Praça da Baleia - people walking on sidewalk near white concrete building during daytime
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Praça da Baleia

4.7
·25k reviews·, Brazil

Admire a colossal whale sculpture by the sea, spot sea turtles, and enjoy oceanfront park vibes in Rio das Ostras.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
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Praça da Baleia - people walking on sidewalk near white concrete building during daytime

Praça da Baleia

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Admire a colossal whale sculpture by the sea, spot sea turtles, and enjoy oceanfront park vibes in Rio das Ostras.

4.7
(25k reviews)

"A wonderful place to enjoy with the family! The view from whale square is wonderful!!!"

Vertical photo
TIP

📸 Capture the Whale's Scale

Stand next to the whale sculpture to compare your size! Great for fun photos.

🐢 Turtle Spotting Tips

Be patient and observant; sea turtles are often seen year-round from the park.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Humpback Whale Sculpture

The Humpback Whale Sculpture

Center of the plaza

A colossal 20-meter metallic sculpture of a humpback whale, covered in bronze and brass.

Sea Turtle Spotting

Sea Turtle Spotting

Oceanfront

Keep an eye out for sea turtles, often spotted year-round from the park's edge.

Panoramic Beach Views

Panoramic Beach Views

Hillside path near the plaza

Enjoy breathtaking vistas of the beautiful beaches of Costa Azul from a short walk up a hill.

Tocolândia Shopping

Tocolândia Shopping

Adjacent to the plaza

Explore this open-air mall with local stores offering a variety of goods.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit to Praça da Baleia

Praça da Baleia is a popular spot, especially on weekends. For a more relaxed experience, aim for weekdays or early mornings. Weekends can get quite busy with families and locals enjoying the beach and the iconic whale sculpture.

What to Expect at Praça da Baleia

This oceanfront park is famous for its massive humpback whale sculpture and the chance to spot sea turtles year-round. It's a great family-friendly destination with nearby food options and beautiful beach views.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour for photos
Crowd
Medium
When
Sundays
Why
Lively family atmosphere
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Casa maravilhosa em Rio Das Ostras 3 quartos Mais informações 22992655501 R$399.900
@thaylanoliveira3
23.4K likes • 525.9K views

📸 Capture the Whale's Scale

Stand next to the whale sculpture to compare your size! Great for fun photos. Instagram+1

🐢 Turtle Spotting Tips

Be patient and observant; sea turtles are often seen year-round from the park. Reddit

EXPERIMENTE AS BELEZAS DE RIO DAS OSTRAS! Venha se encantar com um dos cartões-postais mais famosos da cidade: a Praça da Baleia! Um cenário deslumbrante que une arte, natureza e um visual de tirar o fôlego. Ideal para passeios em família, momentos de lazer e muitas fotos incríveis! Rio das Ostras te espera de braços abertos. Viva essa experiência!
riodasostrasgov
4.4K likes • 85.2K views
13:23 - PRAÇA DA BALEIA / COSTAZUL ( ACHOU ME MARCA PRA G4NHAR + 🎁)
dinhocarelli
365 likes • 26.3K views

🚶‍♀️ Beach Walk Access

The plaza is a short walk from beautiful Costa Azul beaches, perfect for a stroll. Reddit

🍽️ Nearby Dining

Plenty of food and drink options are available around the plaza, including highly-rated restaurants. Reddit

Praça da Baleia 📸 Drone + IA ​"Do esqueleto à vida! A beleza imponente de uma baleia jubarte ganha vida no lugar do molde. 🐋" ​"Transformação com (IA) completa! A majestade da Jubarte agora em seu lugar. Qual versão você prefere: o 'antes' ou o 'depois'? 🤔" #ubatuba #litoralnortesp ​#BaleiaJubarte #praçadabaleia ​#HumpbackWhale ​#VidaMarinha ​#OceanLovers ​#faunamarinha ​#GigantesDoMar
dronesampa
15 likes • 795 views

Tips

from all over the internet

📸 Capture the Whale's Scale

Stand next to the whale sculpture to compare your size! Great for fun photos. Instagram+1

🐢 Turtle Spotting Tips

Be patient and observant; sea turtles are often seen year-round from the park. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Beach Walk Access

The plaza is a short walk from beautiful Costa Azul beaches, perfect for a stroll. Reddit

🍽️ Nearby Dining

Plenty of food and drink options are available around the plaza, including highly-rated restaurants. Reddit

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Fun Hub

Ideal for a family day out, with space for kids to enjoy and explore. InstagramReddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(25k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Praça da Baleia is a beloved family-friendly spot in Rio das Ostras, celebrated for its iconic whale sculpture and the chance to see sea turtles. Visitors appreciate the beautiful ocean views and the convenience of nearby restaurants and shops, making it a perfect destination for a relaxed day out.

"A great family place to have some beach fun with plenty of food & drink options around"

Mark Prendergast

"Ocean front park where you can sit and watch sea turtles. Place is famous for sea turtles being seen all year round. Huge whale statue with man on scale, where you can compare the size of man to a whale . Nearby there is an open mall like with local stores called Tocolandia.
Very busy place especially on sundays. Nice restaurants nearby. Perfect for a family day ."

Isabel Moraes

"It's a wonderful place to enjoy with the family! The view from whale square is wonderful!!! Rico Restaurant is the best restaurant ever!"

Gabryell Araujo

What People Like

Iconic whale sculpture
Sea turtle sightings
Beautiful beach views

What People Dislike

Can be very busy

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Praça da Baleia is located in the Costa Azul neighborhood of Rio das Ostras. If you're driving, there's usually parking available nearby. Public transportation options might include local buses that service the Costa Azul area. Check local transit schedules for the most up-to-date routes. Instagram

Yes, the plaza is an oceanfront park and generally easy to access. It's situated along the coast, making it a pleasant walk if you're staying in the Costa Azul area. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Praça da Baleia is a public park and does not require an entrance fee. You can visit and enjoy the whale sculpture and ocean views for free. Instagram

As an outdoor public space, Praça da Baleia is generally accessible at all hours. However, it's best to visit during daylight for safety and to fully appreciate the views and the sculpture. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

The massive whale sculpture itself is a prime photo opportunity, especially with people posing next to it to show scale. Instagram+1 The oceanfront offers beautiful backdrops, and a short walk up a hill provides panoramic views of the beaches. Reddit

Drone footage can capture the impressive scale of the whale sculpture and the expansive coastline. Instagram However, always check local regulations regarding drone usage before flying. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there are plenty of food and drink options around the plaza, including nice restaurants. Rico Restaurant is specifically mentioned as a great dining experience by visitors. Reddit

The nearby Tocolândia, described as an open mall, likely offers various local vendors and snack options. Reddit

🎫 🌊 Onsite Experience

You can admire the giant whale sculpture, enjoy the ocean views, watch for sea turtles, take photos, and relax. It's also a great starting point for beach walks. InstagramReddit

Absolutely! It's a wonderful place for families, offering a unique sculpture, beach access, and a generally lively atmosphere on weekends. InstagramReddit

Yes, the area is famous for sea turtles being seen all year round. Patience and observation are key! Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Praça da Baleia is a fantastic destination for families. The giant whale sculpture is a huge hit with children, offering a fun photo opportunity and a chance to learn about marine life. Instagram The nearby beaches provide ample space for kids to play and enjoy the sand and sea. Reddit It's a safe and engaging environment for a family outing, with plenty of nearby food options to keep everyone happy. Reddit

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

For photographers, Praça da Baleia offers diverse subjects. The striking whale sculpture is a unique focal point, especially during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset. Instagram+1 The oceanfront setting provides beautiful natural light and expansive views of the coastline. Reddit Consider exploring the nearby hill for elevated shots of the beaches and the plaza. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Beach Lovers & Strollers

If you enjoy coastal walks, Praça da Baleia is perfectly situated. It's just a short stroll from the beautiful beaches of Costa Azul, allowing you to easily transition from admiring the sculpture to relaxing by the water. Reddit The oceanfront park itself is pleasant for a leisurely walk, offering sea breezes and scenic views. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Iconic Whale Sculpture

The centerpiece of Praça da Baleia is its magnificent humpback whale sculpture. Created by artist Roberto Sá, this impressive 20-meter long structure is clad in bronze and brass plates, giving it a striking metallic sheen. Instagram The sculpture is designed to showcase the immense scale of these marine giants, with visitors often taking photos next to it to compare their size. Instagram It's not just a static art piece; it's a symbol of the region's connection to marine life and a major draw for tourists and locals alike. Instagram

This artistic marvel transforms the plaza into a unique landmark. The artist's intention was to bring the 'skeleton to life,' and the result is a powerful representation of the humpback whale's majesty. Instagram The materials used, bronze and brass, contribute to its enduring beauty and resilience against the coastal elements. It's a must-see for anyone visiting Rio das Ostras. Instagram

Marine Life Encounters

Praça da Baleia offers a unique opportunity for marine life observation, particularly for sea turtles. Visitors frequently report seeing these gentle creatures year-round from the park's vantage point overlooking the ocean. Reddit While sightings are not guaranteed, the consistent presence of turtles makes this area a special spot for nature enthusiasts. Reddit

Beyond turtles, the plaza's location on the coast means you're immersed in a marine environment. The oceanfront park setting provides a constant connection to the sea, enhancing the experience of appreciating the whale sculpture. It’s a reminder of the rich biodiversity that inhabits the waters off Rio das Ostras. Instagram

Exploring Costa Azul

Praça da Baleia is situated in the Costa Azul neighborhood, a vibrant area known for its beautiful beaches and amenities. The plaza itself is a short walk from several lovely beaches, making it an ideal starting or ending point for a coastal exploration. Reddit Visitors can easily combine a visit to the whale sculpture with a relaxing day by the sea. Instagram

Adjacent to the plaza is Tocolândia, an open-air shopping area that offers a more local retail experience. Reddit This provides an opportunity to browse local stores and find souvenirs. The area also boasts a good selection of restaurants and food options, ensuring visitors can enjoy a full day of sightseeing and dining without venturing far. Reddit

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