beach · Mangaratiba, RJ
Praia do Saco
A beach with calm water and light sand near downtown Mangaratiba, one of the most popular with families since it has no strong waves. It works well as a base for trips to the islands of Itacuruçá and Jaguanum.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Praia do Saco
Praia do Saco is one of the best-known beaches in Mangaratiba, on the Costa Verde of Rio de Janeiro state. It's at the head of the Saco de Mangaratiba, a cove in the bay, a few kilometers from downtown, and gives its name to the surrounding neighborhood.
The sea is calm, almost without waves, which is why the beach is very popular with families with children. The strip of sand is long, with trees shading some stretches and forest-covered hills behind.
The shoreline is developed, with kiosks and restaurants serving drinks and snacks. In summer you'll often see people playing soccer and volleyball on the sand, and the calm sea is good for kayaking, stand-up paddling and sailing.
Near the beach are the Ruínas do Saco, the remains of a 19th-century village that served as a port for goods coming down the old Estrada Imperial from São João Marcos. It's worth combining both visits on the same day.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
Half a day at the beach, or a full day if you want to add a visit to the Ruínas do Saco.
Best time
In summer and on sunny days, in the morning, when the sea is usually stillest; on high-season weekends the beach gets crowded.
How to get there
It's in the Praia do Saco neighborhood, a few kilometers from downtown Mangaratiba, at the junction of the BR-101 (Rio-Santos) and the RJ-149. You can get there by car or by local bus.
Tip
Before going into the sea, check INEA's water quality report, because water quality in the bay varies, especially after rain.
A look at the place
Praia do Saco in pictures
These pictures are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs. They may differ from the place.
Click the picture to enlarge it.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Praia do Saco
Does Praia do Saco have waves?
No. The sea is calm, almost without waves, which is why the beach is popular with families with children.
Is Praia do Saco far from downtown Mangaratiba?
No. It's a few kilometers from downtown, in the neighborhood of the same name, at the junction of the BR-101 and the RJ-149.
Are there kiosks at Praia do Saco?
Yes. The waterfront has kiosks and restaurants serving drinks and snacks.
What is there to do near Praia do Saco?
Visit the Ruínas do Saco, the remains of a 19th-century village linked to the old Estrada Imperial, near the beach.
Can I swim at Praia do Saco?
The sea is calm for swimming, but water quality varies; check INEA's water quality report before going in.