10 Essential Facts About Praia Grande in Ubatuba to Know Before Visiting
Updated: Sep 6
Praia Grande in Ubatuba is one of the most beautiful, famous, lively, and sought-after beaches on the north coast of São Paulo state, Brazil. Also known in Ubatuba as " PG," it boasts stunning waters, excellent infrastructure, and a prime location, attracting families, surfers, groups of friends, and tourists who appreciate convenience, beach kiosks, and a lively atmosphere by the sea.
If you're planning a visit to Ubatuba, check out these 10 Essential Facts About Praia Grande in Ubatuba to Know Before You Visit before adding this destination to your itinerary.
1. It is one of the most popular beaches in Ubatuba.
Praia Grande is known for its bustling activity, especially on holidays, weekends, and during peak season. Naturally beautiful, it's an ideal beach for those who enjoy a lively atmosphere, bustling kiosks, music, and beachfront dining options.
2. It is almost 2 km long.
With approximately 1.8 km of coastline , Praia Grande offers a good stretch of sand for walking, sunbathing, sports, and leisure time with the family.
Even though it's a very busy beach, its length allows visitors to choose different spots to enjoy the day, from areas closer to the kiosks to slightly less crowded stretches, such as the right side of the beach.
3. It has easy access and excellent infrastructure.
One of Praia Grande's main attractions is its infrastructure. Located next to the BR101 highway, at Km 55 of the Rio-Santos road, it has parking and dozens of kiosks along the shore, as well as restrooms, showers, and support services (notably the lifeguard station of the Fire Department). Nearby, there are also markets, restaurants, ice cream parlors, shopping arcades, and lodging options . This convenience makes Praia Grande one of the most complete beaches in Ubatuba.
4. It's a good beach for those who like kiosks.
There are many options for those who enjoy spending the day at the beach with the comfort of the kiosk services. There are options for different tastes, from snacks to à la carte dishes (some more refined, including Arabic food) and drinks, all accompanied by music (often live) and beachfront service.
5. The sea demands attention.
Praia Grande can be good for swimming, but caution is important. In some sections, the sea is rougher and can pose a risk to inexperienced swimmers, especially on days with strong waves. However, Praia Grande has a permanent lifeguard team, with a central post and lifeguard chairs along the beach, constantly monitoring the area, especially during peak season.
Before entering the water, observe the signs, respect the lifeguards' instructions, and pay extra attention to children.
6. It is very popular with surfers.
For surfing, Praia Grande works in different swell conditions. When the swell comes from the east, the southern end of the beach usually offers good wave formations. With a southeast swell, the best waves tend to break more towards the middle of the beach. On days with large south swells, the highlight is Canto do Baguari , on the north side (left end of the beach), where long lefts can appear, highly valued by surfers.
It is precisely in Canto do Baguari that surfing championships take place and where part of the sport's tradition in Praia Grande is concentrated. The region is known as a meeting point for local surfers and is home to the municipal surf school.
In summary:
East swell: The best waves break on the right side .
Southeast swell: The waves gain strength and break further out in the middle of the beach .
Sul Grande Swell: Forms long, perfect left-hand waves at Canto do Baguari.
7. It is located near the center of Ubatuba.
Location is another major plus. Praia Grande is close to the center of Ubatuba and Itaguá (it's about 2km between the center of Praia Grande and the Itaguá cloverleaf on the beach). For those staying in Praia Grande, this proximity to the central area makes it easy to combine beach, restaurants, sightseeing, and nightlife during the trip.
8. It is close to other famous beaches.
Praia Grande is strategically located near some of Ubatuba's most well-known beaches. These include Praia das Toninhas, Praia do Tenório, Praia Vermelha do Centro, and Praia do Cedro.
Depending on the starting point, these beaches can be reached on foot, which makes the region even more interesting for those who enjoy exploring different landscapes.
9. Praia Grande is an extremely clean beach.
The neighborhood has its own sewage treatment plant, maintained by a cooperative, Coambiental . The beach sands and waters are clear and clean, guaranteeing excellent swimming conditions at all times of the year.
10. Traffic and parking require planning.
Because it's a very busy area, parking and getting around Praia Grande can be a challenge, especially in the summer. The streets near the beach have a metered parking system, but competition for space can be intense during peak hours.
To make the most of your trip, it's a good idea to arrive early, avoid peak hours, and be patient with the traffic.
Bonus Fact:
11. It is a beach with night lighting.
The beach has lighting, which makes it possible to extend your visit a little later in the day, safely, and allows for walking, running, or playing volleyball or footvolley during the cooler part of the day.
Is Praia Grande in Ubatuba worth visiting?
Yes. Praia Grande in Ubatuba is definitely worth it for those looking for a complete beach experience, with good infrastructure, easy access, accommodation options, kiosks, and a lively atmosphere.
It is especially suitable for those who enjoy activity, convenience, and a variety of services. For families with children, the main concern should be the sea, which can be rough in some areas. For surfers, on the other hand, this is precisely one of the characteristics that makes Praia Grande so appealing.
With easy access and one of the most famous beaches in the city, Praia Grande is a must-see for anyone who wants to experience the excitement of a beautiful and lively beach.
Comments