Lençóis Maranhenses (Maranhão)

Lençóis Maranhenses is a remote dune-and-lagoon kitesurfing destination inside the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, where seasonal freshwater lagoons form between immense white sand dunes. Water in the lagoons is described as crystal clear and very flat, with wide-open launch possibilities on surrounding sand. Wind is dominated by steady trade winds from the East and Northeast during the dry season. Typical kiting conditions are reported around 15–25 knots (and up to the high 20s knots in some estimates), with strong consistency and a steady gust profile. The wind often builds later in the day as dunes heat up, aligning with an afternoon peak pattern. The main practical constraint is access and lagoon rules: entry/navigation within the protected park requires licensed, accredited 4x4 vehicles and local guidance. Some lagoons are designated or restricted for kitesurfing, and fines can include vehicle impoundment if you do not follow the required access process. Expect conditions to change through the year: lagoon depth depends on rainfall, and later in the season lagoons dry up. Safety is primarily about preparation and local guidance—there is no formal rescue service on-site. Riders should plan for the remote setting, intense UV exposure, dehydration risk, variable lagoon depths, and choppier water at high tide. Where water transitions near the river mouth (Rio Preguiças), strong currents are reported, adding an additional reason to stay within guided/authorized areas.