As with all the famous beaches in Rio it's getting dirtier and more polluted all the time. The sand is still amazing and lets me see why it was such an amazing beach, but with the filthy water and people leaving rubbish behind it's not what it could be.
the fact that this is away from the crowd to some extent makes it special, one of the more visited beaches but special attraction is the near by market.
The bronze of Zozimo Barrosa - a well known brazilian author and journalist - keeps watch over Leblon with his jacket slung over his shoulder and a typewriter at his feet. Leblon beach is a beautiful appendage to Ipanema, separated from it by the canal that drains Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas and bracketed by the Mirante do Leblon, a height from which there are commanding views of the beach and a very popular spot with Cariocas taking pictures of each other
Stay on the sand and avoid the water. It is poluted. Sewage is discharged directy into the sea and there is no treatment. The water in all beaches in Rio de Janeiro is improper to bathe in.
See my review of Ipanema Beach, you can walk the long curve of both beaches, divided only by a small inlet. Drink the icy cocunut water on the beach and people watch, then head inland a block or two towalk the tree lined sidewalks for a real middle class lifestyle. Well ok, the rich are here too. You will feel safe. Just keep your eyes open.
If you own or manage Leblon Beach, register now for free tools to enhance your listing, attract new reviews, and respond to reviewers.
