sometimes, alligators 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 tourists go to this beach on week-ends trying to get a peek at them.

praia do recreio dos bandeirantes is easy to reach via bus from ipanema, as bus line 332 (taquara x castelo via barra da tijuca) rides along avenida vieira souto in ipanema.