slightly farther south, imboassica lagoon creates a natural border between macaé and neighboring city rio das ostras - the lagoon is separated by a thin piece of land that disappears under water at a certain time every year, merging it with the ocean - imboassica lagoon is a popular site for kitesurfing as well as watching sunsets.

the santa archipelago, sitting eight kilometers from the coast of downtown macaé, is a group of islands serving as another primary ecological sanctuary of macaé - of the four islands, ilha de santana is the largest with a beach facing macaé and clear blue waters.