southern right whales (eubalena australis) are often spotted in this region during winter and spring months, as they migrate from antartica towards their breeding grounds in the warmer waters further north. reaching 16 meters (45 ft) in length and formerly hunted, these whales are a protected species - the efforts to restore their population have been successful and they are now showing a strong yearly growth in the number of exemplars.    

the best way of getting to barra beach is via taxi, normally a 45 reals ride from ipanema or copacabana. from zona sul, bus number 332 (taquara x castelo via barra da tijuca) rides along copacabana, ipanema, and leblon and then covers the entire length of barra beach.