the area comprising the side of the beach near the rocks, along with the three islands across from it,  was declared national ecological patrimony and reserve by the instituto estadual do patrimônio cultural - inepac, rio state's institute for cultural heritage.

on this side of itaipú  beach, many praise the beauty of the snorkeling spots and even of the scuba diving areas at the base of the rock and near the three islands.  

the sea in itaipú has a dark bluish and greenish color, normally warmer than in many other beaches in the region.