St Tropez (Cumbuco)
- Freeride, Wave
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Small waves
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
St Tropez (Cumbuco) is a sand-bottom, medium-sized beach-launch on the northern end of Cumbuco, where riders get small to medium wave conditions with clean water. The launch is described as easy for kiting, with a wide sandy area that allows space for rigging and launching—though it can become narrower at higher tide. Water depth is noted as deep immediately after the shore break, and shore break is generally small. Wind is predominantly from the east through east-south-east to south-east, fitting kitesurfing well in a trade/thermal wind pattern. Sources describe the season as having very high reliability, with nearly 100% probability during mid-season (notably August to October) and with thermal effects reinforcing winds in the afternoon. Typical riding wind is described in the range of roughly 15–25 knots, and kites are commonly selected around 8–14 m² depending on conditions and rider weight. For kitesurfing, the spot is used for freeride and wave riding, with flatter water and tiny-wave behavior around sandbanks at low tide; conditions can become stronger as the tide rises. Surfing is described as a small beach break, with waves getting stronger at higher tide and being more manageable at low tide. Wingfoiling is described as possible once you’re past the shore break, with the water deep enough for longer masts. Safety planning is important: rocks downwind are the main hazard and can be more exposed at lower tides, and the access area also sees beach vehicle traffic. Local guidance emphasizes checking tide timing before sending downwind, and avoiding parking directly in front of the beach access to prevent traffic congestion.
- Small-to-medium waves with clean water
- Consistent E/ESE/SE wind with strong seasonal reliability
- Easy sandy launch area, deep water after shore break
- Common starting point for downwind sessions toward Cauipe lagoon
- Consistent East to South-East wind with high seasonal reliability
- Warm, clean water with sand bottom
- Wide sandy beach area for rigging/launching (can narrow at high tide)
- Rocks downwind (can become exposed at lower tides)
- Vehicle traffic near access can be heavy
- Crowded conditions during peak season
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- E, ESE, SE
- Wind Range
- 15–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Thermal — Thermal/gradient trade-wind regime reported; sources note thermal effects reinforcing afternoon winds.
- Reliability
- almost 100% (seasonal reliability reported as nearly 100% during mid-season)
- Gust Factor
- Steady
- Best Months
- July, August, September, October, November, December, January
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 8–14 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Small waves
- Beach
- Sand — Sand beach.
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Small — Small-to-medium wave conditions are reported (some sources list medium wave).
- Launch
- Medium — Easy self-launch from sandy beach with ample space for rigging and launching; can narrow at high tide.
- Launch Difficulty
- Easy
Through the year
High season from July to December can be very busy, especially on weekends.
February to May (rainy season; less predictable winds)
By sport
What to expect for each.
Used for wave riding and freeride/wave conditions, with flat water zones at low tide; described as a popular alternative launch in the northern part of Cumbuco and as an inline start area for downwind sessions toward Cauipe lagoon.
- Kite Sizes
- 8–14 m²
Suitable for freeride and bump-and-jump; kitesurfers dominate the area.
- Sail Sizes
- 4.5–5.5 m²
Good for winging once past the shore break; water is deep enough for long masts, but rocks downwind are a hazard.
- Foil Friendly
- Yes
- Min Depth
- 1.5m
- Wing Sizes
- 3–5 m²
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for St Tropez (Cumbuco) in the full forecast view.
St Tropez (Cumbuco) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 7–15 ktsGusts 27 kts
- Direction
- E90°
- Strongest day
- Sat, Oct 2415 kts
- Windy days
- 5/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.8–1.3 m6s period
- Temperature
- 26–32 °C
Over the next 7 days, St Tropez (Cumbuco) is forecast for daytime winds of 7–15 kts, peaking around 15 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 27 kts. The prevailing direction is E. Waves run 0.8–1.3 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
- Rocks (downwind/when exposed at lower tides)
- Beach vehicles/4x4 buggies and dense vehicle traffic near access
- Crowded conditions during peak season
Rescue & support
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Rescue availability is described as limited; private jet ski rescue services are typically arranged via local kite schools and beachfront pousadas (regional guidance).
- Emergency Info
- Medical clinics are available in Cumbuco village; more serious cases require transport to Fortaleza. Emergency medical services are reachable via 192 (regional guidance).
- Localism / Vibe
- None — No localism is noted for this spot.
Rules of the spot
Avoid parking directly in front of the beach access due to heavy car traffic; follow standard right-of-way rules and be cautious of swimmers near accommodation areas.
- Driving on the beach is regulated but common.
- Check the tide before heading downwind, as some rock clusters become hazardous when shallow.
- Park next to the beach access after turning right up the dune; avoid blocking the access path to keep traffic flowing.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Fortaleza
- Nearest Town
- Cumbuco
- Parking
- Parking is available near the beach access; avoid parking directly in front of the access path to allow vehicle flow.
- Access
- At the end of Cumbuco, turn right where the street goes up the dune and park next to the beach; avoid parking directly in front of the beach access due to heavy car traffic.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- Portuguese
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Several pousadas/hotels are available near the spot (directly at the beach area per providers), with additional options in Cumbuco.
- Food & Drink
- Food and drink services are available via beach clubs and pousada restaurants directly on/near the sand.
- Equipment Rental:
- Equipment rental is available in the nearby center of Cumbuco village (and via kite schools).
- Gear Storage
- Many beachfront pousadas and nearby providers offer secure gear storage for guests.
- Gear Repair
- Gear repair is available in Cumbuco village.
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 St Tropez (Cumbuco)?
The best overall months at St Tropez (Cumbuco) are June, July, August, September, October, November, December, January. The best wind months are July, August, September, October, November, December, January.
Which wind directions work at St Tropez (Cumbuco)?
St Tropez (Cumbuco) works with E, ESE, SE winds.
What equipment sizes are recommended at St Tropez (Cumbuco)?
Recommended equipment sizes at St Tropez (Cumbuco): Kitesurfing: 8–14 m² · Windsurfing: 4.5–5.5 m² · Wingfoiling: 3–5 m². The typical wind range is 15–25 kts.
What skill level is St Tropez (Cumbuco) suitable for?
St Tropez (Cumbuco) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Intermediate · Windsurfing: Intermediate · Wingfoiling: Intermediate.