Kitesurfing Arubinha (Lagoa de Araruama)

Wind & Conditions

Flat-water freestyle paradise on the southern shore of the Lagoa de Araruama, Brazil's largest saltwater lagoon; NE wind (15–25 kn) blows into the lagoon; murky but calm water with no current or tide dependency; weekdays quiet, weekends crowded; best September–November.

About Arubinha (Lagoa de Araruama)

Arubinha sits on the southern shore of Lagoa de Araruama, Brazil's largest saltwater lagoon, in the coastal region east of Rio de Janeiro. Arubinha has earned its reputation as a go-to kite spot for one straightforward reason: the lagoon delivers flat water, consistent NE wind, and zero tide dependency — a combination that's hard to find anywhere on the Brazilian coastline. The launch area is on the lagoon's southern shore. Once you're there, the conditions are unmistakably lagoon conditions — no ocean swell, no current, and no tidal variation affecting when or how you can ride. The water is murky (that's the lagoon's character — saltwater but low visibility), and while that can be off-putting at first, it's calm, consistent, and manageable in depth. For riders used to fighting Atlantic chop on open beach spots, this feels like a different discipline entirely. Wind comes in from the northeast and blows into the lagoon, typically running 15–25 knots during the peak months. The usable kite window spans from 245° through north to 25°, putting the NE direction comfortably in the centre of the arc. When the trades are on, they're reliable and steady. You can work the lagoon in both directions without having to chase the wind into a corner. Weekdays here are quiet — space to rig, launch, and ride without much pressure. Weekends change that. Locals, kite school students, and day visitors fill the launch area, so if you want room to breathe, mid-week sessions are the smarter call. Three kite schools operate within roughly 1.4 km of the launch: Duco Maritime Kitesurf Rio (base Arubinha), Escola de Kitesurf Gio Mancuso Kitesurfing School, and Arubinha Baianokite Point — all useful for lessons or equipment rental if you're travelling light. Kite Nômade School is further out at around 6 km. Accommodation options within 6–7 km include Hostel Sol do Alcaíra, Hostel Yellow House, and Espaço Nômade Suites & Bangalôs. For food, Flor da Lagoa Gastronomia is around 12 km away; Godinho Restaurante and Casa do Macarrão are each about 14 km. The best window to visit is September through November, when the NE trades are at their most consistent. Flat water and nearby schools make Arubinha genuinely welcoming for beginners, while the clean surface rewards intermediates working on freeride and freestyle — particularly unhooked tricks where flat water is everything. More advanced riders looking to push freestyle will find the conditions well-suited. Come during peak season, allow extra time to find your spot in the launch area on busier days, and keep an eye on lines when the crowd arrives. Ride it mid-week in October and you'll see the spot at its best.

Best Season

Check the Breeza app for the current rideable window at Arubinha (Lagoa de Araruama).

World Ranking

Not globally ranked, but a kitesurf destination — a local favourite worth a check when the wind lines up.

Location

Arubinha (Lagoa de Araruama), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Brazil

Lat: -22.898, Lon: -42.227