A one-day loop from Fortaleza that pairs a brief cultural tour with several hours on Cumbuco’s dune-studded shore. Expect city sights in the morning and wind-swept lagoons, jangadas and optional buggy rides in the afternoon.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
The morning light in Fortaleza has a flat, humid quality that makes colors glow: colonial facades on Praça do Ferreira sharpen against a bright blue sky while vendors wheel carts of tapioca down the Avenida Beira Mar. You meet your guide at the hotel, climb into an air-conditioned van, and the city peels away. Thirty-eight kilometers later the pavement gives way to a ribbon of coconut palms, a scattering of wooden fishing boats, and a broad sweep of sand: Cumbuco. The dunes here move like a living thing—wind-sculpted ridges that dare you to climb them, lagoons that reflect the sky, and a small fishing village where the jangadas—traditional wooden rafts—rest on the sand.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
8 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; expect short walks, dune climbs and transfers by vehicle
Wildlife
History
Fortaleza grew as a coastal trading and defense hub; the old Public Jail building now houses artisans, reflecting a transformation from colonial institutions to civic commerce.
Conservation
Dune ecosystems are fragile—stick to marked paths, avoid driving on unpermitted dunes, and choose operators that support local waste management to reduce impact.
Reserve your spot on the City Tour Fortaleza - Full Day Cumbuco Beach Tour by Nettour today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Bring cash for optional activities
Many impromptu vendors, buggy operators and jangada skippers prefer cash—small bills for tipping and quick payments are helpful.
Protect yourself from the sun
High SPF sunscreen, a wide-brim hat and sunglasses are essential—UV is strong year-round on Ceará’s coast.
Wear shoes for sand and dunes
Lightweight closed-toe sandals or trail shoes give grip for dune climbs and protect feet during buggy stops.
Confirm safety gear for water activities
If you opt for a jangada or raft trip, ask about life jackets and check the operator’s safety brief before boarding.
Sunscreen (SPF 30+)
Protects against strong equatorial sun during long beach exposure.
Refillable water bottle
Keeps you hydrated during dune walks and while waiting for optional activities.
Lightweight closed-toe shoes
Provides traction on shifting sand and protects feet during buggy stops.
Light rain layer or windbreaker
Quick protection from brief tropical showers or the afternoon breeze off the Atlantic.
summer