Cumbuco Beach Day Trip from Fortaleza with Lunch & Guide

Summary

Wind-shaped dunes, seafood lunch and kitesurfers at Cumbuco

You’ll feel Fortaleza fade behind as you cross into Cumbuco’s wild dunes and kite-colored skies. Swim in warm sea, watch locals work their rafts, eat fresh fish with your feet in the sand, then cool off at Lagoa de Parnamirim before heading back relaxed and sun-dazed.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the wind to be so constant at Cumbuco — it’s like it never stops moving things around. We left Fortaleza in this air-conditioned van (thank goodness, because the sun was already blazing), and our guide, Renata, kept pointing out these clusters of coconut trees along the way. She told us how this used to be just a fishing village before the kitesurfers showed up. I could smell salt and sunscreen even before we got close to the sand.

When we finally stepped onto the beach, there were these huge white dunes everywhere — not smooth, but cut up in strange shapes by the wind. Renata called one of them “the funnel,” but honestly, I was more distracted by how my flip-flops kept sinking into the sand. The sea was warm and gentle enough for anyone to jump in (even if you’re not much of a swimmer). Some families were splashing around while others just watched the kites flickering against this crazy blue sky. I tried to take a photo but it didn’t really catch how bright everything felt.

Lunch happened at a wooden restaurant right on the shore — grilled fish that tasted almost sweet, probably caught that morning. There was this older man with weathered hands fixing his raft nearby; he nodded when I asked about his catch but didn’t say much, just smiled. After eating, we wandered over to Lagoa de Parnamirim. The water there was clear enough to see your toes through it and kids were sliding down a dune straight into the lagoon, yelling their heads off. I still think about that sound sometimes — pure summer joy or something close.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Beach and lagoon visit in Cumbuco

• Travel from Fortaleza to Cumbuco
• Enjoy bath on white sandy beach
• Visit Lagoa de Parnamirim lagoon
• Have typical fish and seafood meal
• Relax and admire sea and rafts

Top questions

How far is Cumbuco Beach from Fortaleza?

Cumbuco Beach is about 37 km from Fortaleza.

Is lunch included on this day trip?

The tour includes a stop at a beachfront restaurant where you can order typical fish and seafood dishes.

Are there activities for families at Cumbuco?

Yes, Cumbuco Beach is suitable for all ages and has gentle waters plus fun dune areas for kids.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible on this tour.

Do I need to bring cash for food or drinks?

You’ll stop at a restaurant where you can buy food and drinks; bring some cash just in case.

What is Lagoa de Parnamirim?

Lagoa de Parnamirim is a clear freshwater lagoon near Cumbuco Beach where visitors can swim or relax.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from Fortaleza in an air-conditioned vehicle with an accredited local guide; all areas are accessible for wheelchairs or strollers. You’ll have time to swim at Cumbuco Beach, visit Lagoa de Parnamirim, and enjoy lunch right on the sand before returning in comfort.