When a friend asked me, "where do you find a Hawaii-like vibe with surfers, cute houses and a nice…read morebohemian style," I was stumped. I thought about Grumari in Rio (minus the houses), Trancoso in Bahia (minus the surfers), but it wasn't until my weekend visit to Praia Itamambuca that I really found the answer. This small community is rustic but very well taken care of. At the entrance, there's a little guard house and just beyond it, you'll find a small array of modest shops and restaurants. More than anything, Itamambuca is a chill surfer's paradise. The houses near the beach are all well-tended to and the general feeling is that those who live here love the small community dearly. It's like conservation of the natural landscape comes before residential development. Once on the beach, you'll find some of the best surfing Ubatuba has to offer. Surrounded by lush mountains, the view is incredible from the water. Depending on the day, you could be in for a big wave surf (advanced riders often head to this beach) and on calmer days, it's great to paddle out an build confidence on the nice sized, forgiving waves. After a swim or surf, it's great to head to the river on the right side of the beach to wash off the salt... and nothing beats the cold, refreshing river water. I'll be coming back to this little known paradise.

This is a special surf place! A very beatifull beach, with a lot of nice people. There are many…read morehotels, storesbut the beach is preserved. The biggest surf championship hapens here! At nigt there are many shows. If you is not a surfer men, or surfer girldont worry, is a very good place to know people, make friends, and see this wonderfull beach! but bring your reppelent, there is a special kind of mosquito there, no danger, no relleated with some diseases, but itch!

Beautiful beach. Great views of the mountains and Atlantic rainforest. Very tranquil and good for…read morebody surfing. There are som better beaches in the area to go to, but if you're looking for something with fewer people- this place is great.

This beach is one of my favorites. It's named after the island in the distance that looks like a…read morewhale / Baleia. One half of the beach is only accessible by the private residential area, but the other half is accessible by the public. The length of the beach is about a 5K, so it's very nice to walk/run. The water is calm and clear. There are vendors who roam up and down the beach selling ice cream, corn, coconut water... Pretty much anything you can imagine wanting. When in the water, if you feel something boney under your feet, it's probably a sand dollar! (Sand cookie) scoop up a pile of dirt with it, and enjoy seeing one alive! Then put it back. Don't be that guy. This beach is never terribly crowded. I love how relaxing I truly am when I'm here. Some of the happiest times I have with my Brasilian family happen here on this beach. It's a must-visit for me whenever I come to Brasil. Tips - avoid traveling to and from the beach during peak travel time, IE: to on Friday, back on Sunday. Unless you are traveling early, you are looking at HOURS of traffic. The sun is strong here, regardless of temperature. If you are a gringa like me, bring lots of sunblock, and apply often. Otherwise, grab a caipirinha and a corn, and enjoy this incredible beach.

This beach is almost always completely private, even in the high season. It is accesible either by…read moreclimbing on the rocks from Praia do Kauffman or by climbing down a short, but steep and hidden trail on the BR Rio Santos. The water is deep and the beach is stunningly clean. I recommend to anyone who wants a private place to chill.