Praia do Maceió (Main Kite Beach)
All LevelsThe primary kite launch in Gostoso — a long sandy beach with consistent NE trade winds arriving cross-shore to slightly cross-onshore. The full bay from Praia do Maceió to Ponta do Santo Cristo is 3–4km of rideable water with no major obstacles. Flat-to-choppy surface on trade wind days; small wind swell builds at 25+ knots. Most schools are based here. The entire beach functions as a kite zone in season — arrive with a read on the current density before rigging.
FreerideFreestyleFoilLessons
Hazards: Kiter density in peak months (Sep–Jan); fishing boats in morning hours; drift downwind toward rocks at Ponta do Santo Cristo requires upwind awareness
Access: Walk from village center (10–15 min south). Schools set up directly on the beach. No vehicle required.
Lagoa de Gostoso (Flat Water Lagoon)
BeginnerA shallow freshwater lagoon behind the village, protected from ocean swell — the safest learning environment in Gostoso. The lagoon is knee-to-chest deep across most of its area, with a sandy bottom and no currents. Trade winds arrive filtered and clean. The go-to for first-day students and intermediate riders working on board starts. Access and availability vary by season — the lagoon level drops in the dry months.
LessonsBeginner Freeride
Hazards: Depth varies seasonally — lagoon can be too shallow in dry months; check current conditions with your school before planning a lagoon session
Access: Behind the village, north of the main beach. Schools provide transport for lesson students.
Ponta do Santo Cristo
Intermediate+The eastern point of the main bay where the beach bends and the wind angle becomes more cross-offshore. The coast here is more exposed — better swell and wind power than central Maceió, with a small reef section that generates waves on stronger trade days. The preferred spot for intermediate-advanced riders wanting more power and less crowd. Arrive early — the zone self-regulates.
FreerideWaveFoilFreestyleTide-dependent
Hazards: Rocky shore at the point; cross-offshore wind angle demands water re-entry capability; more power than the main beach — size down one kite from Maceió
Access: 3.5km walk east along the beach from the village, or buggy transport. No services or schools at this spot.
Praia de Tourinhos
IntermediateCoordinates pending: local verification required
A more remote beach section northwest of the village, accessible by buggy or 4WD on the sand track. Fewer kiters, a longer straight run, and the same consistent NE trades. The beach here is wider with shallower water close to shore — good for foiling in lighter trade windows. When Maceió is crowded, Tourinhos provides an uncongested alternative with identical wind quality.
FreerideFoilDownwinder
Hazards: Remote — no rescue, no schools, no services; 4WD track access; requires self-rescue competency
Access: Buggy or 4WD from village, ~20 min north. Arrange return transport before launching.