Day trips from Fortaleza: 10 unmissable day trips in Ceará

Fortaleza is the gateway to Ceará, and much of the charm of the trip lies outside the capital. Within a few hours' drive, you'll find dunes, colorful cliffs, freshwater lagoons, and one of Brazil's most famous beaches.

In this guide, Hoje no Ceará has compiled the best day trips departing from Fortaleza, with approximate distances, a description of each destination, and tips to make the most of your trip. If you are still planning your trip, also check out our Guide Fortaleza and the Ceará Guide.

How to choose the ideal tour

Before booking, consider three points:

• Travel time: destinations up to 1 hour and 30 minutes away can be covered in a relaxed day, while more distant destinations require an early departure.
• Profile: it has tours for families, for those who want buggy adventures, and for those who just want a quiet beach.
• Tides: some places, like the cliffs and natural pools, are much better at low tide. It's worth checking the tide charts beforehand.

1. Cumbuco – dunes, lagoons and kitesurfing

Distance: approximately 35 km (Caucaia)

It's the quickest and one of the most comprehensive day trips. The buggy tour goes through the dunes and ends at Banana Lagoon, where you can go sandboarding. Cumbuco is also one of the best-known kitesurfing spots in the country.

Ideal for: those with limited time who want dunes close to the capital.

See everything about buggy tours, lagoons, and kitesurfing in our complete Cumbuco guide.

2. Beach Park – Porto das Dunas

Distance: approximately 25 km (Aquiraz)

The most famous water park in the Northeast is right next to Fortaleza. You can spend the whole day there, enjoying the water slides, pools, and Porto das Dunasbeach.

Ideal for: families with children.

3. Praia do Futuro – without leaving the city

It's not a day trip, but it deserves a spot on the list. The well-structured beach bars of Praia do Futuro are a classic weekend outing, with open sea and crab on the menu. Check out the best options in our guide Where to eat in Fortaleza.

To discover other beaches in the capital, see our beaches Fortaleza.

4. Morro Branco and Praia das Fontes – Beberibe

Distance: approximately 85 km

The Labirinto das Falésiasin Morro Brancois famous for the colored sands used in the craft of making little bottles. Nearby, Praia das Fontes has cliffs and springs.

Ideal for: unique photos and landscapes.

Tip for a stop: those heading to the east coast via CE-040 pass through the Messejana region, where the Tapioca Center is a classic stop for breakfast.

5. Canoa Quebrada – Aracati

Distance: approximately 165 km

Reddish cliffs, the famous moon and star symbol, Broadway street full of bars, and buggy rides to Ponta Grossa. It's possible to do a long day trip, but it's worth spending an evening there.

Ideal for: those who want a beach with nightlife.

See how to get there, buggy tours, and where to stay in our complete guide to Canoa Quebrada.

6. Águas Belas – Cascavel

Distance: approximately 70 km

Where river and sea meet, with natural pools formed at low tide. A quieter and less crowded destination.

Ideal for: those who want to avoid crowds.

7. Taíba – São Gonçalo do Amarante

Distance: approximately 65 km

A beach with cliffs, lagoons, and a village atmosphere. A good choice for those who want something between the hustle and bustle of Cumbuco and total tranquility.

8. Lagoinha – Paraipaba

Distance: approximately 115 km

Known as one of the most beautiful beaches on the west coast, with coconut groves, dunes and a freshwater lagoon.

Ideal for: a day of postcard-perfect scenery.

9. Flecheiras – Trairi

Distance: approximately 130 km

Natural pools that appear at low tide, with clear waters and small fish. A peaceful destination, great for couples.

10. Jericoacoara

Distance: approximately 300 km

This is the longest tour and, in practice, requires at least two or three nights. Sunset at Duna do Pôr do Sol, Pedra Furada, Lagoa do Paraíso and much more. See everything in our Jericoacoara Guide and transportation options in How to get from Fortaleza to Jericoacoara.

Extra: Guaramiranga Mountain Range

Distance: approximately 100 km

For those who want to trade the beach for a mountain climate: milder temperatures, cafes, trails and viewpoints in the Baturité Massif.

Is it better to go with an agency or on your own?

• With an agency or tour: more practical, because the transportation, guide, and buggy are already arranged. It's the best choice for destinations with dunes, where regular cars can't go.
• Independent travel: works well for Beach Park, Cumbuco, Taíba, and Águas Belas, which are easily accessible by car.

Where to stay for sightseeing

Staying on the beachfront (Meireles, Iracema or Praia do Futuro) is convenient, because most tour groups pick up tourists at their hotels. See the best areas in our guide Where to stay in Fortaleza.

To fit sightseeing into your trip, check out our itineraries in Fortaleza 3, 5, and 7-day.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the closest tour to Fortaleza?

Beach Park (approximately 25 km) and Cumbuco (approximately 35 km) are the closest to the capital.

Is it possible to go to Jericoacoara on a day trip?

It's not recommended. It's about 300 km by road, and ideally you should stay at least two nights.

What's the best outing for children?

Beach Park and the buggy ride in Cumbuco are among the favorites for families.

Do you need to worry about the tide?

Yes, especially in Morro Branco, Águas Belas , and Flecheiras, where the low tide reveals natural pools and facilitates access to the cliffs.

Distances are approximate, starting from the center of Fortaleza.