GOOD FOR:
Downwinders, waves and freeriding all within easy distance of your beachside accommodation.
THE LURE
In Icaraizinho you can choose between downwinders, waves and freeriding all within easy distance of your beachside accommodation.
Because it's situated between Paracuru and Jericoacoara, there's an incredibly high predictability of wind here and it's away from the crowds that sometimes frequent busier spots in Ceara. The village is a simple place with very welcoming people, offering small shops, a pharmacy, a church, some small restaurants and a spacious, sandy six kilometre stretch of beach.
Discovered by windsurfers and more recently kitesurfers looking to ride in peaceful surroundings, if you want to maximise your water time and chill in your downtime, then this is where you need to be!
Photo: Villa Mango
The view from your private jacuzzi / Photo TC Photography / VillaMango
Embrace the space / Photo: TC Photography / VillaMango
THE SET-UP
Located north of Guajiru and south of Prea, kiters of all levels and preferred disciplines will enjoy riding in Icaraizinho. Across the wide, six-kilometre long beach you’ll find flat water at the southeast end, bump and jump freeride conditions in the middle of the bay and up to two metre high waves at the north end, so there’s plenty of space both in the water and on the beach.
There are also two classic downwinders you can do going both to and from Icaraizinho. Caetanos to Icaraizinho is approximately 15 kilometres with good waves along the way, while Icaraizinho to Patos is slightly shorter at 14 kilometres, with smaller waves and glassy flat water sections on a high tide. Mango Kite Club run guided downwinders on both routes, so they're a great option for anyone embarking on their first downwind adventures! They can also take you to other spots nearby.
WIND, WEATHER & WATER
Air temps average around 35°C / 95°F in the high season (on windy days it cools down a little) and the water hovers at around 30°C / 86°F and doesn’t really change through the year. The only protection you'll ever need is sun cream or a rashie at most.
The season runs from July to January with 20 - 25 knot average winds from the east and the windiest months are August to November, when it ramps up to 25 to 40 knots. The rainy season (February to June) has less wind.
SCHOOLS
MANGO KITE CLUB operates from within the VillaMango grounds right in front of the kite spot. IKO instructors offer lessons with radio assistance for beginner to advanced riders. You can rent equipment and there are also air compressors, lockers, a large lawn for rigging and cleaning gear, a sea front gazebo and a rescue boat should you need it. Downwinder trips are available to nearby lagoons and flat water spots.
www.villamango.com.br
reservas@villamango.com.br
Villa Mango know how it’s done
Dream sessions in Icaraizinho
ACCOMMODATION
VillaMango is just a kilometre from Icaraizinho itself and you can walk there in 15 minutes along the beach (or the hotel staff can arrange a shuttle). The hotel and its attached bungalows / cabanas are private and completely integrated into the tranquil surroundings. VillaMango operates as environmentally sustainably as it can with efficient appliances, ecological drains and renewable power. The bungalows are built on stilts and from FSC certified wood and eucalyptus trees, which are harvested as part of a reforestation programme.
VillaMango is ideal for solo riders, couples or those travelling with a family as there’s a swimming pool and rest area with bar service just in front of the kite spot. They also have a fantastic restaurant with a signature menu created by their excellent chef.
www.villamango.com.br
reservas@villamango.com.br
NO WIND
On windless days take a walk through the pristine white sand dunes, swim in the lagoons and natural pools at low tide or explore the nearby Aracatiassu river, from where freshly harvested oysters are served in the hotel each day.
If you want to stay active off the water then go running, walking or cycling along the beach or do some laps of the pool at Villa Mango.
For a more relaxed experience, you can chill out at the hotel’s gazebo on the seafront which has magnificent views, a jacuzzi by the pool and bar service. VillaMango is just a kilometre from Icaraizinho itself and you can walk there in 15 minutes along the beach (or the hotel staff can arrange a shuttle).
GET AROUND
The nearest hospital is in Itapipoca, 80 kilometres away. You don’t need a hire car for Icaraizinho, (unless you want to go and stay at other kite spots along the coast while on your trip) and VillaMango can organise an airport transfer for you (as well as trips to other beaches).
Icaraizinho is a small, simple fishing village with some basic, but limited amenities. There are no ATMs (get cash at the airport or before you travel) and there is no hospital; just a small clinic that offers a limited service and a small pharmacy.
As a compact little village you won’t need a hire car unless you’re planning to check out other spots on your way to or from Icaraizinho. VillaMango can organise your airport transfer as well as trips around the area. On windless days take a walk through the pristine white sand dunes, swim in the lagoons and natural pools at low tide or explore the nearby Aracatiassu river, from where freshly harvested oysters are served in the hotel each day.
CURRENCY
Brazilian Reais (R$) - £1 = R$4 / €1 = R$3 / US$ = R$2.6
FOOD & DRINK
You’ll find some small local restaurants in the village and a very simple nightlife. VillaMango offeres a restaurant with a menu signed by their excellent chef.
PHOTO / VillaMango
AIRPORT
Fortaleza Pinto Martins airport (FOR) is approximately 200 kilometres away / 2.5 hours transfer.
TRAVEL AGENTS
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KITEWORLDWIDE specialize in delivering extraordinary kitesurf holidays to exotic destinations while avoiding the tourist traps.
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Planet Kitesurf Holidays specialise in luxury tailor‐made kitesurf holidays worldwide. Through its team of highly experienced kitesurf travel professionals, the company offers expert impartial advice, backed up by full ATOL and TTA financial protection. Planet Kitesurf belongs to the Planet Travel group, a market leader in active holidays since 2000.
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Sportif Kitesurf Holidays provide kitesurfing and multi sport holidays to the very best destinations worldwide. Sportif centres have the latest equipment and highly qualified, experienced staff. Whatever your level, you'll find a range of flexible rental or instruction packages, with a choice of accommodation from budget to luxury 5* hotels, right next to the centres.
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Freeride Kitesurf specialise in organising unique downwind adventures and tailor-made trips along the coasts of Brazil and South Africa. Booking a trip with them is a guarantee of adventure, discovering unspoilt and uncrowded spots with unbeatable conditions for kitesurfing. Every detail of the trip is taken care of by a professional team with huge local expertise.
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