ilha do frade (frade island) is located just off the west coast of barra da guaratiba in the west zone of rio de janeiro -the distance between shore and the small island is easily covered by the average swimmer.

surrounded by natural pools formed by rocks, the island has a fairly low elevation all around and is easily inundated by the waves crashing in during high tide. if one manages to stay dry getting to the island, one should expect to get wet at some point. 

frade island is located in the middle of a haven of natural beauty, with the five 'praias selvagens' (wild beaches) to the east, which are preserved by the city of rio, and restinga de marambaia to the west, preserved by the brazilian navy.