🧭 Tours and activities

Tours in
Fortim, Ceará

Buggy rides over the dunes to the lighthouse, boat trips on the Jaguaribe River, ATVs, kitesurfing and wingfoil in Pontal de Maceió, the river ferry and taxis. Here is what each tour offers, what to agree on beforehand and the direct contact of the local operator, with no agency in between.

🤔 Which one

Which tour suits your trip

Buggy

Dunes, sandy trails and beaches regular cars can't reach. The Lighthouse Trail is the most requested route.

Boat or speedboat

Where the Jaguaribe River meets the sea, seen from the water. Longer routes go through the Canal do Amor.

ATV

Trails along the riverbank on a single or two-seat quad, with more adrenaline.

Kitesurfing

Trade winds from July to February and schools in Pontal de Maceió for complete beginners.

Wingfoil

The same wind window as kitesurfing, with lessons backed by a support boat.

Ferry

A short crossing of the Jaguaribe River. With a buggy or 4x4 you can carry on to Canoa Quebrada.

Taxi

Getting around Fortim, between Barra and Pontal, and to Fortaleza airport.
🚗 Dunes and beaches

Buggy tours in Fortim

Much of the most beautiful scenery around Fortim can only be reached by buggy. The Lighthouse Trail (Trilha do Farol) is the most requested route: it crosses soft dunes to one of the best viewpoints in the area, with photo stops along the way. Many drivers combine it with remote beaches such as Praia das Agulhas, and the deserted Praia do Rio Pirangi, where the river meets the sea, is only reachable by buggy or 4x4.

Fortim's buggy drivers work directly with visitors. Before booking, ask about the duration, the stops included and whether there are seatbelts for everyone. Bring sunglasses, sunscreen and as few loose items as possible: buggies are open and the ride is bumpy.

Read more: Full guide to buggy tours →

Mairton

Buggy driver · Full tours
Half-day or full-day tours through dunes, lagoons and coastal beaches. Great for families and groups.

Bruno

Buggy driver · Lighthouse trail
Specialises in the trail to the Lighthouse — a route along the seafront and the most spectacular dunes in the area.

Alfredo

Buggy driver · Rental and tours
Guided tours and buggy rental to explore on your own. Excellent value for money.

Zenir

Buggy driver · Tours and rental
Experienced local guide, especially in the Pontal area. Buggy rental also available.
⛵ Jaguaribe River

Boat and speedboat trips on the Jaguaribe River

From a boat you see the exact point where the Jaguaribe River meets the Atlantic, from an angle you can't get from the beach, plus calmer stretches upriver lined with vegetation. The operator usually tailors the route to the group, so agree on the duration and stops before you set off.

Longer routes can include the Canal do Amor and Ilha do Pinto, a mangrove channel upriver that is usually an add-on to the standard trip. If you want it, ask for it when you book.

Read more: Boat or ATV: how to choose →

Tião Carneiro

Boat · Speedboat · Wingfoil with support
Boat and speedboat tours on the Jaguaribe River. Also offers wingfoil with speedboat escort — an exclusive experience on the coast.

Quadrifort

ATV · Fortim
ATV rental and tours along the Fortim coast. A great alternative to buggy for those wanting more adrenaline in the dunes.
🏍️ Riverbank adventure

ATV tours in Fortim

ATV (quad bike) tours follow trails along the bank of the Jaguaribe River and nearby areas, at a pace similar to a buggy but on a single or two-seat vehicle. Quadrifort is the go-to operator, with guided routes and quad transfers around town. Its contact is in the boat and speedboat group above.

Visitors who want to take in the scenery calmly tend to prefer the boat; those after adrenaline who don't mind dust and direct sun pick the ATV. Many do both on different days.

🐴 On horseback

Horse riding in Fortim

Caval'Aventure has an equestrian training centre and runs horse rides for different levels, from first-timers to experienced riders. Arrange times and prices directly with the venue on WhatsApp.

More about the venue, which also has beach tennis and capoeira, in sports and leisure in Fortim →

Caval'Aventure

Equestrian centre · Horse rides
Equestrian centre with horse rides for different levels, plus beach tennis, capoeira and themed parties.
🏄 Wind sports

Kitesurfing in Pontal de Maceió

The trade winds blow strongest and most steadily from July to February, and the shallow, warm water where the river meets the sea helps beginners. The schools are in Pontal de Maceió and offer beginner lessons and gear rental, so you don't need to travel with your own kite. If you have never tried it, ask about an introductory package.

In 2026 the Sertões Kitesurf downwind race along the Brazilian northeast coast finishes in Fortim: the final leg, from Grossos (RN) to Fortim, is scheduled for 28 November.

Read more: Kitesurfing in Fortim: when to go and where to learn →

Pontal Kite School

School · Beginners and advanced
The most established school in Pontal de Maceió — a pioneer of kitesurfing in Fortim. Lessons for all levels, equipment rental.

One Launch Kite House

School · Kitesurfing & Wingfoil
School in Pontal de Maceió with kitesurfing and wingfoil lessons. Located directly on the beach, with access to the best spot in the area.

Duotone Pro Center Fortim

2nd in the Americas · Kitesurfing & Wingfoil
Second Duotone Pro Center in the Americas — an international reference for kitesurfing and wingfoil on the Ceará coast.
🪂 Wind sports

Wingfoiling in Fortim

Wingfoiling uses an inflatable wing held in your hands, with no kite lines, and a board with a foil that lifts it above the water. In Fortim some lessons are given with a support boat: the instructor stays close and picks you up after each fall, which saves a lot of swimming back to the board.

The wind window is the same as for kitesurfing, July to February. Outside it you can still ride on moderate-wind days, with less predictability.

Read more: Wingfoiling in Fortim: what it is and where to start →

Tião Carneiro

Wingfoil com suporte de lancha
Wingfoil with speedboat escort on the Jaguaribe River and coast — a safe and exciting experience for beginners and intermediates.

Pontal Wingfoil Evolution

School · Wingfoil · Pontal de Maceió
Wingfoil specialist school in Pontal. Lessons, equipment rental and full facilities for the sport directly on the beach.
⛴️ River crossing

Jaguaribe River ferry crossing

The crossing links Barra do Fortim to the opposite bank in a few minutes. There is no terminal and no timetable: boat operators leave according to the tide and demand, and the fare is agreed on the spot, per person. Bring cash, as card machines are not guaranteed.

With a rented buggy or 4x4, the crossing lets you carry on to Canoa Quebrada for lunch. It is usually smoother near high tide; check the tide before leaving and allow extra time if you have an appointment.

Read more: How the ferry crossing works →

Flavio

Ferry · Fortim crossing
Ferry crossing to the other side of the river mouth. With buggy or 4x4, you can continue to Canoa Quebrada. ⚠️ Always check the tide before setting out.

Flavio (Mulher)

Ferry · Barra crossing
Another contact option for the river crossing — a backup if the first number is unavailable.

Flávia

Ferry · Fortim Barra crossing
Another reliable contact for the ferry crossing — always check the tide before planning the crossing.
🚕 Getting around

Taxis and transfers in Fortim

Local taxis cover trips within Fortim, between Barra and Pontal de Maceió, and to and from Fortaleza airport. For tours with a set time, agree on the return pick-up when you go.

Travelling without a car? See how to enjoy Fortim without a car and the options for getting to Fortim.

Lucicleudo

Taxi · Fortim
Local taxi in Fortim for journeys within the town, Fortaleza airport and the coastal area.

Inacio

Taxi · Fortim · Barra · Pontal
Covers the Fortim, Barra and Pontal area. A good option for transfers between tourist spots in the region.

Mike

Táxi · Fortim
Quick contact for a local taxi — a good option for last-minute arrivals and departures.

Full guide to tours in Fortim →

🚗 Buggy driver, boat operator, kite instructor or taxi driver in Fortim? Advertise your business here →

🎒 Before you go

Tips for tours in Fortim

Agree on everything first

Ask about the duration, stops, meeting point and total price on WhatsApp. Also ask what happens if the weather or the tide don't cooperate.

Carry cash

Many tours and the river crossing are paid on the spot, and mobile coverage varies outside Barra.

The tide changes the tour

The Canto da Barra lagoons appear at low tide, the walk from Praia Canoé to the lighthouse is done at low tide and the ferry is smoother near high tide. See the beach guide.

The sun is stronger than it feels

Buggies and ATVs are open and the wind hides the heat. Sunscreen, sunglasses and a long-sleeved shirt make a difference.
❓ FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What are the most popular tours in Fortim?

The buggy ride along the Lighthouse Trail, boat trips on the Jaguaribe River and kitesurfing lessons in Pontal de Maceió. ATVs, wingfoil and the river ferry complete the list.

Do I need an agency to book tours?

No. Buggy drivers, boat operators and schools in Fortim reply directly on WhatsApp, so you can adjust the route and agree on the price before you go.

How much does a tour in Fortim cost?

Prices are agreed with each operator and depend on duration, route and group size. Ask for the total price before booking and carry some cash.

When is the best time for kitesurfing and wingfoil in Fortim?

From July to February, when the trade winds blow strongest and most steadily. Outside that window you can still ride, with less regular days.

How do I cross the Jaguaribe River in Fortim?

By ferry or boat, with operators leaving from Barra do Fortim according to the tide and demand. There is no fixed timetable; arrange it on WhatsApp and bring cash.
📚 See also

See also

Beaches

Fortim's beaches

Canto da Barra, Canoé, the lighthouse, Pontal and Agulhas, and how the tide changes them.
See beaches →
Itinerary

How many days in Fortim

How to spread the tours over your trip.
Read article →
Food

Restaurants in Fortim

Where to have lunch and dinner between tours.
See restaurants →

Plan your time in Fortim

Beaches, restaurants, tours and places to stay to plan your trip.

Back to the Fortim guide