like the nearby 'ilha das flores', engenho has been occupied by the brazilian navy, and a small compound has been built upon the island, which can be accessed either by small vessels, for each exists a pier, or by helicopter.

a small helipad has been built on the south of the island to allow the deployment of such aircraft.

the island is considered part of the porto velho neighborhood, itself part of the greater são gonçalo metropolitan area, in the eastern side of the guanabara bay.