Lagoa do Queimado (Pendências)

KitesurfingWingfoiling
Freestyle, Freeride
Best for
Beginner
Skill Level
Flat, Shallow
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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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 this spot

About

Lagoa do Queimado (Pendências) is a shallow, flat-water lagoon with a medium-size sandy beach and generally cloudy water. The lagoon is about 1 m deep over soft, swampy ground in many areas, which makes it especially friendly for practicing basic kite control and freestyle progressions on calm water. Wind is dominated by Southeast trade winds, with a strong thermal reinforcement pattern in the afternoon. For many riders, the practical wind window aligns with late morning through early evening, with the strongest strengthening typically occurring in the afternoon. The main season is generally August through December, and reported typical wind speeds fall in the range of 15–25 knots. Wind direction is most favorable from the east, with East/Southeast components commonly noted. Because the water is shallow and often not very clear, depth awareness matters even during landing and after you kite out. Keep extra attention near the edges where the lagoon can get too shallow for comfort—especially if you’re trying foil. Wildlife/livestock are a specific hazard around launch and landing zones, so take your time with gear handling and avoid walking directly into grazing areas. Access is practical by car: from Macau you can see the lagoon from the seaside, then you take small dirt roads through the savanna/shrubland to drive directly to the water’s edge and park next to it. Facilities are minimal, so bring supplies and water with you; the spot is described as quiet and largely off the main tourist path.

  • Extremely flat water ideal for freestyle practice
  • Warm year-round conditions
  • Reliable east trade-wind component with strong afternoon reinforcement
  • Low crowd compared with more commercialized nearby hubs
Great for
Kitesurfing freestyleKitesurfing freerideBeginnersAdvanced riders
What's great
  • Very flat, shallow lagoon water ideal for freestyle and beginner progression
  • Consistent east/trade wind in the main season
  • Warm conditions year-round
  • Low-crowd, locally focused scene
Heads up
  • No lifeguards or dedicated rescue support
  • On-site access is via small dirt tracks through savanna
  • Water can be cloudy and depth is variable across the lagoon
  • Animals (e.g., grazing livestock) near launch/landing areas
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Practical spot guide

Wind, water and seasons

Wind

Direction
E, SSE
Wind Range
15–25 kts
Wind Type
Trade — Southeast trade winds (Alísios) with strong thermal reinforcement
Reliability
High during the main season; consistent with the Rio Grande do Norte region
Gust Factor
Steady — Steady wind reported; thermal reinforcement can strengthen afternoon acceleration
Best Months
August, September, October, November, December
Recommended Kite Sizes
7–12 m²

Water & beach

Water Type
Flat, Shallow
Beach
Sand — Sand beach access with nearby grass/vegetation around the lagoon.
Beach Size
Medium
Waves
Flat — Flat water/very small surface; described as perfectly flat for kitesurfing practice.
Launch
Small — Small dirt-road access through savanna with direct entry to the lagoon.
Launch Difficulty
Easy — Direct access via a small dirt road and parking near the water.

Through the year

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
25–28 °C
Water Temperature
26–33 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Jan–Dec: No wetsuit required (use a rash guard/UV protection)
Crowds by Season

Generally very quiet and uncrowded year-round; mostly locals or travelers on organized kite trips.

Storm/Rain Season

March to June

By sport

What to expect for each.

KitesurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

Shallow, flat lagoon conditions with consistently calm water; widely suited to beginners for flat-water progression and freestyle practice. Foil can be possible for those who can manage variable shallow edges.

FreestyleFreerideFoil
Kite Sizes
7–12 m²
WingfoilingSkill Level

Suitable in the deeper sections of the lagoon, but riders should be cautious near the edges where the water can get too shallow.

Foil Friendly
Limited — Foil is only practical where depth is sufficient (variable across the lagoon).
Min Depth
Variable; deeper in the center of the lagoon.
Wing Sizes
4–6 m²
Forecast

Check the forecast before you go

See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Lagoa do Queimado (Pendências) in the full forecast view.

Lagoa do Queimado (Pendências) wind and wave forecast summary

Wind
5–16 ktsGusts 26 kts
Direction
ENE63°
Strongest day
Sat, Oct 2416 kts
Windy days
7/712 kts or more
Temperature
25–35 °C

Over the next 7 days, Lagoa do Queimado (Pendências) is forecast for daytime winds of 5–16 kts, peaking around 16 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 26 kts. The prevailing direction is ENE. 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

  • Animals near the launch area
Ability Level: Beginner
Recommended Safety Gear
Harness

Rescue & support

Lifeguard
None — No lifeguards reported on the lagoon.
Rescue & Self-Rescue
Limited — No dedicated rescue boats/lifeguards on the lagoon; safety relies on fellow riders or local support.
Emergency Info
Nearest municipal hospital is in Macau (~30 km away). In emergencies, dial 192 (ambulance) or 193 (fire department).

Rules of the spot

No formal local rules reported; riders should respect the local environment and livestock.

Local Tips
  • Keep an eye out for grazing animals (such as cows or donkeys) when landing or launching.
  • The water is often cloudy; be mindful of depth changes even if you cannot see the bottom clearly.

Getting there & access

Nearest City
Macau
Nearest Town
Pendências
Parking
Parking is possible directly next to the water at the end of the dirt tracks.
Public Transport
Intercity bus services connect Natal to Pendências and Macau, but a private vehicle or 4x4 is highly recommended for reaching the water.
Access
Drive from Macau toward Pendências; the lagoon is visible from the seaside. Take small dirt roads through the savanna/shrubland to reach the water. Park next to the water at the end of the track.
Local Language
Portuguese
Amenities

What's on the beach

Parking
Accommodation
Nearby town — Limited options in Pendências; more variety is available in the nearby city of Macau.
Food & Drink
No facilities on-site; visitors should bring their own water and supplies.
Equipment Rental:
Limited rental available through mobile support (most riders bring their own gear).
Gear Storage
On-site storage is unavailable; riders typically store gear at their accommodation or in their vehicles.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

The area

Off the water

The broader Pendências/Macau area is known for salt flats/pans and traditional fishing, with rustic landscapes and nearby tour options.

Best time to visit: August to December
Salinas de Macau25 km

Large salt flats and pans that define the landscape and economy of this region.

Buggy ToursRegional

Off-road tours through dunes and along the Costa Branca coastline.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

Latest reported conditions

Spot questions

Frequently asked questions

When is the best season at Lagoa do Queimado (Pendências)?

The best overall months at Lagoa do Queimado (Pendências) are August, September, October, November, December.

Which wind directions work at Lagoa do Queimado (Pendências)?

Lagoa do Queimado (Pendências) works with E, SSE winds.

What equipment sizes are recommended at Lagoa do Queimado (Pendências)?

Recommended equipment sizes at Lagoa do Queimado (Pendências): Kitesurfing: 7–12 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 15–25 kts.

What skill level is Lagoa do Queimado (Pendências) suitable for?

Lagoa do Queimado (Pendências) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Beginner · Wingfoiling: Intermediate.