[1] It covers an area of 495.0 square kilometres (191.1 sq mi)[2] and includes the uninhabited islands of João Vieira, Cavalos, Meio and Poilão, in the southeastern part of the Bijagós Archipelago.

[1] The beaches of the islands are frequented by the sea turtle species Chelonia mydas, Eretmochelys imbricata and Lepidochelys olivacea.

[3] Due to this status, turtle eggs from the island were not poached by local communities, unlike those elsewhere in the archipelago.

Turtles from the area traditionally served as both an important source of resources and a part of local cultures.

[4] The park covers the southeastern Bijagós Archipelago, in particular the uninhabited islands of João Vieira, Meio, Cavalos, and Poilão, and three smaller islets.

[6] In addition to mangroves,[3] the islands are covered by sub-humid forests and palm trees, in particular Elaeis guineensis.

[6] While some turtles range along the West African coastline between nesting seasons, others remain within the local archipelago.