The Rio Jaguaribe River Mouth in Fortim:
where the river meets the sea

This meeting of fresh and salt water is what makes Fortim such a different destination from the rest of Ceará's coast — and the reason behind almost every attraction in town.

Right at Barra do Fortim

The Rio Jaguaribe's mouth sits at Barra do Fortim, the spot where the river — which rises near Tauá, in the Inhamuns backlands, and runs 633 km through much of inland Ceará — finally flows into the Atlantic.

This meeting point gives the area its name — Barra, meaning "bar" or river mouth — and shapes the whole town's geography, with Barra on one side and the Pontal de Maceió village on the other.

Behind almost every attraction in Fortim

The shallow, warm water formed by the mix of river and sea is what makes Barra do Fortim one of Brazil's best kitesurf spots, and also what creates the low-tide lagoons that make the beach safer for kids.

It's also where the boat crossing between the two banks happens, and where the upriver boat and motorboat tours depart from.

Tide and light change everything

Like the rest of Fortim, the river mouth's look changes with the tide: at low tide, sandbanks are exposed and form visible patterns; at high tide, the extra water makes both the boat crossing and wind sports easier.

Late afternoon, with low sun reflecting off the water, tends to be the most photographed time to see it.

Frequently asked questions

Want to see the river mouth up close?

Check the boat tour and crossing options along the Rio Jaguaribe.