Natal → Galinhos (IM)

Day 1: 9 Sept.

Natal → Perobas | 43 mi

We hit the water in Natal north of the Newton-Navarro Bridge. More precisely on Praia da Redinha beach. Here, the shore is not only more expansive, but also not nearly as crowded as Praia de Ponta Negra. Today’s kite spot, Perobas, is 43-miles north of us. For the next 19 miles, villages on the beach will be our constant companions. Only after Maxaranguape does it becomes scenically more interesting. On the way we pass ‘Cape St. Rochus‘, known as Cabo de São Roque in Portuguese. This cape forms the northeastern tip of South America and is the closest point to the coast of Africa.

The cliff ends before the next settlement of Caraúbas. In the following village of Maracajaú – also known as the Brazilian Caribbean – snorkeling is extremely popular. The reefs there are literally overrun by tourists from home and abroad. However, these reefs do not affect us as they are located a little further out to sea. From here, it is another 16-miles to our destination. The villages on the coast are becoming fewer and smaller, while undeveloped coastal areas are becoming more and more. Finally, we reach our beachfront accommodation, the Siri Paraíso Hotel, where we land our kites directly on the kite beach.

Day 2: 10 Sept.

Perobas → São Miguel do Gostoso | 34 mi

The next day we continue to São Miguel do Gostoso directly at the kite beach in front of the Hotel Siri Paraíso in Perobas. At 34-miles, the distance is roughly the same as the day before. Our current beach, Praia de Perobas, ends less than 2.5-miles further and is followed by Praia de Carnaubinha. The next larger municipality, Touros, has a very pretty bay. The longest federal highway in Brazil begins and ends here in Touros. It is over 2920-miles long and passes through 12 states near the coast. Three miles later we pass the 203 feet high, black and white painted lighthouse Farol do Calcanhar, which was clearly visible from a great distance. At 203 feet tall, it is the tallest lighthouse in Brazil. From the lighthouse it is less than 12-miles to the Kauli Seadi Beach Hotel in São Miguel do Gostoso.

Day 3: 11 Sept.

Barra Grande → Praia Itaqui | 12.5 mi

Today’s 12.5 miles from Barra Grande to Praia Itaqui beach will be quite relaxed. Since today’s route is not that long, we will have plenty of fun in the nearby flat water spots between Barra Grande and Macapá. The route is reef-free except for a section from the end of Praia de Maramar to shortly before Praia do Arrombado. But our guides also know these reefs and guided us safely past them. After another 5 kilometers, located at the beginning of the next bay, is our accommodation for tonight, the Vila Itaqui.