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.