São José de Ribamar, Maranhão, Brasil. A family beach near São Luís where the falling tide exposes a wide stretch of firm sand and natural pools, lined with fresh-fish beach restaurants.
Come early or late: between 11am and 4pm in July and August the sand fills up and the car park closes. Off-season the beach is close to empty and access stays open.
The water stays clear most of the year; after days of strong wind it can turn cloudy for 24 to 48 hours. There is no natural shade on the sand, so bring a hat or rent an umbrella at the entrance.
Real historical monthly sea temperature averages.
Less than 30 minutes by car.
