Boa Viagem This is the most famous beach in Recife. Boa Viagem goes from the Pina, in the north, to the beach of Piedade, in the south; from end to end, Boa Viagem is about 7 km long. The reefs The beach is protected by a line of natural reefs, after which the city was named. When the tide lowers, many natural pools are formed all along the shore line; also, during low tide, you can walk on the top of the reefs, which are wide and flat enough (but slippery). During the high tide periods, the reefs are fully covered by the water. Even if you are able to, make sure you don't swim (or surf) past the reefs, as there have been cases of attacks by sharks. Restaurants are not allowed on the sidewalk of the beach (you will have to go across the avenue to eat in a restaurant). There are only kioskes, which sell coconuts, soft drinks and snacks (cooking is forbidden). On the sand beach, not even kioskes are allowed. However, you don't have to bring your own food and drink: most recifenses make use of the barracas and the ambulantes. A barraca is an informal business, in which the owner places a few chairs on the sand and stands by, selling beer, drinks, water (occasionaly, some food - best avoided). Chairs are usually free, provided you buy something; the owners of the barracas have been there for quite a long (there is a fight for those points), and are usually well known by their patrons. However, as this business is informal (there is no price table), make sure you ask for <b>...</b>