Cabucu
- Freeride, Freeride
- Best for
- Beginner to Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Chop
- Spot Type
- Busy
- Crowd Level
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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Cabucu is a shallow, sandy, tidal kitesurfing spot near Saubara (Bay of All Saints) with generally clean water. Conditions are characterized by chop and strong wind dependence on the NE direction, with the most reliable months running from September through February. Because it’s a tidal beach, the usable area can narrow or expand significantly through the day, so timing your launch matters—especially when the water becomes very shallow. For kitesurfing, it’s primarily a freeride venue. The water is consistently wind-driven and choppy, supporting stable progression sessions, while wave riding is generally discouraged due to few waves and excess algae in the sea. Low tide also increases the chance of seabed hazards and makes rubber boots particularly important for foot protection. In warmer months, local guidance emphasizes strong tropical sun, and multiple sources note that there’s no wetsuit requirement year-round—solar protection is the priority, with rubber boots recommended for low-tide riding. The beach environment can be busy with walking vendors, so keep awareness high while setting up and launching. Wingfoiling is reported as a good match thanks to the steady, side-onshore wind profile and limited swell impact; however, low tide still requires extra caution due to shallow depth close to shore. Rescue services are not described as dedicated, so you should rely on good kite safety habits, gear, and local community practices.
- Consistent NE trades in September–February
- No wetsuit required year-round (sun protection + rubber boots for low tide)
- Freeride-focused due to few waves and potential algae
- Consistent NE winds in peak months
- Warm water year-round; no wetsuit required
- Shallow, clean, choppy freeride conditions suited to progression
- Tidal beach can offer workable launching space depending on tide timing
- Shallow water and rapidly changing depth at low tide
- Few waves; not suitable for wave riding
- Excess algae can affect ride comfort and visibility
- Beach can be busy with walking vendors
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- NE, E, SE
- Wind Range
- 12–22 kts
- Wind Type
- Trade — NE trades with bay-influenced strengthening; described as consistent during peak season.
- Reliability
- consistent during best months
- Gust Factor
- Steady — Steady winds reported.
- Best Months
- January, February, September, October, November, December
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 9–14 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Chop
- Beach
- Sand — Sandy beach.
- Beach Size
- Tidal
- Waves
- Small — Small surf/swell reported.
- Chop Level
- Moderate chop — Described as shallow chop.
- Launch
- Medium — Tidal beach: wide sandy launch at low tide that significantly narrows during high tide; shallow at low tide.
Through the year
Can be very crowded during January, February, and summer weekends.
Rainy season typically occurs from April to July (heaviest between April and June).
By sport
What to expect for each.
Shallow, choppy water with consistent NE winds, best for freeride. Wave riding is generally not suitable due to few waves and excess algae.
- Kite Sizes
- 9–14 m²
Reported as suitable for wingfoiling with consistent side-onshore winds and lack of significant swell; caution is needed at low tide due to shallow areas.
- Foil Friendly
- Yes — Foil-friendly conditions reported.
- Wing Sizes
- 4–6 m²
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Cabucu in the full forecast view.
Cabucu wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 3–13 ktsGusts 25 kts
- Direction
- ESE123°
- Strongest day
- Tue, Oct 2713 kts
- Windy days
- 1/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.1–0.5 m3s period
- Temperature
- 24–35 °C
Over the next 7 days, Cabucu is forecast for daytime winds of 3–13 kts, peaking around 13 kts on Tuesday, October 27 with gusts to 25 kts. The prevailing direction is ESE. Waves run 0.1–0.5 m with a period of about 3s. 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
- excess algae in the sea
- busy beach with walking vendors
- shallow water at low tide
- exposed rocks at low tide
- sharp shells
- potential for rocks or shells to be exposed at low tide
- tide can significantly change beach width and water depth
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- None — No lifeguard presence reported.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — No dedicated water rescue services; safety depends largely on the rider community and local support.
- Emergency Info
- Emergency number: 192 (SAMU). Medical assistance is available at the local health unit in Saubara; nearest major hospitals are in Santo Amaro or Salvador.
- Localism / Vibe
- None — No localism indicated.
Rules of the spot
Avoid low tide if you’re not prepared for shallow water and exposed seabed hazards.
- Wear rubber boots at low tide to protect feet from shallow bottom hazards.
- Use high-SPF sun protection; tropical sun is very strong.
- The sea can have excess algae and there are few waves, so it’s not ideal for wave riding.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Salvador
- Nearest Town
- Saubara
- Parking
- Parking available at beach; also street parking and small lots near the beach area.
- Access
- From Luis Eduardo Magalh3halhaes International Airport to Saubara: about 1.5 hours. Take CIA road to BR-101, then about 50 minutes to Santo Amaro, followed by about 20 minutes on BA-878 to Cabuc.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- Portuguese
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Near — Local pousadas in Cabuc and Saubara.
- Food & Drink
- Walking vendors on the beach; numerous beach kiosks and small local restaurants.
- Equipment Rental:
- Limited rental services provided by local instructors and small schools.
- Gear Storage
- Available at select lodging/instruction centers.
- Gear Repair
- Minor repairs sometimes handled locally; major services require travel.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
A rustic bay setting used as a weekend retreat by people from Salvador and nearby towns.
Boat trips up the river to explore mangroves and historic ruins.
Brazil's largest bay, offering views and boat tours.
Nearby city rich in colonial history and baroque architecture.
Local kiosks serving Bahian seafood.
Calm, shallow waters ideal for families and children.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Cabucu?
The best overall months at Cabucu are September, October, November, December, January, February. The best wind months are January, February, September, October, November, December.
Which wind directions work at Cabucu?
Cabucu works with NE, E, SE winds.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Cabucu?
Recommended equipment sizes at Cabucu: Kitesurfing: 9–14 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 12–22 kts.
What skill level is Cabucu suitable for?
Cabucu suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Beginner to Intermediate · Wingfoiling: Beginner.