alternatively, it is possible to make private arrangements with a boat owner leaving from one of the marinas further west around barra de guaratiba, as the voyage from here is only 15-30 minutes - but negotiations of this nature would be made on an individual basis only.

commonly sighted sea creatures include turtles, stingrays, moray eels, and a plethora of fish.

to the east is ilha do meio, closer to são conrado than barra da tijuca and facing directly the tiny joatinga beach - a gem of the coast.

the depth here varies between 6 and 30 meters and, perhaps more so than the other islands in the arquipélago, it is a popular fishing destination depending on the season.