this second entrance, called canal do bacalhau is home to spectacular nature and scenery, as the shallow waters surround islands rich in wildlife and a most recommended sight for any nature lover in rio. 

the área de proteção ambiental das brisas is one of the last unspoiled sandbank areas in rio de janeiro, and extends through several  habitat types - beach, sandbank swamp, salt marsh vegetation, and even rainforest.

also present is a stretch of well preserved woods, with large fig trees, sapindaceae (matayba elaeagnoides), imbiruçus, many bromeliads, cinnamon, and vines - plants such as the matayba have been used in folk medicine due to their diuretic, stimulant, expectorant, anti-helmintic, anti-cancer, and anti-inflammatory properties.