Hang-gliding
From Pedra Bonita.
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São Conrado beach, officially also called Praia da Gávea, is one of Rio's great views: an arc of sand between Morro Dois Irmãos to the east and the huge Pedra da Gávea to the west, with the upmarket district's towers on one side and the houses of Rocinha on the hillside on the other, a juxtaposition that sums up the city's contrasts. Its best-known sight is the hang-gliders and paragliders that launch from the Pedra Bonita ramp about 500 metres up, soar over forest and sea and land on the sand at its western end; visitors can fly tandem with an instructor. Its strong waves draw surfers too. The district takes its name from Conrado Jacob Niemeyer, the landowner after whom the coastal Avenida Niemeyer leading here is also named. Check the water-quality bulletins before swimming, as they change after rain, and come on a clear day to watch the gliders.
From Pedra Bonita.
Over the west end.
For surfers.
Avenida Prefeito Mendes de Morais, São Conrado, Rio de Janeiro
On the sand at the western end of São Conrado beach, after launching from the Pedra Bonita ramp.