Cacimbinhas (Tibau do Sul)
- Wave, Shortboard
- Best for
- Beginner to Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Medium waves
- Spot Type
- Quiet
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Cacimbinhas (Tibau do Sul) is a cliff-bordered beach where NE–SE winds power kitesurfing and produce a consistent, powerful beach-break for surfing. Multiple sources align on the best wind months being July through December, with typical kite-wind speeds around 15 to 25 knots and directions primarily from the NE/ENE through ESE to SE. For kitesurfing, the spot is described as having steady trade/thermal-influenced wind and suitable conditions across styles. Spot-level descriptions indicate a beginner-friendly option in calmer/lagoon-like water, while more wave-focused riding is available toward the mouth where small waves form. Surfing is framed as a regional classic beach break with both left and right waves, sandy bottom, and good wave quality. It is reported to work starting from small swell (under 1 m) and to hold up to about 2 m+ on the right setup. Low tide is repeatedly indicated as the best tide position; as the tide rises the accessible beach space can shrink dramatically against the cliffs. Safety at this venue is strongly tide- and access-dependent. Hazards reported include cliffs (especially at high tide), shore break, and underwater reef/rock patches, with lateral/rip-current risk noted near rocky areas. There are no lifeguards reported, and rescue availability is stated as no at the spot; checking the tide chart and managing distance from the cliffs—particularly with heavy gear—are emphasized local precautions.
- Best wind window: July to December (NE–SE)
- Kitesurfing styles include freeride/wave/freestyle, plus downwinder/foil mentions
- Surf is powerful and fun with both left and right waves; best at low tide
- Reliable 15–25 knot winds in the July–December window from NE to SE
- Kitesurfing suitable for wave riding and multiple styles
- Powerful beach-break surf that works on small to larger swell (best at low tide)
- Low/empty weekday crowds reported
- Cloudy water reported
- Cliffs can sharply limit usable beach area at high tide
- Underwater reef/rock patches and shore break add risk
- Afternoon wind can make conditions choppier for surfing
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- NE, ENE, E, ESE, SE
- Wind Range
- 15–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Trade — Providers describe both thermal and trade wind influences; directions are consistently from the NE to SE.
- Reliability
- High during peak season (spot sources note reliability in July–September for >12 knots).
- Gust Factor
- Steady — Steady winds reported; one provider also notes steadiness overall.
- Best Months
- July, August, September, October, November, December
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 7–10 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Medium waves
- Beach
- Sand — Sand beach; beach width varies with tide.
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Small — One provider lists small wave size; surf sources indicate a broader working range up to ~2 m+ swell.
- Chop Level
- Moderate chop — Cross-shore trade winds can create afternoon choppiness for surfing.
- Launch
- Medium — Access via sandy beach at the base of high cliffs; beach width varies with tide.
Through the year
April to June is described as the primary rainy season in regional guidance.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Kitesurfing is favored for wave riding and directional riding with steady NE–SE winds; suitable for beginners in the lagoon/flat-water areas and more experienced riders toward the mouth (small waves).
- Kite Sizes
- 7–10 m²
Possible for wave and freeride windsurfing, but cliffs/shore break require competent handling; activity may be more centered in nearby smoother waters.
- Sail Sizes
- 4.5–5.5 m²
Feasible for experienced riders once past the initial break; depth is sufficient for foils beyond the shore break.
- Foil Friendly
- Yes — Reported as foil-friendly.
- Min Depth
- 1.5 meters beyond the shore break
- Wing Sizes
- 4–5 m²
A regional classic beach break that can work consistently from small swell, offering both left and right waves. Best on low tide.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- SE, E, NE
- Swell Height
- 0.5–2 m
- Optimal Tide
- Low — Multiple sources indicate low tide is the best tide position.
- Shelter
- Exposed — Exposed to ocean conditions with cliffs bordering the beach; wind direction can create choppiness.
- Wind Effect
- Cross-shore trade winds can make the water choppy in the afternoons; earlier sessions are usually cleaner.
- Bigger Swell
- Holds size well up to about 2 meters but may start closing out on very large swells.
- Wave Quality
- Good — Reported as good / regional classic.
- Wave Power
- Powerful — Described as powerful and fun.
- Wave Shape
- Peeling — Described as peeling.
- Peel Speed
- Medium — Reported as medium peel speed.
- Ride Length
- Short — Normal rides are under 50 meters; on optimal days rides may extend considerably longer.
- Typical Ride Length
- 150–300 m
- Ride Length Details
- Short on typical days (<50 m); longer rides reported up to a much higher distance on optimal days.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Cacimbinhas (Tibau do Sul) in the full forecast view.
Cacimbinhas (Tibau do Sul) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 7–14 ktsGusts 24 kts
- Direction
- ESE106°
- Strongest day
- Sat, Oct 2414 kts
- Windy days
- 3/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.9–1.5 m6s period
- Temperature
- 26–30 °C
Over the next 7 days, Cacimbinhas (Tibau do Sul) is forecast for daytime winds of 7–14 kts, peaking around 14 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 24 kts. The prevailing direction is ESE. Waves run 0.9–1.5 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
- Cliffs at high tide
- Underwater reef/rock patches
- Lateral currents
- Occasional rip currents near rocky areas
- Shore break
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- None — No lifeguards reported at the spot.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- No — Spot-level source states no rescue availability.
- Emergency Info
- Nearest medical facilities are in Tibau do Sul or Pipa (spot-level source). Regional guidance indicates major hospitals are in Natal and emergency response is coordinated from there.
- Localism / Vibe
- None — One provider indicates no localism.
Rules of the spot
Be aware of surfers in the lineup; maintain a safe distance from the cliffs, especially as the tide rises. Check the tide chart because at high tide the beach space can become very limited against the cliffs.
- Not very good for bathing due to accessibility.
- Check tide timing before launching/landing; rising water can leave little room against the cliffs.
- Access involves steep stairs down the cliff—take extra care with heavy gear.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Tibau do Sul
- Nearest Town
- Tibau do Sul
- Parking
- Parking available near the beach / in small dirt lots at the top of the cliffs along the main road.
- Access
- Pass the last hotel you see in Tibau do Sul on your left, then continue about 500 meters to reach the cliff access point; stairs descend to the beach.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- Portuguese
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Numerous pousadas and hotels are available in nearby Tibau do Sul and Pipa.
- Food & Drink
- A few small kiosks are usually found at the top of the cliffs; more variety is available in town.
- Equipment Rental:
- Rental shops are available in Pipa and Tibau do Sul, but rarely on the beach itself.
- Gear Storage
- Available at schools in Pipa or Tibau do Sul (reported via spot-level sources).
- Gear Repair
- Repair services for kites and boards are located in Pipa (reported via spot-level sources).
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Cacimbinhas (Tibau do Sul)?
The best overall months at Cacimbinhas (Tibau do Sul) are July, August, September, October, November, December.
Which wind directions work at Cacimbinhas (Tibau do Sul)?
Cacimbinhas (Tibau do Sul) works with NE, ENE, E, ESE, SE winds.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Cacimbinhas (Tibau do Sul)?
Recommended equipment sizes at Cacimbinhas (Tibau do Sul): Kitesurfing: 7–10 m² · Windsurfing: 4.5–5.5 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–5 m². The typical wind range is 15–25 kts.
What skill level is Cacimbinhas (Tibau do Sul) suitable for?
Cacimbinhas (Tibau do Sul) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Beginner to Intermediate · Windsurfing: Advanced · Wingfoiling: Advanced · Surfing: Beginner to Intermediate.