With a good dose of sun, sand, sea and party, Brazil is the perfect remedy for water sports lovers looking to immerse themselves in nature.
Overflowing with untamed natural beauty that stretches from the crystalline coast to the lush interior, Brazil is a country made for adventurous souls.
Sail through the wilderness of the rainforest or surf anywhere along the idyllic 7,491 kilometer coastline. Whatever your adventurous vocation, Brazil promises good weather, geological diversity and the energy necessary to make your trip unforgettable.
Today, we surrender to the allure of legendary beaches and vibrant coastal cities, even sailing the winding waterways of the Amazon, to discover Brazil’s best water sports destinations. Along with the best places for surfing, kitesurfing, sailing and canoeing, we will present the country’s rich indigenous and international culture, reflected in a wide selection of music, gastronomy and local festivals.
1. Surf in Pipa, Rio Grande del Norte
Surf paradise meets fishing village charm in the coastal town of Pipa, 85 kilometers south of Natal. To get here, take the picturesque Ruta del Sol, known locally as “Rota do Sol”, a paradisiacal road trip lined with eroded cliffs and pristine rainforest landscapes.
Often ranked among the best in Brazil, Pipa’s beaches are as beautiful as they are fun. The eponymous Praia de Pipa is the main meeting point of the city, with shallow turquoise waters and spectacular cliffs, as well as activities such as canoeing and cycling. For the best surfing, try the powerful swell of Praia do Madeiro (Madiero Beach) or the legendary Praia do Amor (Love Beach), suitable for experienced surfers and beginners.
Other highlights include Praia do Centro (Center Beach), for its natural pools and dolphin-watching boat trips, and Praia de Sibaúma (Sibaúma Beach), where a temporary waterfall appears when the tide goes out. Other high-octane attractions in the area include tree climbing, zip lining and hang gliding.
ADVERTISINGIn addition to its many surf camps, downtown Pipa exudes a laid-back charm. An old-world fishing village discovered by surfers in the 1970s, Pipa enjoys vibrant music, delicious cuisine and lively festivals that attract a mix of indigenous, African and European influences. “Let’s Pipa…” is the annual New Year’s celebration, when the city lights up with DJs, fireworks and beach parties until dawn.
2. Kitesurfing in Jericoacoara, Ceará
Jericoacoara, in the state of Ceará, rivals Pipa as the most fashionable city in the northeast. A surreal touch is applied to the landscape of Jericoacoara, where calm cerulean waters, dense mangroves and sand dunes offer both adventure and tranquility.
The freshwater lagoons that form during the rainy season in Jericoacoara provide a stunning setting for lazy beach days, while, in the open sea, constant winds help kitesurfers make their way through the crystal blue landscape.
When you tire of your floating hammock on Lagoa Paraíso and Lagoa Azul, head to Jericoacoara Beach for activities like paddle surfing, kitesurfing, and sailing. To see the sunset, it is worth walking to Pedra Furada beach.
Beyond the beaches, the cozy town of Jericoacoara dazzles all who visit it as an old fishing village converted into a cosmopolitan center, with authentic local cuisine and a lively nightlife that will keep you entertained.
3. Canoeing on the Tapajós River, Belém
Belém sits at an aquatic crossroads between the Atlantic Ocean and several Amazonian waterways. A heritage city next to Guajará Bay, Belém is known as much for its old town and its Portuguese tiled houses as for its natural heritage.
After breakfast at the Ver-o-Peso market, hop on a canoe and take a winding inland path along the Tapajós River, through some of the most exotic and mysterious landscapes in Brazil. During the trip, you will experience the rich biodiversity of the rainforest, spotting monkeys and exotic birds in the treetops and river dolphins in the waters.
After spending several days hiking, camping and sailing along the Atlantic Amazon Route or the Belém Environmental Park, return to Belém to sample the tasty cuisine and take an extra day of rest on the freshwater beaches of Mosquiero Island .
4. Navigate in Florianópolis, Santa Catarina
On the “Island of Magic” many things can happen. Florianópolis, or Floripa, as the locals call it, is a 54-kilometer paradise island located in Santa Catarina, with a unique geography and more than 40 protected beaches within an environmental reserve.
Thanks to the calm waters of Lagoa da Conceição and the Atlantic Ocean, Florianópolis is a paradise for water sports, sailing, culture and wildlife observation.
ADVERTISINGSee the secluded bays and rocky areas that hug the coast on an unforgettable sailing trip, and return to land to taste seafood and feijoada (African-style stew) alongside the heritage architecture of neighboring cities surrounded by lush rainforest.
The coastal islands of Floripa are equally valuable, suitable for diving excursions in hard-to-reach areas such as Arvoredo and Xavier, where all types of marine life illuminate the shallow reefs that surround them.
If your calling is surfing, Joaquina is unbeatable for its first-class waves and breathtaking sunrises. Otherwise, Moçambique Beach is the quiet option for surfers seeking solitude, while Jurerê Beach is the late-afternoon choice, when chic restaurants and trendy nightspots come to life.
5. Piragism in Bonito, Mato Grosso do Sul
A second Amazon adventure to the west, this time we enter the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, an inland region known as one of the main adventure tourism destinations in Brazil.
What Matto Grosso do Sul lacks in beaches it makes up for in wet natural wonders, like underwater cave systems and pristine rivers that flow through densely populated jungle.
The town of Bonito is a good starting point for adventure in the region, within walking distance of natural attractions such as the Blue Lake Cave, Mimoso Cave and the Natural Aquarium, to name just a few. The Río Formoso Ecological Park is also located just 8 kilometers from Bonito and is home to impressive animal fauna, such as harpy eagles, armadillos, pumas and foxes.
After tasting freshwater seafood and other “Bonitense” delicacies in the city, it is time to embark on an adventure. Embark on a diving excursion to explore the world-famous Anhumas Abyss caves, rappelling down the rocks into a fascinating underwater world. Non-divers, meanwhile, can snorkel in the Sucuri River (Anaconda River) or opt for boat, rafting or canoe excursions to see the vibrant aquatic life from the surface. In all cases, consider visiting in the dry season (May-August), when the waters are clearer.
Venture into Brazil
Brazil’s diverse landscape offers an exciting playground for both water sports and beach lovers. From powerful waves on the northeast coast to serene canoe trips through the Midwest, each region offers a unique blend of adventure and cultural immersion. Delve into the vibrant realm of Brazilian culture to explore the best hidden gems and create unforgettable memories to take home.
Ready to embark on your Brazilian adventure? Gonna VisitBrasil.com to plan your dream getaway.
