Enjoy the soothing sensation of the warm water at this secluded beach, which lies beside a pair of nuclear reactors.
Laboratório Beach is a tranquil and scenic sandy bay with calm crystalline water. It is the picture of serenity, far from restaurants, vendors and other distractions. Bring your kids to this relaxing hangout, where they can frolic safely in the shallow and warm water that is calm enough to resemble a swimming pool.
The beach takes its name from an old laboratory that once existed on this site. It had ties with the Almirante Álvaro Alberto Nuclear Power Plant. Relax with a book on a sandy spot and gaze out at the picturesque rock formations sprouting from the Atlantic Ocean. Go for a swim in the surprisingly warm and still bay here. It is said the water is heated by the clean effluent from the cooling towers for the reactors.
Bring snorkeling gear for a glimpse of the turtles and flamboyantly colored fish swimming around your feet. On the horizon see the shadowy mountain peaks of a nearby promontory and islands in the bay. Capture photos of the excellent vista from the beach as well as the variety of colorful boats on the water. Lay down a blanket on the sand for a picnic with your family. Bring your own food as the beach does not have any restaurants or vendors.
Take care to pick up all of your belongings and waste before you leave, so as not to disturb the local ecosystems. Trails meander through the dense and hilly Atlantic rainforest backing onto the beach.
Laboratório Beach is in the Itaorna region, west of Angra dos Reis in the state of Rio de Janeiro. Drive west from Angra dos Reis for 25 miles (40 kilometers) to get here in less than 1 hour. Park your car at a space beside the beach. You can also reach the area via a schooner tour from the town. Visit nearby attractions, including Secret Beach, the Historic Town of Mambucaba and Frade Beach.
