due to its position facing the city, it has an excellent view and is a place of true beauty; however, this position and the proximity of the island to the underwater emissions outlet from ipanema also mean that the cove is often dirty.

the city of rio de janeiro made cagarra islands a natural monument, and as such they are preserved with all of the wildlife that inhabits them. the islands are home to rare dolphins and birds, in addition to hundreds of species of fish.

because of this, they are popular among fishermen, and kayak fishing is particularly enjoyable at ilha de palmas - bigger boats prove more difficult to maneuver around the rocks at times.