If you’re planning on attending Rio de Janeiro Carnival this year, you will no doubt be spending a fair bit of time on the city’s beaches. Note that although the beaches in Rio de Janeiro are very open and relaxed, there are a number of differences between them and the beaches in North America and Europe. We’ve highlighted a few common misconceptions about the beaches in Rio de Janeiro and stated the facts, so that you can go feeling fully prepared and avoid any embarrassing mishaps. 

- Myth: You'll find plenty of nudist beaches

- Truth: Nudism is practised unofficially on some beaches, but on many of them nudists are likely to face the risk of harassment. In addition, according to Brazilian laws, nudism outside designated areas is considered a misdemeanour. If you really wish to bear all, head to Abrico, the city's only official nudist beach.

[caption id="attachment_7858" align="alignnone" width="640"]Abrico: Rio's only official nudist beach Abrico: Rio's only official nudist beach / source[/caption]

- Myth: It’s ok to go topless.

- Truth: Contrary to popular belief, Brazilian women never go topless on the beaches in Rio de Janeiro, for only on designated beaches is it permitted. Elsewhere, it is actually illegal to go topless, so it’s best not to risk it and stay fully covered up top.

[caption id="attachment_7860" align="alignnone" width="640"]Be sure to keep your top half covered on the beaches in Rio de Janeiro Be sure to keep your top half covered on the beaches in Rio de Janeiro / source[/caption]
Be sure to keep your top half covered on the beaches in Rio de Janeiro / source

- Myth: Brazilian bikinis are only for the ‘beautiful people’.

- Truth: Women of all ages and sizes sport the famous Brazilian bikini on the beaches in Rio de Janeiro and men tend to wear Speedos. However, rather than being about flaunting your body, this practice is more of an attempt to avoid dodgy tan lines, and wearing bottoms that cover your entire bum will only give away the fact that you’re a foreigner. For those who are unwilling to bare all, there are more conservative styles, although the bottoms of most bikinis in Brazil are still only about half the size of those in North America and Europe.

- Myth: Brazilian girls all have the perfect bikini body.

- Truth: Whilst many Brazilian girls are very attractive, it’s not true that every single one has the perfect bikini body so don’t stress! In Brazil, there is more emphasis on feeling comfortable and free regardless of your size than showing off a perfectly sculpted body on the beach.

[caption id="attachment_1216" align="aligncenter" width="540"]Not every girl has the perfect bikini body / source Not every girl has the perfect bikini body / source[/caption]

- Myth: Carnival is one big sex party.

- Truth: Rio de Janeiro Carnival is indeed a magnificent celebration, but it’s about having fun and embracing the culture, not engaging in sexual activities. Although many of the dancers performing in the Samba Parade wear little clothing, nudity is not omnipresent and the costumes that people wear to the street parties tend to be funny rather than sexy. There is also no sex on the beach, in the Sambodrome or at any of the street parties.

[caption id="attachment_1217" align="aligncenter" width="540"]Sreet party costumes: funny, not sexy / source Street party costumes: funny, not sexy / source[/caption]

Visit our website for more information about the beaches in Rio de Janeiro, or to book tours and activities.

By: Camilla Day – English Content Manager