Barra de Camaratuba

KitesurfingWindsurfingWingfoilingSurfing
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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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 this spot

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)
Great for
Kitesurfing freestyleKitesurfing waveKitesurfing freerideSurfing longboardWingfoil freeride
What's great
  • 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
Heads up
  • Strong river currents during tide changes
  • Submerged rocks near the point at high tide
  • Limited medical facilities; rescue may rely on locals
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Practical spot guide

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

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
26–28 °C
Water Temperature
25–31 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Jan–Dec: Rash guard or thin 1mm top
Crowds by Season

Quiet on weekdays; more popular on weekends and during Brazilian holidays.

Storm/Rain Season

April to June is the primary rainy season

By sport

What to expect for each.

KitesurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

Flat-water conditions inside the river mouth for freestyle, with additional ocean-side wave potential.

FreestyleWaveFreerideStrapless
Kite Sizes
7–12 m²
WindsurfingSkill Level

Possible in the ocean waves, though the spot is more popular for kitesurfing.

WaveFreeride
Sail Sizes
4.7–5.7 m²
WingfoilingSkill Level

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
SurfingSkill Level

Considered a premier surf spot locally, featuring a consistent right-hander off the river mouth point.

River mouth
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.
Forecast

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.

Nearby

Other spots in the area

Safety

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
Ability Level: Intermediate
Recommended Safety Gear
Impact vestLeashWetsuit

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.

Restrictions
  • Avoid kiting too close to the river ferry crossing
Local Tips
  • 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
Amenities

What's on the beach

Parking
Restaurant
Bar
Toilets
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.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

The area

Off the water

An eco-tourism and nature-immersion area centered on dunes, mangroves, buggy touring, and nearby cultural context.

Best time to visit: September to November for a strong mix of wind and sunshine
Lagoa da Pavuna5km

Freshwater lagoon among dunes, popular for swimming and buggy tours.

Potiguara Indigenous Territory10km

The region borders Potiguara indigenous lands, offering cultural insights and local crafts.

Buggy Tours0km

Off-road tours through dunes, mangroves, and along the coastline to neighboring beaches.

Mangrove River Tour0km

Guided boat or kayak trips through mangrove areas to observe local flora and fauna.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

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.