at a glance

for those looking to experience some of the charming nature of the region, canal do bacalhau is part of the reserva biológica e arqueológica de guaratiba (renamed reserva biológica estadual de guaratiba), and a lovely spot to embark on an adventure through some of the atlantic wilderness - officially a marine channel, which has a length of 2.91 kilometers, the canal do bacalhau is surrounded by natural wonders, in one of the most pitoresque parts of the rio de janeiro state. the canal opens up from the atlantic ocean, at the far west of rio de janeiro, in the untamed guaratiba neighborhood. it connects to the eastern side of the sepetiba bay, and is just next to the rio do portinho.

owing to its proximity to the sepetiba bay, the channel is partially surrounded by the reserva biológica e arqueológica de guaratiba, which is a huge area of environmental protection, spanning an impressive 3,600 hectares, and encompassing marshlands, swamps, and mangroves, all amongst an exotic array of plants and wildlife. the reserve is separated from the main hub of the city, by the canal do bacalhau, and is one of the best-preserved areas of the region - due to the area's relative isolation from the city, and its importance to ecological conservation, the lands around the canal do bacalhau are much more sparsely populated than other areas of the state, with the main local attractions of a more natural theme.