Praia do Cedro: Ubatuba's Hidden Emerald Cove

Praia do Cedro sits about 5 km south of Ubatuba's center, a 400-meter strip of pale sand wedged between Atlantic Forest and a rock-strewn bay. There is no entrance fee — the beach is public — but reaching it means paying for parking (roughly R$20–30) and walking a steep dirt-park trail down for 10 to 20 minutes. The payoff is emerald water that stays flat on windless days and a shoreline small enough to feel private.

One warning before anything else: Ubatuba has two beaches called Cedro, and they are 40 km apart. This article is about the central one, nicknamed Cedrinho, tucked between Praia do Tenório and Praia Vermelha do Centro. The other, Praia do Cedro do Sul, lies near the Mar Virado inlet and belongs to the far southern Sete Praias trail circuit. Confusing them is the single most common mistake visitors make here, and it usually gets discovered at the wrong end of a long drive.

Where Praia do Cedro Is and How to Get There

By car

From Ubatuba's center, head south along the BR-101 and turn off at the municipal road near km 53, then continue on a rough dirt stretch of roughly 3 km to the trailhead parking. Drivers report informal parking attendants charging R$20 to R$30 — cash is safer than card, and arriving before 9 am in high season matters more than the price, because roadside spaces fill fast in January and February. The dirt road is passable for ordinary cars in dry weather; after heavy rain, expect ruts and puddles.

On foot from neighboring beaches

A short trail connects Praia do Tenório and Praia Vermelha do Centro to Cedrinho, taking around 10 to 20 minutes downhill through forest. The descent is easy; the climb back out is the part that reminds you how steep the coast is. A separate 300-meter path drops in from the road side. Wear shoes with grip — flip-flops on wet clay are how people end up sliding into the undergrowth.

By boat

Boats from Lagoinha and other nearby beaches will drop you at the sand and collect you late in the afternoon, typically for around R$50 per person one way, though independent operators negotiate freely. This is the least strenuous option and the one I'd pick in a group with kids or older relatives.

By bus

City lines 01 Tabatinga and 07 Perequê Mirim pass near the access area, with the closest stops along Avenida Leovegildo Dias Vieira in Itaguá. From any stop you still face a walk of several kilometers plus the trail — doable, but budget half a day.

What the Beach Is Actually Like

Water and swimming

The bay is sheltered, so the sea often reads as a flat green mirror, clear enough for snorkeling over the rocks along both ends. The right-hand corner is shallower and calmer, which is where most families settle. On days with easterly wind or a swell, though, the beach becomes a tombo — a shore break with real punch — and local reviews repeatedly flag rough waves as a reason not to bring small children. Check the surf before committing.

Rocks, mussels, and shade

Large boulders scatter across the entire sand line, and the water between them forms small natural pools that hold warm water at low tide. Local families cultivate mussels in the bay, so you may see simple farming frames offshore — a working coastline rather than a staged one. Vegetation comes right down to the sand at the edges, giving natural shade for anyone who wants to skip the umbrella.

Facilities

There is exactly one kiosk, serving shrimp pastéis, drinks, and snacks, with card payment accepted. Reviews of its cleanliness are mixed, and in low season it may not open at all. Bring water, food, and a first-aid kit as backup. A shower and restroom exist at the trailhead area; on the sand itself, expect nothing.

Crowds

Weekday visits feel entirely different from weekends. In summer, the trail and the sand both fill by mid-morning — one visitor described having no room to swim at all. Arriving before 9 am or after 3 pm usually buys you quiet, and the light for photography is better at both ends of the day anyway.

Best Time to Visit and Practical Tips

Seasons

March, September, October, and November strike the best balance: warm air around 25°C, less rain than the December-to-February peak, and clearer water. Visibility underwater is strongest from October through March. Summer afternoons bring thunderstorms often enough that a morning visit is the safer bet. Winter (June to August) is cooler and drier, with daytime highs near 21°C — pleasant for hiking, less inviting for swimming.

What to bring

Cash for parking, reef-safe sunscreen, water, and shoes with tread. A dry bag helps if you arrive by boat. There are no lifeguards, so keep an eye on children near the rocks and never swim alone in a shore break.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there an entrance fee for Praia do Cedro?

No. The beach is public and free. The only costs are parking, typically R$20–30 paid to informal attendants near the trailhead — fees are set locally and subject to change, so confirm on arrival.

How long is the trail to Praia do Cedro?

About 10 to 20 minutes downhill from the road parking, or roughly 300 meters. The path is steep and gets slippery after rain; the return climb takes noticeably longer.

Which Praia do Cedro is this guide about?

The central one, nicknamed Cedrinho, between Praia do Tenório and Praia Vermelha do Centro, about 5 km south of Ubatuba's center. The southern Cedro do Sul is a different beach reachable only by trail from the Lagoinha and Fortaleza area.

Can you reach the beach without hiking?

Yes, by boat from Lagoinha or neighboring beaches, usually around R$50 one way. Boats drop you on the sand and return in the late afternoon — agree on the pickup time before you leave.

Is Praia do Cedro safe for children?

The right-hand corner is shallow and calm on quiet days, but the beach is a shore break and reports of strong waves are common. Skip it with young children when there is swell or easterly wind.