Inland and coastal climatic types prevail within the region (Barbiére 1984). From Cabo Frio Island northward to the Búzios Peninsula, the climate is greatly influenced by cold oceanic upwelling from the Falkland Current off the coast (Martin, Flexor and Valentin 1989), which causes reduced precipitation and moderated temperatures. The mean annual rainfall is c. 800 mm and the mean annual temperature 25°C, with minimum 12°C and maximum 36°C. The soil's water balance is in deficit throughout the year, in marked contrast to most of south-eastern coastal Brazil. However, relative humidity averages over 80% due to the moisture-laden winds from the ocean.

The vegetation varies according to its physiographic location and distance from the ocean (Ule 1901; Lacerda, Araújo and Maciel 1993). The sea-land interface, which occupies a very small portion of the region, is covered by floristically poor low mangrove forests (Avicennia, Rhizophora, Laguncularia) and saltwater marshes (Salicornia, Sesuvium, Triglochin). Strand vegetation has many species common along tropical coasts. Low areas between the beach ridges and dune slacks support characteristic marshy vegetation. Beach ridges are occupied by diverse vegetation types that vary from sparse open communities to dense evergreen forest. The remnant forest (15-20 m high) contains at least 110 tree species, according to a preliminary survey of c. 4 ha (Sá et al. 1992), and is dominated by Leguminosae (Pterocarpus rohrii, Pseudopiptadenia contorta, Albizia polycephala) and Myrtaceae (Eugenia, Myrciaria, Marlierea). Most of the sandy coastal plain is covered by open scrub vegetation – probably caused by human activities; the Leguminosae and Myrtaceae are still prominent, together with Bromeliaceae and Euphorbiaceae.

The flora of the region is poorly known, except on the sandy coastal plains ("restingas"). Of the 740 species listed for the region, c. 80% are from the coastal plain (Araújo and Henriques 1984). The total number of species will most certainly reach 1500-2200 when complete inventories are made. Based on a comparison with other areas of restinga from the Rio de Janeiro coast, Cabo Frio is much richer in species, having 57% of the species represented in 12% of the total area. The Cabo Frio region also contains the most endemic coastal plain species: 26 of the 36 endemics listed for the restingas of Rio de Janeiro (Lacerda, Araújo and Maciel 1993). Eleven endemic species have been identified from the hillside thickets. Endemic trees of the region include Chrysophyllum januariensis, Duguetia rhizantha, Erythroxylum glazioui, Marlierea schottii, Rollinia parviflora and Swartzia glazioviana. Several disjunct species have their southern limit in the Cabo Frio region, e.g. Bonnetia stricta, Connarus ovatifolius, Cathedra bahiensis and Stephanopodium blanchetianum.

Cattle-raising and agriculture (e.g. growing sugarcane) are carried out in the Cabo Frio region. The ecosystems are seriously threatened by expanding land-development and increasing pressure from tourism. Lack of regional planning strategy and environmental controls allows occupation of the sandy coastal plains by housing projects (for vacation homes) with inadequate infrastructure and by sanitary landfill operations. Salt- producing flats on the edge of the Araruama Lagoon, when abandoned, have been built up instead of being returned to the lagoon to improve the fishery. Remnants of the forest also are being cleared for summer homes for tourists. The lack of infrastructure and enforcement additionally threatens the few conservation units.

The most famous beach of CaboFrio takes the name of a tourist and historical point, Forte São Mateus, raised in the place to defend the incursions pirates’ area. Located in the downtown, it is the easiest to find, all you need is catch any street of the center and arise in direction to the north. The beach is enormous, there are 7,5 km of fine and white sands, and crystalline waters, that, when admired from a distance, are so blue to the point of making a mistake with the sky. Recently, the whole border was more cheerful with the placement of colored Portuguese stones. One of the spaces won a wood deck for the visitor to appreciate the beauties of the beach in a better way. Due to its extension, it ends up for giving access to five neighborhoods of the area. One of the advantages of being so extensive is that, along the beach, it’s possibleto find all kinds of places to all different tastes...

Malibu - it is the most interesting place for the young public. It is in front of the Hotel Malibu, where the agitation leaves the sands and finds the street and the kiosks of the border. The electric trios and live shows of music always happen there, in the Avenida do Contorno. Without forgetting the sporting activities as volleyball, futvôlei and capoeira presentations that always shake the place. The kiosks have several types of meals and the more sought are the prepared plates with seafood. The best thing to do is eat while you enjoy the live music at the kiosks.

- it is in the km 4, in the highway of the Arraial do Cabo, but it can also be reached on foot, walking through the Praia do Forte. A construction with the format of a rocket ended up denominating the space of the beach. The waters are deep, dangerous (due to the currents) and colder than in the rest of the beach. But it is also an invitation to the peace and the serenity. The Praia do Foguete hardly has kiosks. De São Bento. The São Bento’s beach is not very well-known, but unforgettable for its beauty. It is located in downtown, in the end of the Channel of Itajuru. The beach is formed by embankment and it is just 400 meters tall. The attraction is due to the vision of the neighborhoods of Gamboa and Ogiva and of the ships of fishermen anchored in the channel. At night, the boyfriend and girlfriend couples one takes refuge there, dazzled with thevisual.

The access to the beach is made by the highway of Peró, crossing the bridge Feliciano Sodré. Arriving there, it is easy to notice the meaning of the name of the beach. There are 600 extension meters in shell format. Located among theMorro do Vigia (Hill of the Watches) and the Ponta do Arpoador, the illustrious neighbor of the beach of Peró also enchants the tourists. The blue and crystalline sea is very explored by yachts that are attracted by the peacefulness of the waters. The kiosks are in the right side of the beach, in the highest part. In the water there are walk schooners and Banana Boat, an invitation to the most radical amusement. It is of the high of the Ponta do Arpoador that you canhave the most beautiful view of the place.

Proceeding until the Trevo de Arraial do Cabo and turning to the right in direction to the airport of Cabo Frio, you will find the Praia do Sudoeste (beach of the Southwest). Ideal to take children and to do picnics. The water is so shallow that can be walked until the deep part and the level of the water won’t pass of the knee. There are not huts nor kiosks, so taking a snack with you would be a nice idea. The beach possesses a lot of trees, but even so, it is necessary to take care with the exhibition in the sun. Due to the high salinity of the water, the suntan will come with larger easiness.

Actually, the beach is a pond imbeded at Siqueira’s neighborhood Beach. The waters possess high salinity concentration and because of that they are not suitable for the bathing. The placehas become even more pleasant after the urbanization works and illumination. There you’ll be able to see anchored many boats of fisherman, and what is better: you can buy shrimps to cost price. The neighborhood is in the entrance of the city, going down through the highway that comes from São Pedro D’Aldeia, turning to the right.