beach · São Sebastião, SP
Praia da Baleia
With about 2.5 km of firm sand, it has a stretch with steady waves and another with shallow, calm water. Offshore is the Ilha dos Gatos, a rock formation whose profile looks like a whale, and behind the beach rise mountains covered in Atlantic Forest.
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 da Baleia
Praia da Baleia (beach) is on the South Coast of São Sebastião, between Barra do Sahy and Camburi, about 42 km from downtown. It is a long beach with light, wide, firm sand, good for walking, running, volleyball and soccer.
The sea changes along the shore. Some stretches have calmer, shallow water, popular with families with children, and others have waves, where the surfers gather. On calm days you can go stand-up paddleboarding and snorkeling.
The setting is residential, with houses and gated communities behind the sand and hills covered in Atlantic Forest in the background. Facilities are low-key, with few kiosks. At one end of the beach there is a viewpoint, and many people walk along the sand to reach it.
The beach is flat and easy to walk. You reach the sand on foot, through walkways between the houses and gated communities.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
A full day if you want beach time; half a day is enough to walk along the shore to the viewpoint.
Best time
Early in the morning, when the firm sand welcomes walkers, runners and paddlers and the sun is still mild. On weekdays outside summer and holidays the beach is much emptier.
How to get there
It is on the South Coast of São Sebastião, about 42 km from downtown, with access via the Rio-Santos highway (SP-55), between Barra do Sahy and Camburi. Cars park on nearby streets and you reach the sand on foot, through pedestrian walkways.
Tip
Bring water, snacks and a beach umbrella, because there are few kiosks. If you want waves, look for the stretch where the surfers are; with children, choose the calmer part.
A look at the place
Praia da Baleia 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 da Baleia
Does Praia da Baleia have waves?
It depends on the stretch. Some parts have waves, popular with surfers, and others have calmer, shallow water.
Is Praia da Baleia good for kids?
Yes, in the stretches with calmer, shallow water. The firm, flat sand also makes walking easy.
Is Praia da Baleia far from downtown São Sebastião?
Yes, it is on the South Coast, about 42 km from downtown, with access via the Rio-Santos highway.
Are there facilities at Praia da Baleia?
Very few. There are some kiosks, but the area is residential; it is worth bringing water, snacks and a beach umbrella.
Where can I park at Praia da Baleia?
On the streets near the beach. You reach the sand on foot, through pedestrian walkways between the houses and gated communities.