Riacho Doce (Preá)
- Freeride, Wave
- Best for
- Beginner
- Skill Level
- Flat, Shallow, Ocean, Mixed
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Riacho Doce is a remote, wide sandy beach spot known primarily for kitesurfing in the Preá–Jericoacoara region. The water is described as clean with shallow, flat-to-small/medium-wave conditions, making it versatile for both flatter sessions (especially around suitable depths/tide) and basic wave riding. Wind availability is the main draw: the best months are July through December, with the spot repeatedly described as having very reliable strong onshore/side-onshore wind from the ENE to E sector. One source characterizes the wind as thermally influenced in this season (sea-breeze behavior with mid-morning onset and stronger afternoon pattern), while another emphasizes steady trade-wind behavior; taken together, expect strong, highly dependable winds with occasional higher gusts. Launch and riding are generally approachable due to the shallow, flat-water character and an easy launch difficulty with plenty of room for takeoff and landing. However, the location is isolated and access is strictly via beach/sandy trails requiring a 4x4 vehicle driven by someone experienced in sand driving, and there may be beach hazards like isolated fishing nets and driftwood. Safety planning matters here: sources note strong wind, sun exposure due to little shade, and currents/isolated conditions. There is no lifeguard presence reported at the spot, and rescue is described as limited overall—so riders should be self-sufficient and consider having strong local support/contingency plans before heading out.
- Big sandy beach with easy launch space.
- Strong, consistent ENE/E seasonal winds.
- Good downwinder stop due to reliable wind and varied water access.
- Clean, shallow flat-water conditions with small-to-medium waves.
- Consistent seasonal wind for kitesurfing from July to December.
- Shallow/flat-water character suitable for progression and comfortable launch/landing space.
- Clean water and a big sandy beach with wide launching areas.
- Versatile conditions: flat-water lagoons at some states plus small to medium ocean waves.
- Remote access: requires a 4x4 vehicle.
- Strong wind can be punishing; expect choppy conditions on the ocean side when wind is strong.
- Little shade; sun exposure can be significant.
- Isolated location with limited formal rescue at/near the beach.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- ENE, E
- Wind Range
- 17–30 kts
- Wind Type
- Thermal — Sources describe wind as thermally influenced/sea-breeze related at the spot, with strong trade-wind background in season.
- Reliability
- Very high during the second half of the year (July–February).
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts — One source describes moderate gusts; another describes steady winds (conflicting).
- Best Months
- July, August, September, October, November, December
- Shadow Zones
- None reported
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Flat, Shallow, Ocean, Mixed
- Beach
- Sand — Sand beach.
- Beach Size
- Big
- Waves
- Small — Providers describe small to medium beach/ocean wave conditions; surfing characterizes small to medium beach-break waves.
- Chop Level
- Light chop — Ocean side can turn choppy when wind is strong; flat-water sessions described as calmer depending on state.
- Launch
- Small — Launch described as shallow, flat water with a gentle slope; another provider emphasizes a very wide sandy beach for launching.
Through the year
Low to moderate; mostly visited by downwinder groups.
February to May
By sport
What to expect for each.
Shallow, flat-water kitesurfing conditions with small to medium waves; commonly used for flat-water riding when lagoons are deep enough, and downwind-style riding during strong seasonal wind.
- Kite Sizes
- 7–10 m²
Wingfoiling is possible when lagoon depth is sufficient or on open ocean sections, though strong wind and swell can be challenging.
- Foil Friendly
- Yes — Foil friendly when water depth allows.
- Min Depth
- 1.0m
- Wing Sizes
- 3–5 m²
Small to medium beach-break waves are available, but it is not a dedicated surfing destination compared to other Ceará breaks.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- E, ENE, NE
- Swell Height
- 0.5–1.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- Mid — Surfing source notes an optimal mid tide.
- Shelter
- Exposed
- Wind Effect
- Choppy on the ocean side when wind is strong.
- Bigger Swell
- Can close out with very large swells.
- Wave Quality
- Average
- Wave Power
- Moderate
- Wave Shape
- Mushy
- Peel Speed
- Medium
- Ride Length
- Short
- Ride Length Details
- Short rides reported.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Riacho Doce (Preá) in the full forecast view.
Riacho Doce (Preá) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 9–21 ktsGusts 32 kts
- Direction
- E79°
- Strongest day
- Sat, Oct 2421 kts
- Windy days
- 7/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.6–1.2 m5s period
- Temperature
- 25–33 °C
Over the next 7 days, Riacho Doce (Preá) is forecast for daytime winds of 9–21 kts, peaking around 21 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 32 kts. The prevailing direction is E. Waves run 0.6–1.2 m with a period of about 5s. 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
- strong wind
- isolated location
- sun exposure
- currents
- isolated fishing nets and driftwood may be present on the beach
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- None — No lifeguard presence reported at the spot.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — No formal spot-specific rescue described; regionally rescue is described as limited (support via local resources).
- Emergency Info
- Nearest medical facilities are located in Preá or Cruz (UPA in Cruz noted regionally). Call 192 (medical/SAMU) or 193 (fire/rescue) regionally.
- Localism / Vibe
- None — No localism reported.
Rules of the spot
Standard international kite navigation rules apply.
- 4x4 vehicle required to access the beach
- Bring plenty of water and sun protection as there is very little shade.
- Only attempt to reach the spot with a 4x4 vehicle driven by someone experienced in sand driving.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Jericoacoara
- Nearest Town
- Preá
- Nearest Airport
- Jericoacoara Airport (JJD) also referenced regionally
- Parking
- Parking described as done directly on the sand in designated areas away from the shoreline; one source notes informal beach parking near the 4x4 access point.
- Public Transport
- Limited bus service regionally; most travel via private transfers, beach buggies, or shuttles connected to the Jericoacoara area.
- Access
- Access requires a 4x4 vehicle (also described as beach access or sandy trails with 4x4).
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- Portuguese
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Accommodation available in the nearby town of Preá (range from budget pousadas to high-end hotels).
- Food & Drink
- Small rustic kiosks (barracas) serving local seafood and drinks during the high season.
- Equipment Rental:
- No permanent rental shops at the spot; rentals are available in Preá.
- Gear Storage
- None reported at the spot.
- Gear Repair
- None permanent at the spot (repair available in the nearby hub area).
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 Riacho Doce (Preá)?
The best overall months at Riacho Doce (Preá) are July, August, September, October, November, December, January, February. The best wind months are July, August, September, October, November, December.
Which wind directions work at Riacho Doce (Preá)?
Riacho Doce (Preá) works with ENE, E winds.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Riacho Doce (Preá)?
Recommended equipment sizes at Riacho Doce (Preá): Kitesurfing: 7–10 m² · Wingfoiling: 3–5 m². The typical wind range is 17–30 kts.
What skill level is Riacho Doce (Preá) suitable for?
Riacho Doce (Preá) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Beginner · Wingfoiling: Advanced · Surfing: Intermediate.