Kitesurfing Imbassaí

Wind & Conditions

Lagoon and ocean beach north of Praia do Forte in Bahia; river mouth creates flat-water kite area; SE-to-NE winds 14–20 kt side-onshore August–March on east-facing coast.

About Imbassaí

Imbassaí sits on Bahia's Costa dos Coqueiros, a short drive north of Praia do Forte. The village is defined by its geography: an east-facing ocean beach and a river-mouth lagoon where the Rio Imbassaí meets the sea. That combination is exactly what makes this a legitimate kite destination rather than just a pretty beach stop. The lagoon is the feature. Flat, protected water created by the river mouth gives you a riding area that contrasts sharply with the open ocean swell just the other side of the sandbar. If you want to work on freestyle or just cruise without chop pushing you around, the lagoon side is where you will spend most of your time. The ocean beach faces east, and SE-to-NE winds track across it side-onshore during the main season — August through March. Those winds run at 14-20 knots in that window, consistent enough to build a trip around. The usable kite window covers the 0-to-180-degree arc, so anything from north through east to south keeps you flying. A wind swinging fully west is not in play here. Approach and access: Imbassaí is a small, relatively relaxed village. There is no complex logistics — the beach and river mouth are accessible from the village centre. Read the spot when you arrive: the sandbar at the river mouth is the obvious kite zone, and position matters. Get there early in peak season; popular conditions bring company. Water character depends entirely on which side of the sandbar you choose. The lagoon delivers sought-after flat water — well suited to freestyle, foiling, or building board time without chop. The ocean side brings more energy: open-Atlantic swell and some chop. Both are reachable from the same general launch area, which is a genuine luxury at a spot like this. Hazards worth knowing before you rig: the river mouth creates currents that shift with tide and river flow. Read the water before committing to a launch direction, and be aware the sandbar geometry can change. On the ocean side, bathers concentrate near the village — give them a wide berth on your downwind runs. For accommodation, Imbassaí covers a range. The Grand Palladium Imbassaí Resort & Spa is the large resort option. Budget and mid-range alternatives include Imbassai Eco Hostel Lujimba, Camping Brisa Mar, and Madreselva en Flor Hostel/Camping. Food options in the village include Jerimum Café e Nega Fulô Pizzaria, Guaya's, Merenderia Imbassai, É Mass...a!!, and Família Coxinha Imbassai — all within reach of the beach. This spot suits intermediates and above on both zones. Riders who already self-rescue reliably and can read water conditions will find the lagoon side forgiving. The ocean side asks for more experience. It is not a place to learn the basics.

Best Season

Check the Breeza app for the current rideable window at Imbassaí.

World Ranking

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

Location

Imbassaí, Bahia, Brazil, Brazil

Lat: -12.4819, Lon: -37.9783