Pico das Almas
- Wave, Shortboard
- Best for
- Beginner to Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Medium waves
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Pico das Almas is an ocean beach-break area near Cumbuco, known for clean, medium-sized waves over a sandy bottom and for wind sports driven by consistently strong East to Southeast winds. Kitesurfing is the top choice here, supported by wave-friendly conditions and a pattern that is strongest from August through December. For wind, the prevailing directions are E, ESE, and SE, with thermal reinforcement that typically strengthens from late morning into the afternoon. Wind reliability is reported as very high in the second half of the year, with near-daily conditions during the best months; the rainy season can reduce wind-day frequency. Typical wind speeds are commonly in the 18–28 knot range, and gustiness is described as light. For surfing, the break is a sandy beach-break offering powerful, peeling waves with good quality. It generally works around mid tide, with swell starting around 1.0–1.5 meters and holding up to about 2.5 meters or more. When offshore winds occur from the South/Southwest, the waves can be groomed, but with trade winds present expect side-onshore chop. Safety-wise, the most emphasized concerns are currents/drift and the shore break. The beach also has palm-tree hazards around the riding area, and floating debris or fishing nets may be present at times. Self-sufficiency is important because rescue/lifeguard presence is reported as none, and the spot is described as remote and less crowded than nearby options.
- Very consistent East/Southeast trade-wind pattern
- Kitesurfing wave and freeride conditions
- Powerful beach-break surfing with 50–150m rides
- Warm water year-round (lycra/rash guard often sufficient)
- consistent East/Southeast trade-wind pattern, best from August to December
- medium, sandy beach-break surf with good ride lengths
- spacious beach area with room to launch/land
- warm water year-round (no wetsuit typically needed)
- currents and drift can be significant
- shore break and exposure to open conditions
- launch/approach can be more challenging at high tide
- palm-tree hazards around parts of the beach
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- E, ESE, SE
- Offshore directions
- S, SSW, SW
- Wind Range
- 18–28 kts
- Wind Type
- Thermal — Thermal and trade-wind reinforcement; wind builds after late morning and is typically strongest through the day.
- Reliability
- Very high during the second half of the year; almost every day except during the rainy season (reported ~60% wind days).
- Gust Factor
- Light gusts — Reported as light gusts.
- Best Months
- August, September, October, November, December
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 7–12 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Medium waves
- Beach
- Sand
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Medium
- Launch
- Medium — Spacious sandy beach with plenty of room, though the shore break can be challenging.
- Launch Difficulty
- Moderate — Reported as easy by some sources; other reports describe launch difficulty as moderate due to shore break.
Through the year
Generally quiet on weekdays; few surfers and kiters on weekends compared to the main Cumbuco area.
February to May is the primary rainy season; rainy season can have lighter/more variable winds.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Ocean kitesurfing with medium waves, flat sections between waves, and relatively limited space between sets. Wind is commonly consistent in the peak months, supporting wave riding and freeride/downwinder style sessions.
- Kite Sizes
- 7–12 m²
Suitable for wave sailing and freeriding, though reported as less frequently used than the main nearby wind beach.
- Sail Sizes
- 4.2–5.3 m²
Excellent foil riding in the swell, but the shore break and strong currents make clean exits and returns challenging; good board control is required.
- Foil Friendly
- Yes — Foil-friendly conditions reported.
- Min Depth
- 1.5 meters
- Wing Sizes
- 3–5 m²
Powerful beach-break surf with a sandy bottom. Works best around mid tide with swell typically between 1.0 and 2.5 meters, holding up to about 2.5 meters+ though it can become very heavy and challenging.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- N, NE, NNE
- Swell Height
- 1–2.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- Mid — Mid tide was highlighted; works at rising and falling tides.
- Shelter
- Exposed — Open and exposed to trade winds; surf can still be groomed when conditions turn offshore.
- Wind Effect
- Offshore winds from the South/Southwest can groom waves for surfing, while trade winds can add side-onshore chop.
- Bigger Swell
- Holds size well up to around 2.5 meters or more, but on larger swell it becomes very heavy and challenging.
- Wave Quality
- Good
- Wave Power
- Powerful — Powerful, ordinary, fun waves.
- Wave Shape
- Peeling
- Peel Speed
- Medium — Peeling waves; peel speed reported as medium.
- Ride Length
- Normal (50 to 150m).
- Typical Ride Length
- 50–150 m
- Ride Length Details
- Typical rides are reported between 50 and 150 meters; one source notes about 100 meters.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Pico das Almas in the full forecast view.
Pico das Almas wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 8–15 ktsGusts 27 kts
- Direction
- E90°
- Strongest day
- Sat, Oct 2415 kts
- Windy days
- 5/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.9–1.6 m6s period
- Temperature
- 26–31 °C
Over the next 7 days, Pico das Almas is forecast for daytime winds of 8–15 kts, peaking around 15 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 27 kts. The prevailing direction is E. Waves run 0.9–1.6 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
- currents
- shore break
- palm trees around the beach
- drift
- remote location
- drift
- floating debris or fishing nets (possible)
Rescue & support
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- No — No rescue availability was reported for this spot.
- Emergency Info
- Nearest medical facilities are in Cumbuco or Caucaia; major hospitals are in Fortaleza.
Rules of the spot
General maritime rules apply; keep clear of traditional fishing boats (jangadas) if present. No specific spot rules were reported.
- Keep clear of traditional fishing boats (jangadas) if present.
- Talk to a local before you go on the water as best practice.
- Keep a safe distance from the shoreline during higher swells.
- Avoid confusion during tidal changes: launches can be easier at low tide, but be careful during high tide.
- The spot is significantly less crowded than the main area, but requires better self-sufficiency.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Fortaleza
- Nearest Town
- Cumbuco
- Parking
- Parking is usually done directly on the sand or at the end of the access road near the dunes.
- Access
- About 3 km downwind of Cumbuco (~30 km from Fortaleza). Typically reached along the beach by buggy/4x4; normal cars may reach via dunes and sandy streets but the road passage can be inconsistent depending on conditions.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- Portuguese
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — There are several pousadas and hotels in Cumbuco, about 3 kilometers away.
- Food & Drink
- No permanent structures on the beach; bring your own water and snacks. Beach bars are located upwind in Cumbuco.
- Equipment Rental:
- Available at various shops and schools in Cumbuco village.
- Gear Storage
- Not available at the spot; storage is offered by schools in Cumbuco.
- Gear Repair
- Repair services for kites and boards are available in Cumbuco.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Pico das Almas?
The best overall months at Pico das Almas are August, September, October, November, December.
Which wind directions work at Pico das Almas?
Pico das Almas works with E, ESE, SE winds. Offshore directions are S, SSW, SW.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Pico das Almas?
Recommended equipment sizes at Pico das Almas: Kitesurfing: 7–12 m² · Windsurfing: 4.2–5.3 m² · Wingfoiling: 3–5 m². The typical wind range is 18–28 kts.
What skill level is Pico das Almas suitable for?
Pico das Almas suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Intermediate to Advanced · Windsurfing: Advanced · Wingfoiling: Advanced · Surfing: Intermediate to Expert.