Are There Nude Beaches in Brazil? Where to Take it All Off

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You don’t have to understand a single word of Portuguese to know that Brazil is one of the most beautiful countries in South America. This diverse country is known for its lush rainforests, rich history, and breathtaking beaches. 

Enjoying all the natural wonders Brazil has to offer doesn’t mean you need a stitch of clothing on. Instead, you can soak up the tropical sun at several nude beaches in Brazil.

Sometimes getting away from it all and shedding your stress with every piece of clothing that comes off can help you destress and restore your natural balance. At any of the naturist beaches in Brazil, returning to nature is just part of the experience. 

International Travel Tips

Your New Favorite Nude Beaches in Rio de Janeiro 

Despite legal restrictions on where nudity is allowed, Brazil is still welcoming of naturist culture. Whether you’re visiting stunning Rio de Janeiro or taking a stroll down one of the white, sandy nude beaches in Brazil, you’ll find many who enjoy the naturist way of life. 

Brazil hosts several nudist events each year. These involve live music, lunch, and yoga class at one of many hostels, swimming pools, and beach houses. 

Most naturists come together at these festivals to socialize and have fun. Make friends and meet naturists from all walks of life as you enjoy the lush surroundings of the Brazilian landscape. 

Respect lies at the heart of each naturist gathering, from the people who attend to the community that supports such an event. Show that same level of respect when you go so that everyone can have a good time as they bare it all. 

Praia do Pinho

one of the few nude beaches in Brazil
Photo: FABIAN KRONENBERGER

This Brazilian nude beach is located in Santa Catarina, about 50 miles from Florianopolis. It is one of the first official naturist beaches in Brazil, recognized as such in the 1980s.

Surprisingly, Praia do Pinho remains mostly undeveloped. However, that doesn’t mean it’s lacking in amenities. 

You can the first official nudist beach for the day and stay at one of many inns, huts, and chalets nearby. There are also bars and restaurants located within a short distance that support the naturist way of life. 

Praia do Pinho is one of the more popular spots to visit, especially if you’re a tourist. However, there are no photos, cameras, or binoculars allowed. 

Many people may find it strange to know that beachgoers at Praia do Pinho can take offense if you visit the beach dressed. They’ll ask you to undress or turn right back around if you show up with clothing on. 

Praia do Pinho is known for swimming and surfing. Stroll along the nude beach anytime to soak up the surf with every inch of bare skin you call your own. 

NUDE BEACH MUST HAVES

If you’re heading to a nude beach, here are some items you’ll want to have!

  1. A Turkish towel. These quick-drying, super comfortable and absorbent towels are my very favorite
  2. A sun hat. Even though I love feeling sun on my skin, I also love keeping it out of my eyes. A sun hat for us is a MUST.
  3. Mineral sunscreen. As nudists, we have to make sure we do NOT damage our skin if we want to do this for the long haul. Mineral sunscreen is better for your body and the environment.
  4. Face sunscreen for sensitive skin. I just LOVE this face sunscreen, which is light and easy to apply
  5. Beach chairs. Beach chairs that are easy to pack and carry are definitely essential for nudists!
  6. Soft-sided cooler. If you want to bring snacks and lunch to the beach, we recommended a soft-sided cooler
  7. Portable beach umbrella. Beach umbrellas are super popular for nudists. They keep you out of the hottest rays of the day
  8. Sarong. If for some reason you need to cover up quickly, a sarong will do the trick
  9. Insulated water bottle. You can bring cold drinks like iced tea to the beach with an insulated water bottle

Praia da Galheta

waves and hills at a nude beach in Brazil
Photo: Elias Rovielo

Also located in Santa Catarina, Praia da Galheta is a half-mile-long beach full of white sands and naked bodies swimming and surfing. Galheta Beach is located just over 12 miles from Florianopolis and can be accessed via a trail leading from the north end of Praia Mole. 

As one of the more natural beaches in Santa Catarina, Praia da Galheta doesn’t offer any facilities or restaurants to dine at. While you can choose to be nude here if you wish, any unaccompanied men will be turned away. 

Massarandupió

Soaking your bare feet and bum in the golden sands of Massarandupió can make your worries seem irrelevant next to the tropical beauty surrounding you. Massarandupió is located inside the Bahia state and stands as one of the most famous naturist beaches in the state. 

You don’t have to shed your clothing at Massarandupió beach if you don’t want to. There are some areas where clothing is permitted without judgment either way. 

Massarandupió is about 1.5 miles long and incorporates a small river that leads down to the shore. You can park nearby for free and bring your dog to Massarandupió nude beach, but leave your phone behind. 

In addition to the kiosks that serve snacks and drinks during the day, Massarandupió hosts parties by night. Visit on New Year’s Eve for an unforgettable celebration in the golden sand. 

Tambaba

Cliffs, bushes and sand at one of the beautiful nude beaches in Brazil
Photo: George Vale

Tambaba beach is located in Paiariba, which is near Pitimbu and just 12 miles south of João Pessoa. This mile-long beach is family-friendly and welcoming to anyone interested in enjoying a day on the beach.

Tambaba is divided between areas where nudity is expected and where clothing is required. As long as you stick to these areas, you’re sure to be left alone as you spend an amazing day at the beach. 

Did you know that Tambaba is the first nudist beach in the northeast and that it holds annual nudist surf championships? Surfing here naked is even more rewarding than just soaking in the sun and ocean waves with every pore. 

If you’re looking for a fun day in the sun without a stitch on, Tambaba beach is the place to be. Add it to your itinerary as you plan for a trip to Brazil. 

Praia de Abricó

Located in the Grumari neighborhood of Rio de Janeiro, Praia de Abricó is the only beach in the city that allows naturists. It is one mile long and family-friendly, with kiosks selling drinks and munchies dotting the beach.

Since Praia de Abricó is a popular attraction for local and tourist families, there is a lifeguard on duty on the weekends. Men are allowed to enter here unaccompanied as well, which isn’t something that’s typically allowed at all nudist beaches. 

Praia de Abricó faces a small set of islands just offshore. Surf between the beach and the islands to see just how amazing Rio de Janeiro and Brazil can be. 

Olho de Boi

a v-shaped nude beach in Brazil
Photo: Rodrigo Soldon

Many beaches are known for their shape but Olho de Boi beach is unmistakable. This V-shaped beach is located near Armação dos Búzois and is an official nudist beach. 

To get to Olho de Boi, you’ll have to take a water taxi or hike through the jungle for about a mile. The beach itself is smaller than many others in Brazil, but it’s also frequented less. 

There’s only a single kiosk that sells drinks and snacks on Olho de Boi beach, which translates to “eye of the bull.” This name comes from the small red seeds you can find in the fine sand. 

Praia Brava

A white sand nudist beach in Brazil
Photo: Rodrigo Soldon

If you look up “Praia Brava” in seeking out nudist beaches in Brazil, you’ll quickly find that there are actually two different locations with this same name. That can make it confusing to know what kind of nudity is allowed at each location. 

The first Praia Brava is located in Cabo Frio and is farther north than the Praia Brava surf spot in Trinidad. Both beaches can be found on the eastern coast of Brazil.  

Praia Brava in Cabo Frio is divided into two parts. One part allows nudity while the other allows clothing and cameras. 

You can park close to Praia Brava in Cabo Frio in a nearby lot but you will have to walk in. 

This particular nudist beach in Cabo Frio is visited most often by Brazilian females. However, there are no facilities so plan on bringing everything you need with you. 

Praia Brava joins many other beaches on the Cabo Frio peninsula, though not all of them allow nudity. Many of these beaches are popular with surfers who want to enjoy the waves naturally. 

Trinidad’s Praia Brava is most often associated with the border between Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paolo. It is a prime stretch of Costa Verde that was popular in the 1970s among businessmen looking to improve the area for profit. 

However, Praia Brava remained untouched and in fact, it is a slightly isolated beach. You’ll have to walk through the jungle to get there if you don’t take the bus, but you can also reach it by car. 

Praia Brava in Trinidad is a semi-official nudist beach that is also popular with surfers. 

Pedras Altas Beach 

Also known as Praia de Pedras Altas, this beach translates to “high rocks” in Portuguese. It’s located in Palhoça, which is part of southern Rio Grande do Sul. 

It’s also part of the Serra do Tabuleiro Biological Reserve and supervised by one of the local naturist clubs. The beach itself is split between a side for families and couples and a side for singles. 

Pedras Altas Beach includes tons of vegetation and natural scenery. Bask in the glow of the sun as you strip down to shed all your worries. 

Barra Seca Beach

This Brazilian nudist beach is just short of 40 miles to the north of Linhaires in the state of Espirito Santo. Barra Seca Beach is about six miles long but only part of that is clothing-optional. 

Though the beach is family-friendly, you have to be nude if you’re in the family-friendly area of the beach. Otherwise, you can choose to be clothed or not if you’re on the periphery. 

To get to Barra Seca Beach, you’ll have to cross the Ipiranga River. The entire area is managed by the Congregação Naturista do Estado do Espírito Santo and features bathrooms and camping grounds. 

Near Barra Seca Beach you’ll find Barra da Tijuca. This trendy area has plenty of shopping you can do before you head to the calm sea and natural pools of Barra Seca Beach.

Praia de Jurubá

Like many of the other beaches in Brazil, Praia de Jurubá is family-friendly and welcoming. The beach itself is located on Ilha Grande, a small island off the eastern Brazilian coast. 

You’ll need to take a boat from Conceição de Jacareí to get there, but there are many other beaches on the island as well. While there are no facilities available, the natural wonder and beautiful crystal-clear sea are a sight to behold. 

Visit One of the Official Nude Beaches in Brazil

Though we often associate a tropical setting with Brazil and the many beautiful beaches along its eastern coast, sunbathing in the sand while naked isn’t as commonplace as you might first think. Instead, there are laws regarding nudity still in place around the country. 

For example, it is technically illegal to be nude in public. This includes topless sunbathing. 

Public nudity is considered a misdemeanor unless you’re at one of the nude beaches in Brazil where nudity is sanctioned. However, indecent behavior here can even get you into trouble. 

At the same time, the Brazilian government dedicates specific areas where nudity is sanctioned. Those areas are specific to certain beaches from northern Paraiba down to Santa Catarina Island in the south. 

Before you travel to Brazil and strip down to enjoy the waves au naturel, be sure to check with your host to see what degree of nudity is allowed and where. Nothing spoils a vacation like getting into trouble with the local government. 

Naturist vs. Nudist

There can be some confusion about naturism and nudity, especially when it comes to lifestyle choices. For example, naturism and nudism often get mistaken for the same thing. 

While nudists certainly enjoy life with only their birthday suits on, naturists have developed a lifestyle around the decision to shed their clothing. A harmony with nature sits at the core of naturism and flows into how they treat illness, in addition to eating, dressing, and living daily life. 

Final Tips on Nude Beaches in Brazil

Getting away from it all and shedding the restrictive clothing you’re used to can help you make the most of your trip abroad. If you’re visiting and want to enjoy the best nude beaches in Brazil, there are plenty of nude beaches you can visit and be welcome. 

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One Comment

  1. Just for information, but the beach at the Royal Decameron is hopeless for nude sunbathing. Often, one can find a deserted end of a large beach and lay out in the buff. Not so here. The beach is very busy and in constant use from one end to the other. Not even topless either.

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