A few people that I know who've been to Rio tell me that no one goes in the water! I can't believe this is the case. They're saying that the water is polluted & you won't see anyone in it. All over the beach yes but not in the ocean!? Is this really the case? I'm going in two weeks & I'd hate to not be able to swim in the ocean.

I think you are being misled.

If it is a hot summer day, and it is not dangerous (tides,currents, etc.) the water is packed with people. This is for the beaches of Leblon, Ipanema, Copacbana, Leme, etc..

The only beaches where no one swims are Botafogo, FLamengo, etc.

If you want to see some amazing beaches, and well preserved nature, you need to go west past Barra da Tijuca and visit the following beaches: Recreio, Prainha, Macumba, Grumari, etc.. they are unspoilt and absolutely amazing.

The only negative thing about the water is that it is do darn cold!!

YOu should be fine, and once you arrive, you will see lots of people in the water.

Thank you very much! I was hoping that they were not telling the truth. I couldn't imagine it being summer & no one in the ocean. I've never seen that in any country I've been to.

Oh and I have another question. Is topless bathing not permitted? This is my first time going to Brazil & I've found it to be the norm in a lot of other places. I'm going with a large group of friends & I just want to make sure to let everyone know. Thanks for any info!

On Brazilian beaches, topless is not common. The women definately wear itsy bitsy bikinis, but they are crazy for tan lines, so they keep the tops on.

However, in front of certain hotels, there are alot of locals who "earn" a living and the odd one will go natural.

And we also get the odd european tourist doing it, so it is definately not banned, but it will create attention.

There is a nude beach in the west zone of Rio that may be a great day trip.

I was in Rio around this time of the year & unfortunately the tide was so rough you could not go more than a few feet deep into the water without risking being literally sucked under by a wave. The life guards told us it can be like this at times. Hopefully it will be calmer for you. Also just a note - Ipanema is much better than Copacabana - cleaner, lots of younger people, food, massages - awesome!! Be sure to try coconut water from a real coconut sold on the beach. Have a great time!! Ciao!

Even better than the coconut water (which I found a bit overrated) were the caipirinhas!!!! And I have lots of pictures of people body surfing, swiming and just playing in the water when we were there last March. Ipanema is definitely the beach for people watching although Copacabana Beach had its charms. Enjoy your trip to Rio !

Rio can have some major downpours of rain and when this happens the sewage that is dumped in the ocean all comes ashore. This is why it looks poluted, I have seen this where after the rain the beach is full of garbage, it is a terrible sight but it does happen.