Catussaba

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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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

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
Great for
Kitesurfing freerideKitesurfing waveSurfing shortboardSurfing bodyboard
What's great
  • 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).
Heads up
  • 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.
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Practical spot guide

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

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
24–29 °C
Water Temperature
22–31 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Jan–Dec: rash guard (sun protection) / optional 1–2mm shorty on windier days
Crowds by Season

High during Brazilian summer holidays (December–February) and sunny weekends.

Storm/Rain Season

April to July (peak rainy season); can also bring gusty frontal winds.

By sport

What to expect for each.

KitesurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

Expert-level wave and freeride kitesurfing spot with NE trade winds and side-onshore tendency.

WaveFreerideStrapless
Kite Sizes
9–12 m²
WindsurfingSkill Level

Suitable for wave and freeride windsurfing, though this specific section is reported as more kitesurf-focused.

WaveFreeride
Sail Sizes
5–6 m²
WingfoilingSkill Level

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
SurfingSkill Level

Catussaba/Stella Maris stretch is described as a classic surf zone with multiple peaks.

Beach break
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
Forecast

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.

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

  • Rocks
  • Submerged reef patches
  • Strong currents (especially with tidal movement and southerly swells)
  • Swimmers and beachgoers near the resort
  • Shore break
Ability Level: Expert
Recommended Safety Gear
HelmetImpact vestLeashWetsuit

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.

Restrictions
  • Designated swimming areas must be avoided.
Local Tips
  • 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
Amenities

What's on the beach

Restaurant
Bar
Parking
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.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

The area

Off the water

Salvador combines tropical beach life with a strong urban cultural scene, with watersports concentrated along the Amaralina–Stella Maris coastal belt.

Best time to visit: December to March for the best weather and major cultural festivities (including Carnival).
Farol da Barra10-15 km

Iconic lighthouse and maritime museum at the entrance of the Bay of All Saints.

Pelourinho15-20 km

Historic center known for Portuguese colonial architecture and vibrant Afro-Brazilian culture.

Salvador Beaches

Coastal exploration and beach activities along Salvador’s extensive shoreline.

Amaralina & Stella Maris Dining

Local and international dining options in beachfront neighborhoods.

Projeto Tamar50 km

Sea turtle conservation center in Praia do Forte.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

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.