🌊 East Coast · Ceará · Brazil

Fortim
Ceará

Where the Jaguaribe River meets the Atlantic. Kitesurfing, buggy rides through the dunes, turquoise beaches and the authentic soul of the Ceará coast.

🏄 Things to do Where to stay
Scroll
🏄 Things to do 🏖️ Beaches 🍽️ Restaurants ☀️ Weather 🚗 How to get there 🛏️ Where to sleep 💡 Tips
📍 Discover Fortim

The hidden paradise
of the Ceará coastline

Fortim is one of the least explored gems of Ceará. Located 135 km from Fortaleza, at the mouth of the Jaguaribe River, the town surprises with its variety of experiences: beaches, river, dunes, kitesurfing, gastronomy and much more.

Unlike overcrowded destinations like Canoa Quebrada or Jericoacoara, Fortim keeps its fishing village feel — fresh fish stalls, jangadas at sea, friendly locals. But it also has all the infrastructure the modern traveller needs.

The village of Pontal de Maceió, just nearby, charms with colourful architecture around a historic little church — a must-see especially at night, with food stalls and a lively atmosphere.

🏄 Kitesurf 🚗 Buggy ⛵ Barco 🎣 Pesca 🌅 Pôr do sol 🍽️ Gastronomy 🎉 Mareh Festival
Aerial view of the beaches of Fortim, Ceará, where the Jaguaribe River meets the sea
Dunes and deserted beach in Fortim, Ceará, seen from a drone
135km
From Fortaleza
Top 5
Kitesurfing Brazil
6 praias
To explore
Todo ano
Season open
🎯 Activity guide

Things to do in
Fortim, Ceará

From kitesurfing to pétanque, from boat trips to the New Year's festival — Fortim has much more than just beaches. See the complete activity guide.

🏄
Water sport
Kitesurf & Windsurf
Barra do Fortim ranks among Brazil's top 5 kitesurfing spots. Constant trade winds, warm shallow water. Schools for beginners and areas for experienced riders.
Pontal Kite School · One Launch · Duotone Pro Center
Direct contacts in the Tours section below ↓
Best season: July to January
🚗
Aventura
Passeio de Buggy
Explore dunes, lagoons and deserted beaches on an exciting buggy ride along the Ceará coast. Local buggy drivers know every shortcut and hidden lagoon.
Mairton · Bruno · Alfredo · Zenir (local drivers)
Half-day or full-day available
Contatos diretos na seção Passeios abaixo ↓
⛵
Natureza & Rio
Passeio de Barco no Rio Jaguaribe
Sail along the Jaguaribe River through mangroves, birds and beaches reachable only by water. The sunset tour is magical. Combine with fishing and snorkelling.
Tião Carneiro — boat, speedboat and wingfoil support
ATV: Quadrifort (contacts in the Tours section ↓)
2–4 hours · pairs with fishing and snorkelling
🐴
Sport & Leisure
Caval'Aventure
A unique space with an equestrian training centre, beach tennis, capoeira, themed parties and great food. One of Fortim's liveliest hangouts.
Horse riding for all levels
Beach tennis and sports activities
Themed parties and lively evenings
🎯
Unique sport
Pétanque & Show de Bola
Fortim surprises with pétanque — the French bowls sport that has become a local craze. The Show de Bola combines sport with pole dancing, games and plenty of entertainment.
Pétanque: the original French sport
Show de Bola: sports and cultural hub
Great fun for groups
🌙
Culture & Village
Pontal de Maceió à Noite
The central square of Pontal de Maceió charms with its historic little church surrounded by colourful houses. At night, food stalls, crafts and live music come to life.
Historic church + colourful colonial houses
Food stalls, crafts and souvenirs
Praias das Grotas accessible from there
🎣
Local tradition
Artisanal Fishing
Fortim keeps alive the tradition of artisanal fishing with jangadas. Join the fishermen at dawn, learn about the culture and come back with super-fresh fish to cook.
Departures at dawn with local fishermen
Fresh fish available at the daily market
Authentic cultural experience
🎆
Festival • New Year's Eve
Mareh Festival
The Mareh Festival transforms Fortim's New Year's Eve into one of the liveliest on the northeastern coast — with shows, cuisine by international chefs, art and great energy.
New Year's Eve with international chefs
Shows and cultural attractions
Book accommodation months in advance
🌅
Contemplation
Pôr do Sol na Barra
The sunset at Barra do Fortim, with the Jaguaribe River in the background and dunes tinted orange, is one of the most beautiful natural spectacles in northeastern Brazil. Not to be missed.
Best spot: Canto da Barra
Coconut water and snacks at the beach bars
Bring a camera — the photos come out stunning
📞 Book your tours

Verified contacts
for tours & activities

Buggy, boat, kitesurfing, wingfoil, ATV, ferry crossing and taxi — direct contacts with the best local guides in Fortim.

🚗 Buggy Tour

Mairton

Buggy driver · Full tours
Half-day or full-day tours through dunes, lagoons and coastal beaches. Great for families and groups.

Bruno

Buggy driver · Lighthouse trail
Specialises in the trail to the Lighthouse — a route along the seafront and the most spectacular dunes in the area.

Alfredo

Buggy driver · Rental and tours
Guided tours and buggy rental to explore on your own. Excellent value for money.

Zenir

Buggy driver · Tours and rental
Experienced local guide, especially in the Pontal area. Buggy rental also available.
⛵ Boat, Speedboat & ATV

Tião Carneiro

Boat · Speedboat · Wingfoil with support
Boat and speedboat tours on the Jaguaribe River. Also offers wingfoil with speedboat escort — an exclusive experience on the coast.

Quadrifort

ATV · Fortim
ATV rental and tours along the Fortim coast. A great alternative to buggy for those wanting more adrenaline in the dunes.
🏄 Kitesurfing & Windsurfing

Pontal Kite School

School · Beginners and advanced
The most established school in Pontal de Maceió — a pioneer of kitesurfing in Fortim. Lessons for all levels, equipment rental.

One Launch Kite House

School · Kitesurfing & Wingfoil
School in Pontal de Maceió with kitesurfing and wingfoil lessons. Located directly on the beach, with access to the best spot in the area.
📍 View on Maps

Duotone Pro Center Fortim

2nd in the Americas · Kitesurfing & Wingfoil
Second Duotone Pro Center in the Americas — an international reference for kitesurfing and wingfoil on the Ceará coast.
📸 Instagram 🔗 Site
🪂 Wingfoil

Tião Carneiro

Wingfoil com suporte de lancha
Wingfoil with speedboat escort on the Jaguaribe River and coast — a safe and exciting experience for beginners and intermediates.

Pontal Wingfoil Evolution

School · Wingfoil · Pontal de Maceió
Wingfoil specialist school in Pontal. Lessons, equipment rental and full facilities for the sport directly on the beach.
📸 Instagram
⛴️ River Crossing (Ferry)

Flavio

Ferry · Fortim crossing
Ferry crossing to the other side of the river mouth. With buggy or 4x4, you can continue to Canoa Quebrada. ⚠️ Always check the tide before setting out.

Flavio (Mulher)

Ferry · Barra crossing
Another contact option for the river crossing — a backup if the first number is unavailable.

Flávia

Ferry · Fortim Barra crossing
Another reliable contact for the ferry crossing — always check the tide before planning the crossing.
🚕 Taxi in Fortim

Lucicleudo

Taxi · Fortim
Local taxi in Fortim for journeys within the town, Fortaleza airport and the coastal area.

Inacio

Taxi · Fortim · Barra · Pontal
Covers the Fortim, Barra and Pontal area. A good option for transfers between tourist spots in the region.

Mike

Táxi · Fortim
Quick contact for a local taxi — a good option for last-minute arrivals and departures.
🏖️ The beaches

Beaches of Fortim:
each one is unique

⭐ The Barra beach
🌊

Canto da Barra

KitesurfSunsetBarracas
Where the river meets the sea, just 300m away. At low tide several lagoons appear — it's excellent!
📍 300m · on foot from Barra do Fortim
🏖️

Praia Canoé

Free accessSign at the entrance
Head towards Pontal and turn right at the "Praia Canoé" sign. Access is free.
🗺️ Como chegar: View on Google Maps →
🌅

Praia do Farol

SunsetOn foot from Canoé
You can walk from Praia Canoé — also great for sunset!
🚶 Walk from Praia Canoé
🚗

Praia do Pontal

GrotasSnorkellingPontal de Maceió
Just 8 minutes by car. Natural grottoes and calm waters perfect for snorkelling.
🚗 8 minutes by car
⭐ Definitely worth it
🤿

Praia das Agulhas

PeacefulFamily
It's a little further away and the road isn't so good, but we highly recommend it! Definitely worth it.
📍 Rough road — vehicle recommended
⭐ Not to be missed
🌅

Praia do Rio Pirangi

Deserted beachSunsetBuggy / 4x4
Requires buggy or 4x4 to reach. Deserted beach at the meeting of river and sea — recommended for sunset!
🚗 Buggy or 4x4 required
Full guide to all 6 beaches →
🍽️ Gastronomia

Where to eat well
in Fortim

From a French bakery to fresh seafood, via pizza by the sea — Fortim's food scene surprises with its diversity.

🥐

Zeste Pontal

French Bakery · Breakfast
A French-style bakery that has won over locals and tourists alike. Artisanal breads, croissants and a coffee selection that any Parisian would approve. A great way to start the day.
☕

Estação do Pontal

Traditional breakfast
The classic Ceará breakfast with tapioca, couscous, coalho cheese and strong coffee. Cosy atmosphere and fair prices. Very popular among locals.
🍕

Vila Caiçara

Pizza & Meat · Dinner
A pizzeria with surprisingly good quality for an inland town. Also serves meat and heartier dishes for those who prefer something other than seafood. Great atmosphere for dinner.
🌍

Quimanga

International Cuisine · Contemporary
A more original and contemporary food concept, with reimagined international dishes using local ingredients. Popular with the international kitesurfers who live in Fortim.
🐟

Canto Verde

Seafood · Fish stew
House speciality: fresh fish stew — a generous, flavourful dish that represents Fortim's fishing tradition. Simple setting and soulful food.
🦞

Maresia

Seafood · Lobster
The most sought-after restaurant for those wanting to eat the local lobster. Super-fresh ingredients and recipes that bring out the natural flavour of the sea. Higher price, but worth it.
More gastronomy options in Fortim
🍢
Espetinho do Carioca
⭐ Highly recommended
The best skewers and baião de dois in Fortim. No delivery, but you can order before picking up. A must for those wanting to eat well on a budget.
📍 Location
🍱
Sushi do Chan
Sushi in Fortim — yes, it exists and it's good! A different option for those wanting a break from the seafood menu during their coastal stay.
🍲
Restaurante Carneiro
Traditional hot dishes with delivery option. Also serves breakfast and lunch. One of the most popular for a full meal in Fortim.
📍 Maps
🥗
Dona Onça
Light and zen cuisine — ideal for lunch. Delivery available in the area. A healthy and different option at a beach destination.
🫕
Panela de Barro
Authentic northeastern cuisine served in a clay pot — a Fortim classic. Rustic atmosphere and food full of flavour and regional tradition.
📸 Instagram
🦐
Mariscada da Rivanda
Fresh shellfish stew with local seafood — one of the most popular restaurants for those wanting to dive into the flavours of the Ceará coast.
🍕
Disk Pizza Fortim
Pizza delivery — a great option for evenings when you want to dine in without going out. Order in advance.
🦞
Camarão Cervejeiro
Prawn snacks and sharing dishes — perfect with a cold beer after a day at the beach. Located at Barra de Fortim.
📸 Instagram 📍 Maps
🍕
Point da Praça
Pizzeria in front of the sports hall — Fortim's evening hot spot. Relaxed atmosphere popular with locals and tourists.
📍 Ver localização
Where to eat in Fortim: full guide →
☀️ When to go

Fortim weather:
the best month to visit

Fortim can be visited year-round, but each season has its advantages. The period from July to February is most recommended: fewer rains, strong winds (perfect for kitesurfing) and lots of sun.

March to June is the rainy season. The rains are quick and don't stop you from going to the beach — but the area turns greener and freshwater lagoons in the dunes create unique landscapes for nature lovers.

Temperature: between 22°C and 34°C all year. Use SPF 50+ sunscreen — the coastal sun + wind dries skin very quickly!

Jan
🌊
Great
Feb
⛅
Good
Mar
🌧️
Rain
Apr
🌧️
Rain
May
🌤️
Good
Jun
🌤️
Good
Jul
🏄
Best!
Aug
🏄
Best!
Sep
🌊
Great
Oct
🌊
Great
Nov
☀️
Very good
Dec
🎆
New Year's!
🗺️ Getting there

How to get there
em Fortim

🚗
By car
From Fortaleza
Take the CE-040 towards Aracati. Before entering Aracati, follow the signs to Fortim. Roads in good condition, with beautiful coastal scenery. Avoid driving at night without knowing the route.
⏱ ~2h30 · 135 km
✈️
By plane
Pinto Martins Airport — Fortaleza
Fly to Fortaleza and rent a car at the airport — the most comfortable and flexible option. Most national car hire companies are available at the airport. The road to Fortim is beautiful!
⏱ 2h30 drive after landing
🚌
By bus
Fortaleza Bus Terminal
There are buses to Aracati (the neighbouring town, 20 km from Fortim). From Aracati, take a taxi or rideshare to Fortim. An economical option, but less comfortable for those with large luggage.
⏱ ~3h30 total
How to get to Fortim: full guide →
🛏️ Where to sleep

Accommodation in
Fortim

From budget guesthouses to luxury eco resorts — Fortim has options for every profile and budget. Visit the official sites and book directly.

🌴 Guesthouse · Barra do Fortim

Barra Beach House

Chalets for 2 to 6 people with pool, full kitchen, air conditioning and parking. 300m from Barra beach — a great option for families and couples.
See official site →
🏄 Lodge · Pontal de Maceió

Jaguaribe Lodge

A world reference in kitesurfing. High-standard bungalows, kite school, equipment rental and a beachside bar. Very popular with European athletes.
Ver site oficial →
🌿 Eco Boutique · Luxury

Vila Selvagem

Bungalows suspended in native forest with an infinity pool and creative cuisine. For those seeking a nature retreat with a high level of sophistication.
Ver site oficial →
🌴 Village Resort · Families

Jaguarindia Village

Full resort facilities: heated pool, kids' club, sports courts and restaurant. Comfortable chalets in a wooded area — ideal for groups and families.
Ver site oficial →
🌅 Boutique Hotel · Couples

Pausa Hotel

Contemporary design with spa, rooftop bar with views of the Jaguaribe River and chalets with private verandas. The choice for couples seeking sophistication in Fortim.
Ver site oficial →
🌺 Guesthouse · Budget

Recanto Beija Flor

Guesthouse with tropical garden, homemade breakfast and hammock on the veranda. Simple, clean rooms 500m from the beach — welcoming service and excellent value for money.
View on Instagram →
📣 Hotel owners

Want to advertise your guesthouse here?
Get in touch.

Your guesthouse can appear in this guide and be found by tourists from across Brazil searching for things to do in Fortim. Contact information for advertisers coming soon.

💡 Before you go

Essential tips
for your trip

01
Book ahead for July
July is high season in Fortim. The best guesthouses fill up weeks ahead. Book at least 1 month in advance — especially for the Mareh Festival New Year's Eve.
02
Withdraw cash before arriving
Fortim has few ATMs. Buggy tours, beach bars and boat operators generally only accept cash. Withdraw in Aracati or Fortaleza before continuing your journey.
03
SPF 50+ sunscreen, non-negotiable
Sun + wind + salt = damaged skin. Use SPF 50+ sunscreen, reapplying every 2 hours. A wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses are essential — especially on buggy tours.
04
Use local guides for tours
Mairton, Bruno, Alfredo and Zenir for buggy; Tião Carneiro for boat and speedboat. They know hidden lagoons, shortcuts and stories no travel app will ever tell you. Contacts in the Tours section above.
05
Padaria Zeste: special hours
The best bakery in Pontal opens Thu–Tue from 7 am to 12 pm. Fri to Sun also opens 5–7 pm. Note: closed on Wednesdays. They deliver — contact via WhatsApp.
06
Fresh fish, prawns and lobster
Peixaria O Flávio sells directly from the fisherman — call ahead to find out what's available that day. Ideal for those with a kitchen in their accommodation. WhatsApp.
07
Supermarket and pharmacy 10 min away
Minibox Fortim Mall (5.4 km) is the most complete supermarket in the area. Farmácia Farmanato is 4.9 km away. If you need specific medicines, bring them from home — the range is limited.
08
Petrol station: fill up before heading out
Posto Fortim BR 2025 (CE-040) is 7.6 km away — open 24 hours. If coming by car from Fortaleza, fill up before entering Fortim to avoid surprises during buggy and 4x4 tours.
🌊 Fortim awaits you!

Come and experience
Fortim!

Fortim has beaches, tours, great food and guesthouses for every taste. Plan your trip with this guide and come and discover the east coast of Ceará.

Things to do ↑ Where to stay ↑