Praia do Puruba -- or Puruba Beach -- offers both beauty and imperfection in a way that only untouchedd nature can. Just getting there means walking by dense Atlantic forest, a calm river, mangroves, a long stretch of sand, and the sometimes strong Atlantic Ocean. There is no getting to the beach without wading across the river first, with water that got higher than my knees. Something about this small obstacle made me feel like I was stepping into a hidden corner of nature.
Note that some beachgoers mentioned that, at times, locals can take you across for a small fee, but none were in use when I was there.
The reward for reaching the sand is the experience of raw beauty. Going later in the day on a Saturday showed that Puruba is far less crowded than Ubatuba's other beaches, and I loved being able to hear the waves without competing with the noise of traffic, vendors, restaurants, or dense crowds. The lack of commercial development is refreshing. There are only a couple of simple spots to eat and they are all behind the river. Great for anyone who loves disconnecting into nature
Of course, there are rough edges too. The very few parking options charged a bit more than other beaches. The waves can get surprisingly strong and that might be unnerving given how empty the beach is. The river crossing could feel inconvenient if I had coolers, seats, umbrellas, and such, and the limited facilities mean I would have to do a lot more packing and planning to stay several hours.
But if you know what your'e getting into and temper your expectations for manmade services, all that natural beauty outweighs the inconveniences. The scenery and serenity of Puruba's wild, untamed nature is a gem unlike any other on the expansive coast between Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo read more
