Served with a healthy dose of sun, sand, sea and festa, Brazil is the perfect remedy for watersports enthusiasts seeking immersion in nature.
Spilling over with untamed natural beauty that stretches from crystalline coastline to lush hinterlands, Brazil is a country made for adventurous souls.
ADVERTISEMENTSail through the wilderness of the rainforest or surf at any spot along the idyllic 7,491-kilometre coastline, whatever your adventure calling, Brazil promises the good weather, geological diversity and high energy to make for an unforgettable trip.
Today, we give in to the allure of legendary beaches and vibrant coastal towns, even navigating down winding Amazon riverways, to discover the best watersports destinations in Brazil. Alongside the best spots for surfing, kitesurfing, sailing, and canoeing, we’ll introduce the country’s rich indigenous and international culture, as reflected in a broad selection of local music, food and festivals.
1. Surfing in Pipa, Rio Grande do Norte
Surf paradise meets fishing village charm in the coastal town of Pipa, 85 kilometres south of Natal City. To get here, take the scenic Sun Route, known locally as the Rota do Sol, for a paradise road trip edged by eroded cliffs and flawless rainforest scenery.
Regularly featured among the best beaches in Brazil, Pipa’s beaches are as beautiful as they are entertaining. The namesake Praia de Pipa sits central as the town’s number one hang-out spot, enjoying shallow turquoise waters and dramatic cliffs, as well as activities such as kayaking and bike riding. For the best surf, try the powerful swells of Praia do Madeiro (Madiero Beach) or the legendary Praia do Amor (Lover’s Beach), suitable for experienced and beginner surfers.
Other top spots include Praia do Centro (Central Beach) for its natural pools and dolphin-watching boat trips, and Praia de Sibaúma (Sibaúma Beach), where a temporary waterfall appears at low tide. More high-octane attractions in the area include tree climbing, ziplining and hang gliding.
ADVERTISEMENTAlongside its numerous surf camps, Pipa town centre exudes laid-back charm. An old-world fishing village discovered by surfers in the 1970s, Pipa enjoys vibrant music, delicious cuisine and lively festivals that draw a blend of indigenous, African, and European influences. ‘Let’s Pipa…’ is the annual New Year’s celebration, when the town lights up with DJs, fireworks and beach parties until sunrise.
2. Kitesurfing in Jericoacoara, Ceará
Rivalling Pipa as the northeast’s hippest beachtown is Jericoacoara in the state of Ceará. A touch of the surreal applies to Jericoacoara’s scenery, where calm cerulean waters, dense mangroves and sand dune features offer up both adventure and tranquillity.
Freshwater lagoons form during the rainy season in Jericoacoara, providing a stunning setting for tranquil beach days, while, out on the open water, steady winds help keen kitesurfers carve paths across the crystal blue landscape.
When you grow weary of your floating hammock at Lagoa Paraíso (Paradise Lagoon) and Lagoa Azul (Blue Lagoon), move to Jericoacoara Beach for your choice of activities, including stand up paddle boarding, kitesurfing and sailing. For sunset views meanwhile, Pedra Furada Beach (Pierced Rock) is well worth the walk.
Beyond the beaches, friendly Jericoacoara village charms all who visit as an old fishing village turned cosmopolitan hub, with authentic local cuisine and pulsating nightlife to keep you entertained.
3. Canoeing in Tapajós River, Belém
Belém lies at an aquatic crossroads between the Atlantic ocean and various Amazonian waterways. A heritage city beside Guajará Bay, Belém is known for its old town and Portuguese tiled houses, as much as its natural heritage.
After breakfast at Ver-o-Peso market, hop in a canoe and track a winding path inland upon the Tapajós River, for some of Brazil’s most exotic and mysterious landscapes. On your voyage, experience the rich biodiversity of the rainforest, sighting monkeys and exotic birds in the forest canopy above and river dolphins in the waters below.
After days spent trekking, camping and boating along the Atlantic Amazon Trail or within Belém Environmental Park, return to Belém to refresh on flavourful cuisine, taking a bonus day of rest upon the freshwater beaches of Mosquiero island.
4. Sailing in Florianópolis, Santa Catarina
A lot can happen on the “Island of Magic.” Florianópolis, or Floripa as it’s known to locals, is a 54-kilometre paradise island in Santa Catarina boasting unique geography and upwards of 40 beaches protected within an environmental reserve.
ADVERTISEMENTBenefiting from both the calm waters of Lagoa da Conceição and the open Atlantic Ocean, Florianópolis is a diverse haven for watersports, as well as sailing, cultural appreciation and wildlife-watching.
Get a view of the secluded bays and rocky inlets that hug the coast on an unforgettable sailing trip, drifting back to land for seafood and feijoada (African-style stew) alongside heritage architecture at neighbouring towns backed by lush rainforest.
Floripa’s offshore islands are equally worthy, suited for diving excursions in hard-to-reach areas such as Arvoredo and Xavier, where all manner of ocean life brightens the shallow reefs surrounding.
If surfing is the calling, Joaquina can’t be beaten for its world-class surf and head-turning sunrises. Otherwise, Moçambique Beach is the quiet option for surfers seeking solitude, while Jurerê Beach is the late afternoon choice when chic restaurants and hip nightlife spots come to life.
5. Canoeing in Bonito, Mato Grosso do Sul
A second Amazonian adventure out west, this time we enter the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, an inland region known as one of Brazil’s main adventure tourism destinations.
What Matto Grosso do Sul lacks in beaches it makes up for in wet natural wonders, including underwater cave systems and pristine rivers flowing through densely packed jungle.
The city of Bonito is a fine base for adventure in the region, in easy reach of natural attractions such as Lago Azul Cave (Blue Lake Cave), Mimoso Cave and the Natural Aquarium, to name but a few. Rio Formoso Ecological Park too lies just 8 kilometres from Bonito, home to impressive bird and animal life, including harpy eagles, armadillos, cougars and hoary foxes.
After sampling freshwater seafood and other “bonitense” delicacies in town, it’s time for adventure. Embark on a diving excursion to explore world-famous caves at Anhumas Abyss, rappelling down the rocks into a mesmerising underwater world. Non-divers, meanwhile, can try river snorkelling along the Sucuri River (Anaconda River), or opt for boating, rafting and canoeing tours to glimpse vibrant aquatic life from the surface. In all cases, consider visiting the dry season (May-August) when waters are extra clear.
Embrace adventure in Brazil
Brazil’s diverse landscapes offer a thrilling playground for watersports enthusiasts and beach lovers alike. From invigorating waves along the northeast coast to serene canoe journeys through the central-west, each region provides a unique blend of adventure and cultural immersion. Enter the vibrant realm of Brazilian culture to explore all the best hidden gems, creating unforgettable memories to take home with you.
Ready to embark on your Brazilian adventure? Go to VisitBrasil.com to plan your dream watersport escape!
