rio de janeiro's west zone is home to the famous tijuca islands, a small arquipélago popular with scuba divers and local fishermen.

however, moving further westward, two more islands dot the coast and, while not as popular, are worth discovering or at least knowing about.

ilha do frade and ilha rasa de guaratiba are rocky islands that can only be reached via private tours, or by renting a boat.

not common touristic destinations, these islands can offer good underwater fishing, scuba diving, and for those who climb up their shore the ability to take pictures of the city from an unusual angle.