Canto da Barra:
where the Jaguaribe River meets the sea

Fortim's best-known beach sits right at the mouth of Ceará's largest river. Shallow, warm water, lagoons that appear at low tide, kites in the sky and the easiest sunset to reach on foot.

At a glance

Photos of Canto da Barra

Photos from our own collection, taken in Fortim. See more photos of Fortim →

Why the water at Canto da Barra is so calm

The Jaguaribe is the longest river in Ceará: 633 km from the Tauá region in the backlands to this spot, on the border between Fortim and Aracati. At the mouth, river and sea mix into a wide strip of shallow, warm water sheltered by sandbanks, which feels more like a pool than the open ocean.

That mix, plus a wind that blows steadily for much of the year, is what makes Canto da Barra the most popular beach in town. For the geography of the river mouth in detail, read our article on the Jaguaribe River mouth.

The lagoons that only appear at low tide

When the tide goes out, the water pulls back and uncovers shallow lagoons between strips of sand. It is the prettiest moment of the day here and the calmest for children, who can play in ankle-deep water with no waves.

The tide comes about 50 minutes later each day, so the best time shifts during your stay. Check the tide table the day before and plan the day around it.

One of Brazil's best-known kitesurfing spots

Steady wind and shallow water are what brought kite schools and riders from all over the world to Fortim. At Canto da Barra you can learn while standing, and experienced riders have room to sail. The windy season runs from July to January.

If you do not ride, you can watch from the sand, but the kite area is marked: keep clear of the lines. To learn, see our kitesurfing guide to Fortim and the school contacts on the Tours page.

A sunset you can walk to

Canto da Barra is the easiest sunset in Fortim: walk there, sit at a kiosk and watch the sun go down over the river mouth. It sets between 5:20 and 5:55 pm depending on the season, so arrive about 30 minutes early.

For a view from above, the Farol da Barra lighthouse works as a lookout over the river mouth. For a view from the water, take a boat trip on the Jaguaribe late in the afternoon.

Pair it with

Where to eat nearby

In Barra do Fortim you will find beach kiosks with the catch of the day and places like Camarão Cervejeiro, with shrimp snacks for the late afternoon. See the full lists of where to have lunch, bars and restaurants in Fortim.

🍽️ Do you run a restaurant, beach kiosk or bar in Fortim? Advertise your business here →

Frequently asked questions

Other beaches in Fortim

Plan the rest of your trip

Tours, restaurants, weather and places to stay: it is all in the Fortim guide.