Home » Culture, history and religion of the Brazilian Northeast » Extreme sports in the Northeast of Brazil: Destinations not to be missed

The Northeast of Brazil is not only a paradise for beach lovers, but also for lovers of extreme and adventure sports.

The region is home to incredible scenery and geographical diversity, including dunes, cliffs, valleys, mountains, canyons, rivers and walls – perfect for sports such as kitesurfing, windsurfing, abseiling, free flying, climbing, diving, parachuting, hiking and much more.

Whether at sea or in the mountains, inland or on the beach, the Northeast is the ideal destination for those looking for thrilling experiences in breathtaking landscapes.

Video about Extreme Sports in the North East

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Esporte Radical em Praia de Paracuru no Ceará03:07

Kitesurf - Costa dos Ventos no Ceará02:10

Sítio do Bosco em Tianguá na Serra da Ibiapaba03:55

Parque Nacional de Ubajara no Ceará - Parte 107:38

Parque Nacional de Ubajara no Ceará - Parte 208:00

Where to practice extreme sports in the Northeast

1. Chapada Diamantina (Bahia) – Extreme nature and unforgettable trails
2. Ceará – The world stage of wind and waves
3. Itacaré (Bahia) – Surfing and hiking in the Atlantic Forest
4. Pernambuco – Diving in an ecological paradise
5. Rio Grande do Norte – Off-road, walls and excitement

1. Chapada Diamantina (Bahia) – Extreme nature and unforgettable trails

Located in central Bahia, Chapada Diamantina is considered the epicentre of ecotourism in the Northeast. The destination combines rock formations, spectacular waterfalls, crystal clear pools and challenging trails.

An adventure not to be missed:

• Trekking in the Pati Valley, one of the most beautiful crossings in Brazil;
• Rappelling and canyoning at the Buracão Waterfall;
• Diving and swimming at the Poços Azul and Encantado;
• Climbing and mountain biking between rock faces and historic trails.

2. Ceará – The world stage for wind and waves

With 573 kilometres of coastline, warm waters and more than 300 days of sunshine a year, Ceará is a world reference when it comes to water sports and paragliding. During the wind season (August to December), the constant winds, which reach up to 30 knots (60 km/h), create ideal conditions for kitesurfing, windsurfing, hang gliding and paragliding.

Top events in Ceará

• Superkite Brazil (Fortaleza)
• XCeará – World Free Flight (Quixadá)
• Wind Slalom in Camocim
• International Wind Festival (Canoa Quebrada)

Main destinations and activities in Ceará

1. Fortaleza

• Kitesurfing, windsurfing, Hobie Cat and diving;
• Diving at Pedra da Risca do Meio, 28 metres deep.

2. Jericoacoara, Cumbuco, Preá, Paracuru and Flecheiras.

• Stage for National and International Championships;
• sandboarding in the dunes and buggy or quad rides.

3. Canoa Quebrada, Aquiraz and Beberibe

• Schools specialising in kitesurfing and windsurfing;
• Rafting and off-road competitions.

4. Quixadá (Hinterland of Ceará )

• World destination for free flight and paragliding, with impressive monoliths;
• Host of the XCeará – World Free Flight event.

5. Serra da Ibiapaba – Sítio do Bosco (Tianguá)

• One of the best places for free flying in the northeast;
• Full facilities with camping and cafeteria.

6. Ubajara National Park

• Trails, waterfalls and the Ubajara Cave, accessible on foot or by cable car;
• Activities such as climbing, abseiling and natural baths.

7. Cariri – FLONA Araripe

• Walking, cycling, horse riding, therapeutic baths and extreme sports in the heart of the “Oasis of the Sertão”.

3. Itacaré (Bahia) – Surfing and hiking in the Atlantic Forest

Surrounded by forests and wild beaches, Itacaré is a hotspot for surfers and hikers.

• Activities not to be missed:
• Surfing on the beaches of Tiririca and Engenhoca;
• Rafting on the Contas River;
• Zip lining, tree climbing and waterfalls hidden in the forest;
• Scenic trails to Havaizinho and Prainha.

4. Pernambuco – Diving in an ecological paradise

1. Fernando de Noronha

Fernando de Noronha is the dream destination for those who love the sea. Diving in its waters means being side by side with turtles, rays, sharks and colourful shoals.

Highlights:

• Diving or snorkelling at Baía do Sancho and Praia do Atalaia;
• Surfing at Cacimba do Padre beach;
• Supervised trails and boat trips with dolphin watching.

2. Catimbau National Park (Pernambuco)

One of the largest archaeological sites in Brazil, Catimbau impresses with its blend of nature and history.

Activities:

• Trekking and climbing in canyons and rock formations;
• Visits to ancient cave paintings;
• Rappelling and guided tours in the interior of Pernambuco.

5. Rio Grande do Norte – Off-road, walls and thrills

Rio Grande do Norte is fertile ground for extreme sports on land, sea and air.

Thrilling experiences:

• 4×4 expeditions through dunes, cliffs and deserted beaches;
• Climbing and abseiling on walls up to 400m high;
• Surfing, hang gliding and aerobombing in places like Pipa, Genipabu and Baía Formosa.

Come and experience adventure in the North East!

With a favourable climate all year round, a vibrant culture and an infrastructure increasingly prepared for adventure tourism, the Northeast is the ideal destination for those who want to get away from it all with adrenaline and nature. From the winds of Ceará to the valleys of Chapada Diamantina, from diving in Noronha to the dunes of Rio Grande do Norte, the options are as varied as the beauty of each landscape.

Prepare your equipment, choose your favourite sport and come and discover the most radical and unforgettable side of the Brazilian Northeast!

Written by Willy Sievert

Editor of Bahia.ws since its founding in 2009. Based in Salvador, he travels frequently across the Northeast and all of Brazil to keep the guides up to date. Learn more about Willy Sievert →

Published on 20/09/2023 · Updated on 25/06/2026

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