Estrela do Formoso River Beach

Estrela do Formoso is a “balneário”, as Brazilians call a riverside day-use spot for swimming and relaxing, about 16 km from the center of Bonito on the banks of the Formoso River. It is one of the newer river beaches in the region and is built for a quiet day: seven swimming decks spread across an island, short trails between them and a restaurant. It works for the rest day of your trip or for an afternoon after a short tour.

What it is like

Everything is organized around the decks, each with its own access to the water. The clear river lets you see fish such as curimbatá and dourado. Short, easy trails link one deck to the next. Facilities include restrooms, changing rooms, parking, wi-fi, a bar and a restaurant.

Some activities cost extra: float rental, stand-up paddle, a zipline and private pergolas, which work as a reserved area where your group can spend the day. Sound systems are prohibited, and outside drinks are not allowed.

Who it suits

Families with children, travelers over 60 and anyone who needs a light day between long tours. Easy access to the decks and facilities for reduced mobility put Estrela do Formoso on the list of accessible attractions in the region; our guide to accessible Bonito for seniors has the full comparison.

Price

The 2026 reference price, in Brazilian reais (BRL), is in the info box on this page with the date it was checked. It is one of the more affordable day-use options in the region, after the Municipal River Beach and Balneário do Sol. Entry requires a voucher issued by an agency under Bonito’s single-voucher booking system.

How it compares to other river beaches

The Municipal River Beach is the cheapest and closest to town, but it gets packed in July and on public holidays. Praia da Figueira has a lake, a zipline and more activities included. Estrela do Formoso sits in between: mid-range price, a river rather than a lake, and fewer people. Our hub on river beaches in Bonito puts them all side by side.

Is it worth it?

Yes, as a rest day or as a Plan B when rain cancels a river snorkeling tour. It does not replace a river snorkel: you swim in the river, without a guided route. If you want to see fish up close with a mask, book Aquário Natural or the Sucuri River.