within the park, the marapendi lagoon is separated from the atlantic ocean by a thin strip of land, and it is also a popular site for the practice of sailing, and windsurfing.

in the lagoon, mangroves are the most abundant form of vegetation - a local species that is highly adapted to tolerate flooding conditions with high concentrations of salinity.

the marapendi lagoon, saltbed marshes, and tropical pant species provide the perfect habitat for wildlife to thrive -  as a result the park is a hotbed of endangered species, including a variety of crustaceans, waders and even a local alligator, the caiman latirostris.