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Places of interest

Praia da Ferradura

4.7 · 702 reviews
Calm and family-oriented
Praia da Ferradura, Armação dos Búzios - RJ, 28950-000, Brazil
Interesting facts
1

The beach is named 'Ferradura' because its curved shape resembles a horseshoe.

2

The water temperature in the bay is often slightly warmer than at the more exposed windward beaches of the peninsula.

3

The cliffs flanking both sides of the beach contain luxury residential architecture that overlooks the entire bay.

4

The bay serves as a primary hub for motorized water sports and small boat rentals in Búzios.

5

The seabed near the rocky outcrops provides a habitat for sea urchins and various crustaceans, requiring visitors to be cautious when wading.

Overview

Praia da Ferradura is a horseshoe-shaped bay located in the peninsula of Armação dos Búzios, protected by rocky cliffs that result in calm, clear, and shallow waters. Its geography shields the beach from strong ocean swells, making it one of the few spots in Búzios suitable for stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, and snorkeling. The beach features a wide strip of sand lined with seasonal kiosks and restaurants offering beach service. The seabed consists of a mix of sand and rock formations, which attracts schools of small tropical fish near the edges. The bay is frequently used as a calm anchorage point for catamarans and private yachts due to its natural shelter. It is situated on the leeward side of the peninsula, contributing to its reputation as a family-friendly destination with minimal wave action.

Photo spot

The elevated lookout points on the access road leading down to the beach provide a panoramic view of the entire horseshoe curvature.

Insider tips

Bring water shoes if you plan to explore the rocky edges of the bay where the seabed can be sharp.

Rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard early in the day to take advantage of the calm morning water before boat traffic increases.

Avoid setting up your chair directly under the cliffs at high tide, as the sand strip narrows significantly.

What to avoid

Attempting to swim out to the center of the bay, where boat traffic is heavy; avoid visiting on major Brazilian holidays when the beach reaches maximum capacity.

Etiquette

Standard beachwear; avoid playing loud amplified music to respect the quiet atmosphere of the bay.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
3-5 hours
Best time to visit
Weekday mornings to avoid weekend boat crowds and weekend peak density.
Address
Praia da Ferradura, Armação dos Búzios - RJ, 28950-000, Brazil
-22.769, -41.887
Get directions
Details
Water ConditionsConsistently calm and sheltered
Suitable ActivitiesSnorkeling, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding

Frequently asked

Plan for about 3-5 hours to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Weekday mornings to avoid weekend boat crowds and weekend peak density..

The elevated lookout points on the access road leading down to the beach provide a panoramic view of the entire horseshoe curvature.

Close by you'll find Ferradura Beach, Orla Brigitte Bardot, Ferradurinha Beach.