Praça da Baleia
Admire a colossal whale sculpture by the sea, spot sea turtles, and enjoy oceanfront park vibes in Rio das Ostras.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Praça da Baleia
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Admire a colossal whale sculpture by the sea, spot sea turtles, and enjoy oceanfront park vibes in Rio das Ostras.
"A wonderful place to enjoy with the family! The view from whale square is wonderful!!!"
📸 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.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
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
Oceanfront
Keep an eye out for sea turtles, often spotted year-round from the park's edge.
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
Adjacent to the plaza
Explore this open-air mall with local stores offering a variety of goods.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit to Praça da Baleia
What to Expect at Praça da Baleia
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 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.
🚶♀️ Beach Walk Access
The plaza is a short walk from beautiful Costa Azul beaches, perfect for a stroll.
🍽️ Nearby Dining
Plenty of food and drink options are available around the plaza, including highly-rated restaurants.
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.
🐢 Turtle Spotting Tips
Be patient and observant; sea turtles are often seen year-round from the park.
🚶♀️ Beach Walk Access
The plaza is a short walk from beautiful Costa Azul beaches, perfect for a stroll.
🍽️ Nearby Dining
Plenty of food and drink options are available around the plaza, including highly-rated restaurants.
👨👩👧👦 Family Fun Hub
Ideal for a family day out, with space for kids to enjoy and explore.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
🎫 🎫 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.
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.
📸 📸 Photography
The massive whale sculpture itself is a prime photo opportunity, especially with people posing next to it to show scale.
The oceanfront offers beautiful backdrops, and a short walk up a hill provides panoramic views of the beaches.Drone footage can capture the impressive scale of the whale sculpture and the expansive coastline.
However, always check local regulations regarding drone usage before flying.🍽️ 🍽️ 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.
The nearby Tocolândia, described as an open mall, likely offers various local vendors and snack options.
🎫 🌊 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.
Absolutely! It's a wonderful place for families, offering a unique sculpture, beach access, and a generally lively atmosphere on weekends.
Yes, the area is famous for sea turtles being seen all year round. Patience and observation are key!
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
🚶♀️ Beach Lovers & Strollers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Iconic Whale Sculpture
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. 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.
Marine Life Encounters
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.
Exploring Costa Azul
Adjacent to the plaza is Tocolândia, an open-air shopping area that offers a more local retail experience. 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.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit