river beach · Manaus, AM
Praia da Ponta Negra
An urban waterfront on the Rio Negro, with a strip of sand that appears in the low-water season, a promenade and kiosks. It is where locals go to watch the sunset.
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 Ponta Negra
Praia da Ponta Negra is the best-known waterfront in Manaus. It is on the left bank of the Rio Negro, in the neighborhood of the same name, in the city's west zone. It is a river beach with dark, warm water, lined with tall buildings on one side and the wide Negro on the other.
Until the 1960s, you could only get there by boat or on a dirt road. Today's leisure complex began to take shape in the 1990s, with a promenade, an amphitheater and sports areas, and it was later redeveloped. It became one of the city's postcard views and the venue for big celebrations, such as New Year's Eve.
The outing is simple: stroll along the promenade, stop at the viewpoints, sit at a kiosk and wait for the sun to set over the river. There is an amphitheater for shows, sand courts, a skate park, restrooms and showers. On weekends, part of the avenue is usually closed to cars and the crowds grow.
The strip of sand changes with the river level: it shrinks at high water, in the middle of the year, and widens at low water, in the second half of the year. Swimming is allowed in a marked area with lifeguards and may be suspended when the river is too low. Always follow the fire department's instructions.
The promenade is flat and wide, good for slow walkers, for families and for anyone who just wants to see the river without getting in the water.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
One to three hours; many people arrive late in the afternoon and stay until after sunset.
Best time
Late afternoon, year-round, to watch the sun set over the Rio Negro; in the second half of the year, with the river lower, the strip of sand gets wider.
How to get there
It is in the Ponta Negra neighborhood, in the west zone, about 13 km from the historic center. The easiest way is by car, taxi or ride-hailing app; there is parking along the waterfront. There are also bus lines from downtown, but the ride is long.
Tip
Arrive an hour before sunset to get a spot at the viewpoints, and bring sunscreen and insect repellent. If you go into the river, stay in the designated area and follow the flags.
A look at the place
Praia da Ponta Negra 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 Ponta Negra
Is there an entrance fee for Praia da Ponta Negra?
No. The waterfront and beach are public and access is free; you only pay for what you order at the kiosks.
Can you swim in the river at Ponta Negra?
Yes, in the marked area with lifeguards. Swimming may be suspended when the river is too low, so follow the flags and the fire department's instructions.
When does the beach have the most sand?
In the Rio Negro's low-water season, in the second half of the year. At high water, in the middle of the year, the strip of sand is much smaller.
Can you walk there from downtown Manaus?
No. Ponta Negra is about 13 km from the historic center; go by car, taxi, ride-hailing app or bus.
What is the best time to go?
Late afternoon, to watch the sunset over the Rio Negro. Arrive a little early to get a spot at the viewpoints.