Catussaba
- Freeride, Shortboard
- Best for
- Expert
- Skill Level
- Medium waves
- Spot Type
- 15–22 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Catussaba is a small, sandy, clean-water beach in the Salvador (Bahia) coastal zone, known for medium-wave conditions and a prominent NE wind component that suits kitesurfing—particularly in the late-year through summer window. For kitesurfers, the spot is centered on northeast trade winds with generally high reliability during the spring/summer period. Local guidance emphasizes that the rocks/reef patches are the primary risk: they are reported as most dangerous when barely covered (mid-to-low tide). Riders should also plan launches away from the busiest resort-facing swimming areas and follow swimming-zone restrictions. Wind is described as steady, with typical on-water ranges around 15–22 knots. A thermal/sea-breeze reinforcement pattern in the afternoon is also reported to strengthen consistency from early afternoon through late afternoon, which can improve ride quality when conditions line up. Surfing is also possible along the Catussaba/Stella Maris stretch, with medium-wave, mixed-shape beach-break conditions. Wind is often cross-shore/onshore when blowing from NE, so reports favor light morning winds or more favorable offshore directions (W/NW). The water is warm year-round (roughly mid-20s to high-20s °C by month), making light protection the typical approach rather than a full wetsuit.
- NE trade winds with a steady character in the main season
- Medium-wave kitesurfing with a strong rock/reef hazard that demands caution
- Warm water year-round with minimal wetsuit needs
- Clean water and a small sandy beach launch area with NE trade-wind support.
- Consistent kitesurf conditions in the main season and generally steady wind.
- Warm water year-round with wetsuits typically unnecessary (light protection often enough).
- Rocks and reef patches create a real hazard for mistakes, especially near mid-to-low tide.
- Shore break and strong currents can make entry/exit more challenging.
- Crowds and swimmers around the resort zone require careful launch choice.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- NE
- Wind Range
- 15–22 kts
- Wind Type
- Trade — Prevailing northeast trade winds.
- Reliability
- High during the spring and summer trade wind season
- Gust Factor
- Steady
- Best Months
- January, February, September, October, November, December
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Medium waves
- Beach
- Sand
- Beach Size
- Small
- Waves
- Medium — Medium wave conditions reported for the spot.
- Launch
- Small — Relatively narrow sandy beach area in front of the resort and nearby condominiums.
- Launch Difficulty
- Moderate — Launch described as relatively narrow with reefs/rocks and shore break considerations.
Through the year
High during Brazilian summer holidays (December–February) and sunny weekends.
April to July (peak rainy season); can also bring gusty frontal winds.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Expert-level wave and freeride kitesurfing spot with NE trade winds and side-onshore tendency.
- Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Suitable for wave and freeride windsurfing, though this specific section is reported as more kitesurf-focused.
- Sail Sizes
- 5–6 m²
Possible but requires caution due to reef patches and shore break; foilers typically prefer slightly deeper water further out.
- Foil Friendly
- Limited — Minimum depth reported to clear reef sections.
- Min Depth
- 1.5m to clear reef sections
- Wing Sizes
- 4–6 m²
Catussaba/Stella Maris stretch is described as a classic surf zone with multiple peaks.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- S, SE, ESE
- Swell Height
- 0.5–2 m
- Optimal Tide
- All tides
- Shelter
- Exposed
- Wind Effect
- NE wind tends to be cross-shore/onshore; best conditions are reported with light morning winds or offshore W/NW.
- Bigger Swell
- Can close out on very large swells but holds up well to around 2 meters.
- Wave Quality
- Good
- Wave Power
- Moderate
- Wave Shape
- Mixed
- Peel Speed
- Medium
- Ride Length
- Medium
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Catussaba in the full forecast view.
Catussaba wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 3–15 ktsGusts 26 kts
- Direction
- E88°
- Strongest day
- Sun, Oct 2515 kts
- Windy days
- 3/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 1.0–1.6 m7s period
- Temperature
- 25–34 °C
Over the next 7 days, Catussaba is forecast for daytime winds of 3–15 kts, peaking around 15 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 26 kts. The prevailing direction is E. Waves run 1.0–1.6 m with a period of about 7s. 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
- Rocks
- Submerged reef patches
- Strong currents (especially with tidal movement and southerly swells)
- Swimmers and beachgoers near the resort
- Shore break
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Dedicated kite/windsurf rescue craft are not standard; riders are generally expected to be self-sufficient. Municipal lifeguards monitor main urban beaches.
- Emergency Info
- Nearest major medical facilities are within Salvador; emergency numbers: 192 (medical emergency) and 193 (fire/rescue).
- Localism / Vibe
- Mild
Rules of the spot
Respect the designated swimming zones in front of the Catussaba resort area and avoid jumping close to the beach when it is busy. Avoid launching/riding through the swimming areas.
- Designated swimming areas must be avoided.
- The best launch is often slightly upwind or downwind of the main resort to avoid crowds.
- Rocks are most dangerous at mid-to-low tide when they are barely covered.
- Be extra cautious around reef sections; shore break and swimmers are common near the resort area.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Salvador
- Nearest Town
- Stella Maris
- Nearest Airport
- Salvador-Deputado Luís Eduardo Magalhães International Airport (SSA) (about 5–15 km from primary riding spots).
- Parking
- Street parking is available along the coastal road, though it can fill up quickly on weekends.
- Public Transport
- Comprehensive municipal bus network and metro service that reaches the airport region; ride-sharing and taxis available for travel between beach areas
- Access
- 5km from main Salvador area, next to Stella Maris (public access via the coastal road).
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- Portuguese
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Catussaba Resort Hotel and various accommodations in Stella Maris and nearby coastal neighborhoods.
- Food & Drink
- Food and drinks are available nearby in the Stella Maris area, including restaurants and beach bars.
- Equipment Rental:
- Rental is available through established schools/schools around the coastal area.
- Gear Storage
- Some schools/pousadas near primary launches offer limited storage for regular guests or club members.
- Gear Repair
- Basic gear repair is available via local workshops in the Salvador metro area.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
Salvador combines tropical beach life with a strong urban cultural scene, with watersports concentrated along the Amaralina–Stella Maris coastal belt.
Iconic lighthouse and maritime museum at the entrance of the Bay of All Saints.
Historic center known for Portuguese colonial architecture and vibrant Afro-Brazilian culture.
Coastal exploration and beach activities along Salvador’s extensive shoreline.
Local and international dining options in beachfront neighborhoods.
Sea turtle conservation center in Praia do Forte.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Catussaba?
The best overall months at Catussaba are September, October, November, December, January, February, March. The best wind months are January, February, September, October, November, December.
Which wind directions work at Catussaba?
Catussaba works with NE winds.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Catussaba?
Recommended equipment sizes at Catussaba: Kitesurfing: 9–12 m² · Windsurfing: 5–6 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 15–22 kts.
What skill level is Catussaba suitable for?
Catussaba suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Expert · Windsurfing: Intermediate · Wingfoiling: Advanced · Surfing: Intermediate.