Maranhão, Brazil
Tutóia
Ocean gateway to the Lençóis; Northeast wind with less spotlight than Atins.
Best season
jul to dec
This month · jul
89%kiteable days
Peak wind · sep
17 kn
What riding here is like
Same Northeast trade season: July to January, with the firmest core August to December.
Wind is mostly side to side-onshore; expect open-sea chop and, near river mouths and bars, shallower flatter water depending on the tide. Tutóia works as a base for Lençóis Maranhenses without going straight to Atins: the town has more services, and the kite beaches sit a few kilometers out. It is less saturated than Ceará hubs; confirm school and rescue because the coast is long and access can be sand tracks.
Season history
Data period: 2000-2026
| Month | ≥12kn % | ≥15kn % | Mean wind (kn) |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 70 | 31 | 12.7 |
| February | 60 | 24 | 11.9 |
| March | 45 | 10 | 10.7 |
| April | 43 | 9 | 10.3 |
| May | 63 | 19 | 11.6 |
| June | 79 | 38 | 12.6 |
| July | 89 | 53 | 13.5 |
| August | 98 | 78 | 15.2 |
| September | 100 | 92 | 16.9 |
| October | 99 | 91 | 17.2 |
| November | 98 | 85 | 16.5 |
| December | 92 | 65 | 15 |
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to kitesurf in Tutóia?
The best season in Tutóia runs from July to December, with up to 100% of days historically kiteable at the peak.
Is Tutóia good for beginners?
Yes. Tutóia caters to beginners, with mixed water and low crowds in high season.
How do I get to Tutóia?
São Luís (SLZ) is the main airport; from there it is roughly 250 to 300 km by road to Tutóia (4 to 6 hours depending on the stretch). Buses and private transfers run. Another option: fly or reach Parnaíba (PHB) in Piauí and continue along the coast. With kite bags, a transfer booked through your guesthouse is usually less stress than buses alone.
What to do in Tutóia when there is no wind?
Boat and 4x4 trips toward the Lençóis, empty beaches on the eastern Maranhão coast, and a town day in Tutóia. On a longer gap you can push toward Barreirinhas or Atins with planning. Eat fish and shrimp on the waterfront — that is half the trip.
Plan the trip
Getting there
São Luís (SLZ) is the main airport; from there it is roughly 250 to 300 km by road to Tutóia (4 to 6 hours depending on the stretch). Buses and private transfers run. Another option: fly or reach Parnaíba (PHB) in Piauí and continue along the coast. With kite bags, a transfer booked through your guesthouse is usually less stress than buses alone.
When there is no wind
Boat and 4x4 trips toward the Lençóis, empty beaches on the eastern Maranhão coast, and a town day in Tutóia. On a longer gap you can push toward Barreirinhas or Atins with planning. Eat fish and shrimp on the waterfront — that is half the trip.
Kite schools
No schools are listed yet.
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