as far as the most pristine beaches in the city, reserva ecológica and prainha are the most popular beach spots in the west zone, but no other beach in rio combines the ocean and the mountains like the virgin beaches - only reachable via hiking, they offer deep blue water against a backdrop of steep hills and flush vegetation.   

all of the beaches in the south-west zone of rio de janeiro are oceanic, meaning facing the atlantic.

oceanic beaches in this region of rio de janeiro are characterized by sandy sea beds, rich in marine life, and greatly impacted by changes created by currents and winds.