Walk along the edge of the water, dig in the warm sand, swim, snorkel, dive, fish and kayak when you visit Cabo Frio’s Conchas Beach. The beach is named for its crescent shell shape. This area is particularly popular with young families for its gentle beachscape.
Rent a kayak or paddleboard and venture out into the calm water. Try fishing for anchovies, groupers and mullets. Let the kids climb the hills to the right side of the beach, where they’ll find little natural pools to explore. At low tide, you can even walk from Conchas Beach to Pero Beach for a change of scenery. When it’s time for a snack, head up the coast to the various food stalls and restaurants offering fresh seafood, ice cream and live musical entertainment.
Other top beaches nearby include Forte Beach in the center of Cabo Frio and the naturally beautiful Dunas Beach, known for its serene atmosphere and ever-shifting sand dunes. Both are popular with local windsurfers and kitesurfers, who appreciate the windy conditions and big waves.
Consider a boat ride from the Cabo Frio Canal to Papagaios Island, where your family can spend the day snorkeling, swimming and searching for colorful tropical birds.
If you need a new bathing suit for all these sunny days on the sand, visit Bikini Street, on the other side of the bridge close to the center of Cabo Frio. Here, more than 100 shops sell beachwear and surf fashion items for all ages.
If you want even more beach time, combine your Conchas Beach visit with a daytrip to nearby Arraial do Cabo, a favorite of scuba divers. The area is nicknamed the “Caribbean of Brazil” for its clear, warm waters. Dine at a floating restaurant and watch a stunning sunset over the Prainha Pontal do Atalaia beach.