Background

Boa Viagem Beach: Recife's Urban Oasis

Experience Recife's vibrant urban beach, where city meets sea, but be mindful of the ocean's wild side.

4.5

Boa Viagem Beach, Recife's main urban beach, stretches for 8km, offering a blend of city life and tropical relaxation. Protected by a coastal reef, it features natural pools at low tide. However, it's also known for shark attacks, so caution is advised.

A brief summary to Boa Viagem Beach

  • Recife, Boa Viagem, State of Pernambuco, BR

Local tips

  • Pay attention to the red flags and lifeguard instructions due to the risk of shark attacks.
  • Enjoy the natural pools formed by the reef at low tide for safer swimming.
  • Take a stroll along the 7km promenade, perfect for walking, running, and cycling.
  • Sample local delicacies from beach vendors and kiosks.
  • Be aware of your surroundings and avoid displaying valuables to prevent theft.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Recife Airport (REC), take bus line 26 towards Terminal Integrado Joana Bezerra. This bus passes through Boa Viagem and Pina. Get off at a stop along Boa Viagem beach. The journey to Boa Viagem takes approximately 5-10 minutes. A single bus ticket costs around R$4.10.

  • Taxi/Ride-sharing

    From Recife Airport (REC), a taxi or ride-sharing service to Boa Viagem Beach takes about 10 minutes, depending on traffic. Official 'Taxi Especial' airport taxis offer fixed rates, typically around R$40 to Boa Viagem. Uber and Cabify are also available, with prices potentially slightly lower. Standard taxi fares start at R$6.21, with an additional R$6.08 per mile.

  • Walking

    If you are already in the Boa Viagem neighborhood, reaching the beach is easily done by foot. Simply head east towards the coast. The beach is easily accessible from Avenida Boa Viagem, the main road that runs parallel to the shoreline.

Unlock the Best of Boa Viagem Beach

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Boa Viagem Beach

Boa Viagem Beach, located in the wealthy southern zone of Recife, is one of the most visited beaches in Northeastern Brazil. Stretching for 8 kilometers (5 miles), this urban beach offers a unique blend of city life and tropical relaxation. Thousands gather on its wide, sandy expanse, making it a center of the city's social life. The beach is protected by a coastal reef that calms the waves and helps maintain a warm water temperature of around 25°C (77°F). At low tide, the reef creates natural pools perfect for cooling off. The 7-kilometer promenade along the coconut-lined coast is ideal for walking, running, and cycling, with a separate bike path ensuring safety. You'll also find sports fields, playgrounds, and fitness equipment along the way. Boa Viagem's history is intertwined with the city's development. A chapel built around 1700 marked the beginning of this former fishing colony. The priest placed an image of the Virgin Mary with the inscription "Bon Voyage" to protect the fishermen, giving the beach and neighborhood its name. However, Boa Viagem is also known for a darker side: shark attacks. Since the construction of the Port of Suape in the 1990s, tiger shark attacks have plagued the beach, thought to have disrupted the sharks' behavior. Warning signs are posted, and it's crucial to heed the advice of lifeguards and swim only in designated areas. Despite the shark concerns, Boa Viagem remains a vibrant destination. Beach vendors offer refreshments, and the nightlife has a special charm with well-lit beaches and sea.

Popular Experiences near Boa Viagem Beach

Popular Hotels near Boa Viagem Beach

Select Currency