surrounded by a 7.5 kilometer long paved bike path and dotted with various food stands, the lagoon is home to some of the most important sporting clubs in rio, including the brazilian jockey club, the naval club (ilha do piraquê), the caiçaras club (ilha caiçaras) and the regatta clubs of botafogo, vasco da gama, and flamengo. the lagoon is also very popular for rowing and paddle boating.

barra da tijuca lagoon is located directly north of barra da tijuca beach. the islands on the lagoon - including ilha da gigóia, ilha primeira, and ilha do ribeiro - are more residential in nature, much like the rest of the barra da tijuca neighborhood, and are known for their charming restaurants and bars. boat rides to the islands are frequent and of short duration.