nearby recreio beach, the parque chico mendes is a small natural reserve that is worth visiting, as well as the more famous parque marapendi, and the parque municipal da prainha - it is estimated that about 500 alligators live within rio de janeiro's city boundaries, and many are often spotted in this region, and in the vicinity of praia do recreio. 

some alligators occasionally venture onto the asphalted area near recreio beach and need to be rescued and brought to the nearby parque chico mendes for medical evaluation, before being released back into the reserve. alligators are considered mascots in this part of rio, and many visitors go to this beach on week-ends trying to get a peek at them.