Spend an afternoon appreciating the spectacular scenery of Enseada Beach (Praia da Enseada). Mingle with the locals that come to take advantage of the sunbathing and swimming opportunities. Join them in the evening at Enseada Beach to witness the kaleidoscope of colors as the sun disappears behind the mountains.
Wander along the small strip of sand or simply find a quiet spot, sit down and admire the surroundings. The water is calm, shallow and safe for swimming. The seabed is muddy rather than sandy, which is the result of a nearby mangrove forest. This shouldn’t hinder you from taking a dip on hot day though.
A wooden pier stretches out from the center of the beach. Together with a group of adjacent boulders, it provides a nice foreground for photos. Sundown provides another chance to snap memorable photos. Watch the sun drift down behind the forested slopes of Pico do Frade mountain while the sky changes to a fascinating palette of orange, red, violet and yellow hues.
Bring your own food with you and set up a scenic picnic on the beach. Alternatively, feast on hearty plates of home-cooked treats at the beach’s simple yet atmospheric restaurant. Sample empanadas stuffed with combinations of cheese, meat and shrimps, fish stews and seafood risottos. Observe as locals meet and engage in animated conversations while sipping on ice cold beers.
The beach is north of the city center. Angra dos Reis Airport is just a 10-minute drive away. If you don’t have a car then the easiest way to get to the beach is by taxi. Otherwise, catch a public bus from the port area. The journey time is around 30 minutes.
Enseada Beach is just one of many beaches in Angra dos Reis. Bathe in emerald-green waters at Tanguazinho Beach. Get a bird’s-eye view of the coastline after hiking to Mirante do Retiro lookout.