ilha do frade is a small island located just off the west coast of barra de guaratiba in the west zone of rio de janeiro - the distance between shore and island is easily covered by the average swimmer - but currents can be dangerous in days of high tide.

surrounded by natural pools formed by the rocks, the island has a fairly low elevation all around and is easily inundated by the waves crashing in during high tide, so even if one manages to stay dry getting to the island, they shouldn't necessarily expect to stay that way.