Cumbuco Beach Day Trip: Buggy Rides, Seafood & Pools

Summary

Buggy rides, seafood lunches & lagoon swims at Cumbuco Beach

You’ll start your day with hotel pickup to Cumbuco Beach’s bright sands and lively pools. Feel your heart race on a dune buggy ride (optional), cool off in freshwater lagoons, then dig into fresh seafood steps from the ocean. With time to swim or just watch kite surfers drift by, you’ll head home salty-haired and smiling.

What’s the experience like?

First thing I remember is the light — that sharp, white glare bouncing off the dunes as we pulled up to Cumbuco Beach. Our driver, Joao, had this easy way of pointing out things you’d miss from behind a window: kitesurfers in the distance, locals selling grilled cheese on sticks (I tried one — salty and squeaky). The air smelled like sunscreen and fried shrimp. I didn’t expect so many families already splashing in the pool by 10am, but there they were, kids shrieking every time someone cannonballed in.

The buggy ride was what everyone talked about. I’d seen photos but it’s different when you’re actually gripping the seat and feeling that drop as the sand gives way under you — my friend screamed so loud our guide laughed and said “sem emoção?” which apparently means “no emotion?” (he was joking — we definitely had plenty). We stopped at a freshwater lagoon halfway through; water cool enough to make you gasp. A couple of teenagers were racing down a zipline into the water. I just sat on the edge for a minute, feet buried in sand that felt almost too hot to touch.

Lunch was right on the beach — plastic chairs, toes in warm sand. We ordered this seafood trio Joao recommended (shrimp, fish, crab) and it came out sizzling. There was a breeze off the ocean and everything tasted better than it probably should have after all that sun. I tried to order another beer in Portuguese; Li laughed when I butchered it. So yeah, not my proudest moment linguistically but nobody seemed to mind.

I still think about how quiet it got for a second after lunch — just waves and distant laughter from the water park next door. It’s funny how full a day can feel without doing anything complicated. By late afternoon we were all half-asleep on the drive back to Fortaleza, sunburned and sandy and kind of wishing we’d stayed just an hour longer.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Day trip to Cumbuco Beach

• Depart from hotel in morning
• Arrive at Cumbuco Beach
• Enjoy sea bath and raft ride
• Optional buggy ride on sand dunes
• Relax at support restaurant by sea
• Return to hotel late afternoon

Top questions

How long does the Cumbuco Beach day trip last?

The tour lasts a full day, departing from hotels in the morning and returning in the late afternoon.

Is hotel pickup included for this day trip?

Yes, air-conditioned vehicle pickup from your hotel is included.

Are buggy rides at Cumbuco Beach included?

The buggy ride is optional and lasts about two hours if you choose to do it.

Is this tour suitable for children or families?

Yes, there are pools and a water park for children; infants can join with prams or strollers.

Is Cumbuco Beach wheelchair accessible?

Yes, transportation options and all areas are wheelchair accessible.

What kind of food is served at lunch?

The support restaurant serves excellent seafood dishes such as shrimp, fish, and crab trios.

Are there freshwater lagoons at Cumbuco Beach?

Yes, some steep white sand dunes are home to freshwater lakes at certain times of year.

How far is Cumbuco Beach from Fortaleza?

Cumbuco Beach is located on Brazil’s west coast near Fortaleza; transfers are provided by tour vehicle.

What’s included

Your day includes air-conditioned hotel pickup and drop-off with a local guide who knows all the best stops around Cumbuco Beach. You’ll have access to pools and leisure areas by the sea, plus time for an optional two-hour buggy ride over dunes with stops at freshwater lagoons. Lunch isn’t included but there’s excellent seafood right on the beach before heading back late afternoon.