Rio de Janeiro City
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Positives
- Brazil's best beachbreaks
- Consistent year-round
- Drier winter time
- Buzios/Cabo Frio options
- Rio access and services
Negatives
- Lack of points and reefs
- Rarely epic conditions
- Ultra-crowded main spots
- High street-crime rate
Rio de Janeiro City surf travel guide
Rio’s physical features are dominated by the Sierra do Mar mountain range, which is cloaked by the Mata Atlantica forest. Mountains plunge into the sea, forests meet the beaches, and cliff faces rise abruptly from the extended lowlands. This combination forms the landscape of rare beauty that has made Rio famous as the Wonderful City “Cidade Maravilhosa”. It’s one of the most densely populated places on earth, with seven million “Cariocas” indulging in dancing, drinking, beach-going and sunbathing. The low coastline has been deeply altered by years of earthwork and has several offshore islands in the background.
Surf spots in Rio de Janeiro City
Research the 21 surf breaks in Rio de Janeiro City and discover what spots suit the current conditions.
Break lowdown
We’ve collated the wave data giving you a unique insight into the 21 breaks in Rio de Janeiro City.
When to go
Surf and weather statistics to help plan your surf trip to Rio de Janeiro City
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- jun
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- dec
Travel Information
General
- Current Time
- Tourists
- 6,621,000
- Population
- 212,559,417
- Tourist Info
- Tourist Info
Security
Health
Money
- Currency
- BRL
- Exchange rate
- $1 = 1.9 BRL BRL
Cost of living
Communication
- Dialing in
- +55
- Dialing out
- 0014
- Emergencies
- 911
- Language
- Portuguese
Electricity
- Plug Type
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Visas
Visa free travel for nearly all nationalities for stays of up to 90 days.
Getting There
No visa up to 90 days. Most int’l flights hit Rio’s Galeão airport (GIG) or São Paulo, 6h drive. Shuttle flights to São Paulo leave from Santos Dumont airport. National Varig/Vasp usually charge ±$30 for boards. Domestic flights are expensive, better use ‘leite’ (deluxe bus) for long distance. Buzios is only 3h away by road. Dep tax: $7.
Getting Around
Rent a car from Locabarra in Tijuca and pay $135/week. Driving in Rio is a hassle and dangerous; in some areas, car doors should be kept locked. Head for the ‘Rodoviaria’ and use ‘leite’, comfortable executive buses, which leave late at night for long destinations. Boards are free. Saquarema: 2h ($5), Buzios: 3h ($9). Good road network.
Accommodation
Be like Lola and spend a while around Copacabana where most int’l hotels are located, like Edificio Jucati ($30/dble). Try Pousada Barra Sol for $20/25 in Tijuca. In Saquarema, Itauna Inn ‘Casal’ (double) for $22/27 with ideal surf views. Plenty of Pousadas in Buzios, try Sossego surf camp ($15-20). Expect tasty Prato do dia to cost ±$3.
Activities
The beach in Rio is the main place to go for action, sport, parties, shows...Futvolei is big! Don’t miss Pão de Azucar (400m) or Corcovado Cristo Redentor (710m) for sunset views of the city from a cable car. Pillion flights with a pilot hang/para-gliding off the 510m Pedra Bonita can be arranged. Excellent hiking and climbing.
Hazards & hassles
Surfing is popular around Rio so expect thick crowds at any urban spot any time, look for long beaches with hiking access for hassle-free line-ups. Other sea hazards are rare, aside from pollution. Drug abuse and violence litter the streets and the crime rate is very high. Avoid strolling in favelas (shantytowns), Rocinha, being the largest one.
Handy Hints
Get boards in Rio. They are cheap ($450-600, shortboard) and good quality. Shapers: Lelot, André Cebola, Akio. Shops: Mercomundi in Gavea, Gaya Surf or Stcomp. Gun use is unlikely, hire one if need be. Few surf schools: Escola de Surf Rico (Ipanema, Barra) or ES Paulo Dolabella (Ipanema). Avoid Carnival time!
Due to global pandemic, Visas, Getting There, Getting Around or Accommodation information and pricing may have changed. Always check Government Travel Advice before travelling.