Búzios has over 20 beaches, but it’s unlikely you’ll have time to visit them all during one trip (and some aren’t really worth it). So, we’ve put together a list of the best beaches in Búzios to include in your travel itinerary.
Buzios is a highly recommended destination in Rio de Janeiro, offering a variety of beaches with pristine waters, breathtaking landscapes, a bustling nightlife, and delectable cuisine.
Though not as frigid as the beaches of Arraial do Cabo, the waters in Búzios are still cold. Additionally, the region offers beaches for every preference, from calm waters perfect for families to beaches with strong waves ideal for surfing. There are also more secluded beaches and even a beach designated for nudism.
1. João Fernandes Beach and João Fernandinho Beach
João Fernandes is one of the best beaches in Búzios, very popular for its excellent infrastructure for spending the day. In addition to being located in an area with many hotels, inns, and condominiums, it’s one of the best regions in Búzios to stay, especially for families.
At the beach, you’ll find restaurants, beach shacks, street vendors, and equipment rentals for activities like SUP, kayaking, and snorkeling. João Fernandes, with its serene and pristine waters, is equally stunning. On weekends and holidays, especially during the busiest times of the year, it can get pretty crowded.
João Fernandinho Beach is located next to João Fernandes Beach, but is divided by a rocky outcrop. There are no restaurants or beach shacks on this little, calm beach with immaculate waters.
It is in the João Fernandes and João Fernandinho beach area that introductory scuba diving takes place in Búzios.
2. Azeda Beach and Azedinha Beach
Our two favorite beaches in Búzios are Azeda and Azedinha. With serene, pristine, greenish waters that are encircled by vegetation and shaded by trees, both are great places to swim. You just need to cross a narrow rocky path to get from one beach to the other, which is separated by a rock.
Azeda Beach is larger, and there you’ll find street vendors and rentals for chairs and umbrellas. Azedinha Beach, on the other hand, is very small and features only one boat-shaped bar selling drinks and light snacks. On busy days, a few street vendors can also be found on the beach.
Beyond Ossos Beach, a steep path leads to a wooden staircase that leads to the beaches. There is occasionally a line to take pictures at the location, and the staircase provides a lovely view of both beaches.
3. Ferradurinha Beach
Ferradurinha Beach is a small, serene beach with pristine waters. It is encircled by vegetation and rocks, and the trees provide some shade.
The beach is peaceful and ideal for snorkeling and pedal boating. When we visited, we saw plenty of fish and turtles. At Ferradurinha Beach, there are a few stalls selling snacks and drinks, as well as renting chairs, umbrellas, and pedal boats. This is an excellent beach to visit with children.
4. Ferradura Beach
Ferradura Beach is located beyond Ferradurinha Beach, but it has a much larger stretch of sand and overall area. Access to this beach is easy, with no need for trails or stairs, making it a fantastic choice for families visiting Búzios.
There are exquisite options for vacation rentals in posh mansions at Ferradura Beach, in addition to some opulent hotels with spas and views of the ocean. The beach is stunning with its bluish water and pristine waves. It’s the perfect spot for stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, pedal boating, or simply relaxing by the sea. In addition, there are beach shacks on the shore, and you can rent chairs and umbrellas.
5. Geribá Beach
A beach with rough seas and plenty of waves, Geribá Beach is a favorite among surfers in Búzios. It’s large and very scenic, featuring cold water and a vibrant blue sea. There are many beachfront houses and inns available for accommodation.
The beach offers excellent infrastructure, with beach shacks, restaurants, street vendors, and options to rent chairs and umbrellas. At the end of Geribá Beach, you’ll find access to Ferradurinha Beach.
6. Tartaruga Beach
This beach combines the look of a wild beach with that of an urban one. At the beginning, it’s busier, with music, beach shacks, restaurants, and plenty of umbrellas. Toward the end, the atmosphere becomes more tranquil, with natural scenery that includes rocks, vegetation, and a beautiful blue-toned sea. Tartaruga Beach has calm waters, making it amazing for water sports or simply relaxing on the sand. The final stop on the schooner tour is at this beach.
7. Brava Beach
Brava Beach is one of the most sophisticated beaches in Búzios, home to two fantastic beach clubs: Silk Beach Club and Rocka Beach Lounge & Restaurant. This beach is beautiful, but the sea is quite rough with strong waves, so it’s not very suitable for children.
Brava Beach is usually less crowded than other beaches in the area, and the best way to enjoy it is by spending the day at one of the beach clubs, relaxing and sipping on some drinks. For those who aren’t into beach clubs, the right side of the beach is an excellent alternative. There, you can rent chairs and umbrellas and find vendors selling drinks and snacks.
8. Ossos Beach
This beach is located in the central area of Búzios, next to Armação Beach. While it’s not the best beach in Búzios, it is quite beautiful, featuring calm waters and a lovely view with plenty of greenery and anchored boats.
Since water taxis leave from Ossos Beach, it is simple to get to a number of other beaches in Búzios. This beach also serves as the access point to Azeda Beach and Azedinha Beach. There are exceptional accommodations in the area, such as Pousada Corsário, which offers beach service and sea views.
9. Forno Beach
Forno Beach is a small, lovely beach with reddish sand and calm waters. It is quiet and rarely visited by tourists, so it is typically less crowded. The local landscape is stunning, with plenty of rocks and vegetation. Despite its wilder appearance, it’s close to the town center and features a restaurant and parking facilities.
10. Manguinhos Beach
Manguinhos Beach offers a spectacular sunset, the most beautiful one we saw in Búzios. It’s also home to Porto da Barra, the city’s largest gastronomic complex. While we don’t find the beach itself particularly appealing or fantastic for swimming, Porto da Barra features amazing restaurants and bars, perfect for enjoying drinks and meals while admiring the sea and sunset. Despite its size, the beach has a narrow strip of sand, and the water is somewhat murky.
11. Olho do Boi Beach
This is Búzios’ naturist beach, located in a secluded area, accessible via a trail that begins on the right side of Brava Beach. Despite its small size, Olho do Boi Beach is incredibly lovely and private, with serene waters encircled by lush rocks and vegetation. Nudism is mandatory at this beach.
Other Beaches to Visit in Búzios
Armação beach is located in the center of Búzios, next to Ossos Beach, so it’s almost impossible not to pass by it. While it’s not suitable for swimming, the beach is home to the pier where boat tours depart and the famous Escultura dos Três Pascadores (Three Fishermen Sculpture).
Next to Armação Beach is Canto Beach. This beach is also not suitable for swimming, as the water is often murky due to the boats anchored there. Along its shoreline, you’ll find restaurants, hotels, and inns.
Tucuns Beach is a beach in Búzios that is less frequented by tourists due to its distance from the downtown. Located beyond Geribá Beach, it features a wide stretch of sand and is well-preserved.
Another beach in Búzios that, despite its beauty, is less visited is Foca Beach. This is a very small beach nestled between two rock walls and lush vegetation. Its strip of sand is narrow, and when the tide is high, there’s barely any sand left to stay on.
To explore more beaches in Búzios, Rio de Janeiro, you can book tours such as a schooner ride, a catamaran boat tour, or a buggy tour.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO RIO DE JANEIRO
Book your hotel in Rio de Janeiro in advance
To ensure the best stay in Rio de Janeiro, we recommend using Booking or Hotels.com, reservation sites we trust for all our trips. With a wide selection of hotels and the best available rates, you will find the perfect option for your stay, ensuring an incredible and economical travel experience. Our favorite hotels in Rio de Janeiro are:
- Copacabana Palace (Capital of Rio de Janeiro)
- Pousada Literária (Paraty)
- A concept Hotel (Búzios)
- Hotel Fasano (Angra dos Reis)
For greater convenience, rent a car in Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro is a wonderful destination to explore by car, offering stunning landscapes and charming cities. If your plan is to explore more than one city and maximize your comfort and freedom, renting a car is the ideal choice. The companies we recommend for car rentals are Discover Cars and Rental Cars.
Book your tours and experiences
Planning your tours in advance can save you a lot of time during your trip. Imagine being able to book all your activities directly from the comfort of your home and even pay with your credit card. The companies we use and recommend for booking tours and buying tickets are Viator, Civitatis, and Get Your Guide.