Recreio dos Bandeirantes Beach Rio de Janeiro
A local favorite beach in Rio, offering great surfing, stunning views from Pontal Stone, and a vibrant beach club scene.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Vibrant atmosphere, lively beach clubs
Recreio dos Bandeirantes Beach Rio de Janeiro
Best Time
Vibrant atmosphere, lively beach clubs

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A local favorite beach in Rio, offering great surfing, stunning views from Pontal Stone, and a vibrant beach club scene.
"This beach is a little gem. You wont see any skyscapers and not many tourists as well."
🚗 Accessing Nearby Beaches
For Grumari & Prainha, a car or app is best. No buses go directly there!
🌊 Waves Can Be Strong
Waves crash hard on the western end near Macumba; dive carefully.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Pontal Stone Hike
Central rock formation dividing the beach
Hike this natural landmark for breathtaking panoramic views of the beaches and the vast Atlantic Ocean.
Surf Spots
Western end of the beach
Catch some waves at the surf break on the western side, or simply enjoy watching skilled surfers ride the waves.

Piscininha do Secreto
Near Praia da Macumba and Praia do Secreto
Discover this hidden natural pool, perfect for a dip, but requires a short, careful descent over rocks.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Local Vibe
Getting There & Around
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Accessing Nearby Beaches
For Grumari & Prainha, a car or app is best. No buses go directly there!
🌊 Waves Can Be Strong
Waves crash hard on the western end near Macumba; dive carefully.
🍕 Beachside Bites
Enjoy grilled items and drinks from vendors, or try pizza baked in firewood!
🏄♀️ Surf Lessons Available
Rent boards and get lessons on the western side for a fun surf session.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Accessing Nearby Beaches
For Grumari & Prainha, a car or app is best. No buses go directly there!
🌊 Waves Can Be Strong
Waves crash hard on the western end near Macumba; dive carefully.
🍕 Beachside Bites
Enjoy grilled items and drinks from vendors, or try pizza baked in firewood!
🏄♀️ Surf Lessons Available
Rent boards and get lessons on the western side for a fun surf session.
☀️ Weekend Crowds
Expect it to get packed on sunny Sunday afternoons.
⚠️ Piscininha Caution
Careful descent to Piscininha do Secreto; not ideal for very young children.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Recreio dos Bandeirantes Beach is praised as a beautiful, local-favorite spot with great surfing and stunning views from the Pontal Stone. Visitors enjoy the relaxed atmosphere, beachside vendors, and vibrant beach clubs. However, some reviews mention concerns about plastic waste and agitated ocean conditions on certain parts of the beach.
"Really great locals beach right off the main road. Two real areas to this beach with a nice hike up the main rock face that divides them, leading to spectacular views of the beaches and the ocean ..
On left side of this rock is a nice surf break where you can watch people surf as well as rent boards ( and get lessons) if you want to try your self ..
To the right of the rock , the ocean stays calmer so it's a great swim beach for all, kids included as the waves here are much calmer..
Plenty of vendors selling everything from drinks and açaí , to grilled items prepared right next to you on little charcoal grills as you enjoy the water and the sun..
Right across the main road there are several food kiosks, restaurants , bars, and shops , plenty of parking, a small skate park, bathrooms, all you need with plenty of happy people... Just past here the beaches start to thin out so you get a little more privacy , especially past Macumba rock ( a small rocky area that divides these beaches from the next ones ... ) about 1 km down from this beach"
alan grant
"Friendly and nice Beach. Can get really packed If the Sun shows up in a Sunday afternoon. Waves crash hard on the western end near Macumba, so dive carefully."
Gian Mastrorosa
"The beach could be fantastic. Super fine Sand, but it's full with plastic waste. I am devastated. After Asie it's the same here maybe worst. Shame on you. Destroying your beautiful country like this. How stupid!"
Brigitte Häbig
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
From Copacabana, you can take a bus (e.g., 302, 315) or a ride-sharing app/taxi to Recreio dos Bandeirantes. The journey can take 1-1.5 hours depending on traffic. Many locals prefer ride-sharing apps for convenience.
There is parking available along the main road and in nearby lots, but it can fill up quickly, especially on weekends. Arriving early is recommended if you're driving.
No, buses do not go directly to Grumari Beach. You'll need a car, motorcycle, bike, or a ride-sharing app to access it from Recreio.
For exploring Recreio and nearby beaches like Prainha and Grumari, having a car or using ride-sharing apps is highly recommended for flexibility.
The eastern side of Recreio Beach generally has calmer waters, making it suitable for swimming and families. The western end near Macumba can have stronger waves.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Recreio dos Bandeirantes Beach is a public beach and does not require an entrance fee. You only pay for services like chair and umbrella rentals or food and drinks.
Beach clubs typically operate from late morning through the evening, often with DJs playing in the afternoon and during sunset. It's best to check their specific social media or website for exact hours.
The Piscininha do Secreto is a natural formation and does not have an entrance fee. Access involves a short hike and careful navigation over rocks.
Yes, numerous vendors offer chair and umbrella rentals along the beach. Prices can vary, so it's good to compare a few options.
No, accessing the Pontal Stone for its scenic views is free of charge. It's a natural landmark accessible from the beach.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can swim, surf, sunbathe, hike the Pontal Stone, and enjoy the lively atmosphere with vendors and beach clubs.
Recreio is more of a local's beach compared to Copacabana or Ipanema, meaning fewer international tourists and a more authentic Rio experience.
The western side, near Macumba, is known for its surf breaks, while the eastern side generally has calmer waters suitable for swimming and families.
The calmer eastern side is good for families. However, the Piscininha do Secreto is not recommended for very young children due to the rocky descent.
You'll find vendors selling drinks, snacks like biscoito Globo, açaí, and grilled items. Some even prepare food right on the beach.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are numerous kiosks, bars, and restaurants directly across the main road from the beach. Beach clubs like Clássico Beach Club and Katukas offer dining options with a view.
Beach clubs often serve fresh seafood like ceviche, grilled skewers, and sophisticated dishes. Clássico Beach Club is known for its ceviche and truffle dishes.
Yes, some vendors offer delicious pizza baked in firewood right on the beach, a unique carioca experience.
Vendors on the beach offer more affordable snacks and grilled items. The kiosks across the street also provide a range of prices.
Biscoito Globo is a famous, light, and airy baked snack often sold by vendors on Rio's beaches, including Recreio. It's a quintessential beach treat.
📸 📸 Photography
The Pontal Stone offers stunning panoramic views. The beach itself, with its natural beauty and vibrant beach clubs, provides many picturesque opportunities.
Late afternoons leading up to sunset offer beautiful golden hour light, perfect for capturing the beach and ocean scenery.
Watching surfers catch waves, the colorful beach umbrellas, and the unique architecture of beach clubs like Clássico Beach Club offer distinct photo subjects.
Be mindful of other beachgoers' privacy. Also, be cautious with your electronics, especially near the water and during busy times.
Drone regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local rules and regulations regarding drone usage in public spaces in Rio de Janeiro before flying.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the main beach is suitable, the Piscininha do Secreto is not ideal for very young children due to the rocky and potentially slippery descent. However, the beach also features a small skate park nearby, which can be an added attraction for active kids. The overall atmosphere is more local and less overwhelming, allowing families to enjoy a genuine Rio beach day.
🏄♂️ Surfers and Water Sports Enthusiasts
Beyond surfing, the beach is also great for swimming, especially on the calmer eastern side. For a unique aquatic experience, the Piscininha do Secreto offers a natural pool setting, though it requires careful navigation. The beach's natural beauty and the availability of water sports make it an attractive spot for those seeking an active day by the sea.
📸 Photographers and Scenery Lovers
The vibrant beach club scene, with establishments like Clássico Beach Club, adds a touch of modern flair and architectural interest to the natural landscape. Capturing the energy of local beachgoers, the colorful umbrellas, and the surfers riding the waves can create dynamic and authentic images. The less touristy nature of Recreio also allows for more candid and less obstructed shots, offering a genuine glimpse into Rio's beach culture.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Nearby Natural Wonders
For those seeking a unique natural pool, the Piscininha do Secreto is a must-visit. Located between Praia da Macumba and Praia do Secreto, it requires a short, careful trek over rocks to reach. While stunning, it's advised to be cautious, especially with children, due to the terrain. These natural spots offer a stark contrast to the urban beaches and are perfect for nature lovers and photographers looking for untouched beauty.
Another notable area is Praia do Pontal, which offers a more tranquil beach experience and is connected to the Recreio boardwalk. It's a great spot for a relaxed walk or to enjoy the open sea. The Pontal Stone itself, a prominent rock formation dividing parts of Recreio, offers a fantastic vantage point for panoramic views of the coastline, especially during sunrise or sunset.
The Beach Club Scene at Recreio
Other popular spots include Katukas Quiosque, which boasts a lively vibe and musical programming, and Pesqueirinho.rj, a newer Bistromar and Beach Club that offers a chic ambiance with music curated by a DJ and a menu designed by a renowned chef. These establishments transform the beach experience, providing not just food and drinks but also entertainment and a social gathering point, especially on weekends.
These beach clubs are ideal for those looking to combine a day at the beach with quality dining and entertainment. They offer a different pace than the more traditional beach vendors, catering to a crowd seeking a more curated experience. Remember to check their social media for event schedules and opening hours, as they can vary.
Surfing and Water Activities
Beyond surfing, the beach offers opportunities for swimming, especially on the eastern side where the waters are generally calmer. The Piscininha do Secreto provides a unique natural pool experience for a refreshing dip, though caution is advised due to the rocky access. The consistent waves and the availability of surf schools make Recreio a dynamic destination for water sports enthusiasts looking for an authentic Rio beach experience away from the more crowded tourist hubs.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit