Santos has seven main beaches along its open Atlantic coast, separated by canals draining the inland mangroves and bays. From east to west they are José Menino, Pompéia, Gonzaga, Boqueirão, Embaré, Aparecida, and Ponta da Praia. Each has a slightly different character.
The sand is wide and pale grey, the water is calm by Brazilian standards (the beaches face into Santos Bay rather than the open ocean), and the back of every beach is lined with bike paths and the famous beachfront garden. Gonzaga is the liveliest, with bars and ice cream parlours. Pompéia and Embaré are quieter, more residential. Water quality is variable — close to the canal outlets it can be poor, so check signs before swimming.