at a glance

on this link, the instituto estadual do ambiente (inea) provides the suitability of several beaches on ilha do governador, including praia da ribeira. constantly updated, a red flag means that swimming is not advisable, a green flag means waters are clean, and a yellow flag suggests using own judgment. 

any of rio's beaches may have polluted waters within 24 to 48 hours following heavy rains.  unfortunately, many of ilha do governador's beaches are normally not suitable for swimming - this link shows praia da ribeira on a wikimapia - the link as we present it is best seen using google chrome, as it might not open correctly with other browsers.   

on this link by wikimapia it is possible to see a  satellite view of the district of ribeira - the sub-prefecture of ilha do governdaor maintains an official page on this link, and also publishes pictures, news and events on a parallel facebook page on this link.