between the lagoon and the sea is the restinga massambaba, which is rich in salt marsh vegetation, housing an exotic array of native flora and fauna, including some spectacular, rare species of orchids and bromeliads.

the lagoon played a vital role in the development of the region, allowing economic and social growth, by supplying a hub of activity, tourism, and fishing. of particular appeal are the lagoon's attributes for nautical sports, considered the second best arena for nautical sports in the world - the lagoon draws in many visitors for the practicing of sailing, windsurfing, jet skiing, and kite surfing.

the study diagnóstico das restingas no brasil (diagnostic of brazilian sandbanks) by sandro menezes silva, of the botanical and biological sciences of the universidade federal do paraná gives a wealth of information on the types of flora and faunafound in sandbanks (restingas), typical of rio de janeiro's state lagoons.