Praia da Joatinga, Beach in Joá neighborhood, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Praia da Joatinga is a beach backed by rocky cliffs along Rio's Atlantic coastline, featuring white sand and transparent water in a small, sheltered cove. The surrounding rock formations create natural boundaries on either side of the shore.
This shore emerged as a natural feature in Rio's western zone during mid-20th-century urban expansion in the area. Despite development around it, the cove has retained its original geological structure.
This secluded beach serves as a gathering place for local residents who swim and spend time together away from crowded tourist zones. The informal and relaxed way people use this spot reflects a preference for quiet, neighborhood-focused beach life among Rio residents.
Access requires passing through a private residential area along Estrada do Joá and scrambling over rocky terrain to reach the sand. Wear sturdy shoes for the rocky approach, and time your visit around low tide since the water level rises significantly during high tide.
The beach nearly vanishes beneath the water during high tide, making it accessible only during specific tidal windows throughout the day. This tidal characteristic transforms the site into a time-dependent destination that requires advance planning for a successful visit.
Location: Rio de Janeiro
Elevation above the sea: 41 m
GPS coordinates: -23.01500,-43.29083
Latest update: December 6, 2025 16:04
Brazil's coastline stretches over 4,600 miles (7,400 kilometers), connecting tropical forests, sandbars, and several climate zones. In Rio de Janeiro, Copacabana and Ipanema draw visitors with their urban energy, while Fernando de Noronha offers bays shaped by marine life and volcanic rock. Further north, palm trees and dunes define the scenery in Ceará, where Jericoacoara is known for kitesurfing. Bahia holds Praia do Espelho and Taipus de Fora, where coral reefs and tidal pools give snorkelers refuge. Santa Catarina and São Paulo combine wave breaks with rainforest trails leading to remote beaches like Praia dos Castelhanos. Pernambuco and Alagoas feature warm, calm waters and natural pools that form at low tide, including Porto de Galinhas and Maragogi. In the north, Alter do Chão on the Tapajós River creates a freshwater beach surrounded by Amazon vegetation. Each region shows different tides, currents, and ecosystems, from sheltered lagoons to open Atlantic shores.
Pedra da Gávea
2 km
Pedra Bonita
3 km
Downtown
2.9 km
Casa das Canoas
3.7 km
Ilhas Tijucas
1.8 km
Quebra-mar da Barra da Tijuca
715 m
Cinemark Downtown
3.2 km
Chafariz do Pomar da Barra
2 km
Pedra Bonita and Pedra da Gávea - Tijuca National Park
2 km
Painel do Jardim Oceânico
2.3 km
Cinema Estação Barra Point
2.1 km
Américo Vespúcio
2.8 km
Carniça
2.8 km
Chafariz Escultórico do Jardim Oceânico
2.2 km
Iemanjá do Posto 1 da Barra da Tijuca
709 m
Maria Augusta
749 m
Américas
1.7 km
São Francisco de Paula
1.6 km
Zuzu Angel
3 km
À Pepê Lopes
2.2 km
Fonte da Barrinha
865 m
Banco de Pedra da Estrada do Joá
1.3 km
Coreto do Largo da Barrinha
818 m
Banco da Estrada do Joá
1.2 km
Fonte do Joá
1.7 km
Marco da Remodelação da Estrada da Gávea
2.9 km
Pico dos Quatro
1.4 km
Praia da Tijuca
2.5 kmReviews
Visited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes