What to bring: Although you don’t need much when traveling to Jeri, the list below mentions some things you may want to bring with you. There are a number of supermarkets in town which carry all the basics (I stress basic), as well as sunscreen, film etc. However, items such as these can come at a higher cost and a lower quality, so better to bring them with you. Bring plenty of cash and do not count on your credit cards as they are unlikely to be accepted anywhere outside of the Vela Jericoacoara Windsurfing Center.
!!!IMPORTANT!!! For U. S. Citizens-
CURRENT PASSPORT and TOURIST VISA; other nationalities
need to contact the airline when buying flights.
A valid Tourist Visa is REQUIRED for
entry into the country, and in fact, you will not be
allowed to board the plane in the US if you do not have
your tourist visa prepared. If you do not have
a Tourist Visa yet and you are reading this info sheet,
please contact Vela IMMEDIATELY.
A printout of your email invoice confirming full payment,
and this webpage.
Harness, booties, gloves. Leave your wetsuit at home.
Sunglasses (lots of sun and sand, with an average daily temp 85F-95F)
STRONG (SPF30+)Waterproof sunscreen lotion (oil makes board slippery)
Beach towel
PFD or helmet (if desired)
A light windbreaker for the evenings, although it will probably be warm.
Extra spending money (see “Currency/credit cards” below) Books, magazines, etc. (The staff really appreciates current newspapers, and mags!)
Daypack or fanny-pack and Camelback for day-trips/excursions
A light jacket or sweater (the evenings can get a little cool, especially in the windy season)
Ball-point pen (for airport forms, customs declarations, etc.)
Insect repellant (aerosols are not allowed on the planes)
Stout shoes for day-hiking
More sunscreen. Really. Pack it.
What we have: If you’ve forgotten anything or just want to add to your wardrobe, the store supplies you with a great selection of surf wear such as shorts, lycras, bikini’s, hats, gloves, etc.
Location
Jericoacoara: or “Jeri” as it’s fondly known as, is a beach located on the Northeast coast of Brazil, in the state of Ceara, 300kms west of the state capital, Fortaleza. Being very close to the equator line, Jeri has warm weather and warm water all year-round. Until about 20 years ago, it was an isolated fishing village without any contact with modern civilization. There were no roads, electricity, phones, TV’s, or newspapers. Money was something almost useless since most dealings were based on trading fish for goods. In 1984 Jeri and the surrounding vicinity was declared an “Environment Protection Area” by federal law, limiting building. Jeri was first discovered as a travel destination by backpackers and more adventurous travelers. Slowly, the word has spread and travelers of all types are enjoying this little Shangri-La in South America.
Fortaleza Airport (FOR): Although most people only see Fortaleza while en route to Jeri from the airport, it is worth spending a day to check out the seaside market or to break-up the journey. If you have reserved accommodations in Fortaleza through Vela, transfers to and from the airport are included.
Transfers from FOR to Jeri: The 190 miles (300 km) between Fortaleza and Jericoacoara can be explained as: 150 miles (230 km) of asphalt, 31 miles (50km) of dirt road, and the last 12 miles (20km) is a maze of soft sand, only for 4WD vehicles. Transfers depart from Fortaleza at any time and place* (airport or hotel), and follow the shortest way possible straight to Jeri. The trip should last about 4 hours.
Airport Pick-up: To make the meeting between passengers and driver easier for clients arriving at Fortaleza airport, we have selected the Tourist Information Counter (right in front of the arrival gates inside the terminal and next to the exit) as the pre-determined meeting point for all Vela Jeri transfers. Drivers will be waiting for you with a VELA sign and your name. Please wait here even if the driver is not at the airport yet: he is on the way.
Hotel Pick-up: if you are staying overnight in Fortaleza, your driver will meet you at the scheduled time in the lobby of your hotel.
*Although transfer vehicles can pick you up anywhere (hotel or airport) and at any requested time, an overnight stay in Fortaleza is recommended in order to break-up long journeys. If you have reserved your transfers in advance, your flight information should have been provided to the Vela Reservations staff by now. If you still need to make these arrangements, please contact us immediately. The Main Office is closed on weekends.
Hotels
Jeriba: TV, A/C, mini-fridge,
safe in rooms, breakfast, swimming pool, daily maid
service.
Mosquito Blue: A/C, hotel
safe, hotel restaurant, bar, swimming pool, Jacuzzi,
internet service, fitness room, daily maid service.
Blue Jeri: TV, A/C, hotel
safe, swimming pool, internet service, daily maid service.
Ibirapuera: A/C, swimming
pool, safe in rooms, breakfast, daily maid service.
Surfing Jeri:
Breakfast included, daily maid service,
large villas for families.
Casa do Turismo: TV, A/C,
safe in rooms, breakfast included at hotel restaurant,
daily maid service. Now has a swimming pool.
Ponta da Pedra: TV, breakfast
included at hotel restaurant, bar, daily maid service.
Vila Bela Vista: A/C, mini-fridge,
safe in rooms, breakfast, retaurant, daily maid service.
Daytime hotel check-in: You should
check in at the front desk of your hotel. Be sure
to give them your Vela hotel voucher or a printout of
your invoice. If arriving early enough you may even
be able to squeeze in a couple of hours on the water.
Evening hotel check-in: If you arrive later, there will be someone waiting to welcome you at the reception, so simply follow the same procedures as mentioned above. (just no night-time sailing!)
Breakfast: In Jeri, you’ll be
sure to start the day right with the breakfast buffet
that is provided by your hotel, which is included with
your vacation package. Ask at the front desk for specific
details when you check in.
General Information
Wind: In Jeri there are no surprises when it comes to the wind – it’s like clockwork. During the windy season (June to mid-January) you’ll find some of the most consistently strong winds in the world. From 7am to 11 am the lighter conditions are perfect for beginners who are discovering the sport for the first time. 11am to 5pm the wind kicks in, averaging around and above 20 knots.
Conditions: Side off shore winds and sandy shallow bottoms create a great launch site for all levels. Depending on the tides and time of year, there is a variety of wave conditions. So, it’s a great place to get some serious jumps or an excellent introduction to the art of wave sailing.
Weather: The sun always shines in Jeri. During the windy season, perfect blue skies host tiny white fluffy clouds that carry no rain or bad weather. There may be an occasional sprinkle, but the only rain really comes when the wind has packed up and gone. Temperatures average around 25 celsius.
Currency/credit cards: Brazilian currency is the Real or Reais (pronounced hay-eyes). As mentioned before, cash is king in Jeri. It is a good idea to get money at an ATM or Exchange Teller at the airport or in Fortaleza.
There are a few places to exchange money in Jeri; however the exchange rate isn’t as good as in Fortaleza. Some restaurants and stores accept USD, but again, the exchange rate isn’t very good. Since not all businesses take credit, cash is king. Travelers Checks are accepted in some places, but not all. It is best to have local currency before getting to Jeri. Try to get small bills, since it’s sometimes difficult getting change.
Electrical voltage: Local voltage is 220V. To plug in any 110V electronics you’ll need a voltage converter, which you can find at any electronics stores such as Radio Shack, Circuit City, etc.
Telephone service: Many hotels provide a telephone service. MCI and AT&T cards can be used on the payphones throughout the town. Best to check with your telephone provider before leaving the U.S. to find out about calling cards, direct access numbers and rates. Internet Cafes also provide telephone service. A little more pricey then the calling card, but a good option for quick contact.
Email: Internet service right
at the Vela Jericoacoara Windsurfing Center. The cyber-cafe
has lightning-fast connection, thru a dedicated satellite
link. There is also a WiFi signal available at many
of the posadas in town, as well as at the center. Cost
is about $3 per hour. You can stay in touch as often
(or as little) as you want! Leave the work at
home…you’re on vacation! There are also
many other little café’s in town which
also offer service.
Health: Jeri has a pharmacy and a
clinic with a doctor for minor ailments and injuries.
Jijoca (1.5 hour drive) has a small hospital for more
major injuries. Fortaleza has a number of hospitals
for assistance in more serious matters.
Activities available: (See “Alternative
Activities” section below)
Transportation during your vacation:
Excursions or day trips can be arranged at the Vela
Jericoacoara travel desk. 4WD vehicles, dune buggies,
and even horses can be arranged.
Before returning home: Check out time
is 12 noon. Upon checkout from your accommodations,
go over your final bill carefully. Personal charges
such as bar tabs, laundry, and such are your responsibility.
DO NOT let the hotel charge you any tax or service fees
on accommodations prepaid by Vela. We always prepay
tax and service charges for you. Should an emergency
necessitate an early return home, we will do all we
can to get refunds for you. Standard hotel cancellation
fees usually exceed any unused balance, but hotels are
often quite understanding of emergencies. To assist
us in this you must get written verification of checkout
date from your hotel front desk and also from Vela staff.
Please settle up your restaurant account, bar
tab, any other charges incurred, at the Vela Jeri Center
before on your last sailing day.
Important note: If you have
an early flight, make arrangements for your transfers
to the airport the day before your departure and leave
plenty of time to get to the airport. Our staff
will be glad to assist you with this. If you are leaving
on a late flight, there is sometimes a courtesy room
available for storing luggage and taking a shower.
If that isn’t possible, you may also leave your
bags at the center, so you can squeeze one last session
in. May leave with a little sand behind your ears, which
will be nice keep sake.
Vela Jericoacoara Windsurf Program
Windsurfing Equipment
Upon arrival you will be welcomed with a smile, after
the preliminary greetings, you will be asked to check
in and then be given an orientation.
Checking into the windsurfing program:
Although we will be expecting your arrival, please bring
a copy of your email invoice sent to you from Vela Reservations
showing your package details. Fill out information sheet,
copy of credit card, etc Open an account that
will enable you to eat at the restaurant and order drinks
at the bar. Receive an orientation and explanation of
how the center works and where to find everything. You
will also have the opportunity to inquire and/or arrange
for lessons to you during your orientation.
After registration, you are free to use any of our services, by simply signing a printed slip in any department. As a registered customer you are also entitled to a free locker, to store your personal belongings while you are having fun in the water.
Rental of equipment: If you have not
paid for equipment as part of your vacation, on-site
rentals are available for a higher price then Vela offers.
This selection of equipment is limited and may or may
not be available depending on the demand by prepaying
guests.
Adjustments to rigs: All of our sails have been professionally rigged in a manner best suited for that sail. If you would like to make adjustments to the rig, we ask that you first get a short orientation to that particular sail from one of our staff.
Damage to equipment: Vela Jericoacoara
offers an optional insurance service for the case of
accidental damages. Otherwise, you are responsible
for any damage or loss of equipment. To minimize
the possibility of damage, please choose equipment that
suits your ability level and conditions and handle all
equipment carefully.
Lessons
Vela Jericoacoara’s highly qualified instructors
are available for in-depth private lessons as well as
small group lessons. Whether you want to learn to windsurf,
fine-tune your current skills or just have fun, our
team is ready to assist you with lessons at any level
(beginner, intermediate and advanced). For the more
advanced sailors, Jeri is one of the perfect places
to learn how to wave sail. The waves are large enough
to have a great ride, yet small enough to be gentle
and unthreatening.
Beginners:
Introductory (GROUP): 2 Hours Sailing Theory, Wind Awareness, Rigging and Tuning, secure position, sailing stance, 180 Degree turn. After this course students are able to sail away, turn around and sail back with a full understanding of the early stages of windsurfing. Equipment included:US$50
Full Package (GROUP): 6 Hours _Quick er turns, controlled maneuvers, faster more exciting sailing, tacks, jibes, beach start techniques, introduction to harness! Equipment included:US$140
Advanced Private lessons:
Private lessons can be catered to your specific needs
whether that may be waterstarts, jibing, foot-straps,
stance, jumping, looping, etc. Private lessons cost
$45 per hour or $120 for three hours.
Vela Wind Warranty
In the event that there are 4 or more days of non-sailable wind during the time in which you have paid for equipment, you may request a wind warranty form that will allow you credit towards a future trip to any Vela Windsurf Resort. (Only valid for pre-booked equipment rentals.) In some cases you may receive higher credits if you return to the same center. ***You must get this form signed and authorized by the center manager before you leave the Baja Center***
Kitesurfing: Dare2Fly Jericoacoara
is now located in the heart of town, at the Vela Jericoacoara
center. Already known for its high level of safety standards
for teaching and rental of equipment at all other Dare2Fly
center, We offer private lessons focused on your specific
needs. From beginners through advanced riders, the advice
of our skilled instructors will make you improve your
kiteboarding as you never imagined.
Dare2Fly is a Cabrinha Kiteboarding Center and offers
you a full range of the latest technology of BOW kites
that pushs your learning curve faster and safer. All
safety equipment is provided by the center: harness,
helmet, vest, radio and rescue boat.
Private Kiteboarding Lessons in Jericoacoara
1. STEP 1: Kite Control (Introductory Course)
Duration: 2 hours / 12:00 – 14:00hs
Equipment (kite, harness, life vest and a helmet)
Goal: You will learn how to fly a kite, launching, landing,
safety systems, and how to be in control. Emphasis is
on safety and kite control.
2. STEP 2: Body Drag
Duration: 2:30 hours / 8:00 – 10:30hs
Equipment (kite + board+ harness+ helmet +life vest)
Goal: You will learn about safety systems, sheeting
systems and their effects on steering. Practice on the
simulator. Body dragging downwind and upwind, “searching
the board”. Relaunch the kite from the water.
First exercises with the board and start making short
reaches.
3. STEP 3: Water Start
Duration: 2:30 hours / 14:00 – 16:30hs
Equipment (kite + board+ harness+ helmet + life vest)
Goal:. Riding both ways. Ride upwind.
4. Private Lessons
Duration: 2:30 hours / 8:00-10:30hs or 14:00-16:30hs
Equipment: (kite + board+ harness+ helmet + life vest)
Goals: This is a customized lesson. Staying up wind,
heal/toe side turns, jumping, spinning or wave riding.
Check availability for freestyle/wakestyle tricks.
Alternative Activities
The center also offers a full service activity desk to help you plan additional activities. Besides windsurfing, talking about the days sailing, and waiting for daybreak to get on the water again, There are PLENTY of things to do in Jeri! Rental cars are NOT necessary to get started on your daily activity schedule since everything is available in town. Our no-problem, always-smiling assistants will be ready to help to plan:
Dune-buggy tours to fresh water lagoons and endless
beaches
Sand boarding on huge dunes
Horse back riding
Yoga or capoeira on the beach
Boat tours by motor or traditional fishing boats
Hiking to rock formations or other beaches
More!
Have a great time in Jericoacora!
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