Is Public Nudity Legal in Brazil?
OfficialLegal in designated areas· Checked by Reto Pascal Wyss
Only at naturist beaches and venues: outside them, nudity risks prosecution under article 233 of the Penal Code, which punishes an 'obscene act' in a public place or one open or exposed to the public. Tambaba in Paraíba has been an official naturist beach since 1989, and a 2025 court order bars arrests for non-sexual nudity on the sand and sea at Praia da Galheta in Florianópolis until the city legislates.[1][3][4]
Main provision: Código Penal (Decreto-Lei 2.848/1940), art. 233 (ato obsceno)
Designated nude beaches or tolerance?
The Brazilian Naturist Federation (FBrN) lists affiliated naturist beaches including Tambaba, Massarandupió, Barra Seca, Olho de Boi, Pedras Altas and Galheta. Tambaba's naturism was made official in 1989 and the beach is zoned, with a family/couples area. Galheta relies on a habeas corpus order that the federation stresses is not a broad administrative permit.[2][3][4]
Private naturist clubs and resorts
The FBrN lists affiliated regional associations and private naturist venues such as Ecoparque da Mata and Grauna.[2]
Penalties
Article 233: detention of 3 months to 1 year, or a fine.[1]
Official naturist places in Brazil
Places NudistMap lists as officially designated or naturist-only. Status comes from open data; check each place page.
Frequently asked questions
Is public nudity legal in Brazil?
Only at naturist beaches and venues: outside them, nudity risks prosecution under article 233 of the Penal Code, which punishes an 'obscene act' in a public place or one open or exposed to the public. Tambaba in Paraíba has been an official naturist beach since 1989, and a 2025 court order bars arrests for non-sexual nudity on the sand and sea at Praia da Galheta in Florianópolis until the city legislates.
Are there official nude beaches in Brazil?
The Brazilian Naturist Federation (FBrN) lists affiliated naturist beaches including Tambaba, Massarandupió, Barra Seca, Olho de Boi, Pedras Altas and Galheta. Tambaba's naturism was made official in 1989 and the beach is zoned, with a family/couples area. Galheta relies on a habeas corpus order that the federation stresses is not a broad administrative permit.
Is nudity allowed at private naturist clubs in Brazil?
The FBrN lists affiliated regional associations and private naturist venues such as Ecoparque da Mata and Grauna.
What is the penalty for public nudity in Brazil?
Article 233: detention of 3 months to 1 year, or a fine.
Sources
- Código Penal, art. 233 (Câmara dos Deputados, updated text) (statute)
- Federação Brasileira de Naturismo (FBrN) (federation)
- FBrN: Praia de Tambaba (federation)
- FBrN: Praia da Galheta (federation)
This page summarises the law for travellers and is not legal advice. Laws, local bylaws and enforcement change; follow local signs and check the sources below. Last checked 31 October 2026.