on weekends this lagoon is a hub of activities, with water skiing and rowing taking place on its waters, among other organized  activities.  even lakes and lagoonscan have their wild side - the lagoa de marapendi, in barra da tijuca, is home to many crocodiles, that once in a while can be spotted on the roads and beaches. 

not far, in barra de guaratiba, the canal do bacalhau is somewhat of a combination between canal and a lagoon - it is the location of one of rio's most gorgeous mangrove forests, where wildlife can be spotted in abundance.

the list goes on, with flora and faunapopulating the city and its surrounds in a carnival of colors rivaling the annual celebration by the same name.