AT A GLANCE
Why go?
Praia do Gavião is a tranquil lagoon beach on the Lagoa de Araruama in the Região dos Lagos of Rio de Janeiro state, about 95 km from the state capital. Known for its warm, crystal-clear shallow waters, soft fine sand, and steady breezes, it attracts both families looking for a gentle swim and water-sports enthusiasts chasing kitesurf and stand-up paddle sessions.↗↗↗
The beach sits in the residential district of Iguabinha and benefits from a recently urbanized waterfront with a 650-meter boardwalk, a bike path, colonial-style lamp posts, kiosks, and nearby restaurants. Its relaxed, neighborhood feel makes it a favorite among locals and repeat visitors who want the beauty of the lagoon without the crowds of the better-known coastal resorts further east.↗↗
A Lagoon Beach Like No Other
Praia do Gavião faces the Lagoa de Araruama, one of the largest hypersaline lagoons in the world. The water here is remarkably warm, transparent, and shallow with a gentle entry from the shore—ideal conditions for children and confident swimmers alike. The lagoon's high salinity gives the water a turquoise clarity that photographs well even in winter light. Along the shoreline, mature almond trees cast natural shade over stretches of pale, soft sand, creating a relaxed setting that feels more like a long garden than a typical ocean beach.