some of the islands offer lodging, and there are a few restaurants overlooking the waters. tranquility is dominant here, as there is no noise to be heard other then the splashing of the water taxis, and the chirping of the many birds living in the area.

the lagoon complex enveloping the famous neighborhood of barra da tijuca is noteworthy for its influence on the local environment. its main bodies of water are the jacarepaguá lagoon, located to the west, and the tijuca lagoon, in the east. they are separated by a strip of land, where the jacarepaguá airport and the large via parque shopping are located.