in the language of the tupi, the original inhabitants of this region, the word 'mba-ra-mbai' or 'mbara-mbai' meant enclosed waters, referring to the sepetiba bay - characterized by calm waters as opposed to the wild waves of the rest of the coast facing the atlantic ocean.

marambaia is also a word used in the portuguese language to describe a sailor who prefers to live on land rather than on a ship. 

some jokingly  say that perhaps, over the years, the incredible beauty of this stretch of coast, rich of spectacular blue waves, fine white sand, and tropical vegetation, seduced many sailors into becoming 'marambaians' - hence, the name of the sandbank.

situated at the entrance to baía de sepetiba and facing the island of ilha grande, it is accessible from the neighborhood of barra de guaratiba.