Botafogo Beach Picture 2

More information on Botafogo Beach in Rio de Janeiro Photo by: Rodrigo_Soldon

The beach is located in Botafogo bay in the neighborhood of Botafogo in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.  Among the biggest attractions of Botafogo inlet is the Yacht Club of Rio de Janeiro, whose berth marina is visible from almost anywhere in the neighborhood.   Other attractions include shows and concerts throughout the year which draw thousands of people.  Along the edge of the beach is a bike path and walking path.  Along the edge of the beach there are the gardens of the Beira-Mar which were put in during the early twentieth century.

Historically, at the time of the founding of the city of Rio de Janeiro, vast land grants were given outside the city limits, around the Guanabara Bay. Joao Pereira de Souza Botafogo, the owner and the local resident, named the bay, the beach and the neighborhood that would form in the following centuries.  In 1846, a steam boat system was the main connection between Botafogo and the Pier Pharoux (current Praça XV de Novembro). In late 1860, the establishment of tramlines eased access to the neighborhood, allowing for urbanization.

Despite being very popular and being displayed on many postcards of Rio de Janeiro, the beach is considered to be highly polluted, including most of the Bay Guanabara, which is among the most polluted areas of Rio de Janeiro. 

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