Pedra do Pontal
Trail and view.
Halley Pacheco de Oliveira — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Dario Bittencourt Fr… — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Cyro A. Silva from Rio de Janeiro, Brasil — CC BY 2.0 · Southamerican — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Acarolinalopes — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Acarolinalopes — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Acarolinalopes — CC BY-SA 4.0
Recreio dos Bandeirantes beach is a long stretch of sand in Rio's West Zone, continuing west from Barra da Tijuca and ending at the big Pedra do Pontal rock, which stands at its tip like an island joined to the shore. It has cleaner water and stronger waves than the crowded South Zone beaches, so it is a regular haunt for surfers and surf schools, while families from the relatively quiet district favour its promenade and kiosks. At the western end Pedra do Pontal shelters part of the beach, calming the waves a little. You can climb Pedra do Pontal on a short trail for a view along the coast, and from here the road leads on to wilder beaches such as Prainha and Grumari. Weekdays are calmer than weekends; always watch the lifeguards' flags because of currents.
Trail and view.
For beginners.
Kiosks and families.
Recreio dos Bandeirantes, West Zone, Rio de Janeiro
Waves can be strong, so swim near lifeguard posts and follow their flags.
