especially near barra posto 6, along avenida olegário maciel, a street perpendicular to barra beach, there are a variety of bars, restaurants, and popular food franchises.

whales have been spotted in the past on barra beach near the reserva ecológica, as they were swimming along the coast coming from the waters across from praia de grumari. 

southern right whales (eubalena australis) are often spotted in this region during winter and spring months,  as they migrate from antartica to find warmer waters where to procreate.