Araruama
The world’s largest hypersaline lagoon, two hours from Rio.
Current forecast
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The riding
Predominantly northeast wind in spring and summer, building in the afternoon. Less consistent than the northeast — there are days without conditions — but when it turns on, sessions are long, and being close to Rio means you can decide at short notice.
The lagoon is shallow across large areas and stays flat even in strong wind. Salinity is high, which increases flotation and accelerates corrosion — rinsing everything in fresh water at the end of the day stops being optional.
Getting there
About 120 km from Rio de Janeiro, roughly two hours via the Via Lagos highway. It is the most accessible kite destination for anyone based in or visiting Rio.
On the ground in Araruama
Schools
Where to stay
- Ver a Vista Hotel
- Pousada Algodão da Praia
- Pousada Brilho da Lagoa Iguaba Grande
- Pousada Vista do Lago - Araruama
- POUSADA RECANTO DE PRAIA SECA
- Recanto Suítes
Where to eat
- Belisquê Restaurante e Choperia
- Giraffas Araruama
- Chefão Restaurante e Chopperia
- Flor da Lagoa Gastronomia
- Toca Do Mineiro
- Restaurante Mediterrâneo
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Worth knowing
Rinse kite, bar and harness daily. The lagoon is far saltier than the sea.
Conditions vary a lot from point to point around the lagoon — check before choosing a launch.
Frequently asked
Can you kitesurf near Rio de Janeiro?
Yes, and Araruama is where it happens. The lagoon is shallow and flat, which makes the first days much easier, and it sits about two hours from the city. The limitation is consistency: the wind does not show up daily as it does in the northeast.