Serra grande – BA

Serra Grande sits on Bahia's coast between Ilhéus and Itacaré, on the only real hill along the BA-001 highway — a small village you'll spot on the right as you drive, with a signed turn leading out to the launch ramp facing the sea. It's about 39.6 km from central Ilhéus, and the only wind that works here is south or southeast; anything else and it's not a flying day. There's no formal forecast ritual locals rely on — the practical approach is simply watching the sea and the clouds, and paying close attention to wind direction and strength before committing to launch. Landing options are flexible: pilots come down either on the launch ramp itself or on the beach below. One quirk worth knowing before you navigate there: standard (non-satellite) map views sometimes place the takeoff out over the water — switch to satellite view to find the actual spot.

Launch & conditions

The launch ramp faces the sea at roughly 80 m elevation. Standard map views sometimes place it incorrectly out over the water — switch to satellite view to find the real spot.

Getting there & local rules

From Ilhéus, take the BA-001 toward Itacaré; Serra Grande is the only hill along that road, a small village visible on the right, about 39.6 km from central Ilhéus. Take the signed exit toward the sea to reach the ramp.

Local rules & hazards

Only south or southeast wind works here — anything else isn't a flying day. Locals judge conditions simply by watching the sea and the clouds and paying close attention to wind direction and strength before launching.

Check conditions before you fly

A forecast for the valley is not a forecast for the launch. Before heading to Serra grande – BA, read the wind and thermals for the site itself, confirm the day's rules with the local club, and remember the standing rule — when in doubt, don't launch. In the free OutDare app you can open Serra grande – BA with a 7-day forecast built from high-resolution weather models, see who else has been flying, and get there with offline maps.