Map and comparison of Rio's beaches, Sept 2026 prices for chairs, umbrellas and caipirinhas, the newer beach rules, water quality and phrases to order like a local.
R$15–40
Beach caipirinha
R$30–70
Chair + umbrella
Posts 1–12
Lifeguard towers used as meeting points
INEA
Official water-quality bulletin
In Rio the beach isn't just for swimming; it's the neighborhood's living room. It's where people watch the sunset, play footvolley, snack on grilled cheese and meet up "at Posto 9". Every beach has its own personality, and picking the right one makes your day.
Here's the map, a side-by-side comparison, reference prices from Sept 2026 and what you should know about safety and water quality. Cards and Pix are widely accepted, but always check the amount on the card machine before you tap.
Beach map
From the bay to the West Zone, east to west
Rio beaches
Tap each marker for details. Prainha and Grumari are an hour or more from Copacabana.
Which beach is right for you?
Each one's personality in 10 seconds
Copacabana
The famous one and the easiest if you're staying nearby: kiosks, showers, bike lane and lots of people.
- Best for: first-timers and sunset walks on the promenade
- Strong waves in some stretches
Ipanema
Each lifeguard post has its crowd: families, surfers, young locals and the famous, LGBTQ-friendly Posto 9.
- Best for: atmosphere and people-watching
Leblon
Ipanema's calmer continuation, with Dois Irmãos peaks in the background.
- Best for: kids and relaxed days
Arpoador
The rocky point between Copacabana and Ipanema where people applaud the sunset.
- Best for: photos and surfing
- Packed on summer evenings
Barra da Tijuca
A very long, open beach with waves and fewer tourists. Farther from the center.
- Best for: room to spread out
- You'll need a car or a long Uber ride
Prainha and Grumari
Rio's wild beaches: rainforest, golden sand and no high-rises. Bring water and food.
- Best for: surfing and scenery
- An hour or more from the South Zone
Praia Vermelha
Small, tucked between hills next to the cable car: easy to pair with Sugarloaf.
- Best for: pairing with the cable car
- Variable water quality
Quick comparison
| Copacabana | Ipanema / Leblon | Arpoador | Barra | Prainha / Grumari | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vibe | Touristy and lively | Local, by crowd | Surf and sunsets | Wide and residential | Wild |
| Waves | Medium to strong | Medium | Good for surfing | Strong | Strong |
| Getting there | Metro (Cardeal Arcoverde, Siqueira Campos, Cantagalo) | Metro General Osório / Antero de Quental | Walk from Copacabana or Ipanema | Metro Line 4 + bus or Uber | Car, Uber or tour |
| Facilities | Full | Full | Basic | Full | Few kiosks |
| Best for | First visit | Atmosphere and families | Photos | Space | Nature |
What a beach day costs
Reference prices in the South Zone, Sept 2026
Prices on the sand
Approximate: prices vary by beach, post and season. Ask before you order.
Beach rules
What changed with the 2025 decree
In 2025 Rio's city government issued a decree to regulate how the sand and beach commerce are used. What matters most to visitors:
- Registered vendors and beach stalls, identified by a license number.
- Posted prices at kiosks and stalls.
- No glass bottles on the sand.
- Amplified sound and live music only with a permit and within set hours.
Some points were adjusted after publication and enforcement varies by beach, so treat this as general guidance. Always true: don't leave trash, obey the lifeguards' flags (red = stay out of the water) and don't fly drones over people.
Safety: what to bring and what to leave behind
Your beach bag
Tick off what's ready. Saved in your browser.
Beach phrases
Tap to hear the pronunciation.
Quanto custa a cadeira e o guarda-sol?
/kuán-tu kús-ta a ka-dêi-ra i u guár-da-sóu/
How much for the chair and umbrella?
Me vê uma água de coco, por favor.
/mi vê u-ma á-gua dji kô-ku/
I'll have a coconut water, please.
Pode olhar minhas coisas um minutinho?
/pó-dji o-liár mí-nhas kôi-zas/
Could you watch my things for a minute?
See the beach from the water
Paddle at sunrise off Copacabana or join the party boat around the bay. Gear included, pay by card or Pix.
From R$160
Frequently asked questions
It depends: Ipanema for atmosphere, Copacabana for convenience, Arpoador for sunset, and Prainha or Grumari for nature.
Experience the beach differently
English-speaking crew, gear included and an all-in price. Pay by international card or Pix.
Recommended tours for this guide
Book online with a local guide, a fixed price and payment by international card or Pix.
