Complete guide to the beaches of Búzios! Discover the main beaches of Búzios, a complete itinerary for the traveler
Beach Guide: The most popular beaches in Búzios
About Buzios
Before listing the beaches, let's talk about the city as a whole. Búzios is known for its beautiful natural landscapes, with its beaches and crystal clear waters. In total, we have 27 beaches to visit. In this travel guide, we will list the most popular beaches in Búzios that are essential to visit (some say that you haven't come to Búzios if you don't visit these beaches) and those beaches that are not so well known but will surprise you. So, let's start:
1. Praia de Geribá
It would be impossible to start a guide to the main beaches without mentioning Geribá Beach. Named after a palm tree native to the region, Geribá Beach is one of the largest and most popular beaches in Búzios. With a variety of activities, from the famous Fishbone Restaurant and Beach Club to small kiosks located all along the beach, Geribá Beach is perfect for spending a long day at the beach in comfort and fun. With predominantly cold waters, the beach offers activities for children, such as surfing lessons, banana boats and water discs, ensuring fun for all ages.
It is also important to highlight the need for care and attention on Geribá Beach. The right-hand side of the beach, even though it is one of the most popular, can have rough and dangerous seas and is not recommended for those with less experience. The left-hand side of the beach has calmer seas and milder waters, allowing you to enjoy a nice swim without worrying. There are several lifeguard stations along the beach to ensure the safety of all swimmers.
Getting to Geribá beach is very simple, it is easily accessible from the neighborhood also named Geribá, with several access points to the beach that extends from its right to the left corner, very easily located on the map.
2. Praia de João Fernandes
Following the itinerary of the most popular beaches in Búzios, we have João Fernandes Beach. The origin of the name of the beach is very interesting, as there are two versions of its name. The first story is that the name is in honor of a Portuguese colonizer, called João Fernandes, who used the beach as a refuge to escape from pirates who surrounded the Brazilian coast. And the other, the name would be in honor of a fisherman, who was sentenced to be executed for fishing on this beach, an activity that was prohibited in the region by royal decree. Thus, in honor of this fisherman, the beach was named after him, João Fernandes.
João Fernandes Beach, unlike Geribá Beach, has warm, calm waters and is significantly smaller. In addition, there is a wealth of fish and other marine animals that live in the corals and rocks in the corners of the beach. Therefore, it is clear that diving on this beach is essential, and there are several options for this activity on the beach itself, from beginners diving with just a snorkel to semi-professional diving with guides and oxygen tanks. In addition, among other ideal activities, we have kayaking and stand up paddle boarding.
João Fernandes beach can be easily accessed by land. Follow the main road to the end. On the right, you will find the beach in the João Fernandes neighborhood. João Fernandinho beach is also worth mentioning, as it is a small strip of sand with access from the main beach, via a small semi-paved promenade.
3. Praia de Manguinhos
Manguinhos Beach is the largest beach in Búzios, measuring 8 km long. It got its name because the mangrove vegetation used to stretch across the entire beach, but unfortunately today it only represents a tiny part of that 8 km long stretch. Unlike the others mentioned, Manguinhos Beach is not a popular beach for swimmers and the sea, but rather for the variety of beach options. Ideal for a nice walk, Manguinhos Beach, due to its long stretch of hard-packed sand and easy access, is popular with runners and fitness enthusiasts who enjoy a good walk. In addition, due to the gusts of wind that occur throughout the year, it is ideal for sailing, kitesurfing and windsurfing, and is the stage for international competitions.
In addition to the activities mentioned above, the beach has a beautiful visual appeal. From its green slopes, when walking to the right side of the beach, it is possible to see the mangrove vegetation, rarely found in the world. Boosting this bucolic aspect of the beach, it is also the stage for one of the most beautiful sunsets in the world, enjoyed by many tourists who spread out along the pier of Manguinhos beach. It is also worth mentioning that the largest gastronomic center of Búzios, Porto da Barra, is located right on the beach, and is a must-see during your visit.
Due to the large extension of the beach, its location is easy to find, as there are several accesses along these 8 km, but the most common is through Porto da Barra, which is located to the left of the city's main road. There, in addition to parking, is where this gastronomic center and the Manguinhos Pier are located.
4. Praia Azeda
Azeda Beach, located in Búzios, in the state of Rio de Janeiro, is one of the most charming places in the region. With crystal clear, calm, greenish waters, it is the ideal place for those seeking tranquility and natural beauty. The strip of sand is small, surrounded by rock formations and vegetation, providing a sense of privacy and contact with nature. Azeda Beach is also a great spot for snorkeling, thanks to its clear water and rich marine life.
There are two main options to get to Azeda Beach. The first is by sea, using a water taxi from Armação Beach, a quick and pleasant journey that provides a unique view of the Búzios coastline. The second option is on foot: you can start from Praia dos Ossos, a short walk of about 10 minutes. At the end of Praia dos Ossos, there is a small trail with steps that lead to Azeda. Access is easy, but the walk offers beautiful views, making the trip worthwhile from the beginning.
Praia Azeda is perfect for those who want a peaceful day, surrounded by stunning scenery, and is one of the mandatory stops in Búzios.
5. Praia da Tartaruga
Tartaruga Beach, located in Búzios, is known for its warm, calm waters, ideal for a peaceful and relaxing swim. Its waters have an emerald green hue, and the beach is surrounded by native vegetation and rock formations, creating a paradisiacal environment. Tartaruga Beach is also famous for being a great place to enjoy the sunset, with the horizon reflecting the warm colors of the late afternoon.
The name “Tartaruga” (Tartaruga) is due to the occasional presence of sea turtles in the area, making it an interesting spot for those who enjoy snorkeling. Although it is not as busy as other beaches in Búzios, it attracts both tourists and locals looking for a quiet place to relax or practice water sports such as stand-up paddleboarding.
To get to Tartaruga Beach, you can drive or walk, depending on your location. From downtown Búzios, the drive is relatively short and easy. The beach is about a 10-minute drive away, following Estrada da Usina Velha to Estrada José Bento Ribeiro Dantas. There are signs along the way, making it easy to navigate. You can also get there on foot, starting from Rua das Pedras, in a walk of approximately 30 minutes, for those who want to explore more of the city. Upon arrival, you will find a trail that leads to the beach, passing through a small descent surrounded by vegetation.
Tartaruga Beach offers simple infrastructure, with stalls serving snacks and drinks, but it maintains its natural charm, making it an excellent option for relaxing in a peaceful and beautiful environment.
