Interesting facts about Gigóia Island

Learn more about the history and development of Gigóia Island

Shrimp fishing, rowing boats and swimming in the lagoon are part of the history of Gigóia Island, in Barra da Tijuca.

Gigoia Island

According to geologists, approximately 17,000 years ago the sea level was 70 meters below the current level. The sea reached the foot of the Pedra Branca massif , the mountains that we see in the background towards Recreio dos Bandeirantes. Over thousands of years, the process of erosion and silting gradually closed the passage, forming what is now Barra da Tijuca beach , forming several lagoons and islands, including Gigóia Island , Primeira Island, São Jorge Island and others.

Gigóia Island was divided into three small islands with a canal in the middle: Gigóia Island, Coronéis Island and Guaimun Island , which was separated by a canal, which today is Rua dos Colibris. There was a wooden bridge with access to Avenida das Américas, but over time this bridge was demolished. In the beginning, the lagoon was clear , where you could swim, fish for shrimp and fish, and walk on the white sand.

The island began to be inhabited by fishermen who discovered the place. The media and people discovered this paradise and the place began to be "exploited". Today, with 7 thousand residents, the island has suffered the wear and tear of progress: the lagoon has silted up.

Gigóia Island , unlike the others, was the one that grew the most and with growth, along with irregular urbanization.

The increase in construction and population growth has resulted in increased water consumption and sewage production, which is dumped into the lagoons without adequate treatment, increasing local pollution. Despite this, the environment is still its greatest attraction.

From the Barges to the Taxi Boat

The islands had no access to Avenida das Américas and Estrada da Barra da Tijuca , only by boat. The boats were rowed and later the barges appeared. This service was started by residents Antônio, Zé Iris and Zé Grande and the transport was only during the day, after a few years, night transport appeared with Seu João. "My son and I joined to help him", says Nilson.

In 2015, Nilson Simão started the Boat Taxi service (Simão Express) with six licensed boats and 18 employees. The boats run from Largo da Barra to Barramares and operate from 6am to midnight. Simão also provides a loyalty card with a lower price so that his regular customers can save on the cost of the daily ticket.

Residences and Businesses on Gigóia Island

Despite its limited infrastructure, Gigóia Island has attracted new residents and businesses. As a result, landowners have begun to build small houses to rent. The island is part of the Lagoa da Tijuca conservation area and its residents are violating a prohibition imposed by a city government decree over 20 years ago.

The buildings do not comply with current urban planning regulations, causing visible damage to the environment.

All land on Gigóia Island , as well as on other adjacent islands, belongs to the Union. Decree Law number 3046 of April 27, 1981, issued by the Rio de Janeiro City Hall, transformed all islands in the Jacarepaguá lacunar complex into "non-building" areas for residential use, meaning that all family buildings built after this date are considered illegal by the Rio de Janeiro City Hall. Due to poor oversight by public entities, most of these lands were illegally dismembered and occupied. Currently, most of the properties are not registered with the Municipal Finance Department (IPTU) and may therefore be subject to administrative sanctions, including expropriation and demolition.

The island currently has two markets, two pharmacies, construction material stores, fruit and vegetable stores, bars, restaurants, beauty salons, pet shops, inns and hostels, among others.

Is Gigóia Island worth visiting?

Of course! As you can see, despite all its "charm", Gigóia Island is an island that suffers from rampant housing, but even so it is completely connected to nature. Gigóia Island is a great option for sunny days, typical of the Marvelous City . There, boat trips and tours around the island are an attraction, as are water sports, such as jet-skiing and kayaking.

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