaratuba suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Intermediate · Windsurfing: Advanced · Wingfoiling: Intermediate · Surfing: Intermediate.