the island is located on the east side of the lagoa de piratininga, which is the first of fifteen lagoons that stretch all the way to the municipality of cabo frio - approximately 2.6 kilometers in size, the lagoa de piratininga is a natural marvel that looks over the opening between the atlantic ocean and the guanabara bay.

the lagoon had served as an important refuge for the rare flora and fauna of the region, as well as an important source for local fishermen, but due to ecological changes in the lagoon, it has lost much of its natural biodiversity - however, there have been consistents efforts in place to recover the lagoon, and to rebuild its natural ecosystems.