The beauty of being in Rio is that you're never too far from the sea front. The famous Copacabana, Ipanema, Leblon and Arpoador beaches are within walking distance from hotels, bars, restaurants, night clubs. However, most of the action seems to concentrate in Ipanema.

  Flamengo:                        

                                                                    
   *Runs along Brigadeiro Eduardo Gomes Park, has the same gentle waters as all the other beaches inside the vast Guanabara Bay. 

 Botafogo: 

 *700m along the innermost portion of Botafogo inlet.The Botafogo bay is not suitable for swimming, but as the sea is calm there; the waves are not good enough for surfing, it's a good choice for those who like windsurfing.

Urca:

 *A small, well-sheltered beach, at the foot of Urca Hill.

Vermelha: 

*243m of rather coarse, yellowish sand. A fascinating location, overshadowed by Sugar Loaf Rock.

Leme:  Copacabana:

*There's always something going on in Copa, day and night. The wide sidewalks and bars are always buzzing with people from just about everywhere. The cruisy bit is located right across from the Copacabana Palace. Watch out for the rent boys though, unless of course, you don´t mind coughing up for a bit of trade. 4,15 km along, curving sinuously along elegant av Atlantica, as far as Copacabana Fort. The first kilometer is called Leme, and from there to the fort Copacabana.

Arpoador:

*Runs from copacabana fort to Av Vieira Souto at Francisco Otaviano street.

Ipanema: 

*If it's beach fashion you're going for, it's here in Ipanema. It is right in the middle of the action - there's a particular stretch which is to be found at the end of Rua Farme de Amoedo - the place to be at, if you wish to be seen and cruised!. Between Arpoador and Jardim de Alah it is km long. Renowned for the hit tune “ Girl from Ipanema ”.

Leblon: 

*Leblon's beach goers are mostly from the neighbourhood itself. Surfers prefer Grumari along Morro Dois Irmãos. Runs from Ipanema up to the rocky cliffs pierced by Av Niemeyer.

Praia do Pepino (em São Conrado):  

*Starts at the end of Niemeyer Ave and runs as far as Sao Conrado Tunnel.

Barra da Tijuca: 

*Runs along Sernambetiba Ave as far as Recreio. The longest beach in the city, 12 km long.It's the longest beach in the city, with 18 km in length. The sea is a bit rough and dangerous in some spots. The waves are good enough for water sports such as wind surfing and body board. The kiosks along the sea front offer a good choice of snacks and cold drinks.

Recreio dos Bandeirantes: 

*A charming 2 km long inlet at the end of Sernambetiba Ave.

Prainha: 

*A secluded 700m long sandy strip at the end of Recreio. Rough sea, good for surfing.

Grumari: 

*The surfers paradise, this beach has been made an environmental protected area. Grumari is a constant set for soap operas and movies - both national and international. Reddish sand in unspoiled setting. The sea is often rough here.

Barra de Guaratiba: 

*A small beach, with calm waters, delightfully tree-lined, to the left of Guaratiba Rd.