Mangue Seco (Ceará)
- Freeride, Wave
- Best for
- Beginner
- Skill Level
- Chop, Flat
- Spot Type
- Busy
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Mangue Seco (Ceará) is a kitesurfing launch on the west coast of Ceará between Jericoacoara and Guriu. The spot is known for warm conditions year-round, with water around 29°C and strong sun exposure—so bringing sun protection is important. Wind is centered on NE direction, with July through December consistently highlighted across sources as the best period. Reported wind strength is typically in the low-to-mid 20s up to around the mid-30s knots, and sources describe a thermal component with trade-wind influence that produces reliable sessions, especially during the peak months. Water and riding character varies by what portion of the area you ride and the tide. Some sources describe chop with small waves and open-ocean character, while others highlight very flat, progression-friendly water formed by the river mouth and sandbars—particularly around mid-to-low tide. Expect the setup you choose to matter, because depth and surface conditions can shift with tidal changes. Safety planning is crucial: hazards reported include tidal currents in the river mouth area plus mangrove roots/stumps and wooden structures (including swings/hammocks) in the riding zone. There is no formal lifeguard service reported, and rescue is described as limited, so plan for self-rescue and be extra aware of people in the water near those wooden structures.
- NE-focused wind with strong seasonality (July–December)
- Warm water all year; shorts/lycra for sun protection
- Flat-to-choppy riding depending on tide and area choice
- Big sandy launch space
- Strong, reliable NE-leaning wind in the main season
- Warm water year-round; boardshorts/lycra for sun protection are typically sufficient
- Large sandy launch areas with generally clean water
- Transport requires buggy/pickup from nearby areas
- Hazards reported around mangroves/structures plus tidal-current risk in the river-mouth area
- Conditions can change significantly with tides
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- NE
- Wind Range
- 20–35 kts
- Wind Type
- Mixed — Thermal sea-breeze component with NE-leaning trade winds (sources describe thermal and trade winds).
- Reliability
- 95% in high season (July–January) / excellent
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts
- Best Months
- July, August, September, October, November, December
- Thermal Window
- Sea breeze · Afternoon · Months: Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec · Dir: NE · ≤40% cloud · Thermal pattern described as sea-breeze active during the day; May–September inactive in one provider’s thermal description, but both providers agree the strongest season is July–December.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Chop, Flat
- Beach
- Sand
- Beach Size
- Big
- Waves
- Small — Some sources describe small waves; other descriptions emphasize flat water in parts of the estuary/river-mouth area.
- Chop Level
- Moderate chop — Chop is repeatedly mentioned; ocean sessions may be more choppy than the flatter lagoon/estuary sections.
- Launch
- Big — Wide sandy launch areas along the river mouth and sandbars; also described as a large beach with gentle slope.
Through the year
Highest during peak wind season and on weekends due to day-trippers.
February to May
By sport
What to expect for each.
Mangue Seco (NE) is described as a warm-water kitesurfing destination with ocean chop and small waves, where NE wind is the preferred direction. Some sources also describe very flat, glassy conditions created by river mouth/sandbars that support freestyle progression and downwinders.
- Kite Sizes
- 7–10 m²
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Mangue Seco (Ceará) in the full forecast view.
Mangue Seco (Ceará) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 9–21 ktsGusts 33 kts
- Direction
- ENE78°
- Strongest day
- Sat, Oct 2421 kts
- Windy days
- 7/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.3–0.5 m6s period
- Temperature
- 25–34 °C
Over the next 7 days, Mangue Seco (Ceará) is forecast for daytime winds of 9–21 kts, peaking around 21 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 33 kts. The prevailing direction is ENE. Waves run 0.3–0.5 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
- Tidal currents within the river mouth area
- Mangrove roots and stumps
- Wooden swings and hammocks in the riding area
- No reported/verified hazards beyond the above details in available sources
Rescue & support
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — No formal public lifeguard service reported; rescue is typically managed by local buggy drivers or affiliated kite groups using boats.
- Emergency Info
- Brazil emergency numbers: 193 (fire/rescue) and 192 (ambulance). Major emergencies may require transport to a larger city.
Rules of the spot
To reach the spot you’ll typically need a buggy or pickup; plan transport accordingly before sessions.
- Best at mid-to-low tide for flatter water conditions in the lagoon/estuary areas.
- Watch for tourists in the water near the wooden swings/hammocks.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Jericoacoara
- Nearest Town
- Guriu
- Parking
- Buggy parking near local kiosks is mentioned.
- Access
- Located between Guriu and Jericoacoara; access is typically by buggy or pickup (often as a stop during downwinders).
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- Portuguese
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Pousadas are in nearby Guriu or Jericoacoara.
- Food & Drink
- Local kiosks (barracas) serve fresh seafood and drinks.
- Equipment Rental:
- No permanent rental shops directly at the mangrove noted; mobile schools from the Jericoacoara area visit.
- Gear Storage
- Secure storage is available via beachfront sports centers and pousadas (broader area).
- Gear Repair
- Specialized kite and sail repair services are available in the broader Jericoacoara area.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
The Jericoacoara–Mangue Seco coast blends estuaries, dunes, and Atlantic shoreline riding with a nature-focused rider scene centered around local villages and sunset dunes.
A massive dune where travelers gather daily to watch the sun set over the ocean.
An iconic arched rock formation on the coast, accessible via a scenic walk from Jericoacoara.
A traditional community offering insight into local life and river-crossing ferry culture.
4x4 buggy excursions through the National Park dunes and along the coastline to Camocim.
Open sea kite and wind sessions with long beach runs.
Paddling through the quiet mangrove areas of the Guriua river mouth.
Relaxation areas with swings and hammocks in trees; scenic sunsets.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Mangue Seco (Ceará)?
The best overall months at Mangue Seco (Ceará) are July, August, September, October, November, December, January. The best wind months are July, August, September, October, November, December.
Which wind directions work at Mangue Seco (Ceará)?
Mangue Seco (Ceará) works with NE winds.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Mangue Seco (Ceará)?
Recommended equipment sizes at Mangue Seco (Ceará): Kitesurfing: 7–10 m². The typical wind range is 20–35 kts.
What skill level is Mangue Seco (Ceará) suitable for?
Mangue Seco (Ceará) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Beginner.