Recife Travel Information
Boa Viagem Beach
The most famous beach of Recife, this beach goes from Pina in the north the beach of Piedade in the south. It's seven miles of white sands, coconut palms and a sea of green punctuated by pools. In the extensive boardwalk, there are standardized kiosks, jogging track, showers, volleyball and bodybuilding equipment. One of the most crowded beach is the stretch between the streets Felix de Brito e Melo and Antonio Falcao, in front of the building Acaiaca. Full of hawkers, is all in Boa Viagem - pineapple fresh mussels in broth and beans, besides repentistas and emboladores. Due to the presence of sharks at this beach, dips are permitted only in areas protected by natural reefs. Surfing is prohibited.
The beach is protected by natural reefs, which the city was named after. Low tides reveal many natural pools along the shoreline. It's possible to walk along the tops of the reefs which are wide and flat but slippery. During high tides the reefs are completely submerged. Swimming past the reefs is discouraged as there have been several cases of attacks by sharks, however the waters protected by the reefs are considered safe.
Kiosks line the beach selling simple foods such as drinks, coconuts and snacks. Cooking is not allowed, so don't expect to find hot foods within the kiosks, but there are plentiful restaurants across the street from the beach. On the beach there are often barraca's, which are make shift businesses which generally sell beer and water, they have a few chairs for patrons. Prices aren't written down, so make sure you ask before making a purchase. Drinking beer in public is allowed, which is different from many cultures. Expect to find lots of sellers on the beaches during the many hot days of summer.
Walking up and down the beach are ambulantes, which offer all kinds of goods, including food. Cashews, raw oysters, fried shrimp, sandwiches, fruits and codornas eggs, a small egg from a Brazilian bird. Aside from the foods, they have artwork, hammocks, hats, and sunglasses. Be warned, the sunglasses may not provide any UV protection! Bring your own.
The beach can be divided into a few zones. The southern part close to Piedade is frequented mostly by locals. Services here don't cater to tourists; expect lower quality and lower prices.
The area between the far south and Praca de Boa Viagem is often referred to as Setubal. It's also mostly frequented by people living in the neighborhood, which is generally middle class. The sand strip is narrow, because of erosion, even though the government has tried to stop it. When the tide is high, there isn't a lot of room left on the beach unfortunately.
From the Praca de Boa Viagem going north for about 4 km is the most frequented zone of the beach. Most of the hotels and pousadas are located here, either on the main avenue or on nearby streets. Middle and upper class families live here and along with tourists they are the most frequent visitors.
The sand strip is wider here, leaving more space for football/soccer and volley ball courts. The walkway has several spots for gymnastics and is preferred area for joggers. The high concentration of tourists attracts plenty of businesses including restaurants, shops, and services. This is also the best policed area in Recife.
More Photos of Boa Viagem Beach
Activities near to Boa Viagem Beach
Pina Beach (beach) -
An urban and busy beach, Pina Beach offers infrastructure similar to that of Boa Viagem, the next beach over, with many stalls and kiosks offering food and many cold beverages. The waves and the protection of reefs attract families with children. The beach has become know as a place for good restaurants and culture. Many bars and restaurants specialize in seafood here.
Unfortunately, the waters ... Address: Praia do Pina Distance: 0.00km from the Boa Viagem Beach | |
Forte das Cinco Pontas (historical) - Erected in 1630 with five-pointed by the Dutch, was taken by the Portuguese and rebuilt in 1677, with stones and whale oil. Since 1982, the Museum serves as the City of Recife, with permanent exhibition of archaeological fragments and panels with reproductions of maps, lithographs, paintings and photos of ages 16 to 20 which depict the urban evolution of Recife. At the top of the old fort are cannons. Closed for renovations, with reopen... Address: São José Recife - PE Distance: 2.31km from the Boa Viagem Beach | |
Cidade do Recife Museum (museum) - The Cinco Pontas (five points) Fort was built by the Dutch in 1630, despite the name, the Fort has only four points, a result of reforms made by the Portuguese after the expulsion of the Dutch. Located in the neighborhood of St. Joseph, the fort houses since 1982, the Museum of the City of Recife.
The museum is notable for its collection which contains iconographic documents of extreme importance for the preservation of urban a... Address: São José, Recife Antigo - PE, 50020-500, Brazil Distance: 2.52km from the Boa Viagem Beach |
Restaurants near to Boa Viagem Beach
Marcos is a Brazilian restaurant that is roughly 0.00km from Boa Viagem Beach and can be found at Praia de Boa Viagem, s/n |
Frida is a International restaurant that is roughly 0.00km from Boa Viagem Beach and can be found at Rua Capitão Rebelinho, 434 |
Pomodoro Café is a Italian restaurant that is roughly 0.00km from Boa Viagem Beach and can be found at Rua Capitão Rebelinho, 418 |
Kojima is a Japanese restaurant that is roughly 0.00km from Boa Viagem Beach and can be found at Rua Ondina, 141 |
Hotels near to Boa Viagem Beach
Transamerica Prestige Beach Class International Hotel Set in a prime location of Recife, Transamerica Prestige Beach Class International Ho puts everything the city has to offer just outside your doorstep. The hotel has everything you need for a comfortable stay. Bar/pub, restaurant, 24hr room service, meeting facilities, business center are just some of the facilities on offer. Each guestroom is elegantly furnished and equipped with handy amenities.... |
Pousada Da Praia Hotel Pousada Da Praia Hotel is a popular choice amongst travelers in Recife, whether exploring or just passing through. Both business travelers and tourists can enjoy the hotel's facilities and services. Business center, 24hr room service, pets allowed are on the list of things guests can enjoy. Each guestroom is elegantly furnished and equipped with handy amenities. The hotel offers various recreation... |
Recife Praia Hotel Discover all that Recife has to offer with Recife Praia Hotel as a base. All hotel's guestrooms have all the conveniences expected in a hotel in its class to suit guests' utmost comforts. Each guestroom is fully equipped with air conditioning, television, shower, separate shower and tub, mini bar, satellite/cable TV. This Recife accommodation contains all of the facilities and conveniences you wou... |
Cult Hotel Stop at Cult Hotel to discover the wonders of Recife. The hotel offers a wide range of amenities and perks to ensure you have a great time. Bar/pub, restaurant, meeting facilities, elevator, 24hr room service are there for guest's enjoyment. Each guestroom is elegantly furnished and equipped with handy amenities. The hotel's peaceful atmosphere extends to its recreational facilities which include ... |